Unique in Paris. Welcome to Jacqueline’s apartment, where you will learn everything on the art of the table and service à la française, followed by a tea-time. Jacqueline will introduce you to a very French tradition: receiving around a table. Through the art of laying and arranging a table, you will unveil the secrets of its mise-en-scène: for a social, family or professional event, discover the role of the decoration, the crockery and flatware and even the lighting! After studying management and sociology at the university and history of art at the Ecole du Louvre, Jacqueline devoted herself to writing books on the French art of receiving. As a renowned expert, she regularly gives lectures in France and abroad.

Amber, Woody, Chypre (Sandalwood), Floral, Oriental…

The French art of perfume evokes rituals that run deep into our culture. From time immemorial, fragrance has always fascinated humans. An erstwhile sacred elixir with mysterious virtues, perfume was once the privilege of kings and queens and a powerful means of seduction.
During this unique workshop, become a perfume maker under the watchful guidance and expertise of our passionate professional perfumers. They select, assemble and supply the best raw materials from Grasse, the world’s perfume capital.
Each participant receives a bottle with his/her customised blend. A tasting of floral, fruity and spice flavoured chocolates is offered with tea or coffee to cap off this awakening of the senses .

Learn to Make a True Parisian Baguette!
Crispy. Chewy. Firm. Hot or cold… How do you like your baguette? What do you eat with it, sweet or savory? This private workshop is hosted by a recognized Parisian baker who will welcome you backstage, in his professional bakery.
Uncover the secrets behind of one of the most iconic French delicacies. Prepare, roll, knead, fold the dough and cook your own baguettes, just like the professionals. Our baker, the winner of the prestigious ”Paris’ Best Baguette” award, will share the techniques and tips for baking exquisite baguettes and croissants. This experience is well-suited to individuals or families.

We consider that harmony increases the pleasure of the senses, and that the composition of a table is a staged performance, where every detail plays its part to create magic. In this workshop, we go center stage to fill the role traditionally played by the Mistress of the House!
Passages Secrets has created a workshop unique in Paris, the meeting point of style and design. We introduce you, not just to the art of laying a table, but to its mise-en-scène. Embodying the refinement of  “Haute Orfèvrerie”, this meeting illustrates the elegance of the French art de vivre.

Precious Stone Workshop.
Some stones are probably quite familiar to you: ruby, sapphire, emerald or diamond… unalterable symbols of love. But what about the others? They are just as beautiful, and at times, even more so. Precious and semi-precious stones have fascinated humans forever, and they are at the  origin of countless legends and beliefs. Find out all about them with our gemologist Christine: aside from their visual beauty you will discover other criteria for evaluating a gem.
How to make a diagnosis? How to choose a gem that suits you or how to use each gem ? This gemology initiation will bring answers, at the end of which your educated eye will become your best ally… The workshop takes place in one of our secret addresses, near Parc Monceau.

Passages Secrets takes you to the heart of one of Paris’ most emblematic districts. You are at the foot of the Butte Montmartre, a stone’s throw from bustling Pigalle.

Khriska, the photographer, and Flow, the alchemist, have combined their talents to create an extraordinary place, unique in France: a photographic studio in the tradition of the great French inventors and photographers Nadar, Le Gray and Daguerre. Immerse yourself in history: discover an exceptional photographic collection from Europe and the United States. This is the dawn of photography: between 1850 and 1870. Time has no hold; everything is a story of discovery and sharing. Afterwards, you can become the model and pose as a duo, solo, with family or friends, in front of the imposing brass lens.
Guided by Khriska’s artistic vision and under Flow’s assured guidance, you are portrayed in the manner of Daguerre or Nadar. Your Naguéreotype© will be created as it was in the past. Under the red light of the darkroom, you can witness the development of your plaque. Your image is magically revealed on this unique, timeless and perennial precious object. Take home your framed picture and an unforgettable memory.

Epicurean treasure troves, Parisian gourmet stores are a tasty part of this city’s history. Featuring specialties from all over the country, they are brimming with carefully selected wines, Champagnes and high-end curated confectionery. Sweet or savory, hundreds of products abound. Explore a page of Parisian history through its fine food shops, and the families who ran them. In the company of its French gastronomy ambassador, Passages Secrets will open the doors of some of the most delicious addresses of the capital, to the delight of your taste buds.
Tastings are included. The « GOURMET» Tour can be adapted and oriented following your preferences. Examples : « Sweet & Savory »  « All Chocolate » « Sweet-tooth ».

Wine tasting is the union of an art form and a science, but above all, it’s a moment of great pleasure! Magic happens for wine lovers in The Art of Wine Tasting workshop with Les Grands Vins of the French terroirs. Discover the principles and phases of wine tasting: visual examination to appreciate the appearance of the wine, olfactive examination to discern the aromas, and finally, the gustatory examination to evaluate the taste. Immerse yourself into French terroirs (soils) to discover their extraordinary bounty. One of our oenology experts, an ambassador of French wines, welcomes you to share and transmit his knowledge and passion. The wine selection:  White Alsace – Red Rhone Valley – Red Burgundy – Red Bordeaux.

Paris wouldn’t be Paris without its cafés, the « places-to-be » since the 17th century. Back then, high society would flock to the brand new Procope, the very first of its kind. The cafés, and the discussions which took place within, played a pivotal role in the French revolution, as well as the arts, until well into the 20th century. But they are also ideal for admiring passers-by or for catching up on gossip…
Treat yourself to the stories and secrets of Parisian lifestyle. Discover the Procope, the Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés covered market and the Brasserie Lipp where artists, writers and philosophers used to congregate in search of inspiration. Grab a snack in one of these legendary places to round off this bespoke tour.

Fashion is multi-faceted. It takes its inspiration from themes developed by artists and plays a predominant role in society. Each culture boasts its own fashion, but Paris is widely recognized as the capital of elegance. Passages Secrets will share the best addresses and tips with you, so you can find the pieces that will complement your style most. Your Ambassadress will accompany and advise you and facilitate your way through the most beautiful and trendiest fashion sites Paris has to offer: le Triangle d’Or, la rue Saint-Honoré, le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés…

The Saint-Ouen flea market – nicknamed “Les Puces”- is a real institution. Recognized as a “Zone for the Protection of Architectural, Urban, and Landscape Heritage ” it features the largest antiques market and second-hand shops in the world. It is comprised of several markets, some covered and others open-air. Les Puces offer an impressive variety of goods, from all periods, provenances and origins. You can bargain-hunt classic antiques or restored top-end goods, including furniture, paintings, bronzes, art items, tapestries, mirrors, lamps, dishes… Whether you’re looking to buy one specific piece or fill an entire container, our antique buying guides will share their vast trove of secret tips and take you to all the right places, where you can be confident you will purchase at the right price.

Everything you wanted to know about the wine of kings, and the king of wines, but were too afraid to ask! What is the difference between Champagne, cava, crémant and prosecco? What should I look for on a label? How long should I keep a bottle? What is your favourite type of bubbly?
During this masterclass led by Cynthia, a certified wine professional who was voted Best Wine Tasting in Paris in 2018, you will taste 4 different Champagnes made by women, which will  illustrate the different varieties of grapes, terroirs (soil) and winemaking methods. You will learn about the history and geography, characteristics, techniques, and conservation of Champagne… You will also get tips for pairing Champagne with food. A pure moment of bliss and bubbly to share. The workshop takes place in one of our secret addresses, near the Eiffel Tower.
Note: 3 possible time slots: lunchtime 11:30 -14:30, apéro 16:00 -19:00, or dinner time 19:00-22:00.

The cocoa bean originally consumed in the form of xocoatl, is a drink with therapeutic and spiritual virtues prized by the Aztecs. After more than 3000 years of history chocolate is still a companion in many moments of our life Do you know what Chocolate is made of? Do you know the different names? With the great masters Artisans Chocolatiers French, Passages Secrets invites you to a tasting Go like explorers through the neighborhoods of Saint Germain des Prés or the Marais to discover the treasures of our most famous Parisian chocolatiers 4 tastings minimum incredible hot chocolate, financial, Amarylis or Opera, ganaches with herbs, and finally with the superstar macaroon!
Madame de Sevigne wrote to her daughter that she drank chocolate evening and morning ::”That’s what I find pleasant, it’s that he acts according to the intention.

Clarisse is an internationally renowned and emblematic figure in the floral world. She has become a reference in the creation of bucolic and poetic floral arrangements. With elegance and simplicity, your experience is tinged with refinement and the discovery of rare essences. This floral workshop takes place in Clarisse’s shop, ideally located in the Louvre district in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, in the historic heart of Paris. Discover the world of refined gardens where nature expresses beauty, where nature is queen and follows the rhythm of the seasons. Follow Clarisse’s inspirational philosophy and composite bouquets, plant curiosities and original vases, a pure moment of inspiration for your future floral creations.

They share a passion for farming, the countryside and the mountains. As a result, Damien, an inveterate epicurean, and Pierre, voted best craftsman (MOF), have both dedicated their lives to cheese. Each variety has been carefully selected and acquired directly from the producer, ready to be chosen and savored by you. Have you ever come across a crémeux of Burgundy with truffle, a smoked goat with juniper bay, the Perail des Cabasses, or a Comté matured for 36 months? You can here. And because all the cheeses of the world should be enjoyed, you can even taste Shropshire from England… As you may know, cheese and wine are virtually inseparable, so you can also sample a nice selection of sparkling white, an Alsatian, or a Crozes-Hermitage red wine.

Take a fresh look at the world-famous masterpieces of the Louvre! Discover their secret meanings and the explanations behind the painters’ choices. Why has the Mona-Lisa become such a superstar? Why has The Raft Of Medusa been disappearing? What subliminal image can we find in Caravaggio’s The Death of The Virgin? Get all the answers to these questions and glean further understanding of the artists’ work, and the inspiration behind it. Read between the drawing lines of Le Louvre. Get intimate with masterpieces and solve their many mysteries. An expert guide will take you on a private, custom-made tour. Direct access!

Since the 17th century, the Ile Saint-Louis has become one of the French aristocracy’s favourite haunts, and a major landmark of architectural heritage. Dubbed « the Isle of Palaces », it features the perfect combination of the countryside’s charm and impressive townhouses. The serenity of the area has drawn to it numerous artists, writers and celebrities. Discover the mysterious dwellings of the island (the Hotel-De-Lauzun, the prestigious Hotel-Lambert and more). Your guide will explain how and why it has become such a key area in Paris over time. Do not hesitate to enter the delicatessens on the island. Taste a few French gastronomic specialties. Walk into an original wine cellar and meet a cheese producer. Your host on this private, bespoke tour is an expert guide. Access to the typical delicatessens of the isle.

What could be more romantic or convivial than a picnic in a Parisian garden or on the river-banks of the Seine? Express your desires, tell us about your diet and let Karina, our gastronomic ambassador, surprise you with a “chic and choc” basket, composed of bistronomic treasures and delectable treats from small producers and craftspeople. Wine, fruit juices, baguettes, delicatessen, cheeses, quiche or savory tart(s), butter, pickles, chips, salad, seasonal fruits/berries, pastries (“tarte tatin”, lemon tart, mille-feuille…). In practice: together we define the picnic location according to your accommodation and schedule in Paris. In case of inclement weather, we will take you to a secret address.

The wonders of the ornate theater and opulent lobbies are only the beginning of this experience. From backstage passageways to the reservoir hidden deep under this extravagant palace, you’ll have an exclusive look at the Opéra that few others have experienced. This experience helps guests understand in what ways the Opéra Garnier is as fascinating as the colorful characters on its stage. The public spaces of the Opéra are breathtaking, but the building itself holds many secrets. With an expert storyteller from the Opéra, make your way through rarely seen areas, including the deep underground reservoir that inspired the “The Phantom of the Opera.” You’ll also visit the “cabestans” room, below the stage, and its elaborate 19th-century machinery, which was used to manage special effects and sets. The Opéra played a key role in the culture of the city and helped draw so many fashion houses and jewelry emporiums to this part of Paris. You’ll visit the Foyer de la Dance, where wealthy patrons would ply their favorite performers with trinkets and finery. The visit will end with a glass of Champagne in the elegant Coco’s restaurant.

YOUR EXPERIENCE 

Privileged access to the Palais Garnier, where you will be welcomed by an expert storyteller from the Opera.
A presentation of Charles Garnier’s vision for this entertainment palace, built for Napoleon III.
A private visit to the many backstage spaces for an unforgettable experience accessible by few.
Learn how Charles Garnier re-interpreted the Palace of Versailles while inventing his very own style.
See the famous underground “lake” that inspired the author of the “Phantom of the Opera”.
Meet the Friends of the Opéra Garnier (AROP) while enjoying a drink at Coco’s restaurant.
A discussion about the role the Operas Garnier and Bastille hold in France’s cultural history and contemporary life.
The Gift of a pot of honey from the Opera Garnier beehives.

Your accompanying guide will meet you at your accommodation or at your convenience to take you to the workshop of your choice. She/He is your facilitator for the activity due to her/his professional experience and insider knowledge of Paris.
Our ambassadors’ passion and expertise are at the core of our Voyages in France. They are all renowned conference guides, historians, food critics, oenologists, stylists, art lovers, antique dealers, artisans and craftsmen, all experts in their respective fields.
These passionate transmitters of history take you behind the scenes to discover the French art of living, and pass-on a little of the alchemy of the world famous French je-ne-sais-quoi. Committed, they will adapt to your desires.

3-hour visit organized with a Passages Secrets ambassador :

Paris Catacombs – Archaeological Crypt of the Ile de la Cité – Balzac House – Victor Hugo’s House, Hauteville House – Bourdelle Museum – Carnavalet Museum , History of Paris – Cernuschi Museum , Asian Arts Museum of Paris – Cognacq-Jay Museum , A taste of the 18th century – The Liberation of Paris General Leclerc Museum Jean Moulin Museum – Museum of the Romantic Life – Paris Modern Art Museum – Zadkine Museum – Galliera Palace, Fashion Museum – Petit Palais, Museum of fine Arts.

Your guide is a cultural facilitator who will unlock the secrets of a city that boasts over 2000 years of history, arts, culture, events, fashion, influence…

Note : Most museums are closed either on Monday or Tuesday.

Live a unique cooking experience in the heart of Paris, with Chef Véronique. Enjoy a range of bespoke services including private cooking classes followed by lunch, personal food and market tour.

Véronique caters events for the American Church, American Friends of Musée d’Orsay, members of the American Embassy and teaches classes to the American Women’s Group in Paris, who honored her as “Woman of the Year” twice for her efforts.

Whether it’s creating a special family dinner, catering an unforgettable cocktail party or designing a unique market tour, Véronique can provide unforgettable experiences that will deepen one’s love for French cuisine, culture and Paris.

Explore a local French market for the freshest produce and learn about choosing the right ingredients for your meal. Join chef Véronique at the open-air market or on Rue Cler (pedestrian market street) to pick up what is needed to prepare our lunch. You will learn about the French gastronomic culture while picking out freshest ingredients and choosing the right cheese among many other items. Back in the kitchen, Véronique will show you how to prepare an authentic French meal using the seasonal ingredients chosen from her local vendors, followed by a sit-down lunch. Lunch includes a cocktail, starter, main course, cheese, dessert and wine.

Explore a local French market for the freshest produce and learn about choosing the right ingredients for your meal. Join chef Veronique at the open-air market or on Rue Cler (pedestrian market street) to pick up what is needed to prepare our lunch. You will learn about the French gastronomic culture while picking out freshest ingredients and choosing the right cheese among many other items. Back in the kitchen, Veronique will show you how to prepare an authentic French meal using the seasonal ingredients chosen from her local vendors, followed by a sit-down lunch. Lunch includes a cocktail, starter, main course, cheese, dessert and wine.

Following lunch, Véronique will take you to one of her favorite streets for a two-hour tour of some of the most prestigious French chocolate, pastry, and bread shops, where you will get the chance to enjoy various treats. This trip includes six tasting stops.

Tucked away on the north side of the Montmartre hill, there is a small “illicit” vineyard with an unparalleled history. You’ll experience a Montmartre few visitors get to see, you will learn of its contrarian history, meet the winemakers, then taste the vineyard’s wines.

The experience combines a private visit to this vineyard with behind-the-scenes spots that show why the rebellious ‘republic’ of Montmartre is the only place it could exist. You start with our expert storyteller at Sacré-Coeur — itself a controversial remnant of the French civil war, built where cannons once stood — followed by a visit to the private Montmartre Museum, which maintains some of the original artist studios on the hill. Here you’ll learn more about how Montmartre went from being a center of working-class revolution to a neighborhood of cabarets and bars, frequented by artists, dancers, and intellectuals during the Belle Epoque. Afterwards, you will visit the vineyard, with its lovely view over northern Paris and its suburbs. Here, with an expert guide, you’ll learn how this green haven was preserved from the bustle of the city, the challenges of growing grapes here, and you’ll taste both red and rosé wines derived from the very vines you’ve touched.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

A privileged welcome at the foot of the Sacré-Coeur basilica by our expert storyteller.
A presentation of the Montmartre district and the influence of its people’s rebellious spirit.
A private visit to the Clos Montmartre vineyard after a moment inside the museum of Montmartre.
Learn about the Belle Epoque, the Commune civil war, and how the vineyard came to be here.
Taste the Clos Montmartre red and rosé wines while learning about this urban vineyard.
Meet with members of the winemaking group that oversees the vineyard.
A discussion about urban vineyards and winemaking techniques.
A gift of a limited-edition Clos Montmartre wine tasting glass.

The Royal stables of the Palace of Versailles play host this unforgettable experience. You’ll see a magnificent display of horsemanship and choreography at the stables’ performance arena, and get a private, behind-the-scenes visit to the blue-eyed Lusitanian horses who star in the show and meet one of the performers.

Considered the pinnacle of French horsemanship, the Royal stables of the Palace of Versailles welcome you to an unforgettable, private visit. Just in front of the palace, an expert guide will open the doors to the majestic compound, designed by Louis XIV’s top architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, and completed in 1682. Now home to the Equestrian Academy of Versailles, founded by the celebrated Maestro Bartabas in 2003, the Royal stables have become the venue for a unique troupe of horses with riders who are also dancers, fencers, singers, and practitioners of Kyudo, the Japanese art of archery. With your guide, you’ll visit the superb purebreds of the Academy, including the magnificent Lusitanians that so fascinated the Sun King. You’ll then have privileged seating for the show, “La Voie de l’Ecuyer,” or “The Way of the Squire,” showcasing world-class horsemanship and choreography. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a glass of Champagne with one of the troupe members.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

A privileged welcome by an expert storyteller from the Equestrian Academy of Versailles
A presentation of the different types of horses with the storyteller
A private visit to the Grand Stable of the King and the Academy founded by Bartabas.
Learn how Bartabas transformed the Royal riding arena into a stage for his choreography
See show “The Way of the Squire” with reserved seats in the third and fourth rows
Meet a rider from the troupe while enjoying a cocktail or flute of champagne in the foyer overlooking the palace
A discussion about the dressage techniques that you saw during the show
The gift of a special English edition of the “Connaissance des Arts” magazine, produced by the academy.