About us

My name is Simon HARDY and a few years ago I created a small travel agency specializing in Provence and the Alps: So Provence, So Alps!

My journey began a few decades ago as a child, then a young teenager in the Breton countryside. A lover of sport fishing and hiking on mountain holidays, I received inspiration from my parents to travel to France for a lifetime.

I studied techniques for preserving natural environments and their often conflicting relationships with humans. Then I had the chance to go and see other countries, in South-East Asia and Africa in particular, sometimes by going to work there for a while as a development worker. There I was able to experiment with various ways of seeing, of doing, of living, and ultimately understand that what pushed me to cross these boundaries came from a need to live unique immersive experiences, to meet, to share and to initiate.

It is undoubtedly between here and there, enriched by reflections with my future associates, that FRANCE BY LOCALS has its roots.

Upon returning to France, to Provence, at a time when we are witnessing an ecological-social crisis (in which, paradoxically, I participated) and the impact of tourism on my country as elsewhere, I am happy to share with my small team the “duty to make things happen”.

My professional background has given me an in-depth understanding of the needs and expectations of travelers.

As a tour guide, I learned to read the nuances of different cultures and adapt my interactions accordingly. As a receptionist, customer satisfaction was my top priority, and as a travel agent, I perfected the art of creating tailor-made itineraries. Today, I am honored to put this experience and this energy at the service of France By Locals, with the mission of transforming each trip into an unparalleled adventure.

What sets our agency apart, beyond exotic destinations and tailor-made experiences, is our commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. Every day, I strive to merge my passion for travel with a deep respect for our planet. We believe in creating memories that transcend geographic boundaries while preserving the integrity of local ecosystems. It is a delicate balance that I am committed to maintaining, aware that our footprint can leave a positive imprint.