The people behind Le Gourmet Getaway
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Founder, Le Gourmet Getaway
Florence grew up in the heart of Paris and spent most of her summers in a small fishing village on the coast of western Brittany. Her love of French food, traditions, and lifestyle began early and continues to shape everything she does today.
After moving to the US, Florence lived in Chicago and Minneapolis before settling in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband and four children.
In 2012, she founded Sucre & Sel, bringing authentic French cuisine to American tables through private dinners, catering, and hands-on cooking classes. For Florence, food is about more than what's on the plate. It's about sharing, discovering new flavors, and creating memorable moments around the table. She continues to develop her culinary skills through her training at FERRANDI, one of France's leading culinary schools.
In 2022, Florence created Le Gourmet Getaway to share her love of France in a different way. Her goal is to take people beyond the usual tourist experience and introduce them to the people, places, food, and traditions that make France so special.
Through intimate culinary and cultural journeys, Florence brings travelers closer to everyday French life, connecting them with local producers, passionate artisans, and the pleasures of savoir-vivre — the French art of living well.
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Founder & CEO, Finding France
A French native and born in the city of Nantes in western France, I love taking travelers off the beaten path in my country. I have traveled extensively and previously lived in the United States, Ireland, Australia, and Chile. I have a deep understanding of foreigners’ expectations - customer service and attention to details are essentials for me. If our travelers are happy and completely satisfied, I’ve fulfilled my mission. Before creating Finding France, I also worked as a tour guide for an incoming travel agency based in Paris and as an event planner for individuals and companies. I hold a Master’s degree in management.
My advice for travelers: Immerse yourself into the French culture. Don’t try to do everything. Spend time with the locals and share authentic experiences with those you meet.
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Operations Manager, Finding France
Born and raised in Provence—a region she cherishes deeply—Laurie brings over 15 years of experience in tourism and event planning, always with a focus on designing bespoke, high-quality experiences. Before returning to her roots in Provence, she spent several years living and working in the United States, where she managed large-scale events across the U.S. and Canada. This experience allowed her to immerse herself in a different culture and gain a deep appreciation for the richness of diverse ways of life.
Her time abroad nurtured a profound respect for human connection and the importance of meaningful moments. At Finding France, she is dedicated to crafting truly unique and thoughtful travel experiences, always with a deep respect for the people behind them—whether international travelers or local artisans and hosts. She believes in the power of storytelling, authentic encounters, and meticulous attention to every detail.
About Finding France
This trip is designed, sold and operated by Finding France, a French travel agency registered with Atout France under n° IM060190003, with professional liabilityinsurance (HISCOX) and financial guarantee (APST). Le Gourmet Getaway LLC designs the itinerary and leads the group, and is not the seller of the trip. Booking terms and conditions are those of Finding France.
● Condé Nast-endorsed, award-winning DMC, established in 2017
● Based in Paris and Provence, operating across all of France
● +50 multilingual employees and partners based in France
● Own fleet of luxury vehicles
● Travel designed & operated for individuals, groups & companies
● Fully licenced, bonded and registered company
● ATOUT FRANCE Registered: IM060190003
● IATA Certified: 20290535
●Endorsed by Travel Weekly