Christian Dior the new look tour by PARIS BY EMY Miss Dior perfume

Christian Dior The New Look Private Tour with Paris by Emy

| The New Look TV series about Christian Dior |

Christian Dior in The New Look : My dear clients while visiting Paris are asking me about the TV series The New Look. So, the minimum I can do is starting to watch the series and writing an article about it. I am a Coco Chanel fan for many reasons and I discovered the famulous story of Christian Dior. I loved it ! Dior, the renowned French haute couture designer, left an indelible mark on the world of fashion with his iconic creations and visionary designs. Born on January 21, 1905, in Granville, France, Dior’s journey to becoming a fashion icon began with his artistic inclinations and a passion for design.

Tour details

Duration: 3 hours
Price: From €360 per private group (up to 6 guests)
Guide: English-speaking licensed private guide
Format: Private walking tour
Private car tour in option
Meeting point: Central Paris
Languages: English and French
Customization: Tailored to your interests

The Hidden Story behind Christian Dior

Join a private walking tour through the streets of Paris and discover the life, inspirations, and legacy of one of France’s most iconic fashion designers. Beyond haute couture and perfumes, uncover the fascinating journey of Christian Dior, from his childhood in Normandy to the creation of his legendary fashion house on Avenue Montaigne.

Tour highlights

Explore the neighborhoods where Christian Dior lived and worked.
Discover the artistic circles that shaped his creativity.
Learn how Dior transitioned from art galleries to haute couture.
Visit the key locations linked to his career and personal life.
Understand the origins of the famous “New Look”.
Hear the story behind Dior’s lucky star and his superstitions.
Discover the history of Avenue Montaigne and Parisian luxury.

Key stops

Avenue Matignon

Dior’s first steps in the Paris art world.
Surrealist influences and artistic friendships.
The beginning of his creative journey.

Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré

The story of Dior’s lucky star.
His daily route to work.
The meeting that changed his destiny.

Rue Royale

The location of Robert Piguet’s couture house.
Dior’s first experience in fashion design.
His early creations and collaborations.

Avenue Montaigne

The birth of the House of Dior in 1946.
The creation of the iconic Bar Suit.
The revolution of the New Look.

What you will learn

Christian Dior’s childhood in Normandy.
The influence of his mother and her passion for flowers.
How he became a couturier despite his artistic background.
His collaborations with Robert Piguet and Lucien Lelong.
The history of haute couture in Paris.
The secrets behind Dior’s timeless style.

DIOR Paris Saint-Honoré boutique May 2024

The New Look TV series

Writer of the cult series “The Sopranos”, then showrunner of three seasons of “Bloodlines”, Todd Kessler talks to us about “The New Look” on Apple TV +, his new series which tells the story of the crossed paths of Christian Dior and Coco Chanel during The Second World War.

This fiction which takes place in Paris, under the Nazi occupation, returns to a key moment of the 20th century, when the French capital experienced a cultural renaissance thanks to its fashion icon, Christian Dior. While the latter gains notoriety thanks to his revolutionary style, the reign of Coco Chanel, until then considered the most famous designer in the world, is put in danger.

Private Tour Guide in Paris - Paris by Emy

Pricing	# of Person	Customized private tours in Paris
From €200	Per Person	2-hour private museum tour + skip-the-line
From €360	Up to 6	3-hour private walking tour Paris
From €950	Up to 6	4-hour car tour Paris with licensed guide & driver

Your personalized itinerary is set according to your preferences with recommendations before your arrival. No already-made tour. You can adjust the tour on the go as well. Our private tour guide comes with customization and recommendations.

1947 Christian Dior New Look

Dior’s greatest accomplishment came in 1947 when he unveiled his revolutionary “New Look” collection, which marked a significant departure from the austerity of wartime fashion. The collection featured voluptuous silhouettes, cinched waists, and full skirts, exuding a sense of luxury, femininity, and elegance. This collection not only revitalized the fashion industry but also established Dior as a leading figure in haute couture.

Christian Dior New Look Private Tour

Musée Christian Dior in Granville

To provide a private tour guide in Paris about Christian Dior, one must visit the iconic locations associated with the designer’s legacy. The journey might begin at the Musée Christian Dior in Granville, Dior’s childhood home turned museum, offering insights into his early life and influences. Granville is about 3 hours by train from Paris and 4 hours drive from Paris.

Granville is a French commune in the Manche department in Normandy. It is a seaside and climatic resort in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel at the end of the Côte des Havres. Granville also used to be a cod fishing port. It is also the leading shellfish port in France. Due to the passage of the Olympic flame in Granville, the Christian Dior Museum is closed on May 31.

The perfume Miss Dior In 1947, Miss Dior was born from this crazy impulse, from this compelling desire to re-enchant the lives of women, to make them see the shimmering colors of love again. The perfume, from the green chypre family, is directly inspired by the gardens of the Granville house where the couturier spent his entire childhood.

Avenue Montaigne flagship store

Next, a visit to the Avenue Montaigne flagship store, where Dior’s timeless creations continue to mesmerize fashion enthusiasts, would be essential. Avenue Montaigne is an avenue located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, marking the limit of the “golden triangle”. After the Second World War, the establishment of Christian Dior led to the development of luxury retail on the avenue. You may look for a private luxury boutiques tour with a private driver.

Jardin des Tuileries

Finally, a stroll through the picturesque Jardin des Tuileries, where Dior often found inspiration for his designs. Immerse yourself in the world of Dior. The Tuileries Garden takes its name from the tile factories which stood on the spot where Queen Catherine de Medici had the Tuileries Palace built in 1564 (now disappeared).

The famous gardener of the king, André Le Nôtre, gave it its current appearance as a French garden from 1664. The garden, between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde, is a place of walking and culture. You can admire the statues of Maillol rub shoulders with those of Rodin or Giacometti.

Coco Chanel in The New Look

The New Look is more interested in the psychology of two greatest French minds. It does mention much about the Christian Dior’s Bar suit and Gabrielle Chanel’s little black dress, the “Ford”. French actress Juliette Binoche slipped into the shoes of Gabrielle Chanel. Few have confronted the darkest and most discussed part of his life. This is the challenge that Juliette Binoche chose to take up.

After presenting the patriotic “blue-white-red” collection at the start of the war, Gabrielle Chanel decided to close her workshop on rue Cambon. She maintains her quarters in her luxurious suite at the Ritz, which has become one of the official residences of Nazi officers. The Ritz hotel located at 15 place Vendôme becomes the setting for a sulfurous affair with Hans Günther von Dincklage, a German embassy attaché and spy 13 years his junior.

Using her influence, Chanel pleads her case with the German authorities to recover ownership of her perfumes Number 5. She had transferred before the war to her associates, the Wertheimer brothers, Jewish industrialists who had taken refuge in the United States. Subsequently, Coco Chanel embarked on a new project, even crazier!

400 hotels under the Nazis control

Indeed, the Nazis chose the greatest hotels and palaces to establish themself in Paris. Le Meurice by the Louvre, Le Lutetia in Saint Germain, Le Crillon, Le Royal Monceau, le Georges 5, Le Raphael, and Le Majestic (now the Peninsula Palace hotel) for the high command of all France. These hotels have several exit doors in the event of attacks. Each room was equipped with a telephone. The Nazis chose the best hotels thanks to the Michelin guide. Have a tour about Paris under the Nazi occupation.

Fashion and Shopping in Paris

BEST PLACES TO SHOP

COCO CHANEL

PARISIAN WOMAN STYLE

LUXURY SHOPPING IN PARIS MAISONS

Coco and Christian Dior in The New Look

As for the TV series “The New Look,” it is offering a fabulous glimpse into Christian Dior’s life. We can acknowledge his immense contributions to fashion and his enduring influence on designers generations. Ultimately, “The New Look” offer an excellent entertainment value. The 10-episode series is inspired by true events, yes. Like with any historical drama, there are fictionalised accounts and scenes made for The New Look, but the history on which the story of the series is based is very much real.

Have a private guided tour in Paris about Christian Dior and Coco Chanel in the New Look TV series.

Emy,

Paris Trip Planner

by Emy

Sacred Heart Basilica Paris

|The basilica of Montmartre|

The Sacred Heart Basilica, known as “Basilique du Sacré-Cœur” in French, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. Perched atop the picturesque Montmartre hill, it offers not only a stunning place of worship but also breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Enjoy a customized private walking tour covering Montmartre.

From €360 for a 3-hour private walking tour
Available year-round with flexible start times
Hotel or central Paris pick-up meeting point

Private Tour Guide in Paris - Paris by Emy

Pricing	# of Person	Customized private tours in Paris
From €200	Per Person	2-hour private museum tour + skip-the-line
From €360	Up to 6	3-hour private walking tour Paris
From €950	Up to 6	4-hour car tour Paris with licensed guide & driver

Historical context of the Sacred Heart

Visiting the Sacred Heart Basilica in Paris is not only a chance to admire its architectural beauty but also an opportunity to experience a spiritual side of Paris.

During the Third Republic

The inspiration for Sacré-Cœur’s design originated on 4 September 1870, the day of the proclamation of the Third Republic. A speech by Bishop Fournier attributed the defeat of French troops during the Franco-Prussian War to a divine punishment after “a century of moral decline” since the French Revolution.

The “Bloody Week” and lost war

Moreover, there were the secular uprising of the Paris Commune of 1870-1871. In fact, The Paris Commune was crushed during the “Bloody Week” from May 21 to 28, 1871, during which nearly 20,000 Communards found death. Furthermore, there was the subsequent 1871 defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War for Napoleon III and the second empire.

Schism between the Catholics and the new order

In the wake of the division in French society, there was a schism between devout Catholics and legitimist royalists on one side, and democrats, secularists, socialists, and radicals on the other. This schism in the French social order became particularly pronounced after in 1870.

Why the Sacred Heart Basilica ?

The idea for the Sacred Heart Basilica Paris was born after the fall of the Second French Empire :

In the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War lost by the French under Napoleon III in the late 19th century
On September 20, 1870, when Piedmontese troops of Italian King Victor-Emmanuel entered in Rome
The “Bloody Week” from May 21 to 28, 1871 by Versailles army and Aldolf Thiers

A Symbol of National Repentance

The Basilica’s origins lie in a difficult period for France. The idea for its construction emerged after France’s devastating defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71. This defeat, along with the bloody Paris Commune uprising, left the nation in disarray, grappling with internal divisions and a sense of lost unity.

Two prominent French Catholics, Alexandre Legentil and Hubert Rohault de Fleury, proposed the idea of building a basilica dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as an act of national penance and spiritual renewal. They saw the Basilica as a way for France to seek forgiveness and rediscover its moral grounding.

A Monument of Faith in a Secularizing France

By the late 19th century, France was increasingly embracing secularism, with a growing divide between religious and secular values. The Basilica was designed to reaffirm the role of Catholicism in French identity and culture. Built as a “Vow of the Nation” (Vœu National), it was intended to stand as a visible reminder of faith and religious devotion, overlooking Paris from the highest point in the city.

Consequently, in October 1870, the French Catholics and the French Catholic church, decided to the consecration of Paris diocese to the Sacred Heart. They wanted to carry out a revolution in order to find its place in the shadow of modernity. The Basilica’s dedication to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was also significant. This devotion represented compassion, love, and divine mercy, values that the church hoped would inspire unity among the French people and heal the wounds of the recent conflicts.

Desire to Support the Pope

Furthermore, it was a way to support pope Pie IX. Indeed, Italian King Victor Emmanuel II seized the opportunity presented by the downfall of Napoleon III to advance Italy’s unification. With Napoleon III’s defeat in 1870, the French military could no longer protect the Papal States, which had served as the pope’s secular territory. King Victor Emmanuel II, determined to unify the Italian peninsula completely, saw this moment as the perfect chance to incorporate Rome into the Kingdom of Italy.

In September 1870, Italian troops marched into Rome, effectively ending Pope Pius IX’s temporal authority over the city and the remaining Papal territories. Despite Pope Pius IX’s resistance and his declaration that he was a “prisoner” in the Vatican, the occupation went forward, and Rome was declared the capital of the unified Italy. This act concluded centuries of papal control over central Italian territories, known as the Papal States, and solidified Victor Emmanuel II’s role as the king of a fully unified Italy.

The pope’s loss of temporal power over Rome marked a significant shift, leading to a strained relationship between the Catholic Church and the Italian state for decades. This conflict would eventually be resolved with the signing of the Lateran Treaty in 1929, which established Vatican City as an independent sovereign state and provided the pope with a new, although significantly smaller, territory to govern independently.

Sacred Heart Basilica in Paris Location

The site of Montmartre was not chosen by accident. Montmartre has a long history as a sacred place in Paris, even before the construction of the Basilica. In fact, its name, Montmartre, comes from “Mount of Martyrs,” referring to Saint Denis, the patron saint of Paris, who was believed to have been martyred there in the 3rd century. Saint Denis basilica North of Paris, is an exceptional Gothic cathedral to visit as well.

In addition to its historical significance, Montmartre also provided a highly visible location. Standing at 130 meters high (426 foot), the hill was a strategic point from which the Basilica could look out over Paris. The choice to build the Sacré-Cœur here reinforced its purpose as a spiritual “beacon” over the city, with a message of hope and devotion.

Sacred Heart Basilica Paris architecture

The architect Paul Abadie

Sacred Heart Basilica Paris was designed by the architect Paul Abadie and constructed between 1875 and 1914. The first stone was laid on June 6, 1875. The basilica was totally finished in 1935. The architectural style is a blend of Romano-Byzantine influences, characterized by its white domes and intricate mosaics.

June 6th 1875 : First stone
August 1st 1885 : Definitive establishment of day and night Eucharistic adoration
November 20th 1895 : Bell named la Savoyarde offered by the region of Savoy, Annecy
October 16th 1919 : Definitive consecration
June 4th 2010 – July1st 2011 : Jubilee of 125 years of continuous Eucharistic adoration, day and night

The basilica is situated in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris, at the highest point in the city. Indeed, Top of Montmartre is at 130 meters high. This location makes it visible from many parts of Paris, and its hilltop perch is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

The white stone from Château-Landon

Inaugurated in 1919, the Sacré Cœur basilica was built with stone from Château-Landon. This stone the travertine (white rock with extremely fine grain) comes from the quarries of Souppes sur Loing, located in the south of the Seine-et-Marne department (77). It is this same stone which was used in the construction of the Arc de Triomphe and the Alexandre III bridge. The most astonishing characteristic of this stone, apart from its resistance, is that it whitens under the influence of rain. Indeed, upon contact with water, it secretes a white substance, cullet. This flows along the walls then hardens in the sun. This is how the basilica cleans itself every time it rains!

Sacred Heart Basilica Paris Inside Mosaïc

Inside, the basilica is adorned with stunning artwork and religious symbols. The grand mosaic of Christ in Majesty in the apse is particularly impressive. Visitors can also explore the crypt, which houses various chapels and a small museum. Inside, the apse ceiling is decorated with the largest mosaic in France, covering an area of 473.78 m2.

The mosaïc is designed by Luc-Olivier Merson and executed from 1918 to 1922 by the Guilbert-Martin workshops. The mosaïc represents the Sacred Heart of Jesus glorified by the Catholic Church and France. At its base we can read a phrase in Latin meaning: “To the Most Holy Heart of Jesus, fervent, penitent and grateful France”. The word “penitent”, often misinterpreted, has no political connotation here. It is a recognition of the sin of men as the source of the misfortunes and sufferings of humanity, and the expression of the desire to return to God. The word “grateful” was added after the First World War.

The Mosaïc choir

The choir on which is figuratively represented the Holy Trinity (above Christ, dove of the Holy Spirit and face of the Father who holds and blesses the world). In two rows, there are the Saints who are particularly linked to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (on the left) and the Saints of France (on the right).

Around Jesus in the mosaïc choir, at different scales, a whole world of worshipers is represented, including the Saints who protect France. Indeed, the Virgin Mary and Saint Michael, Saint Joan of Arc, as well as France personified offering her crown and Pope Leo XIII offering the world. On each side, in two rows under golden architecture, the homage of the Church (on the left) and of France (on the right) to the Sacred Heart.

Left bottom of Jesus – Catholic Church’s tribute:

Starting from the left, we see Pope Clement XIII who instituted the feast of the Sacred Heart, then Pope Pius IX who extended it to the universal Church, finally, Pope Leo XIII (holding up the globe) consecrating the genre human at the Sacred Heart. He is followed by characters symbolizing the five continents.
Right bottom of Jesus- Catholic France’s tribute:

Starting from the right, various historical events linking France to the Sacred Heart are evoked: the vow of Marseilles during the plague of 1720; the vow of the Temple with Louis XVI and the royal family (1792); the National Vow with Generals de Sonis and Charrette carrying the banner of the Sacred Heart (1870); the initiators of the Vow, Mr. Legentil and Mr. Rohault de Fleury (1871); the rapporteur of the bill before the National Assembly (1873); the cardinals of Paris (Card. Guibert, Richard, and Amette) who collaborated in the construction and beautification of the Basilica.
The Church of Heaven (upper left):

St Peter, St John, St Paul, St Ignatius of Antioch, St Agnes, St Augustine, St Dominic, St Francis of Assisi, St Ignatius of Loyola, St Gertrude, St Catherine of Siena, Ste Rose of Lima, St. Teresa of Avila.

The French Church of Heaven (upper right):

St Lazare of Marseille, Ste Mary Magdalene and Ste Marthe, St Denis, St Martin, Ste Geneviève, St Bernard, St Louis, St François de Sales, St Vincent de Paul, Ste Marguerite-Marie, St Jean -Eudes, Ste Madeleine-Sophie Barrat.

The Sacred Heart Basilica Paris Organ

The grand pipe organ of the Sacred Heart Basilica Paris is considered to be one of the greatest in Europe. Built in 1898, it is the last great instrument built by the illustrious Aristide Cavaillé-Coll.

In fact, it was originally commissioned by Baron Albert de l’Espée for his castle in Biarritz. He wanted the best available, regardless of expense. He sold the organ a few years later to Charles Mutin, Cavaillé’s successor. The Basilica acquired it in 1919.

The Savoyarde Bell of Sacred Heart Basilica Paris

The resonant tolling of a church bell, echoing through the tranquil air, has long been a symbol of spirituality and devotion. Among the many remarkable church bells in the world, the Sacred Heart Basilica Bell holds a unique and revered place. It is the largest bell in the world, at least among those that can swing. It weighs 19 tons. Its tonality, that of the low C, is very characteristic. It was offered by the 4 dioceses of Savoy and melted in 1895 in Annecy by the Paccard company, whose fame dates from that time.

Made in France

The story of the Sacred Heart Basilica Bell begins in the late 19th century when the renowned French foundry, Paccard company, was commissioned to create a bell that would become an integral part of the newly constructed Sacred Heart Basilica in Paris. This monumental undertaking aimed to craft a bell that would not only serve its liturgical purpose but also resonate with the deep spirituality of the basilica’s design.

The artisans at Paccard foundry poured their heart and soul into the creation of this exceptional bell, La Savoyarde. Using time-honored techniques, they melted down bronze and carefully cast the bell’s form. The result was a bell that not only possessed exquisite acoustic qualities but also bore intricate religious motifs, making it a true work of art for the Sacred Heart Basilica, in Paris.

Unique musical experience

The Sacred Heart Basilica Bell was not just a functional object. Indeed, it creates a unique musical experience. Its resonant tones, when rung, filled the basilica and its surroundings with an otherworldly harmony, inspiring awe and reverence among the faithful. For generations, the bell has served as a call to prayer. Its melodious chimes have beckoned parishioners to gather for Mass, marking the passage of time in a sacred rhythm. The sound of the bell has a way of transcending the mundane, elevating the spirits of those who hear it.

Throughout its long history, the Sacred Heart Basilica Bell has endured the tests of time. It withstood the trials of Massacre of the Religious of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart by the Communards, the bloody crushing of the Communards by the Versaillese, two world wars, bearing witness to the tumultuous events of the 20th century. Its enduring presence served as a beacon of hope and a reminder of unwavering faith during these trying times.

Religious Significance of the Sacred Heart in Paris

The basilica is a place of worship, and it’s dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It holds religious services regularly, and many pilgrims visit the basilica for spiritual purposes. The Sacred Heart Basilica is easily accessible via public transportation. You can take the funicular railway or climb the stairs to reach the top of Montmartre. The basilica is open daily, but check the opening hours before your visit. If you plan to enter the basilica, please remember that it is a place of worship, and respectful attire is required. This means covering shoulders and knees.

Adèle Garnier (August 15, 1838 – June 17, 1924, Tyburn near London) is a French nun (in religion Mother Marie of Saint-Pierre), founder in 1898 of the congregation of the Benedictines of the Sacré-Cœur of Montmartre. The charism of the congregation of our congregation, the Benedictines of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre, is part of the spiritual movement that resulted in the construction of the Sacred Heart. Officially a congregation on March 4, 1898, the community of the first sisters adopted the rule of Saint Benedict at the Chapter of 1914 and became of pontifical right when the first constitutions were approved in 1930.

John-Paul II visiting The Sacred Heart Basilica Paris

June 1st 1980, Pope John Paul II entered the basilica

Acclaimed on the forecourt of Montmartre by a considerable crowd June 1st 1980, Pope John Paul II entered the basilica around midnight, ascended to the choir, prostrated himself for a long time before the exposed Blessed Sacrament and joined in the prayers of the adorers; after which he goes to the ambo to read the meditation.

It is your task to be the sentinels of the morning who announce the arrival of the sun, which is the resurrected Christ. The light of which Jesus speaks in the Scriptures is the light of faith, a gift from God, which brightens up the heart and enlightens mind. The personal encounter with Christ sheds new light on our lives, puts us on the right path and commits us to bearing witness to him. The new way of looking at the world and our fellow man, which comes from Him, allows us to penetrate more deeply the mystery of faith, which is an experience to assimilate, a truth to live, the salt and light of reality. (John-Paul II)

Before leaving the basilica to give his blessing on the city of Paris, John-Paul II adds in substance.

“I confess to you that this visit is a privileged moment for me and for my whole life”

He then recommends to the prayers of worshipers “the Church and the whole world”. We come here to encounter the Heart pierced for us, from which water and blood flow. It is redeeming love, which is at the origin of salvation, of our salvation, which is at the origin of the Church. We come here to contemplate the love of the Lord Jesus: his compassionate goodness for all during his earthly life; his favorite love for the little ones, the sick, the afflicted. Let us contemplate his heart burning with love for his Father, in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Let us contemplate his infinite love, that of the eternal Son, which leads us to the very mystery of God.

Saint Marguerite and the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Saint Marguerite-Marie Alacoque (1647-1690) had a particular devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Inspired by Christ, Marguerite-Marie established the practice of the Holy Hour. It consists of praying, lying on the ground. To face to the ground from eleven o’clock in the evening until midnight on the first Thursday of each month. In order to share the mortal sadness that Christ endured in his Agony on one hand. On the other hand, to receive Communion the next day.

Marguerite Alacoque, sister Marguerite-Marie in religion, born July 22, 1647 in Verosvres, a small village in Burgundy and died October 17, 1690 in Paray-le-Monial, was a nun of the Order of the Visitation, mystic and inspiration of the cult of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church. She was beatified in 1864, then canonized in 1920, and her feast day is October 16. There is a dedicated chapel to Sainte Marguerite on the East of the basilica.

Sanctuary of Eucharistic Adoration

The Sacred Heart Basilica in Montmartre is a Sanctuary of Eucharistic Adoration and Divine Mercy. Since August 1st – 1885, the silent adoration before the exposed Blessed Sacrament is a continuous intercession for the Church. It is a true presence of Jesus Christ among us. Moreover, it is also for the whole world, and an everlasting source of grace, light and peace. One may come at any time to pray in silence before the Blessed Sacrament on display. Every day, the Basilica is open to all from 6 am to 10.30 pm. At night (between 10.30 pm and 6 am) only persons for night adoration may remain in the Basilica.

In the Holy Eucharist we celebrate the ever new and active presence of the one sacrifice of the cross. Redemption is an eternally present event, indissolubly linked to the very intercession of the Savior. With the Holy Eucharist, we commune with Christ himself, the unique priest and unique host. He draws us into the movement of his offering and his adoration. In fact, He who is the source of all Grace. In the Holy Eucharist – this is also the meaning of perpetual adoration – we enter into this movement of love from which all interior progress and all apostolic effectiveness flows.

If you want to spend a night of Adoration in the Sacred Heart Basilica, contact me. The Chapelle of Our Lady Of the Miraculous Medal in Paris is also a must experience for Christian travelers.

The basilica is in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris, at the highest point in the city. This location makes it visible from many parts of Paris, and its hilltop perch is a fabulous spot for travelers and Parisians alike.

Sacred Heart Basilica in Montmartre

After exploring the basilica, be sure to wander around the charming Montmartre neighborhood. It’s famous for its artistic heritage, including being home to many famous artists. The Place du Tertre is a square where you can find local artists displaying their work. Watching the sunset from the steps of the Sacred Heart Basilica is a popular activity. The view as the sun sets over Paris is truly magical.

Just over a century ago, Montmartre hosted a perfect storm of artistic creativity and avant-garde thinking. Located on the highest hill of Paris, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the emblematic monument of Montmartre hill. The site is very touristy but offers a pleasant environment. There are cabarets and artists who lived here such as Suzanne Valadon, Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso, Marcel Aymé, Dalida, Edith Piaf… but also by the catholic Faith with Saint Pierre de Montmartre church from the 12^th century and the Crypte du Martyrium de Saint-Denis.

Montmartre hill had orchards (verger, arbres fruitiers), vineyards, thatched cottages (chaumières). About 30 windmills and its Royal Abbey of the Benedictine Religious would cover Montmartre. Nowadays, its spirit is the one of a village. Montmartre is the rooftop of Paris. Indeed, it is the highest point from the natural ground at 130.53 meters or 426 ft. This beautiful bohemian neighborhood is full of history and famous artists from writers, singers, dancers to painters. You may catch those free spirits here. Every year in October, you have the Montmartre Feast of the harvest to celebrate an authentic Parisian wine.

by Emy

Josephine Baker's Journey to the Pantheon

|Josephine Baker a Journey to the Pantheon|

Josephine Baker: an iconic figure in the history of entertainment, holds a special place in the hearts of the French people. Her remarkable achievements, both on and off the stage, have solidified her legacy as a cultural ambassador, a civil rights activist and a symbol of resistance. In this article, we will delve into the extraordinary life of Josephine Baker and explore Baker’s connection to France, culminating in her posthumous induction into the Pantheon, the final resting place of France’s revered figures.

Enjoy a customized private walking tour covering 2–3 districts, with the option of a private driving experience for greater comfort and flexibility.

From €360 for a 3-hour private walking tour
From €950 for a private driving tour (up to 6 guests)
Available year-round with flexible start times
Hotel or central Paris pick-up meeting point

Private Tour Guide in Paris - Paris by Emy

Pricing	# of Person	Customized private tours in Paris
From €200	Per Person	2-hour private museum tour + skip-the-line
From €360	Up to 6	3-hour private walking tour Paris
From €950	Up to 6	4-hour car tour Paris with licensed guide & driver

The Story of Josephine Baker

Early Life: From St. Louis to the Parisian Stage
The Belle Époque: Josephine Baker’s Rise to Fame
The Exotic Sensation: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change
A Voice for Equality: Josephine Baker’s Activism
Josephine Baker and the French Resistance: A Heroine in War
Legacy and Recognition: From the Pantheon to the Hearts of the French People

Early Life: From St. Louis to the Parisian Stage

Born on June 3, 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri, black woman Josephine Baker’s journey began in humble surroundings. Her early experiences as a dancer in the United States laid the foundation for her future success. However, it was her move to Paris in the 1920s that would truly shape her career and cement her bond with France.

The Belle Époque: Josephine Baker Rise to Fame in Paris

In the vibrant atmosphere of 1920s Paris, known as the Belle Époque, Josephine Baker flourished as an entertainer. Baker’s unique blend of charisma, talent, and provocative performances captivated audiences and propelled her to stardom. With her energetic dance routines and revealing costumes, she challenged societal norms as a black woman and became a sensation in the city of love.

The Exotic Sensation: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change

Josephine Baker’s impact extended far beyond her stage presence. As an African-American woman in a predominantly white society, she defied racial prejudices and shattered stereotypes. Her success not only paved the way for future generations of artists but also served as a catalyst for societal change in the black American and black history. She became a symbol of empowerment, celebrating diversity and challenging the status quo.

A Voice for Equality: Josephine Baker Activism

Driven by a deep sense of justice, Baker embraced activism throughout her life. She used her platform to advocate for civil rights and equality, both in the United States and France. Baker’s contributions to the fight against racial discrimination earned her recognition and respect, transcending the realm of entertainment.

Josephine Baker and the French Resistance: A Heroine in WW2

During World War II, Baker’s unwavering dedication to the French Resistance demonstrated her remarkable courage and commitment. She risked her life working as a spy, gathering intelligence for the resistance movement. Her bravery and unwavering resolve earned her numerous accolades, including the Croix de Guerre, France’s prestigious military honor.

Legacy and Recognition: From the Pantheon to the Hearts of the French People

As a black woman, Baker’s impact on French culture and society continues to resonate to this day. Her unwavering commitment to equality and her extraordinary contributions as an artist have left an indelible mark. In recognition of her remarkable achievements, she was posthumously inducted into the Pantheon, the prestigious mausoleum in Paris that houses the remains of France’s revered figures.

The induction into the Pantheon of this African American woman in November 2021 was a momentous occasion. It signified the profound respect and admiration that the French people hold for her. She became the first Black woman to be laid to rest in this revered monument, solidifying her place in history and further symbolizing the bond between Josephine Baker and France.

With this momentous recognition, she joins the ranks of other esteemed figures such as Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Voltaire. Her presence in the Pantheon serves as a reminder of her immense contributions to the arts, her fight against injustice, and her dedication to promoting harmony among diverse cultures.

Her legacy extends far beyond her artistic achievements. She will always be remembered as a trailblazer, a symbol of resilience, and a voice for equality. Her performances on stage and her tireless activism have inspired generations of artists, activists, and individuals alike.

Baker’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the ability to transcend boundaries. Through her artistry and unwavering spirit, she bridged cultural divides and advocated for a more inclusive world. Her legacy continues to inspire and her influence can be felt in the ongoing pursuit of social justice and equality.

Josephine Baker to the Pantheon in Paris

Josephine Baker, with her exceptional talent, indomitable spirit, and commitment to equality, left an indelible mark on France and the world. Her journey from St. Louis to the stages of Paris, her fight against racism and discrimination, and her role in the French Resistance during World War II exemplify her remarkable life.

From her groundbreaking performances in the Belle Époque to her posthumous induction into the Pantheon, her impact endures. She will forever be remembered as a cultural icon, a symbol of resistance, and a beacon of hope for generations to come.

Josephine Baker’s private tour guide

Come and see this African American woman, who was born in the United States during segregation. She left her country for the country of France. Discover the dancer, the singer, the artist, her work, her intercultural family, her military commitment for France as a spy, Freedom, her activism for civil rights. She and her husband adopted 12 children of different origins and cultures from Japan, Colombia, Finland, France, Algeria, Morocco, Ivory Coast and Venezuela, a family like she wanted. Movement geographically, within her arts and soul will give you a great insight of Paris. From Montmartre to the Pantheon, this black American woman has so much to teach us.

Emy,

Paris Trip Planner

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Josephine Baker

Was Josephine Baker born in France?

No, she was born in St. Louis, Missouri, United States.

How did Josephine Baker become famous?

She rose to fame through her energetic and provocative dance performances in 1920s Paris.

What is the Pantheon in France?

The Pantheon is a mausoleum in Paris that serves as the final resting place for distinguished figures in French history.

Had Josephine Baker’s a role during World War II?

Josephine Baker worked as a spy for the French Resistance during World War II, gathering intelligence against the Nazi regime.

What is Josephine Baker’s legacy?

Josephine Baker’s legacy encompasses her contributions as an artist, activist, and symbol of resistance against discrimination and injustice.

by Emy

Sainte Chapelle & Conciergerie Private Tour

|The Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie Private Tour|

Private Tour Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie – From Royal Palace to Revolutionary Prison, the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie are closely linked as parts of the former royal palace of the Île de la Cité, once the residence of the Kings of France. Built in the 13th century under King Louis IX, the Sainte-Chapelle served as the royal palace chapel, renowned for its breathtaking stained glass windows, while the Conciergerie formed the administrative and residential quarters of the palace before later becoming a prison during the French Revolution. Together, they offer a powerful glimpse into both the grandeur of medieval monarchy and the dramatic history of revolutionary Paris.

Private Paris Museum Tour

Pricing in Euros	Number of people	Duration	Custom Features
From €25	Per person	Unlimited	Skip-the-line + audio guide
From €200	Per person	2 hours	Private Museum tour
From €1,450	Up to 6	Full Day	2hr museum + 4hr car tour
From €1,500	Up to 6	1.5 hours	VIP access & Exclusive Tour

Whether you’re interested in a particular museum, a specific art department within a museum or a cultural site, the guide is highly qualified in the fields you are choosing upon your level of interest and expertise.

Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie Private Tour with a Licensed Guide

Île de la Cité is the very center of Paris and the medieval city, certainly the oldest part of Paris or Lutèce for its first name. The Île de la Cité is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Paris, with some of the main landmarks, like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie.

From €360 with a Licensed Private Tour Guide

Priority access tickets – Duration about 2 hours
Meeting point at the Sainte Chapelle Entrance on the Ile de la Cité island
1-hour private tour at Saint Chapelle’ stained glass windows, upper and lower floor
1-hour private tour at the Conciergerie’s Guards Room, Soldiers Hall and kitchens

Sainte-Chapelle and Beyond

NOTRE DAME DE PARIS PRIVATE TOUR

PARIS CHURCHES PRIVATE TOUR

CUSTOMIZED PRIVATE TOURS IN PARIS WITH LICENSED GUIDES

PRIVATE CAR TOUR PARIS WITH GUIDE & DRIVER

Sacred Relics of Sainte-Chapelle – Among Christianity’s Most Revered Treasures

King Louis IX, later canonized as Saint Louis, commissioned the construction of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris to house some of the most sacred relics of the Passion of Christ. Regarded as one of the most devout Christian monarchs of the Middle Ages, he acquired and brought several important relics to Paris. To properly enshrine them, he ordered the creation of the Sainte-Chapelle, an exceptional Gothic chapel located on the Île de la Cité.

These relics helped solidify Paris’s position as a major center of pilgrimage and further enhanced Saint Louis’s reputation as a pious and holy ruler. The sacred objects, including the Crown of Thorns, contributed to making the city one of the most important religious destinations in medieval Europe.

Stained Glass Windows

The Sainte-Chapelle is world-famous for its extraordinary stained glass windows, which illustrate biblical narratives with remarkable color, depth, and detail. Often referred to as the “Jewel Box of Light,” the chapel was originally built to safeguard Christ’s relics brought by Saint Louis. Following the French Revolution (1789–1799), the relics were moved from the Sainte-Chapelle to Notre-Dame Cathedral for protection. During this period, the Sainte-Chapelle suffered significant damage, though the Crown of Thorns and other important relics were preserved by authorities. Transferring them to Notre-Dame ensured their continued safety while maintaining their religious and historical significance. To this day, the relics—particularly the Crown of Thorns—remain under the care of Notre-Dame. The chapel itself remains a masterpiece of 13th-century craftsmanship, with its 15 towering windows especially breathtaking when illuminated by natural light.

Historical Role and Significance in Paris

Originally constructed to preserve precious religious relics acquired by King Louis IX, the Sainte-Chapelle served as a royal chapel and a powerful symbol of both faith and monarchy. Its collection included some of Christianity’s most venerated objects:

The Crown of Thorns – believed to be the crown placed on the head of Jesus Christ during His Passion
A Fragment of the True Cross – thought to be a piece of the cross on which Jesus was crucified
The Holy Lance – believed to be the spear that pierced Christ’s side
The Holy Sponge – said to have been used to offer vinegar to Jesus during the Crucifixion
Other Passion Relics – including fragments associated with Christ’s burial and crucifixion

Architectural and Historical Legacy

A Gothic architectural masterpiece, the Sainte-Chapelle’s construction began in 1241. After acquiring the sacred relics from the Emperors of Constantinople, Louis IX significantly elevated Paris’s religious and political standing, helping establish the city as a major center of Christianity. Remarkably, the cost of the relics themselves was said to exceed three times the expense of constructing the chapel. Today, the Sainte-Chapelle stands as both a spiritual monument and a testament to the artistic and cultural ambition of medieval France.

Saint Louis King of France and the Sainte-Chapelle

Saint Louis, born Louis IX of France (1214–1270), was one of the most pious and influential monarchs of medieval Europe. His reign marked a high point in the Capetian dynasty and in the symbolic unity of Church and monarchy. One of the most significant projects of his reign was the commissioning of the Sainte-Chapelle, a royal chapel located within the medieval Palais de la Cité in Paris.

By building the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris:

He affirmed his devotion: Louis was deeply religious, and the chapel served as a tangible expression of his personal piety.
He reinforced royal authority: Possessing such sacred relics elevated the prestige of the French monarchy, positioning it as a divinely favored power in Christendom.
He aligned France with divine will: In a time when religion underpinned governance, Louis used the chapel and its relics to present France as the “new Jerusalem” and himself as a monarch chosen by God.

The Sainte-Chapelle was not only a place of worship but also a political statement—visually and spiritually linking the French Crown to divine legitimacy.

Louis IX the Only Canonized French King

Louis IX is the only French monarch canonized by the Catholic Church, became Saint Louis in 1297, just 27 years after his death. Several reasons explain this unique sanctification:

His Personal Piety: Louis lived a life with humility, charity, and devoutness. He prayed daily, fasted, and washed the feet of the poor, emulating Christ’s humility.
Justice and Governance: He was fair and has a strong sense of justice. He established reforms in the legal system and insisted on the king being accountable to Christian values.
Crusades: Though ultimately unsuccessful, his leadership of the Seventh and Eighth Crusades was an act of religious devotion.
Martyr-like dimension: His death during the Eighth Crusade in Tunisia added a martyr-like dimension to his legacy.
Moral Example: Louis, admired throughout Europe for his saintly lifestyle and Christian kingship, became a model of the “ideal Christian ruler.”

No other French monarch combined such deep personal piety, public virtue, and religious symbolism with enduring historical impact. His canonization by Pope Boniface VIII made him a unique figure—a saint who was also a king, embodying both heavenly grace and earthly power.

Sainte Chapelle Destruction During the French Revolution (1789–1799)

Relics Removed and Dispersed:

The most sacred purpose of the Sainte-Chapelle was to house the Passion relics, including the Crown of Thorns. However, in 1791, the relics were transferred to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris for safekeeping. Eventually, they became property of the state and many were lost or destroyed. The Crown of Thorns survived. It is now held in the treasury of Notre-Dame.

Sainte Chapelle in Paris Desecrated:

The chapel was stripped of its religious function. It was secularized and repurposed as a storage facility for legal archives by the Ministry of Justice. The lower chapel was used for office space. The upper chapel which once held the relics was the main royal chapel. Indeed, it was treated with little regard for its artistic or spiritual significance.

Destruction of Stained Glass and Statues:

Revolutionary mobs damaged or destroyed, broke windows and decapitated statues of the apostles and biblical figures. In fact, they were mistaking for images of the French kings. Fortunately, about two-thirds of the original stained glass panels survived.

Architectural Neglect:

Over the revolutionary and post-revolutionary period, the Sainte-Chapelle fell into disrepair. Moreover, its architectural significance was not widely appreciated until the 19th century.

Sainte Chapelle Restoration in the 19th Century

Under the influence of growing interest in medieval art, the Sainte-Chapelle underwent a major restoration in the mid-1800s. The architect was Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. His team restored the stained glass windows, sculptures, and painted decoration. The goal was to return the chapel to its original Gothic splendor.

Despite the damage, Sainte-Chapelle remains one of the most stunning examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture. Its surviving stained glass is among the most remarkable in Europe. This church is a gothic style gem, and a masterpiece of 13th-century architecture. Have a private walking tour on the Ile de la Cité to discover our Gothic Treasures.

Visiting the Sainte Chapelle During a Private Tour

Sainte Chapelle Paris has two floors. Only the King and his royal court had access to the top floor chapel and this is where the relics were kept. The first-floor chapel was the place of worship of the Palace personnel.

The stained glass windows of the chapel date from the 19th century on subjects proposed by François de Guilhermy and made by Steinheil.

During the French Revolution the Sainte-Chapelle suffered heavy damage. The remaining relics that survived the Revolution were moved to Notre Dame Cathedral’s treasury.

Upper Sainte Chapelle

The upper chapel has the shpae of a reliquary. Its lavishly decoration has sculptures and enormous stained glass that fill the chapel with light and colour.

The 15 stained glass windows, which leave just enough room for the chapel’s columns, are made of 1,113 scenes that narrate the history of mankind from Genesis to the resurrection of Christ.

Lower Sainte Chapelle

The lower chapel holds the statue of the Virgin Mary, patron of this sanctuary. The interior polychrome decoration, which is mostly red and blue, recreates the original medieval decoration.

The eastern apse still preserves a fresco of the Annunciation made during the thirteenth century. Actually, it is the oldest mural in the city.

During the French Revolution, the Sainte-Chapelle, like many religious buildings in France, suffered significant damage and desecration. Revolutionary ideals were strongly anti-clerical, and churches were seen not just as religious institutions but also as symbols of monarchy and privilege.

The Conciergerie Private Tour – A Glimpse into Parisian Royal History

Before it became a prison, the Conciergerie was the heart of royal life. Built as part of the Palais de la Cité, it served as the residence of French kings from the 10th to the 14th centuries. Imagine lavish banquets echoing under high stone ceilings and courtiers bustling through candlelit corridors. But as time passed, the monarchy moved to the Louvre and later Versailles. The Conciergerie’s fate changed—it became the symbol of royal justice, and during the French Revolution, the symbol of terror.

The Guards Room – A Royal Legacy of King Philip the Fair

Constructed around 1300 under King Philip IV, also known as Philip the Fair, the Guards Room was the entrance to royal authority. It served as a waiting area for guards and royal officials, a threshold between the outside world and the royal chambers.

Architectural Brilliance

Step inside and you’ll be enveloped by the aura of medieval France. The vaulted ceilings, stone pillars, and pointed arches are quintessential examples of early Gothic design. These arches don’t just hold up the structure—they tell stories of royal ambition.

Symbolism and Royal Power

Philip the Fair was known for centralizing power and strengthening the monarchy. The Guards Room reflects this ambition—strong, symmetrical, and imposing. Its design echoes the order and discipline the king demanded across his realm.

The Hall of the Soldiers – A Monumental Masterpiece

Adjacent to the Guards Room lies the Hall of the Soldiers (Salle des Gens d’Armes)—one of the largest surviving medieval halls in Europe. It was where royal banquets, council meetings, and even judicial hearings took place.

Architectural Design and Features

Four long aisles supported by massive columns give this hall an almost cathedral-like aura. The ribbed vaults soar high above, letting in light that dances across the stone. The space is vast, almost echoing with the laughter and chatter of long-gone feasts.

The Social and Political Role

Beyond its beauty, this hall was a stage for royal authority. Here, knights, courtiers, and soldiers dined side by side—a symbolic gathering of those who protected and served the king.

The Medieval Kitchens – Built Under King John the Good

When King John II (John the Good) took the throne, he envisioned modernization. He ordered the construction of large kitchens to serve the royal court. These weren’t ordinary kitchens—they were masterpieces of medieval engineering.

The Layout and Construction

With four enormous fireplaces, smoke vents, and arched windows, the kitchens were designed for efficiency and grandeur. The stone slabs where meat was carved, the soot-stained walls—all whisper of medieval feasts fit for royalty.

Culinary Life of the 14th Century

Think roasted boar, spiced stews, and sweet pastries dripping with honey. The royal menu reflected power and prestige. Even the aromas from these kitchens were a statement—France was the land of taste and refinement long before modern gastronomy.

The Prison Era of the Conciergerie

By the late 14th century, the Conciergerie had transformed from a royal palace into a state prison. The French Revolution turned it into the antechamber to the guillotine, where prisoners awaited their fate.

Famous Prisoners

The most famous inmate? Queen Marie Antoinette. She spent her final days here before execution in 1793. Alongside her were figures like Robespierre and Danton, once powerful, now humbled by fate.

The Commemorative Chapel of Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette’s imprisonment was marked by isolation and sorrow. Her cell was small, dimly lit, and constantly guarded. Yet, she remained a queen until the very end.

The Erection of the Chapel

After the Revolution, King Louis XVIII ordered the construction of a commemorative chapel on the very spot of her cell. It stands as a symbol of mourning and remembrance, dedicated to the queen’s courage and suffering.

Interior Design and Symbolism

Inside, the chapel radiates peace. White marble sculptures depict Marie in prayer, surrounded by religious motifs. The quiet sanctity contrasts sharply with the agony that once filled this space.

Conciergerie – A Walk Through French Revolution History

The Conciergerie, once a royal palace turned prison, played a key role during the French Revolution. This historical site was Marie Antoinette’s jail before her trial and subsequent execution. Visitors can explore her cell and other areas of this infamous prison, getting a somber view of this turbulent period.

Architectural Significance and Prison Cells Tour

The building’s mix of Gothic and medieval architecture adds depth to its historical ambiance. Your private tour guide brings the experience to life with stories of revolutionary trials and prison life, immersing visitors in the drama of this iconic location.

French death metal band Gojira Perched on the Conciergerie

One of the most striking moments of the Olympic opening ceremony ! After following the footsteps of the revolutionaries, magnificently portrayed by Eugène Delacroix in his famous painting La Liberté guidant le peuple, we saw a decapitated Marie-Antoinette singing “Ah! ça ira, ça ira, ça ira!”, a revolutionary song written during the French Revolution.

Sainte-Chapelle and the Kings of France Through the Revolution

FRENCH REVOLUTION PRIVATE TOUR

KINGS OF FRANCE

The Shared Legacy of the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

Exploring the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle together on a private tour is like witnessing two sides of the same historical coin, power and faith, majesty and tragedy. Both monuments, standing side by side on the Île de la Cité, capture the essence of medieval France at its height and its fall.

The Sainte-Chapelle, built by King Louis IX (Saint Louis), glows with divine beauty. Its radiant stained-glass windows tell biblical stories through color and light, reflecting a time when kings saw themselves as chosen by God. Just a few steps away, the Conciergerie, once part of the same royal palace, reveals the earthly reality of monarchy: rule, justice, and eventually, downfall.

Private Tour of The Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie – Paris

On a private guided tour, the contrast becomes deeply personal. One moment you’re bathed in the heavenly hues of Sainte-Chapelle; the next, you stand in the solemn Hall of the Soldiers or Marie Antoinette’s chapel, where history speaks in whispers and shadows. Together, these monuments tell a complete story of France’s glory, faith, and resilience through centuries of change.

Visiting both sites is not just sightseeing, it’s a pilgrimage through time, where sacred beauty and French history intertwine to remind us that every crown, no matter how radiant, casts a shadow.

Enjoy a private tour in Paris with a licensed guide to discover the Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie.

Emy,

Paris Travel Planner

by Emy

Paris to Champagne

|Champagne tours from Paris|

Paris to Champagne : Go on a private tour to discover the secrets of champagne, the king of wines! The region of Champagne is composed of 4 departments Aube, Ardennes, Haute-Marne, and Marne. Kings of France, Joan of Arc, abbots Dom Pérignon and Ruinart, Louis XIV the Sun King, Napoleon, Voltaire, Renoir, Rimbaud, La Fontaine, Charles de Gaulle, Camille Claudel... Champagne has so many things to tell you about the history of France.

A little bit of history

Champagne is a former French province of 1065 from a county palatine (a high-level official attached to imperial or royal courts in Europe since Roman times) around Provins, third metropolis of the Kingdom of France, of counties resulting from the dismantling of the western fraction of Merovingian Austrasia, the north-east of France.

Champagne-Ardenne, Aisne and Seine-et-Marne

It covered the former Champagne-Ardenne administrative region, the south of the Aisne department and most of the Seine-et-Marne department up to French Brie. The administrative region was formed in 1956, consisting of the four departments Aube, Ardennes, Haute-Marne, and Marne. On 1 January 2016, it merged with the neighboring regions of Alsace and Lorraine to form the new region Grand Est. Its rivers, most of which flow west, include the Seine, the Marne, and the Aisne. The Meuse flows north.

The name Champagne's origin

The name Champagne, written Champaigne refers to the Campanenses, the people of Champagne mentioned under this Latin name for the first time in the High Middle Ages. The future extension of the county of Champagne and its natural geographical area then correspond to six dioceses from Antiquity, those of Lingons de Langres, Senones de Sens, Tricasses de Troyes, Rèmes de Reims, Meldes de Meaux and of the Catalans of Châlons. This province becomes in the Middle Ages a major economic center.

Kings of France coronation

In 1129, the Counts of Champagne, protectors of Jews such as Rashi, acquired the most prestigious of abbeys, the Paraclete, and the first banking network. Peers of France having reigned for a time over England, they had a political role at least as important as that of the bishops of Reims, who crown the kings of France. During the time of the kingdom of the Franks and then of France, the advent of the new king was legitimized by the ceremony of his coronation with the crown of Charlemagne at Notre-Dame de Reims.

In the Middle Ages, there were Champagne fairs. In the 16th century, the Parliament of Paris, worried about the qualitative decline of the wines of the Parisian crown, voted an edict which prohibited any supply of cabarets within 90 km of the capital, thus placing Champagne in the front row. Taking advantage of the Marne, a tributary of the Seine, the wines from the Mountain and the River of Champagne then come to supply Paris.

Private Car Tour in Paris - Custom Itinerary

Car Tour Paris	Duration	Guests	Online booking
Paris by Car	4 hours	Up to 6 guests	From €950
Paris by Car	6 hours	Up to 6 guests	From €1,180
Full Day	8+ hours	Up to 6 guests	Upon quotation

Our private car services come with a personalized itinerary, circuit optimization and recommendations. No pre-established driving tour only suggested. You can adjust the tour on the way and add extra hours, payment by credit card in the car.

Paris to Champagne

From Paris to Champagne, breathe in the scents of the vines... Open the doors of the cellars to meet the winegrowers and share their passion. Visit Epernay, whose incredible Avenue de Champagne attracts 2 million visitors each year, as well as Hautvillers, a small village between vineyards and forest overlooking Epernay, known to be the cradle of Champagne with Abbé Dom Pérignon.

From Paris to Champagne, you should start with Reims. Reims is a town of art and history, with many sites listed by UNESCO World Heritage:

The Notre-Dame cathedral and its remarkable Chagall stained glass windows,
The Palais du Tau, a museum hosting the cathedral's works,
The Basilica of Saint-Remi that houses the Holy Ampulla and the tomb of Saint-Remi
The Abbey of Saint-Remi Museum, dedicated to the bishop who baptised Clovis
The Colline Saint Nicaise de Reims Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars

The Notre-Dame cathedral of Reims

The city nicknamed is "the city of the coronations" or "the city of kings". Indeed, it is on the site of the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims that Clovis, first king of France, is baptized by Saint Remi and that were sacred a large number of Carolingian then Capetian kings for more than 10 centuries from Louis the Pious in 816 up to to Charles X in 1825.

From Paris to Champagne Joan of Arc tribute

Indeed, in 1429, "nothing really went more graceful in the kingdom of France, when God raised a girl native of Domremy, Joan of Arc, to awaken the staggering energies and overcome the oppositions to liberate Orleans and lead to Reims cathedral Charles VII who was to receive the holy unction and become king of France. Walk in the footsteps of Joan of Arc, this girl of 17 years old who saved the country from the British occupation.

Majestic jewel of Gothic art

Notre-Dame Cathedral, a majestic jewel of Gothic art, is an architectural marvel. Striking architecture, dazzling stained glass windows, moving statuary, tumultuous history. Reims Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Reims, Grand Est. Its construction began in the early thirteenth century. It is later than the cathedrals Notre-Dame de Paris and Notre-Dame de Chartres, but earlier than the cathedrals Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, Notre-Dame d'Amiens and Beauvais. From Paris to Champagne - Reims, it is about one hour and a half drive.

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Reims Cathedral was completed in the fourteenth century. Above all, it suffered a very significant destruction during the First World War. It is one of the major achievements of Gothic art in France, both for its architecture and for its statuary which has 2,303 statues. As such, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Mecca of Champagne tourism, it welcomed 1,500,000 visitors in 2007.

All the kings of France were crowned in the city of Reims from 1027 to 1825 except 7 Kings. Two of them were Hugues Capet, Henri IV. Reims Cathedral has been called a "martyred cathedral" because, in 1914, it began to be bombed by the Germans. On October 8, 2016, a plaque with the names of the thirty-one kings sacred in Reims was placed in the cathedral. Mgr Thierry Jordan, Archbishop of Reims, and Prince Louis de Bourbon, heir to the throne of France were here.

Paris to Houses of Champagne

Indeed, the Houses below are at the origin of the notoriety and prestige of Champagne wines in the world and have invented the champagne myth. Their talent lies in the elaboration of cuvées which reflect the characteristic style of each Brand by the assembly of grape varieties. Each house has its very own story and talent. From Paris to Champagne, meet the winegrowers for a wine tasting tour, with small and famous houses such as :

Bollinger (1829)
Canard-Duchêne (1868)
Chanoine (1730)
Dom Pérignon (XVIIe siècle)
Gosset (1584)
Krug (1843)
Lanson (1760)
Louis Roederer (1776)
Moët and Chandon (1743)
Mumm (1827)
Piper Heidsieck (1785)
Pommery (1836)
Ruinart (1729)
Taittinger (1931)
Veuve Clicquot (1772)…

There are many champagne houses, with particularly twelve large groups which alone represent 55% of total bottle shipments, and five other groups being listed on the stock exchange. The oldest house in Champagne dates from 1584, it is the Gosset house, located in Aÿ.

Champagne production process

In fact, the cultivation of the vine and the production of Champagne wines obey strict rules that are among the most restrictive in the world. Each step requires rigorous know-how, a mark of Champagne excellence. Discover the main stages of champagne making :

1. The harvest

The grapes are picked by hand between August and October, the harvest time depends on how ripe the grapes are. The wine producers, such as Champagne Roger Constant-Lemaire in Villers-sous-Châtillon, are not allowed to pick the grapes with a machine. The grapes have to be picked by hand so that only the best and ripened grapes are contributed to the Champagne. After picking the grapes, they are pressed carefully to keep the juice clear white.

2. The First fermentation

The juice is put into a tank and the first fermentation takes place. The result is an acidic still wine that has been fermented dry completely. (The wine producer sees to it that all the natural sugar present in the grapes is fermented out of the wine). Some wine producers, like Champagne Alfred Gratien in Epernay, choose for fermentation in a barrel, a technique that is more difficult to master with sparkling wine.

3. The Assemblage

This is the art of blending. Still white wines combined with some reserve wines to create the base wine for Champagne; Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay are combined together. The assemblage starts in the early spring, about 5 months after the harvest.

4. The Second fermentation

A mixture of yeast, yeast nutrients and sugar (liqueur de tirage) that is added to the wine in the second yeasting, the wine is put in a thick glass bottle and sealed with a bottle cap. The wine bottles are placed in a cool cellar to ferment slowly and to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide. This is the most important part; the carbon dioxide cannot escape from the bottle and solves in the bottle; you will get the sparkling wine because of the carbon dioxide.

5. The Aging

As the fermentation proceeds, yeast cells die and after several months, the fermentation process is complete. However, the Champagne continues to age in the cool cellar for several more years resulting in a toasty, yeasty character. During this aging period, the yeast cells split open and spill into the solution imparting complex, yeasty flavours to the Champagne. The best and most expensive Champagne is aged for five years or more. This process completes the second fermentation.

6. The Riddling

After the aging process is completed, the dead yeast cells are removed through a process known as riddling. The Champagne bottle is placed upside down in a holder with a 75-degree angle. Each day, the riddler gives the bottle a 1/8th of a turn whilst keeping it upside down. This procedure forces the dead yeast cells float into the bottleneck where they are subsequently removed. The bottles are placed in racks with the bottlenecks facing downwards. Madame Veuve Cliquot is the inventor of the bottle rack in which the bottles are put downwards.

7. The Disgorging

The disgorgement is the final step in the production of Champagne. The Champagne bottle is kept upside down while the neck is frozen in an ice-salt bath. This procedure results in the formation of a plug of frozen wine containing the dead yeast cells. Finally, the bottle cap is removed and the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas in the bottle forces the plug of frozen wine out (“disgorging”) leaving behind clear Champagne. By doing so, a little bit of wine gets spilled out of the bottle.

8. The Dosage

A mixture of white wine, brandy and sugar (Liqueur de tirage/Liqueur d’expédition) is added to adjust the sweetness level of the wine and to top up the bottle. This procedure decides whether the Champagne will be Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Dry, Semi Dry or Doux. This mixture is differs per Champagne House and is a well-kept secret.

9. The Corking

The bottle is corked and the cork is wired down to secure the high internal pressure of the carbon dioxide in the Champagne.

Paris to Champagne

Enjoy a bespoke private tour with a private driver about Champagne, the king of wines. Champagne is one of the greatest places in the history of France. The coronation of the kings of France, the terrible battles of the First World War made it historically famous.

Have a look at Champagne from Paris private tour.

Emy,

Paris Trip Planner

by Emy

Napoleon Story

|Napoleon Bonaparte a man of fascination and debate|

Napoleon Story: Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the most influential figures in European history, embarked on an extraordinary journey from his humble beginnings to becoming the Emperor of France. His legacy, love life, and his relationship with Josephine de Beauharnais are fascinating aspects of his life. Napoleon's life has inspired countless books, movies, and other forms of popular culture. From literature to film, his story continues to captivate and intrigue audiences worldwide.

Enjoy a customized private walking tour covering Napoleon legacy, in 2–3 districts, with the option of a private driving experience for greater comfort.

From €360 for a 3-hour private walking tour
From €950 for a private driving tour (up to 6 guests)
Available year-round with flexible start times
Metro and Uber can be used during the walking tour
Hotel or central Paris pick-up meeting point

Private Tour Guide in Paris - Paris by Emy

Pricing	# of Person	Customized private tours in Paris
From €200	Per Person	2-hour private museum tour + skip-the-line
From €360	Up to 6	3-hour private walking tour Paris
From €950	Up to 6	4-hour car tour Paris with licensed guide & driver

Napoleon's Legacy and Influence

Impact on France and Europe

Legal Reforms: One of Napoleon's most enduring legacies is the Napoleonic Code (Code Civil), established in 1804. It streamlined French law and became a model for legal systems worldwide, emphasizing civil liberties, property rights, and secular authority.
Educational Reforms: Napoleon reformed the French educational system, creating lycées (secondary schools) to standardize education and prepare students for military and administrative careers.
Administrative Reforms: He reorganized the French administrative system, establishing efficient tax collection methods and creating the Bank of France to stabilize the economy.
Military Innovations: Napoleon revolutionized military organization and tactics, emphasizing speed, flexibility, and decisive battles. His methods influenced military strategy well into the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Napoleonic Code, officially known as the Civil Code of the French (Code civil des Français), was one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s most lasting achievements and one of the most influential legal reforms in modern history. Introduced in 1804 under Napoleon’s rule as First Consul, the code aimed to replace the confusing mix of regional laws, royal decrees, and customs that had existed in France before the Revolution with a single, unified legal system. Inspired by some principles of the French Revolution, such as equality before the law, protection of private property, and freedom of contract, it created a clearer and more accessible framework for French citizens. Napoleon personally followed the work of the legal scholars who drafted the code because he saw law as a powerful tool to bring order and stability after years of revolutionary turmoil.

The Napoleonic Code became a symbol of his desire to reshape France and strengthen the foundations of the state. It was later introduced in many territories conquered by Napoleon across Europe and influenced legal systems around the world, from Belgium and Italy to parts of Latin America and beyond. However, the code also reflected the values of its time, particularly regarding women’s rights, as it placed married women under the authority of their husbands and limited their legal independence. Despite these criticisms, the Napoleonic Code remains one of Napoleon’s greatest legacies, demonstrating how his impact extended far beyond his military victories and shaped the administration and legal traditions of modern societies.

Napoleon Political Influence and Reforms

Constitutional Changes: Napoleon's reforms transformed the French government, laying the foundation for modern state structures in Europe. He centralized authority but also promoted meritocracy, reducing the power of the old aristocracy.

Spread of Nationalism: Napoleon's conquests spread the ideas of the French Revolution across Europe, fostering nationalist movements and influencing the unification processes in Germany and Italy later in the 19th century.

Napoleon's Amazing Journey

1789-91 Revolution of 1789 constituent assembly
1791-92 Constitutional monarchy – First Republic
1793-94 The Terror
1795-99 The Directory
1799-1804 The consulate
1799 Napoleon takes power
1804 First Empire with Napoleon Bonaparte
1814-30 The restoration with Louis XVIII and Charles X

Napoleon was born on August 15, 1769, in Corsica, a French territory at the time. He received a military education and quickly rose through the ranks during the turbulent years of the French Revolution. His military prowess and political acumen led him to seize power in a coup in 1799 Paris, effectively ending the French Revolution and establishing the Consulate, with him as First Consul.

His military campaigns, known as the Napoleonic Wars, extended French influence across much of Europe. He crowned himself Emperor of the French in 1804, marking the height of his power. The coronation ceremony at Notre-Dame in Paris was a grand affair, with Josephine playing a significant role. She was crowned Empress of the French alongside her husband.

His journey was marked by both military conquests and political reforms, which included the Napoleonic Code, a legal system that greatly influenced modern European law.

Napoleon’s military campaigns were legendary. He expanded the French Empire through a series of conquests, including the Italian and Egyptian campaigns, the Battle of Austerlitz, and the Peninsular War. His tactical brilliance and audacity on the battlefield made him a formidable foe. Napoleon’s most famous battles include the Battle of Austerlitz (Germanic Empire), the Battle of Borodino (Russia), and the Battle of Waterloo (Belgium).

In addition to its strategic importance, the battle of Austerlitz, the campaign which preceded it, leading the Grande Armée from Boulogne-sur-Mer (Pas-de-Calais) to Austerlitz, and the ruses of Napoleon, are considered a masterpiece tactical work of Napoleon I, taught in all military academies in the world.

Timeline of Napoleon Bonaparte's Life

Napoleon Early Life

August 15, 1769: Napoleon Bonaparte is born on the island of Corsica.
1779: Attends military school at Brienne-le-Château in France.
1784: Enters the prestigious École Militaire in Paris.
1785: Graduates from École Militaire and is commissioned as a second lieutenant in the artillery.

Rise to Power

1793: Gains prominence during the Siege of Toulon, helping to recapture the city from royalists and their British allies. Promoted to brigadier general.
1795: Suppresses the royalist insurrection against the revolutionary government in Paris, known as the 13 Vendémiaire, gaining further political influence.
1796-1797: Leads successful military campaigns in Italy against the Austrians, establishing himself as a brilliant military commander.
1798: Launches the Egyptian Campaign, aiming to undermine British access to India. The campaign has mixed results but includes the discovery of the Rosetta Stone.

Consulate Period

1799: Returns to France from Egypt. On November 9 (18 Brumaire), overthrows the Directory in a coup d'état and establishes the Consulate, becoming First Consul.
1800: Wins the Battle of Marengo, solidifying his power.
1802: Signs the Treaty of Amiens, temporarily ending hostilities with Britain. Becomes Consul for Life after a plebiscite.

Napoleon Emperor of the French

1804: Proclaims himself Emperor of the French, crowned Napoleon I on December 2.
1805: Defeats the Austrian and Russian armies at the Battle of Austerlitz.
1806: Establishes the Continental System, aiming to blockade Britain economically.
1807: Signs the Treaties of Tilsit with Russia and Prussia after victories at Friedland and other battles.
1808: Invades Spain, initiating the Peninsular War.

Height of Power

1810: Marries Marie Louise, Archduchess of Austria, after divorcing his first wife, Josephine de Beauharnais.
1812: Invades Russia; despite initial successes, the campaign ends in disaster with a devastating retreat from Moscow.

Napoleon Decline and Fall

1813: Defeated at the Battle of Leipzig (Battle of Nations).
1814: Allied forces invade France; Napoleon abdicates on April 6 and is exiled to the island of Elba.
1815: Escapes from Elba and returns to France for the Hundred Days. Defeated at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18. Abdicates again and is exiled to Saint Helena.

Exile and Death

1815-1821: Lives in exile on the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean.
May 5, 1821: Dies on Saint Helena.

Posthumous

1840: Napoleon's remains are returned to France and interred at Les Invalides in Paris.

Napoleon's Legacy around the world

Napoleon's legacy is complex. He is often remembered for his military genius, the spread of the principles of the French Revolution, and his administrative reforms. The Napoleonic Code, which emphasized equality before the law, property rights, and religious tolerance, left a lasting impact on many legal systems around the world.

The Consulate regime having finally brought a certain political stability from 1799-1800, the context was conducive to the effective shaping of the codification of civil law:

Bonaparte possessed the will of a head of state, a desire for political unification and the power of the State which implies the unification of law;
The Revolution “contributed” to the renewal of ideas;
The need to realize the reign of the Law seemed imperative;
Basically, after ten years of Revolution, the French aspired to social peace and stability;
Bonaparte also wanted to guarantee a minimum of civil liberties to the citizen.

Napoleon's attempt to economically isolate Great Britain by implementing the Continental System had wide-ranging consequences. While it aimed to weaken Britain, it strained relations with other European powers and contributed to his eventual downfall.

Napoleon's influence on the world is still felt today. His military strategies, the Napoleonic Code, and the spread of the French Revolution's ideals have left a lasting legacy on Europe and beyond.

Napoleon and his fall

However, his aggressive expansionist policies and his attempt to establish a European empire led to widespread warfare and immense suffering. Following a series of defeats, Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba in 1814, seemingly marking the end of his rule. However, his story was far from over. In 1815, Napoleon made a daring return to France, known as the Hundred Days. He briefly regained power, but his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo led to his second exile, this time to Saint Helena. Napoleon spent his final years in isolation on the remote island of Saint Helena. His life in exile is marked by contemplation, writing his memoirs, and suffering from illness.

The Napoleonic Wars had profound consequences, including the redrawing of European borders and the eventual defeat of Napoleon in 1815 at the Battle of Waterloo, leading to his exile to the island of Saint Helena, where he died in 1821.

Napoleon and Josephine

Napoleon's personal life was also a subject of interest. He married Josephine de Beauharnais in 1796, and their relationship was passionate and tumultuous. Josephine had been previously married and had two children. Although Napoleon deeply loved Josephine, their marriage faced challenges, including her inability to produce an heir to his throne.

In 1809, due to political considerations and the desire for a legitimate heir, Napoleon divorced Josephine, which was a heartbreaking decision for both of them. He then married Marie Louise of Austria, with whom he had a son, Napoleon II. Josephine remained close to Napoleon until her death in 1814. Following her divorce from Napoleon, Josephine lived a quieter life but remained influential in Parisian society. Josephine's social connections and her role as the first lady of France played a crucial role in boosting Napoleon's public image and his political ascent.

To conclude, Napoleon's journey from a Corsican military officer to the Emperor of the French left a profound impact on European history. His legacy is marked by both his contributions to law and governance and the consequences of his military campaigns. His love life, especially his relationship with Josephine, adds a human dimension to his larger-than-life historical figure.

Napoleon Marriage and Relationships

First Marriage: Napoleon married Joséphine de Beauharnais on March 9, 1796. Joséphine, a widow with two children, was six years his senior. The marriage was initially passionate but later strained due to her inability to bear him a son.

Second Marriage: After divorcing Joséphine in 1810, Napoleon married Marie Louise, Archduchess of Austria, on April 2, 1810. This marriage was arranged for political reasons to secure an alliance with Austria.

Children: Napoleon had one legitimate son with Marie Louise, Napoleon François Charles Joseph Bonaparte (Napoleon II), born on March 20, 1811. Known as the King of Rome, his life was short and marked by exile and separation from his father.

Romantic Affairs

Mistresses: Napoleon had several mistresses throughout his life. Among the most notable were Pauline Fourès, a French soldier's wife whom he met during the Egyptian Campaign, and Marie Walewska, a Polish noblewoman with whom he had an illegitimate son, Alexandre Colonna-Walewski.

Ask me for a Napoleon private tour across Paris.

Emy,

Paris Trip Planner

by Emy

Victor Hugo Private Tour in Paris

|Immense Victor Hugo talent|

Victor Hugo (1802 – 1885) is un monstre sacré of French literature. A sacred monster is an expression to qualify someone whose talents are far superior to ordinary mortals. He was a poet, a novelist, a playwright and a politician, committed to defend the poorest. Connected to peace and freedom, very sensitive to human misery, he spoke out in favor of many social advances such as social justice, opposed the death penalty, fight for press freedom and supported the idea of the Republic and of a unified Europe.

Enjoy a customized private walking tour covering 2–3 nearby districts, with the option of a private driving experience for greater comfort and flexibility.

From €360 for a 3-hour private walking tour
From €950 for a private driving tour (up to 6 guests)
Available year-round with flexible start times
Hotel or central Paris pick-up meeting point

Private Tour Guide in Paris - Paris by Emy

Pricing	# of Person	Customized private tours in Paris
From €200	Per Person	2-hour private museum tour + skip-the-line
From €360	Up to 6	3-hour private walking tour Paris
From €950	Up to 6	4-hour car tour Paris with licensed guide & driver

Victor Hugo biography

Third and last child of Joseph Hugo and Sophie Trébuchet, Victor Hugo was born in Besançon on February 26, 1802. His father was a republican then Bonapartist, and his mother was a royalist and Vendée. After stays in Marseille, Bastia and on the island of Elba, the family left Italy and settled in Paris, in 1804. The family lived 76 rue Neuve-des-Petits-Champs for nearly 5 years. Today, it corresponds to number 20 rue Danielle-Casanova.

First education, made of travels (Naples, Madrid) and readings to satiety, he made brilliant studies in Paris. He composed his first verses and a tragedy (Irtamène, 1816). He wanted to be a writer; he was catholic and monarchist. Then, he turned in favor of the Republic. He saved Notre Dame cathedral from collapse.

Place des Vosges in 1848

In 1832, Victor Hugo moved into an apartment in the Hôtel de Rohan-Guémené, at number 6 Place Royale, which would become the very famous Place des Vosges in 1848. For 16 years, the author of Notre-Dame-de- Paris wrote several of its major works there, including Lucrèce Borgia and Ruy Blas, as well as part of Les Misérables and Les Contemplations. He will also receive some of the most illustrious writers and thinkers of his time, including Balzac, Lamartine, Alfred de Vigny and Prosper Mérimée.

A defender of dignity and human beings, of civil and political rights, he advocates the abolition of the death penalty, universal suffrage and press freedom. His powerful commitment became literary: the Punishments (1853), Contemplations (1856), Legend of the Centuries (1859, 1877, 1883), Les Miserables (1862), Workers of the Sea (1866), The Man Who Laughs (1869).

In the 16th arrondissement

At the end of November 1878, Victor Hugo moved to 130, avenue d’Eylau, in a mansion in the 16th arrondissement that had belonged to the Princess of Lusignan. On February 27, 1881, more than 600,000 people will parade under its windows to celebrate its entry into its 80th year!

His resolutely republican commitment in the second part of his life and his immense literary work made him an emblematic figure, whom the Third Republic honored with a national funeral and the transfer of his remains to the Panthéon in Paris on June 1, 1885, 10 days after his death.

Major Victor Hugo novels

1818 : Bug-Jargal
1823 : Han d’Islande
1829 : Le Dernier Jour d’un condamné
1831 : Notre-Dame de Paris
1834 : Claude Gueux
1862 : Les Misérables
1866 : Les Travailleurs de la mer
1869 : L’Homme qui rit
1874 : Quatrevingt-treize

Major Poems of Victor Hugo

1822 : Odes et poésies diverses
1824 : Nouvelles Odes
1829 : Les Orientales
1831 : Les Feuilles d’automne
1835 : Les Chants du crépuscule
1837 : Les Voix intérieures
1840 : Les Rayons et les Ombres
1853 : Les Châtiments
1856 : Les Contemplations
1859 : Première série de La Légende des siècles
1865 : Les Chansons des rues et des bois
1872 : L’Année terrible
1877 : L’Art d’être grand-père
1878 : Le Pape
1879 : La Pitié suprême
1880 : Religions et religion
1880 : L’Âne
1881 : Les Quatre Vents de l’esprit

Victor Hugo The Marais Notre Dame Private Tours

NOTRE DAME DE PARIS PRIVATE TOUR

PARIS CHURCHES PRIVATE TOUR

THE TRENDY MARAIS PRIVATE TOUR

FAMOUS WRITERS

CUSTOMIZED PRIVATE TOURS IN PARIS WITH LICENSED GUIDES

PRIVATE CAR TOUR PARIS WITH GUIDE & DRIVER

Victor Hugo Timeline

Early Life

February 26, 1802: Victor Hugo is born in Besançon, France.
1809: The Hugo family moves to Paris.

Early Career

1815-1818: Hugo attends Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris.
1819: Wins his first literary prize from the Académie des Jeux Floraux.
1822: Publishes his first book of poetry, “Odes et poésies diverses”.

Rise to Fame

1827: Publishes the preface to his play “Cromwell”, which becomes a manifesto for the Romantic movement.
1831: Publishes the novel “Notre-Dame de Paris” (The Hunchback of Notre-Dame), which achieves great success.

Political Involvement

1841: Elected to the Académie Française.
1848: Participates in the French Revolution of 1848 and is elected to the Constitutional Assembly.
1851: Opposes Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte’s coup d’état and is forced into exile.

Exile and Later Works

1851-1870: Lives in exile in Brussels, Jersey, and Guernsey.
1862: Publishes “Les Misérables”, which becomes one of his most famous works.
1866: Publishes “Les Travailleurs de la Mer” (Toilers of the Sea).
1869: Publishes “L’Homme qui rit” (The Man Who Laughs).

Return to France and Later Life

1870: Returns to France after the fall of the Second Empire.
1872: Publishes “Quatrevingt-treize” (Ninety-Three), his last novel.
1876: Elected to the French Senate.
1881: Celebrates his 79th birthday with a grand public celebration in Paris.

Death

May 22, 1885: Victor Hugo dies in Paris.
June 1, 1885: His funeral is attended by millions, and he is buried in the Panthéon in Paris.

Victor Hugo’s life was marked by his contributions to literature, his political activism, and his enduring influence on French culture.

Victor Hugo Museum

On the occasion of Victor Hugo’s centenary in 1902, his faithful friend Paul Meurice, with the support of the Hugo family, decided to create a museum in his memory and his works in the Hôtel de Rohan Guéménée, 6, place des Vosges in Paris where the poet lived between 1832 and 1848, in the apartment located on the second floor.

Victor Hugo whose immense talent can seem almost abnormal, and whom few people would dare to criticize. Exceptional man for his involvement in the battles of his time as much as for the fruitfulness of his literary work, Hugo dominated the 19th century with majesty. Enjoy a private guided tour in Paris about Victor Hugo.

Emy,

Paris Trip Planner

by Emy

Rodin Museum Private Tour -

|The Famous French Kiss by Rodin|

Rodin Museum private tour with licensed guide: Discover an iconic selection of masterpieces and documents from the collections of Auguste Rodin, created in 1919 by the sculptor himself. Have you heard about the Kiss by Rodin? François Auguste René Rodin (1840 Paris – 1917 Paris) was a French sculptor. Rodin is generally considered as the progenitor of modern sculpture. He was schooled traditionally, took a craftsman-like approach to his work. He was an amazing artist and is well known for his art, worldwide, with The Kiss but also The Thinker.

Rodin Museum Highlights Private Tour

From €200 per guest with a licensed private tour guide

A typical 1.5–2-hour private tour can include:

The Thinker — Auguste Rodin
The Kiss — Auguste Rodin
The Gates of Hell — Rodin’s monumental masterpiece
The Three Shades — Auguste Rodin
The Burghers of Calais — Auguste Rodin
Monument to Balzac — Auguste Rodin
Eve — Auguste Rodin
The Walking Man — Auguste Rodin
The Age of Bronze — Auguste Rodin
The Cathedral — Auguste Rodin
Rodin’s former studio and Hôtel Biron — Discover the 18th-century mansion
Sculpture Garden — Explore Rodin’s masterpieces in the formal gardens

The exact selection may vary according to the museum’s current display and temporary exhibitions.

Private Paris Museum Tour

Pricing in Euros	Number of people	Duration	Custom Features
From €25	Per person	Unlimited	Skip-the-line + audio guide
From €200	Per person	2 hours	Private Museum tour
From €1,450	Up to 6	Full Day	2hr museum + 4hr car tour
From €1,500	Up to 6	1.5 hours	VIP access & Exclusive Tour

Rodin & Top Paris Museums

LOUVRE MUSEUM PRIVATE TOUR

ORSAY PRIVATE TOUR

VERSAILLES PALACE STORY

TOP PARIS ART MUSEUMS

Camille Claudel & Rodin Museum Private Tour – Artistic and Personal Relationship

Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel not only worked together, but had a deep artistic and personal relationship. They began collaborating around 1883, when Claudel became Rodin’s student, assistant, and later his lover. She contributed to several of his major works (sometimes modeling hands or feet, or assisting with large compositions), while also developing her own distinct sculptural style.

Their collaboration mainly took place in Paris, especially in Rodin’s studios:

Hôtel Biron (now the Musée Rodin) — one of the most famous locations
Dépôt des Marbres — a government workshop where Rodin had space
Various private studios in Paris where Rodin employed assistants

Claudel also had her own studio, where she created independent works such as The Waltz and The Age of Maturity, especially as their relationship became more strained.

Sculptures in Rodin Museum

Auguste Rodin is considered one of the founders of modern sculpture. His works are instantly recognizable because they broke away from classical perfection and focused on emotion, movement, and realism.

Here are the most characteristic sculptures and what makes them important:

The Thinker

A seated man leans forward, resting his chin on his hand, his body tense as if thinking deeply. The sculpture expresses intense concentration and the weight of human thought. You can see it at the Musée Rodin in Paris (one of the most famous casts).

The Gates of Hell

A monumental bronze door covered with writhing figures in pain and passion, inspired by Dante’s Inferno. It presents a chaotic vision of human suffering and desire. Displayed at the Musée Rodin in Paris.

The Kiss

Two lovers embrace in a tender, intimate moment. Their bodies are smooth and harmonious, capturing both passion and softness. One version is at the Musée Rodin; another famous one is at the Tate in London.

The Walking Man

A headless, armless figure strides forward. Despite its incompleteness, the sculpture powerfully conveys movement and vitality. Visible at the Musée Rodin in Paris.

The Burghers of Calais

Six men stand together before a sacrifice, each expressing fear, courage, or despair. The group highlights human emotion rather than heroic glory. The original monument is in Calais; casts can also be seen at the Musée Rodin.

Across Rodin Sculptures

Rodin changed sculpture by showing that imperfection and raw emotion could be more powerful than beauty alone.

Emotional intensity → figures show pain, love, thought, struggle
Realistic bodies → not idealized like ancient Greek statues
Rough surfaces → visible marks give energy and life
Movement → poses feel alive, not frozen
Fragmentation → incomplete bodies still feel powerful

The sculpture which occupies a central place in their story does not always happen serenely: learning, frustration, search for the expression, the model … but source of an inevitable and deep connivance of their minds … After ten years of passionate love, misunderstandings and mutual disappointments, Camille Claudel draws a line on their own story and never recovered from his break with him. She died in relative obscurity, from alleged mental illness, her family sent her in mental hospital the rest of her life while Rodin desired academic recognition, although he was never accepted into Paris’s foremost school of art.

Rodin’s Lover Camille Claudel Museum Private Tour

The national Camille Claudel Museum in Nogent-sur-Seine opened in 2017, and the Musée Rodin in Paris has a room dedicated to Claudel’s works.

Sad sentimental painful lives but both great artists. Let’s compare those two artists with “le baiser” (The Kiss) from Rodin and “Sakountala” from Camille Claudel. When she sculpts the entwined couple of Sakountala, he, at the same time, delivers his Kiss, vibrating echo of a shared passion.

Le baiser (The Kiss) in Rodin Museum – Private Tour with Licensed Guide

The Kiss (marble) originally represented Paolo and Francesca, characters from The Divine Comedy, poem by Dante Alighieri (1265-1321). Killed by Francesca’s husband who had caught them kissing, the two lovers were sentenced to wander the underworld. This couple, conceived early by Rodin, in the creative process of The Door of Hell, figured prominently at the bottom of the left wing, facing Ugolin, until 1886, when the sculptor became aware that this representation of Happiness and sensuality was at odds with the theme of his great project.

Sakountala by Camille Claudel Private Tour

Sakountalâ is a poem by Kâlidâsa (4th-5th centuries ago), famous Hindu poet, telling the story of a Hindu drama representing the reunion of Sakountala and her husband to nirvana. This sculpture is a representation of what awakened this elegiac theme in the work of Camille Claudel. The Sakountala plaster won an honorable mention to Camille Claudel at the Salon des artistes français in 1888. A marble translation kept at the Rodin Museum bears the name of Vertumne and Pomone. Exhibited at the Salon d’Automne in 1905, the bronze is called L’Abandon and edited by Blot.

Rodin Museum Private Tour in Paris

Enjoy a visit at Le Musée de Rodin in Paris.

The Musée Rodin in Paris is a museum opening in 1919, the Hôtel Biron and surrounding grounds in central Paris. The collection includes 6,600 sculptures, 8,000 drawings, 8,000 old photographs, and 7,000 objets d’art. The museum receives 700,000 visitors annually. The virility of the artist, nicknamed in his time the “Sacred Goat”, provoked semi-public or private drama and is at the center of a plastic expression of sensuality, eroticism, but also pain. In 1864, he met Rose Beuret, daughter of a farmer from Haute-Marne. This seamstress worker, aged 20, will serve as a model and become his companion. He married her on January 29, 1917, at the end of their lives, while he had many lovers. In 1866, he will have a son Auguste Eugène Beuret (1866-1934), who he will never recognize. When you talk about Rodin, you must talk about Camille Claudel (8 December 1864 – 19 October 1943) who was also a French sculptor. She was the lover and co-worker of sculptor Auguste Rodin, for 10 years of passion and competition… war of ego.

Cheers, Emy

Paris Trip Planner

by Emy

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Emy

Paris Olympics 2024

| A Spectacular Celebration of Sports |

Pierre de Coubertin Legacy

Pierre de Coubertin Timeline

Emblematic places to enjoy the Games

Paris City Hall

River and Canal

Where to see the Olympic flame on July 14th and 15th in Paris ?

Paris Private Tours during the Games

Amelie Poulain and the 2024 Olympic Games

Paris Olympics 2024 : Fri, Jul 26, 2024 – Sun, Aug 11, 2024

The Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony

Security during the Olympic Games

Paris Olympics 2024 Traffic Restrictions

Paris Olympics 2024 Digital Pass

Paris Olympics 2024 Calendar

Metro Stations closed during the Paris Olympics 2024

Bridges After the Opening Ceremony

July 29: Quays of the Seine

July 30: Quays of the Seine

July 31 : Quays of the Seine

August 1: Quays of the Seine

August 2: Quays of the Seine

August 4: end of dismantling on the high platforms August 5: Reopening of the Conference Port August 12-August 25: liberation of the entire area (excluding the Alexandre-III bridge for Paralympic events in the Seine)

The Legacy of Paris Olympics

A revival in Paris

Women finally allowed to take part

The development of the Games over the centuries

1924

1932

1936

1940-1944

1952

1960

1968

1988

1994

1996

2000

2003

2004

2010

2014

Today

Sustainability and Innovation

Culture and Unity during the Games

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Private Car Service with Electric Vehicule

Paris Olympics 2024

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FAQs

When were the last Olympics held in Paris before 2024?

Which new sports will debut in the Paris Olympics 2024?

How is Paris promoting sustainability in the 2024 Olympics?

What makes the Paris Olympics culturally significant?

What is the significance of the 2024 Olympics in promoting global unity?

Taylor Swift Concert in Paris

|Paris La Défense Arena Taylor Swift Concert|

Taylor Swift Paris Concert

Taylor Swift loves everything that sparkles

Olivier Rousteing creative director of Balmain

Pierre Balmain

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Christian Dior The New Look Private Tour with Paris by Emy

| The New Look TV series about Christian Dior |

Tour details

The Hidden Story behind Christian Dior

Tour highlights

Key stops

What you will learn

The New Look TV series

Private Tour Guide in Paris - Paris by Emy

1947 Christian Dior New Look

Christian Dior New Look Private Tour

Musée Christian Dior in Granville

Avenue Montaigne flagship store

Jardin des Tuileries

Coco Chanel in The New Look

400 hotels under the Nazis control

August 4: end of dismantling on the high platforms
August 5: Reopening of the Conference Port
August 12-August 25: liberation of the entire area (excluding the Alexandre-III bridge for Paralympic events in the Seine)