Meet Your Guide

A Childhood in the Shadows of the Palais des Papes Bonjour et bienvenue!

My name is Vincent Pasquinelli, and I’m a licensed tour guide based in Avignon, in the heart of southern France. Born and raised in this historic city, I grew up just a stone’s throw from the magnificent Palais des Papes. While other kids played in parks or video arcades, I played in medieval alleys, Roman ruins, and on the cobblestones of ancient plazas. From an early age, I was captivated by the stories carved into the walls of my hometown.

The rhythms of the city shaped my curiosity and inspired my vocation. I didn't just want to know Avignon—I wanted to understand it, to explore every hidden corner, and most of all, to share it with others. That childhood wonder never left me, and it laid the foundation for what would become my profession—and my passion.

A Journey Through Cultures: From Avignon to Barcelona and Beyond

Before returning to guide in my hometown, I spent over a decade exploring other parts of the world. For one year, I worked as a guide in Barcelona, Spain. This experience helped me master the art of storytelling for international audiences. I learned how to adapt, to observe what resonates with travelers, and how to make each tour personal, surprising, and unforgettable.

After Spain, my curiosity took me further east. I spent three years in India, where I led travelers through the temples, markets, and spiritual traditions of Maharashtra. India taught me humility and patience, and deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity. It also confirmed what I had always known: I love being a guide because I love helping people understand the soul of a place.

Coming Home: The Birth of Les Noctambules d’Avignon

In 2018, I returned to Avignon with a dream. I wanted to offer something different from the typical mass tours. I wanted to create experiences where travelers could slow down, connect deeply with the stories, and feel the spirit of Avignon come alive.

That’s how Les Noctambules d’Avignon was born—night tours designed for small groups, in the quiet, magical ambiance of twilight. These nocturnal circuits explore the hidden side of Avignon: its forgotten courtyards, medieval secrets, and the lives of those who shaped the city through the centuries. The silence of the streets at night creates the perfect atmosphere for diving into 2,500 years of history.

The success of these tours confirmed that people crave authentic and immersive experiences. And I realized I could offer even more—not just by night, but also by day, across the broader region.

Heart of Provence: A Passion Project

Heart of Provence is the natural continuation of that vision. I created this platform to design and deliver exceptional private tours in and around Avignon—tailor-made for those who want to go beyond the surface and discover Provence through the eyes of a local.

My tours are not scripted or robotic. Each one is a living experience, shaped by your interests, the season, and the rhythm of the day. Whether you want to explore the grand UNESCO-listed monuments of Avignon, wander through the quiet beauty of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, or uncover the secret gardens and abbeys hidden behind thick stone walls, I will craft a tour that’s truly yours.

I offer walking tours, night circuits, thematic visits (on topics such as wine, popes, or medieval women), and even bike rides through the countryside. My aim is simple: to connect you with the authentic soul of Provence.

Why Choose Me as Your Guide?

With so many guides and companies in the region, why book with me?

1. Local expertise with international experience: I’m not just a native of Avignon—I’m a trained and certified guide with over 15 years of experience across France, Spain, and India. I speak fluent French, English, and Spanish, and I’m used to adapting my tours for a wide range of visitors.

2. Intimacy and personalization: I work with small groups—never more than 10 people—because I believe storytelling thrives in intimacy. You’ll never feel like a number on my tours. You’ll feel like a welcome guest.

3. Slow, sustainable tourism: I take my time. I avoid crowds. I choose off-the-beaten-path routes. I believe in sustainable tourism that respects the people and places we visit. You won’t find me rushing from one site to another. You’ll find me stopping in the shade of a fig tree, telling you a forgotten legend about a papal scandal.

4. Passion and purpose: This isn’t just a job for me. It’s a mission. I want every traveler who books a tour with Heart of Provence to leave with stars in their eyes, full of wonder and insight.

More Than Monuments: Stories That Stay With You

Of course, I’ll take you to the must-see spots: the Pont d’Avignon, the Palais des Papes, the Chartreuse, and more. But what truly sets my tours apart is what happens between the stones—the human stories, the anecdotes, the symbols carved in forgotten doorways, and the personal connections we create along the way.

For families, I create interactive experiences, including treasure hunts in the Palais des Papes using digital tablets. For history lovers, I dive into the intricacies of Gothic architecture, papal politics, or medieval trade routes. For photographers and artists, I guide you to the best light and the most poetic corners.

Each tour is a dialogue. You ask, I respond. You wonder, I reveal.

Let’s Make Your Provençal Dream Come True

Whether you’re here for a weekend, a honeymoon, or a research trip, I’d be honored to show you the Provence I love. From lavender fields to secret chapels, from Roman aqueducts to Renaissance frescoes, let’s build together a moment you’ll never forget.

Visit www.heart-of-provence.com to discover the full list of available tours and itineraries. Or contact me directly if you’d like a bespoke experience designed just for you or your group.

Book Your Tour Today

Don't just visit Provence—live it, feel it, understand it. Join me for a journey through time, architecture, legends, and landscapes.
Let’s walk together through history. Let’s fall in love with Provence.

Book your private tour now at www.heart-of-provence.com
Have a question? Write to me directly - I'm always happy to help you craft your perfect adventure.