Eight Women, One Week in Paris: A Fashion Tour to Remember

Mix eight curious, style-loving women with one of the world’s most beautiful cities, top with a dollop of perfect weather, and what do you get? Nothing short of magic — the kind that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked. ✨ ✨ ✨

A Dream Itinerary — The Best of Both Worlds

Last year when Emma from Tour With Absolutely contacted me to ask if I’d be interested in putting together a Paris Fashion Tour, I didn’t have to think about it for long before saying “oui! ” It was something I’d dreamed of doing — and my readers had been asking for — for years, but needed someone with the logistical expertise to make it work.

Susan B. and Emma Gely pose on bridge with Eiffel Tower in background. Susan wears a brown jacket, striped shirt & dark wash jeans. Emma wears a pink suit with a tan belt at the waist.

Emma’s years of experience leading tours across France and Europe meant she brought connections and insider knowledge that money simply can’t buy. Paired with a few of my own tried-and-loved favorites from past visits, the itinerary really did feel like the best of both worlds — and I’d like to think we made a pretty great team!

A Week of Style & Discovery — Highlights

We saw and did SO much in that week, and the days just flew by. I’ll share more snippets in the coming weeks, but here are a few of the highlights.

Paris Fashion Tour with Susan Blakey group photo on bridge with Eiffel Tower in background.

Fashion History & Exhibitions

Paris Fashion Tour group attends an exhibition 18th century fashion at the Palais Galliera in Paris.

During an informative personal tour at the Palais Galliera, we learned about the silhouettes and techniques of 18th Century fashion, and how this period continues to inspire modern fashion. The pieces on display were amazing examples of artisanship, skill, and labor, which was a recurring theme throughout the week.

Left: Red Cristian Dior cocktail dresses at Galerie Dior. Right: taking photos on the grand spiral staircase featuring thousands of miniature designs and accessories at Galerie Dior.

And the following day, we marveled at the breathtaking Christian Dior creations at Galerie Dior. It was a truly memorable experience we couldn’t stop talking about.

Paris Fashion Tour: five women sit in a booth at Laduree Paris with a wall of pink macarons behind and a crystal chandelier above.

After that, lunch at elegant Ladurée seemed especially apropos!

👉 We have another tour planned for September! Click HERE for more information and to reserve your spot!

Legacy French Brands and Modern Artisans

It was such fun to discover these uniquely French creators and brands!

Petitjean Paris Scarves

At Petitjean Paris, founder Léa Petitjean explained the inspirations behind her lovely original scarf designs, and gave us a lesson in Parisian scarf tying.

Two images from Petitjean Paris showroom. Founder Léa Petitjean explains the inspiration behind her designs, and demonstrates how to tie scarves.
Paris Fashion Tour group poses with shopping bags at Petitjean scarves showroom in Paris.

These silk scarves are so beautiful, and we did not leave empty-handed!

Laulhère Berets

Legacy French beret maker Laulhère in Paris. Sales associate shows construction details.

At “Living Heritage” beret maker Laulhère, we learned about the history of the company, and the felting process used to create these beautiful berets and caps. Of course, we had to try them on!

Wall of colorful berets in background, woman in foreground wears an olive newsboy cap with a beige jacket and brown & ivory top.

Lancaster

We enjoyed a private shopping party at Lancaster, a brand known for its functional, quality leather bags with modern design.

Paris Fashion Tour private shopping party at Lancaster bags in Paris.

Everyone was impressed with these bags, and the very reasonable prices!

Heading to Paris? Here’s what Parisians are wearing this spring.

Vintage Shopping at the Marché des Puces

Another high point was a personal tour of the famous Saint Ouen flea market.

Vintage shopping at the Saint Ouen flea market, Paris.

Our tour guide, Rebecca (@textile_tours_of_Paris) steered us to her favorite vendors where we found some fabulous vintage pieces…

Vintage shopping at the Saint Ouen flea market in Paris.

The Saint Ouen market can be overwhelming, so having a knowledgable guide made it so much more fun and manageable.

Fragrance Workshop at Molinard

And at the legacy créateur parfumeur Molinard, we learned how to blend our own unique fragrance (and mixed up a bottle to take home).

Paris Fashion Tour: learning to create our own fragrance at Molinard perfumes.

We also had plenty of opportunities to explore and shop on our own…

Paris Fashion Tour: exploring and shopping in Paris.

ICYMI: My Favorite (Affordable) Shops in Paris

An Evening at the Moulin Rouge

Of all the times I’ve been to Paris, I’d never been to the Moulin Rouge, and I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical. But it was really fun and some of the acrobatic acts had my jaw on the floor! Walking into the theater felt a bit like going back in time to the Belle Époque.

Paris Fashion Tour group stands outside Moulin Rouge, and inside at our table to see the show, with champagne!

And for a visual “nightcap,” Emma shared her favorite spot for Eiffel Tower viewing.

👉 Don’t miss the fun…there are still a few spaces left for our September Paris Fashion Tour! Get details & reserve your spot HERE.

The Photo Shoot

Emma had arranged for photo shoot with professional photographer Krystal Kenney (@missparisphoto). She took both individual and group photos in a variety of iconic Paris locations, and the photos were stunning!

Paris Fashion Tour group poses for photos along the Seine on Ile St. Louis.
Paris Fashion Tour group enjoys a coffee break at cafe.
Paris Fashion Tour group in Palais Royale gardens.

The Friends We Made Along the Way

But truly, the absolute high point of the tour was getting to know these amazing women — what a privilege to have shared this time with them! Something tells me we all came away as friends, and will stay in touch, and perhaps even travel together again.

A toast to Paris! Paris Fashion Tour group enjoys a coffee break at a traditional cafe.

If this sounds like your kind of Paris tour, we have another one planned for September! It’s a beautiful time to visit Paris — mild weather and fewer crowds. We’ve put together what I think will be another fabulous itinerary, and there are still a few spaces available. Bring a friend and receive a discount with code BRINGAFRIEND. Don’t wait — reserve your space today! And I hope to see you in September — in Paris!

Susan B. sits on a wooden bench wearing a brown knit jacket, blue jeans and colorful bracelets.

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