our story
Tournesol is the French word for "sunflower". Composed of "tourne" (French for "turn") and "sol" (latin for "sun") the word truly illustrates the daily journey of each flower as it pivots on its stem to always be facing the sun as it travels across the summer sky.
We are a luxury travel company that caters to a clientele seeking memorable and authentic experiences while traveling through France. Founder and President, Lisa Dunoyer, is a native of England, moved to Paris shortly after graduating from University with a degree in French. She met her husband-to-be in Paris and the two soon moved to the French Riviera, where they married and had three of their four children. In 2000, they moved to the United States settling in Annapolis, Maryland, traveling back to France regularly on family vacations. In 2017, the Dunoyers finally acquired a villa of their own in their beloved French Riviera, in the village of Le Bar sur Loup.
At Tournesol, we strive to create an experience that you will remember forever. Each member of our team has a unique connection to the country and our goal is to ensure you have a trip of a lifetime that you will reminisce about for many years to come.
OUR WHY
France is a beautiful country that holds a special place in our hearts. We grew up there, fell in love there and started a family there. It is a place that has given us so much joy and holds so many wonderful memories. We founded Tournesol Travel to help others experience the magic. We are here to ensure our clients have a trip of a lifetime through memorable, authentic and amazing experiences.
OUR HOW
We have resided and traveled extensively through France, so we know about those unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences. We speak the language, so we can be sure you are getting the right value for your money. Our extensive network “on the ground” will ensure you visit what is truly worth seeing, stay at the best hotels and secure a great table at the charming local restaurants. We are here to help you customize and design the trip to France of your dreams.
our Team
LISA DUNOYER
Founder & President
A native of England, Lisa promptly moved to Paris upon completion of her university studies. She has a comprehensive background planning trips for luxury travel companies, and having resided in the French Riviera for many years, brings her expertise into planning each and every trip. Lisa has a huge passion for travel and gets so much joy out of helping others discover France’s magic.
Cecilia dunoyer
Trip Planner
Cecilia is a native of France who moved to the US to further her career as a pianist, scholar and teacher. While her music took her on travels all over the world, she always gravitated back to her beloved France whenever possible. She is steeped in French culture, history, music, architecture and of course, food and wine. She has shared wholeheartedly her passion for the infinite beauty and charm of France and its heritage with her friends, her pupils and now with fellow travelers seeking quintessential and unforgettable experiences.
siobhan lyons
Trip Planner
Siobhán fell in love with France as a young teenager on a family holiday to the south of France, which included a detour through Paris - and her first taste of beloved profiteroles. After University, she lived and worked in Paris for two years and later worked extensively at the Cannes Film Festival. She takes every chance to return to France and explore the country that has so much to offer. She has a holiday home in a Gascony in Southwest France, spending as much time as she can there with friends and family; she also enjoys going on road trips across France with her puppy Mabel as co-pilot.
Brigitte Bouchayer
Trip Planner
Native of France, wine lover and holder of a Sommelier and Wines and Spirits Master’s degree, she has worked 10 years in the organization of trade shows. Since 2004, she has occupied different positions in the world of wine in France and in Asia. She moved to the Côte d’Azur in 2015. Many trips and expatriations have already taught her how local productions and soils, wines, gastronomy, landscapes are one of the essential keys to discover and understand a region, its inhabitants, its culture, its history. She wants to share the richness of French territories, source of exchanges, pleasure and emotions.
Stephanie Scobey
Trip Planner
Stephanie is an American Francophile currently living in the DC metro area. The chaotic beauty of Paris holds a special place in her heart and you'll find her sitting at a Parisian cafe sipping an espresso every chance she gets. Stephanie is an experienced trip planner and excels in organizing trips for singles, couples, and large families alike. A self-proclaimed food lover in addition to being a classically trained pastry chef, Stephanie is passionate about experiencing all of the culinary delights France has to offer. She loves to immerse herself in local culture, and strives to have the most authentic travel experience possible each time she goes abroad.
Kathleen Roberts
Trip Planner
A native of San Francisco, Kathleen currently resides in Seattle. Her mother's family is French and she grew up indulging in French culture by eating her way through her Grandmother's crepes and Buche de Noel at Christmas. Her favorite travel memories are all those trips to France, she's excited to help others create their own special moments. She has a Bachelor's Degree degree in English Literature and loves finishing out the day with a glass of wine and a snuggle with her dog, Molly.
Kira Markus
Trip Planner
Kira has moved all over the US, but currently resides in Las Vegas. She is a physical therapist with a strong penchant for travel. While traveling in Paris she was “lucky” enough to get pooped on by a pigeon at Notre Dame Cathedral so Paris will always hold a special place in her heart. She has traveled extensively both on a budget and with luxury travel groups such as Tournesol, so she knows how to cater a trip to your needs. She is an avid jiu jitsu and crossfit practioner, spanish speaker, and plant lover and spends her evenings cuddled up with her cat Em.
Niamh hendry
Trip Planner
A native of Scotland, Niamh’s connection to France blossomed during family holidays at their Port Grimaud holiday home on the Cote d’Azur. France consistently tugged at her heartstrings. During a holiday touring France, accompanied by her partner and their two beloved doggies, a decision emerged over a glass of wine (or two) – life was too short and Port Grimaud felt like home. Now she navigates the Mediterranean as a Yachtmaster Captain and avid scuba diver, intertwining her days with ocean exploration and beach runs on the Cote d'Azur. Exploring France's captivating landscapes, culinary wonders, and exquisite wines, she takes pride in sharing these pleasures with others, finding joy in creating magical memories for those wishing to experience France’s beauty.
Jenna Kasten
Director of Operations
Jenna recently graduated from University of Florida and currently lives in San Francisco. Jenna's journey through France began with her mesmerizing first visit to the South of France in 2018, followed by the enchanting allure of Paris during her graduation trip. Culminating in the picturesque sunflower fields of the Dordogne on the River Lot, it marked the start of a deep love affair between Jenna and the many beautiful destinations of France.