
Lucie Ruchon
Hello! My name is Lucie.
I was born in the North of France but I grew up in the Rhône Alpes region: one hour away from the mountains, two hours away from the beaches and right in the center of a great gastronomical and wine area.
As much as I can, I try to discover new places where I can mix outdoors and sports with culture and gastronomy. As I often say, the more you exercise, the more you can enjoy your meal!
I have always been keen on discovering new places and cultures: I spent all of my childhood holidays in Spain where my grandmother lives, and I did a student exchange in Brighton (UK) which enabled me to meet people from all around the world. I also had the chance to discover European countries such as Sweden, Greece and Italy and I especially appreciate the Mediterranean culture.
That is why I am now based in Provence, a region that offers mountains, beaches, breathtaking views, culture and so much more than I’ll have the pleasure of helping you discover in just one trip!
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Based both in Provence hinterlands and Marseille's old harbor, our local travel agency is dedicated to ecotourism and active travel in Southern France. We are specialists of the Southern Alps, the French Riviera, Provence hinterlands and its legendary « Mont Ventoux ». We organize self-driven trips and guided tours with our local ambassadors and guides: off-the-beaten-path but without missing the essentials! All year long we propose outdoor activities and tours around local products: black truffles and Mediterranean olives in winter, lavender in summer, southern Côte-du-Rhône wine in autumn…every month you'll have a reason to discover Southern France!"
How did you get involved in travel?
"As I was going to Spain often, I came to like foreign languages and started a Spanish and English license in which I had the chance to go to the United Kingdom for an Erasmus year. This was my first big travel experience on my own where I got to know myself better and meet new people. After this trip, I realized I wanted to blend my desire of speaking different languages and discovering amazing spots, so the tourism industry came as a click in my mind and I did got my MBA in international travel management, specializing in leisure tourism in Aix-en-Provence, in order to improve my skills in this world.
This professional choice is, of course, linked with my personal taste for adventure, new experiences, discoveries, and trips!
I am now fully involved in travel and my goal is to make you discover places in an authentic and local way to make you live the more realistic experience possible. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I cannot choose the more unique travel experience I had because they were all unique in different ways.
Last summer I traveled to Greece, rented a car and cheap accommodation to discover the little Island of Corfu. The only goal I had was to try snorkeling for the first time! I will always remember this activity, especially because it was at the beginning of the season so we were only 4 people going underwater and the teachers were extremely nice and receptive to us. I loved that we could enjoy this - usually overcrowded - activity on a tiny, almost deserted beach and being so close to the locals who own the snorkeling club and share their passion.
I can say that this experience definitely left a mark on me and today I am lucky to be able to repeat it again in the wonderful Calanques of Marseille or Cassis where it is possible to practice snorkeling, hiking and even climbing. Every weekend is like a short holiday when you can do at home what you did in another country! This is what I love about Provence and why you should definitely come!
On the other hand, I will never forget my year in England during my studies. It was a very enriching travel experience where I totally immersed myself in a new culture and met a lot of people from different countries.
Whether it is an activity, the kindness of local people or just a personal experience, I’m convinced that to be unforgettable, a trip has to be unique in some way. "
Featured trips & expertise

Ultimate Provençal Road Trip - 5 Days
Perhaps no other region encompasses France's exceptional beauty better than Provence. During this 5-day self-drive itinerary, you'll experience the highlights with stops in emblematic cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence as well as traditional villages in the scenic countryside. Finish the adventure in medieval Avignon coupled with a wine tasting in nearby Chateauneuf du Pape.

Visit Provence Like the Obama Family - 7 Days
Barack Obama and his family recently visited Provence, choosing a village near Avignon as their base for exploring the region. Follow in their footsteps with this 7-day trip inspired by their itinerary—you'll dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant where the presidential family enjoyed a celebratory meal, shop in the same off-the-beaten-path village known as the "Provençal Venice" for its charming canals, visit the region's best vineyards, and more.

Gourmet Tour of Provence - 5 Days
This quick five-day getaway reveals the culture and flavors of Aix-en-Provence, the historic capital of the Provence region of southeastern France. You'll discover the secrets of "Aix" with a guided stroll through its ancient thoroughfares, sample regional gastronomic specialties, plus take a local cooking class. You'll even enjoy a bonus cooking class in a nearby village in the Alpilles Mountains.

Provence Highlights and Culture Self-Drive Tour - 11 Days
One region that perfectly encapsulates France's rich culture is Provence. On a self-drive tour, you'll stop in historic cities like Marseille and Aix-en-Provence as well as hilltop villages like Uzès and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. As an added treat you'll hike canyons, kayak along the coast, and participate in a cooking class and wine tour.

Culture, Food & History of Provence - 6 Days
This six-day trip to France's famously beautiful Provence region allows you to experience its highlights. On top of touring the area's national parks and vineyards, you'll spend time in historic Marseille, plus travel around the Luberon massif, which is home to ancient hilltop villages. You'll also indulge in outdoor and gourmet excursions all while enjoying the amenities of the lavish hotels in which you'll be residing.

Active Family Adventure in Verdon Gorge - 9 Days
This family-friendly itinerary features heart-pumping fun and adventure in Southern France's Gorges du Verdon, the largest canyon in Europe and your playground for the next 9 days. You will raft the Verdon River, hike the edge of the canyon, paddle Lac de Sainte-Croix, and climb Via Cordata for an exceptional experience, ending your stay in Aix-en-Provence.
Recent trip reviews for Lucie
Hiking & Hilltop Villages in Provence
France
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Aug 26 - Sep 5, 2019
It was a superbly planned and organised trip. Kudos to Lucie who managed the entire planning. As well as Simon from So Provence So Alps! Everything worked like clockwork and exceeded my expectations!
All the excursions were wonderful - the off beat walking tour through the coves and beaches of Marseilles, my stay in the beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence, the wine tours in Luberon, Tavel and Chateauneuf du Pape to the hikes up St Victoire and Calanques National Park, my time on the beaches in... read more
5 days from Nice to Avignon
France
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Jul 4 - Jul 9, 2019
Lucie helped us plan our time in Nice , being met at the airport and taken to our hotel, our quirky and lovely hotel and our absolutely wonderful guide Marion ( from The French Way) who guided us on our Gourmet walking Tour of the old city. It was a really enjoyable and happy stay.
We then travelled by rental car to Moustiers Saint Marie for 3 nights. It is the most beautiful village, wonderful restaurants and friendly people. Driving out to Valensole the huge lavender growing area was an incredible experience!

Hi Adrienne, the team and I are very happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay in Nice and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. It's great to know that you got the opportunity to be fully immersed in the Provençal way of living during your trip!
I wish you a good flight back home and I'll be happy to see you maybe another time in Southern France! Best, Lucie.