It’s a Secret.
Secret (ish) Paris
With the advent of the internet, there is very little that remains secret in Paris, but there are some very cool places that are very under the radar. Unless you were already obsessed with the public works of King Louis XIV, you would be forgiven for not knowing about the artisan workshop where you can catch them weaving in the same way as they did 400 years ago. You might not know there is a cabinet of curiosities in an incredible mansion rarely even seen by Parisians. Even within the beautiful Musée des Arts Décoratifs, there is an incredible jewelry gallery that visitors often miss. Paris has hundreds of little-known museums and some of my favourites are only open for a short time once or twice a year.
Some opportunities are only available with a guide, whereas others may be possible to do as a self-guided activity. If you would like a proposal of ideas for your trip, please email me info@fashionexperiencetours.com
While I will gladly take requests, these are busy, working ateliers, so flexibility is greatly appreciated when booking.
Tours are designed based on availability and with consultation.
Self gioded tours
At one time Paris had over 400 small couture houses providing their savoir faire to haute couture designers like Dior, Chanel, Schiaparelli et al. Most of these ateliers are gone now, some after hundreds of years of contiguous creation. Chanel took some up upon their closures like Lesage, Lemarie, and Goosens, while others are just memories.
Some have managed to revive their houses and have outstanding examples of historic items they now use for inspiration. One such house was a luxury fan maker, and although they now have their atelier in Spain, they will allow us to tour their fabulous archives in their charming shop. Learn the language of the fan with incredible examples from the 1800s made from now forbidden feathers and hand embroidered silks, with the chance to purchase your own customized couture fan during a private shopping experience.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a group and includes pick up from the hotel and a walk around the area of the shop afterward.
This is a working shop so flexibility is greatly appreciated when booking. Different archive opportunities may be available at a lower price. Please enquire.
3 hours for 1-10 people €1000 flat rate includes the fee to the maison.
Transportation is not included.
