Born in the heart of the French Alps in the Savoy, Sylvain has long been drawn to the beauty and diversity of the South of France.
After settling in Avignon more than twenty-five years ago, he quickly fell in love with the Provençal lifestyle - the light, the landscapes, and the easy rhythm of everyday life. With a background as a Tech Lead, Software Architect, and now Head of Technology at Provence Holidays, today, he plays a key role at Provence Holidays, shaping the digital experience, and helping to bring the spirit of Provence to travellers around the world. Now, let's learn some more about Sylvain.
"Living here feels like a privilege. Every day, I am reminded of the incredible diversity and beauty this region offers - from the Luberon’s hilltop villages to the wild coastline of the Mediterranean."
Born in the heart of the French Alps in the Savoy, Sylvain has long been drawn to the beauty and diversity of the South of France. After settling in Avignon more than twenty-five years ago, he quickly fell in love with the Provençal lifestyle - the light, the landscapes, and the easy rhythm of everyday life.
In 2017, a meeting with Simon Richards sparked the creation of Provence Holidays. Since then, Sylvain has played a key role in shaping the business, helping it grow from a bold entrepreneurial idea into one of the region’s leading names in luxury rentals. As the technical lead at Provence Holidays, he has overseen the evolution of the website from its earliest days to today’s dynamic platform, ensuring it remains intuitive, inspiring, and a true reflection of the brand. His background spans technical, marketing, and commercial expertise, but what drives him most is a passion for delivering outstanding experiences to guests from around the world.
Sylvain is also passionate about languages. With the help of his multilingual wife, he is practising his English every day, working towards fluency - a reflection of his love for communication, culture, and travel. When he is not working, Sylvain makes the most of life between the Alps and the Mediterranean - hiking, snowboarding, or simply enjoying the extraordinary places he calls home. A lifelong lover of Mediterranean destinations like Greece, Corsica, and Italy, he also dreams of one day spending a few months working remotely from Mauritius, blending French and English cultures under the sun.
Sylvain's property spotlight | Villa Solea
La Londe-les-Maures, Côte d'Azur / French Riviera 8 people 4 bedrooms 4 bathrooms
"It is rare to find such a modern house that still feels so comfortable and full of life," says Sylvain.
Sylvain’s favourite property is Villa Solea, located in La Londe-les-Maures, near the island of Porquerolles - which he considers the most beautiful spot on the Côte d’Azur. He loves Villa Solea’s contemporary architecture, which remains warm and inviting rather than minimalist and cold. Full of light and thoughtfully designed, it immediately feels like a welcoming home.
The 14-metre pool is perfect for morning swims, while the villa’s location - midway between Marseille and Nice - makes it a peaceful yet strategic base to explore the coast. "It is the kind of place where you could spend the morning swimming, the afternoon exploring hidden beaches, and the evening dining with the best Mediterranean sunset views," he adds.
"Provence is not just a place you visit - it is a place you feel. Every sunrise, every old stone village, every vineyard tells a story. I feel lucky to be part of that story every day." Sylvain
Sylvain’s favourite place to enjoy good wine and food is 17 Place aux Vins in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
"There is always something new to discover on the wine list, and the food is as thoughtful as the selection. It is the perfect place for an informal evening that still feels very special," he says.
More than just a wine bar, it offers an exceptional selection of bottles paired with inventive tapas and small plates. It is a casual yet refined setting where Sylvain often meets friends, savouring his passion for Mediterranean flavours and his love for fine wines - particularly those from the Northern Rhône and Ventoux regions. To enjoy a relaxed yet memorable evening, it is best to call ahead and book your table.
Recommended experience | A road trip through the wild heart of Provence
"Most visitors to Provence see the classics - the lavender, the vineyards - but there is a wilder, more secret Provence just a few hours away. It is an unforgettable adventure."
For guests seeking a different side of Provence, Sylvain recommends a road trip through the Haut-Var and Haute-Provence. Starting from L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, this journey takes in the sweeping lavender fields of Valensole, the turquoise waters of Lac de Sainte-Croix, and the spectacular gorges du Verdon - Europe’s largest canyon. For those with time to spare, the adventure can continue along the glittering coastline between Fréjus and Cannes, offering a complete immersion into the diverse landscapes of Provence. A perfect escape for travellers who want to experience both the iconic and the unexpected sides of this beautiful region.
Contact our concierge team today to organise your experience.
Favourite property for big groups | Villa Monts et Lavande
Roussillon & surroundings, The Luberon 20 people 10 bedrooms 10 bathrooms
When it comes to hosting larger groups, Sylvain’s pick is Villa Monts et Lavande. This luxurious and expansive villa offers something for everyone: a spa, sauna, jacuzzi, heated pool, billiards, baby-foot, gym, home cinema, and even a private tennis court. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a sleek design that keeps spaces naturally cool, it is the perfect setting for friends and family to gather, unwind, and create memories together - all with daily concierge services to make every stay effortless.
"It is the kind of villa where every generation has something to enjoy - from the youngest to the grandparents. And having a concierge team on hand means you can truly relax from the moment you arrive," says Sylvain.
Favourite family-friendly property | Villa des Lices
Gordes, The Luberon | 10 people | 5 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms
This modern, stylish villa offers panoramic views over The Luberon countryside and boasts a large heated pool, a pool house with an outdoor kitchen, a pétanque court, and plenty of outdoor space for children to play. Inside, the villa is bright, spacious, and fully equipped for family life, including baby-friendly amenities and high-speed internet. Close to some of Provence’s most beautiful villages - like Gordes and Ménerbes - Villa des Lices is a perfect base for families wanting to combine relaxation with adventure.
"What I love about Villa des Lices is how it feels both luxurious and relaxed - you can really imagine families making memories here, between swims, barbecues, and village visits," says Sylvain.
Now you have seen Provence through Sylvain’s eyes - from his favourite villas and family escapes to his perfect road trip across the wild heart of the region. Whether you are dreaming of a morning swim at Villa Solea or a relaxed evening with a glass of wine in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, his picks offer a true insider’s view. We cannot wait to help you experience them for yourself.
À bientôt,
