Rohan Hindman - Tours of Provence

A recent trip to Provence was a lovely and interesting experience in spite of our "host" Rohan Hindman, owner of Tours of Provence.

We signed on with 3 other couples for a stay in "The Parish House" which is uniquely located very close to the Palace of the Popes, within the old walled city of Avignon. As experienced travelers, we understood not to expect 5 star accommodations. Because of the history and charm of this very old structure, we were prepared to overlook the constantly wet bathroom floor, the cobwebs, the mismatched linens, the sledgehammer hole in the bathroom wall. We were not, however prepared to be treated like unruly campers who needed to be taught how to behave.

Rohan began our first tour day by telling us that "the French really don't want you here" He referred often to his 34 page "le Guide" in which he gives a long list of Don't s. We were required to sign this "contract" before the tours could start. He made it clear that we were not to expect special considerations and that Americans in general were viewed as boorish intruders. In reality we were welcomed everywhere we went by the locals and treated with warmth and graciousness. The only one who made us feel unwelcome was Ron. I would also add that we did not receive "le Guide" until well within the "no refund within 120 days" period.

To be fair, he has extensive knowledge of the region and gave us interesting tours in to the countryside.

Back at the Parish House, however he was quick to infer that we were Prima Donas if we questioned anything. When we asked for permission to use the assembly room to have dinner with our friends, we were told a flat "NO" (despite the fact that his website has a picture of the table "set for dinner" - implying that one could actually eat there).

The final straw was when, upon leaving, we were subjected to the sheet inspection, where he laid our linens out on the dining table and went over them inch by inch. He declined to return our $50 deposit because he did not think he could get the stain out of one washcloth (rag).

I e-mailed him after our return and asked when we could expect our deposit (minus the cost of the rag - ($2 retail max) - if necessary)

His response was that he thought it would take him "quite a long time" to find an exact replacement for the cloth and that, per Le Guide, he would be charging $10 euros per hour for his time. He then added that we should not bother him again with any e-mails as he would not read them.

Provence is a lovely place and, by all means, you should tour there but not with R. Hindman and Tours of Provence