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.
Jenna Kasten
Director of Operations
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. She currently lives in San Francisco but happily makes the journey to France as often as possible.
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.
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.
LAURA Forsyth
Trip Planner
Laura was born and raised in the south of France, in Saint-Tropez with British parents. Growing up in this breathtaking area, where you can spot the high snowy mountains and the sea side on the same panoramic view, convinced Laura that she needed to see more of this wonderful country. Her passion for organized but fun traveling developed along the years, and then her craving for sharing her experiences and the tips she learnt along the way did too.
She has now moved to Paris to study acting and has completely fallen in love with this magical city. Between the South and the Capital, Laura is truly living the best of both worlds.
NOELLA Auneau
Trip Planner
Noella is a native of France, raised in the picturesque Loire Valley, surrounded by historic castles. She pursued her studies in Accounting at the oldest University in Paris, La Sorbonne before moving to the United States to be with her partner. With a deep passion for cooking, Noella delights in sharing the richness of French culture and traditions. She also enjoys planning trips and traveling herself, helping others discover and appreciate the beauty and charm of France.
Constance goutay
Trip Planner
Constance is a French-born travel enthusiast and cinephile, originally from Barcelona. With a degree in History and Political Science from Nice on the stunning French Riviera, she began her career as a filmmaker in Argentina. Her passion for French culture runs deep—she is captivated by its rich history, world-renowned cuisine, iconic cinema, and breathtaking landscapes and landmarks. An avid lover of art history, Constance is always excited to recommend the best museums, galleries, and collections for passionate art enthusiasts. She takes great pleasure in helping craft thoughtful, memorable trips that provide a deeper connection to the places you visit.
celine desbrossees
Trip Planner
Currently living in the United States, Céline was born and raised in France where she has traveled extensively and visited all the regions during family vacations. It was not until leaving her birth country, that she started to really appreciate its culture, gastronomy and scenery; and especially the many churches and castles found in most towns or cities. She since visits often and has taken many friends and her own family to discover France beauty. Céline is an experienced travel planner for international travelers and enjoys curating unforgettable travel experiences.
Lauren o’leary
Sales Support
As a dual citizen of the United States and France, Lauren spends her summers in the picturesque French Riviera. With friends and family scattered across various regions of France, she enjoys immersing herself in French culture—especially savoring rich butter from Bretagne. Lauren is captivated by the French countryside, with its grazing cows, vibrant lavender fields, and golden sunflowers. You might find her basking on the beach, hiking the scenic trails of her beloved island, Porquerolles, or cherishing the charm of Gimel, a beautiful village where her grandmother once lived.