Sonja Fontaine
Austrian by birth, passionate about nature and outdoor travel from young age, I believe that travel is an experience that enriches our lives and is essential for all of us to grow as individuals.
Today I successfully combine my passions with work by creating new ways of discovering a region by bike or foot, feeling, smelling, hearing, seeing, tasting and experiencing the country.
I know the most suitable seldom used trails for your walks and quiet country lanes for your rides. The very day a magical B&B opens, hidden in the hills, I'm at its doorstep,, best rooms in each of our accommodations, which cafés are best, which restaurants to choose, from the local bistro to the best Michelin starred restaurant and I’ve found the hidden gems that you won’t find in guidebooks!
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"SOUTH OF FRANCE-PROVENCE-FRENCH RIVIERA -CORSICA-MERCANTOUR NATIONAL PARK
Two most important mountain ranges Les Alpilles & Le Luberon
Le Mont Ventoux - the roof of Provence
Les Dentelles de Montmirail - wine growing area for Cotes du Rhone wines
La Camargue - flamingoes & bulls
Marseille & Les Calanques
The backcountry of Nice and the French Riviera including the Mercantour National park
The Golden Islands (Porquerolles, Port Cros) "
How did you get involved in travel?
"Tourism, in general, has always been my great center of interest, so after my tourism studies, I worked in the hotel & airline industry before starting combining work and passion by designing hiking & cycling trips. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Unforgettable weekend at a well-hidden gem in the Luberon mountains at the base of the Aiguebrun Gorge, both storybook scenic and peaceful, a converted goat cheese farm with no television, Wifi, or cell phone reception. I was blissfully taken back in time. Beautiful hiking off the beaten path far from tourist crowds, savoring dinner family-style with local trout from the pond in front of the Auberge and home-cooked Provençal specialties – like lamb shoulder braised with olive purée – served in a large casserole for the whole table, near the huge roaring fireplace. Breakfast is also “communal”: eaten on large farm tables, with no bells and whistles but with the freshest bread and tasty homemade jams. All that was left was watching the swifts dance atop the soaring limestone cliffs, and relaxing in a lounge chair in the open field, facing the centuries-old golden stone buildings. "
Sonja's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Immerse yourself in the best that Provence has to offer with a week-long retreat in the Mont Ventoux area. You'll hike to charming villages, cook with locally-sourced...
Amble along windswept coastlines and across dramatic mountain interiors as you explore Corsica on foot with this active 7-day tour. If you love to travel slowly, savoring each...