Unique things to do in Île-de-France

The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world, and it is so big that you could spend 8 months inside to discover the masterpieces that made it so famous: artworks that attest the greatness of many civilizations (like the Egyptian, the Greek and Roman ones) and the importance of European medieval and Renaissance art. Giotto, Botticelli, Raffaello, Michelangelo, Leonardo and, of course, Ingres, Géricault, Delacroix, David, amongst others from all over Europe. The best way to explore the huge castle that hosted kings, queens, artists and officials since the Middle Ages, in two hours and an half/three hours (better than 8 months anyway) is to be guided. I’ll lead you inside this beautiful place, showing to you how the taste of people changed, how kings and kingdoms’ relationships influenced the creation of one of the most beautiful collections in the world. Remember that tickets are not included, buy water before starting and bring your camera, your curiosity and your best smile. If you want a tour in Italian or in French just contact me to have your tour in the language you prefer (https://abnb.me/WSqbN67UTZ)

Why walk with the crowds & stand in line when you can bike, brunch & skip the line? Designed with the efficient traveller in mind, join us to ride, taste & hear the scandalous tales of the French Royal Family on this truly memorable trip. We take the train to Versailles where we are licensed to guide inside and Skip the infamous Line to explore the Château & iconic Hall of Mirrors. We ride through the town & breath-taking Royal Grounds. The stunning 2,000 acres of Versailles are far larger than most expect. You can save your feet, escape the crowds & discover secret places seen by few tourists & unknown to Parisians. Our bikes enable us to access places others cannot, the ride is leisurely, far from the Tour de France! Having worked up an appetite we lay out our French picnic brunch by the Grand Canal. In France we take picnics very seriously: great company, baguettes, wine, cheese, local charcuterie. Be prepared to taste local food & picnic like a royal in the sun! If you are looking for a unique experience, out of the city, away from hoards of tourists, & want to make the most of your time in Versailles- look no further than this trip! GOOD TO KNOW: -Group size limited to 12 Riders. -€30 on the day for entry tickets. -We Skip the Line & Guide Inside the Château, we do not leave you with an audio guide -Vegetarian, Vegan & Special Dietary Options available.

Fine transportation and easy access to the castle : this tour is a perfect for those who want to enjoy a half day in Versailles but in a comfortable way! It’s a tour about history, architecture, lifestyles etc with a lot of walking and info! Get ready to discover the secrets behind the construction of Versailles, its court and etiquete, life back into the 1600-1700 France. If you're willing to dive deep into history and get to know the French court under Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI a bit better, this is your chance. We'll visit the King's Household then, after a short break, we'll head towards the main gardens. - 5h-tour (round trip included) - CASTLE TICKETS ARE INCLUDED - TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED from PLACE DE LA CONCORDE - MEETING POINT : PLACE DE LA CONCORDE by its obelisk - GARDENS : 9€ EXTRA/adult DURING THE HIGH SEASON, APRIL-OCT /free for under 5yo/ (prices have been raised in July 2022) - TRIANONS / HAMLET NOT INCLUDED (You might have a different guide replacing me if needed during your tour) Other things to note: Strikes can happen, I'll usually be able to let you know of this in advance /Transportation time longer if there's traffic / Another certified guide might replace me if I'm not available/ we walk a lot during this tour

Everything you always wanted to know about watercolor! You will discover the city with a brush in hand, sketching and painting just a step away from the hustle & bustle of the city. I will assist you with useful tips and tricks on composition, perspective, light and shade, color mixing. All levels and abilities are welcome, I will adapt to your personal level, needs and liking. My purpose is to give you the skill to continue to paint on your own. Other things to note I will have everything you need for your art session, but you may bring your own watercolor, brushes, paper if you wish.

Admire the masterpieces of the Louvre in a small group! In this tour, you will discover the art exposed at the museum but also the building itself. We will visit the Louvre through the eyes of the kings who built it and lived there. We will talk about their secrets, how they ruled and who they loved by and we will look for what remains of their heritage in the stonework and the ceilings. Other things to note Please note that the Louvre has very few elevators and for practical reasons we will take the stairs. Consequently, you need to be able to walk for 2h30 and go up and down the stairs.

For OMNIVORES who want a real French food experience . Ideal for adult foodies looking for a special window into the French markets and food culture .Meet me at the market where I've shopped for more than 25 years and I've been bringing guests since 2012 You’ll love the buzz, smells, and sounds—but most of all the people. They’re like family, and the market is their home. You’ll get a true feel for this community by meeting the stall-keepers, tasting their wares, and asking about their passion. The food of a country is part of its DNA and when you visit a market you enter into it's soul .All tastings will be at the actual stalls, which isn't an experience for your average market-goer. This is a very intimate experience , a small group of 6 max .Put yourself in the hands of an expert and enjoy a tailor-made experience-Perfect for omnivores and true foodies.I am the ORIGINAL airbnb host at this market , unfortunatly others have COPIED . Not for children under 16 Please bring curiosity and an appetite—eat a light breakfast beforehand. bring a bag if you'd like to buy goodies to take home! Please inform me of any dietary requirements so I may plan ahead. Not suited for Vegans if you have religious food restrictions not for you. many diverse tastings including seafood and wine pairings and 3 differnet desserts all inclusive *10 euro supplement for gluten-free *

This tour has featured on NBC Today Show with Hoda & Jenna. Paris is known as a major gastronomical dream destination. A true local French market, lively and colorful, is the perfect place to begin. You'll fill your senses with a profusion of aromas as you'll stroll along while blending in with the locals. I'll informally teach you about "l'Art de Vivre à la française", the essential art of living the French culture at a market. While sampling local delights, I'll give you easy key sentences in French so that you will positively interact with vendors. A convivial picnic (replaced in the winter*) of our selection accompanied with French wine will follow in a lovely Parisian location. This will be a sweet opportunity for you to get a great insight and useful tips. You'll sprinkle some Frenchness onto your Parisian journey. * If the weather does not allow for a picnic (winter, rain, cold weather), you will be offered a savory crepe or some tasty homemade snack from the market + a drink at a café nearby. This is the option most likely privileged during Winter season.

PLEASE ADD THE FIRST NAME OF EACH GUEST OF YOUR BOOKING FOR A LITTLE FINAL SURPRISE. After presenting each other, i give you an apron and first we wash our hands. We work in small groups ( 2 or 3 people ), and I give you all the kitchen equipments to prepare the mix crepes. Just a little quizz about crepes before the preparation of the recipe. I show you some little tricks to have the best result. We put the mix in the fridge ( the rest period is very important and it's one of the secret for good crepes ). During this time I show you some cooking secrets. After that, everybody cook by himself the crepes. Sure you'll be as good as any Frenchy, maybe even more. You enjoy this "tea time" with farm apple jus, ciders coming from little French producers and you own crepes added with homemade sweeties : chocolat, jams, salted butter caramel, ... You can answer me any how-to or why questions. We finish this two convivial hours doing photos and giving you the recipe. A special gift will be offer for you remembering this great afternoon. Other things to note It's possible to book a private cooking class with an extra charge. For example, i can open a week end class or an evening class ( only monday, tuesday or wenesday 7.30 PM - 9.30 PM ) but ONLY IF you are more than 4 people. The new prices is 50€/person for an evening class and 60€ for a week end class. Please send me a message for the disponibilities.

Winner of the "Once-In-A-Lifetime-Experience" Award 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023 +740 reviews 5 stars for both experiences, in-person and virtual Please note: very limited seating only. For all lovers of beauty, romantics and creatives — for all imaginative children: re-discover a sense of possibility through this unique musical journey guided by a renowned pianist, author and Cambridge professor in a truly special Paris location in the artist's personal apartment in the heart of historical and literary Paris Saint Germain. A unique chance to experience an actual Steinway Concert Grand Piano, hardly ever seen outside major concert halls. Learn about effective tools for deep listening during this holistic musical journey made of exquisite musical pieces, each shedding light onto one another enriched by poetry, symbolism and emotional significance. Be moved by the beauty of classical and contemporary music and listen to your own inner voice. Ideal for couples, solo travellers, groups and teams /team-buildings. NOTE: this is a group experience. As a soloist or couple booking less than 1 week in advance, select a session with 1-2 people already signed up. If this does not suit, drop me a quick message! ASK FOR - a specific date or time - 1- 2 additional seats - celebrating a special occasion - how to bring children -15 yo We'll try to help!

Winner of the "Airbnb Experiences Mentor Award 2019". Over 6 years of passion sharing this Experience ! Even Brian CHESKY (Airbnb CEO) attended and wrote : "The highlight of my Paris stay was this Experience that I, my girlfriend and our families had there. The cabaret was in Sylvain’s living room, and my mom sat in the front !" So you'll be my guests for a special dinner party and cabaret concert; we'll all meet for an apéritif with finger food before the show starts. Aka Silvano Jo, I’ve put on a cross-dressed show of popular "Chanson Française", accompanied by a top class pianist/accordionist. We'll go on a musical parisian journey through time - over a century of the French Songbook - in many different styles : The Montmartre epoch of Yvette Guilbert and "Café Concert" (1900's), the glorious Pigalle era (1910-20's), Roaring 20's Vaudeville stars like Mistinguett or Josephine Baker, major songwriters and singers like Edith Piaf or Charles Trenet (1930-40-50's), Serge Gainsbourg or Charles Aznavour (1960-70's); Eurovision french pop, until modern singer-songwriter Stromae. We'll tell you about the singers & songs' stories so you can follow and learn about french culture and history. Fun, emotion, and surpises in store ;) At the intermission, we’ll have homemade veloute, quiche, cheese & wine. After the show dessert & Champagne. SPECIAL MENU AND DURATION FOR XMAS & NY’s EVES

Our Versailles Bike Tour with Skip-the-line entrance into the Palace is the perfect way to discover the grandeur of the 2,000 acre Royal Domain of Versailles! Groups of 14 bikes maximum - The Palace : The Chateau of Versailles is simply outstanding. We have an Entry timed ticket so you can enjoy more time in the Palace! You'll have free time inside to visit at your own pace. - Local Outdoor Market : Opened in the time of Louis XIV, the Versailles Market is where you'll discover the local specialties, and choose your picnic lunch. - Marie-Antoinette’s Domain & Petit Trianon : This was the hide-away of Marie-Antoinette! - The Royal Grounds : With more than 2,000 acres of beautiful landscapes, fields of crops, an immense lake, and perfectly trimmed trees the Royal Grounds will amaze you. - Grand Trianon : Built by Louis XIV as a summer house. This is where kings would go to escape from the etiquette of the court. - Picnic at the Grand Canal : Enjoy your lunch while sitting in the soft grass gazing over the largest lake in Versailles. - Ride through the forests where the Royalty of old used to spend their afternoons hiding from court protocol and hunting stag, pheasant, wild boar, and fox

Visiting Champagne is the perfect day-trip from Paris and we aim to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible. Veronica will meet guests at the East train station in Paris (Gare de l’Est) either at 9h15 or 10am, depending on the train schedule that day. We will ride the one hour train together and then dive into the charm of the region's most interesting village, 'Epernay', the former home to Dom Pérignon. We will stroll through the village's farmers' market and pass by the famous sites before heading to the Moet & Chandon or Mercier house for a one-hour tasting (not mandatory and not included in the tour price). Before/after the tasting the group will enjoy a picturesque picnic together overlooking the valley and vineyards before heading back to Paris. The tour serves to provide an overview of the history of Champagne and the region, show guests some areas they would not find on their own and of course enjoy the local specialty! Guests are welcome to stay longer in Epernay or take the train to Reims if they prefer to explore the region further on their own. Other things to note: We will meet 25 min before the train departs in order to buy train tickets, get coffees and find comfortable seats on the train. The train will be at your expense and we will be in touch before the tour to help buy train tickets and answer any questions you may have about the tour.

The Louvre Museum: Between History and Masterpieces. Let yourself be guided through the world's most iconic museum in intimate group of up to 6 people. Avoid the queues and immerse into the exceptional collections of the Louvre Museum. Our visit will be filled with crunchy anecdotes and the secrets of the Louvre Palace will be unveiled to you. Our route will take us to admire the museum's greatest masterpieces such as the unmissable Mona Lisa, the antic Venus of Milo, the Sacre de Napoleon Ier, Michelangelo's slaves as well as the French crown jewels kept in the exceptional Apollo gallery. Whether you're a novice or an art enthusiast, we'll of course adapt the visit to make it an memorable and enriching experience. Important : this experience doesn't include tickets. Once you book, I will send you a link to buy the ticket online in advance of the visit.

Let’s discover together what makes Champagne so unique in a day from Paris! We will pick you up at your hotel and hit the road to the first visit in the early morning. On our way, we will share with you anecdotes and will offer you a butter croissant from our favorite bakery in town! Are you ready to explore amazing chalk galleries and famous Champagne houses, a UNESCO world heritage? You won’t leave without tasting some of the best Champagne, of course :) We will indulge ourselves with a typical French lunch perfectly paired with Champagne. Then, we will take you to one of our secret address: a middle sized Champagne estate to learn more about their vinification process. You will not end the visit without tasting the last Champagnes of the day. Finally, all good things must come to an end. We will drive you back to Paris and drop you off at a Hotel de Ville in the late afternoon. You will surely get some wonderful memories out of our day together. If time and weather permits it, we have a few surprises in store for you... Other things to note Wine cellars are usually quite cold and damp (45 °F / 10 °C): do not forget to bring warm clothes with you!

The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world, and it is so big that you could spend 8 months inside to discover the masterpieces that made it so famous: artworks that attest the greatness of many civilizations (like the Egyptian, the Greek and Roman ones) and the importance of European medieval and Renaissance art. Giotto, Botticelli, Raffaello, Michelangelo, Leonardo and, of course, Ingres, Géricault, Delacroix, David, amongst others from all over Europe. The best way to explore the huge castle that hosted kings, queens, artists and officials since the Middle Ages, in two hours and an half/three hours (better than 8 months anyway) is to be guided. I’ll lead you inside this beautiful place, showing to you how the taste of people changed, how kings and kingdoms’ relationships influenced the creation of one of the most beautiful collections in the world. Remember that tickets are not included, buy water before starting and bring your camera, your curiosity and your best smile. If you want a tour in Italian or in French just contact me to have your tour in the language you prefer (https://abnb.me/WSqbN67UTZ)

Paris in the Second World war : the dark side of its most famous monuments. Discover life under Nazi occupation, the fate(s) of the city's Jewish community and the story of the liberation of Paris, a city divided between the resistance and the collaborationists, on the brink of a civil war. From the poorest areas of the city to the wealthiest and from the hidden to the most famous monuments, you will discover both sides of a city at war. Our "stroll" will last about 3 hours, with a short metro ride half way-through. The aim of my walk is to make you discover specific areas of Paris in the light of aspects of our city's rich history that are rarely touched upon by guidebooks, with in-depth information (history buffs welcome) but in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. A conversation, rather than a lecture!

I will lead you through the intricate paths of Le Louvre to marvel at its masterpieces and learn all there is to know about them in a fun and interactive way. From the Mona Lisa to the Winged Victory, as well as a massive and magnificent Sphinx of Egypt, the gorgeous Venus de Milo, along with the work of Delacroix or Gericault, we will cover the most interesting and famous art of the museum. You will be amazed to learn about the artworks themselves but also the sometimes surprising conditions when they were made! Tickets to the museum are NOT included and need to be purchased BEFORE booking the tour. I also lead private tours in the Sainte Chapelle, the château de Versailles and the Orsay museum. Make sure to contact me if you need a different booking!

This bike tour is different from the others... Experience 2 rides' worth of stunning sights in 1 -- at a leisure pace -- while zigzagging charming backstreets, inaccessible to large groups. With a stop for a delicious French crepe! -Highlights + Hidden Gems- We curated the essentials for which Paris is beloved+ discovered the most relaxed route to the 'must-see' sights (+ hidden gems not found in a guidebook!) We created this ride for visiting friends-- watch the sun set + the best of Paris begin to light up via charming little passages, medieval backstreets, the glittering Seine river...see the Best of Paris in one unforgettable evening! -Small Group Energy- Our carefully thought-out route + tiny, convivial, group allows us to zigzag to more sights, discover more interesting little corners--up close--than can be navigated w/ a huge, commercial, Tour Group. We ride like Parisians--enjoying tiny backstreets + the waterfront -See Paris Twinkle As the Sun Sets- Our merry band begins in medieval district Le Marais, then on to bizarre history of the 'must-see' sights of Paris...then memorable glide through inner grounds of the Louvre. Celebrate at the Eiffel Tower with your new Paris tribe w/ a little surprise See Paris sparkle--up close + from the best angles--on a chill ride w/ fellow curious international jetsetters, led by a local Parisian in love w/ the City of Light

Do you know that just 30mn on train from Paris, you can be totally immersed in the Nature ? During your stay in Paris, how about doing something different and taking a hike in the most beautiful forests, the most scenic countryside, and the most typical villages. This experience, in small group of less than 10 participants, brings you in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh, the famous Dutch impressionist painter. He died there in 1890 and is buried in the village along with his brother Theo. Our walk will take you through the city of Pontoise, the historical capital of the Vexin français, along the Oise river and in the quaint village of Auvers sur Oise, where Van Gogh painted his 80 last masterworks. I will take you to the exact locations where he painted some of these. Along the way, I will tell you the incredible story of his life so you can understand better what a genius he was. WARNING: Please be advised that this is a 12km (7.5miles) hike with some light hills. You need to be fit enough if you want to enjoy the walk. That means you should be able to walk at least 5km (3 miles) at a good pace (at least 4km/h or 2.5 miles/h) and without rest. The walk is designed to last about 5 hours with many breaks. If you want to take more time, please book a private tour.

Paris Occupation and Liberation! It was the worst of times, and then it was the best of times! (Purposefully reversed Charles Dickens' line). Throughout this tour, we will cover all aspects of this dark period of history: the context leading up to the war and the defeat ; the occupation and collaboration ; their impacts on the French and the Jewish people ; the resistance movement ; the allies and the liberation. We will discuss the main figures: Hitler, Roosevelt, Churchill, De Gaulle, and more. We will see major locations where it all happened. For each spot, I will show you pictures of what it looked like back then. No prior knowledge is necessary, however, I advise parents to use their judgement on whether their children can handle highly sensitive topics. If you would like a tour catered around your family requirements, feel free to reach out for a private tour.

Why walk with the crowds & stand in line when you can bike, brunch & skip the line? Designed with the efficient traveller in mind, join us to ride, taste & hear the scandalous tales of the French Royal Family on this truly memorable trip. We take the train to Versailles where we are licensed to guide inside and Skip the infamous Line to explore the Château & iconic Hall of Mirrors. We ride through the town & breath-taking Royal Grounds. The stunning 2,000 acres of Versailles are far larger than most expect. You can save your feet, escape the crowds & discover secret places seen by few tourists & unknown to Parisians. Our bikes enable us to access places others cannot, the ride is leisurely, far from the Tour de France! Having worked up an appetite we lay out our French picnic brunch by the Grand Canal. In France we take picnics very seriously: great company, baguettes, wine, cheese, local charcuterie. Be prepared to taste local food & picnic like a royal in the sun! If you are looking for a unique experience, out of the city, away from hoards of tourists, & want to make the most of your time in Versailles- look no further than this trip! GOOD TO KNOW: -Group size limited to 12 Riders. -€30 on the day for entry tickets. -We Skip the Line & Guide Inside the Château, we do not leave you with an audio guide -Vegetarian, Vegan & Special Dietary Options available.

Fine transportation and easy access to the castle : this tour is a perfect for those who want to enjoy a half day in Versailles but in a comfortable way! It’s a tour about history, architecture, lifestyles etc with a lot of walking and info! Get ready to discover the secrets behind the construction of Versailles, its court and etiquete, life back into the 1600-1700 France. If you're willing to dive deep into history and get to know the French court under Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI a bit better, this is your chance. We'll visit the King's Household then, after a short break, we'll head towards the main gardens. - 5h-tour (round trip included) - CASTLE TICKETS ARE INCLUDED - TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED from PLACE DE LA CONCORDE - MEETING POINT : PLACE DE LA CONCORDE by its obelisk - GARDENS : 9€ EXTRA/adult DURING THE HIGH SEASON, APRIL-OCT /free for under 5yo/ (prices have been raised in July 2022) - TRIANONS / HAMLET NOT INCLUDED (You might have a different guide replacing me if needed during your tour) Other things to note: Strikes can happen, I'll usually be able to let you know of this in advance /Transportation time longer if there's traffic / Another certified guide might replace me if I'm not available/ we walk a lot during this tour

I will guide you in one of the most preserved French wine regions with medieval towns and worldwide reputed wineries. We will visit the best Grand Cru vineyards in the north of Burgundy and visit at least 3 incredible Wine Makers and taste plenty of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay wines and as well other indigenous grapes. We will meet authentic and fun people from France's countryside, visit the lovely and picturesque village of Chablis. I will explain you the Terroir concept (created by the monks in Burgundy), show you the Knight Templars heritage and how to taste wines like a pro. At Lunch time we will stop at the winery and have a wine and cheese pairing lunch included in the price. The all day will be full of surprises. This trip is for true red and white Wine Lovers, looking for a relaxing and fun time out of the city, tasting great wines and having a great experience meeting the Others. Good to know: - Departure and return from Paris pick-up point in Place d'Italie. - All tastings, visits and Lunch of the program included - 2hours drive from Paris to north Burgundy - Ticket includes a 20% Airbnb commission and a 20% VA taxes.

Welcome coffee at home (in the typical 17th arrondissement of Paris), then shopping in the french traditional food market of Rue de Levis. We will meet the "fromager" (cheese maker), the "boucher" (butcher), the "maraîcher" (market gardener) with who I am very familiar. Then, we'll have a cooking session (Tartiflette, or beef tartare, or gratin dauphinois or Fish Tartare, or Raclette, or Endives au Jambon - will validate the menu with you a few days in advance-), & keep the best till last : food tasting together. And of course, we will discuss, share our cultures and have a nice French culinary moment together (with a typical Parisian woman : myself) ! Other things to note Please let me know if you have any allergy or dislike some food. I can adapt the menu to specific diet types : vegan or gluten free or no dairy products. I do speak english during the cooking class ! I can open dates especially for you so please ask ;-)

*BOOK this experience at the beginning of your stay to receive a top-notch guide of places to eat & drink, forget tripadvisor, All tastings are included - "WeTasteParis". Delight your tastebuds right away with the most delicious butter croissant & crusty traditional baguette. Stroll at one of the oldest & off-the-beaten path Parisian markets. Learn about the market and its neighborhood, how it functions, French food traditions, etc. Walk through the maze of stalls identifying seasonal produce & purchase fruit. Admire the particularly elegant approach to food such as bouquets of radishes, ruffles of succulent butter lettuce, and baskets of Chanterelle mushrooms. Discover the in-door gourmet market shops and continue shopping for food delicacies to give you a feeling of what it is like to shop daily in this beautiful city. Visit artisanal food stores such as a traditional “fromager” & pick unique raw milk cheeses & learn the stories behind them. Visit the best charcutier in the market and purchase a selection of dry-cured meats and paté. Sip a glass or two of wine, discuss the concept of French “Terroir" or sense of place, how this impacts our diet & enjoy the selection of cheeses, cured meats and bread. This will be an authentic culinary adventure for our senses and a friendly experience for a small group of curious travelers :-)