Fashion History Tour of Paris
July 20th-July 27th, 2025
Join fashion historian April Calahan and haute couture embroiderer and textile expert Rebecca Devaney for an unforgettable, fashion history, costume and textile fueled adventure behind the "seams" of the world fashion capital of Paris.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Sunday, July 20
Enchantée et bienvenue à Paris! After checking into our 4-star hotel in the heart of the city, you are invited to join April and Rebecca for a welcome cocktail soirée. Meet your fellow travelers and fashion and textile enthusiasts from around the world who are certain to become fast friends.
Day 2: Monday, July 21
We can think of no better way to begin our time than by visiting the Louvre for the first fashion exhibition in the museum’s 231 year history. Louvre Couture: Art and Fashion spans the 9,000 sq meter Department of Decorative Arts, pairing 100 garments and accessories on loan from 45 fashion houses in dialogue with decorative art objects from the period which inspired them. The fashion objects which span the years 1960 until today, include works by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Dior, Hermès, Chanel, Versace, Thierry Mugler and Iris Van Herpen to mention but a few.
After lunch on your own, we will cross the Louvre’s famed courtyard to make our way to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs for the much anticipated exhibition Paul Poiret: Fashion is a Feast. This important retrospective will highlight the work of one of modern fashion’s most important designers exhibiting Poirer’s avant-garde designs alongside textiles, illustrations, and photographs. It will highlight his interest in Orientalism and his contributions to the now legendary 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes.
This evening we will enjoy a private, after-hours tour of Paris’ famed Belle Epoque opera house, the Palais Garnier. Home to the Paris ballet, the Garnier served as the inspiration for The Phantom of the Opera and during our tour we will descend into the belly of the opera where we will view its ‘river’ below and understage workings dating to the 19th century. All before we get to experience the ballet’s working costume ateliers! From the tutu studios to the artisan workshops where the dancer’s shoes are custom dyed, this tour indulges enthusiasts of architecture, fashion and dance history alike.
Day 3: Tuesday, July 22
Our second full-day begins with a Dressed traveler favorite! Rebecca will lead us on a half-day tour of Paris’ famed merceries where the highest-quality ribbons, threads, embroidery supplies, buttons–and so much more–are to be found. With hundreds of years of artisanal making behind these purveyors, this is a shopping adventure that simply cannot be experienced outside of Paris.
After lunch on your own, next, we venture to a majestic 19th-century palace that houses the Palais Galliera: The Fashion Museum of the City of Paris. Discover a treasure trove of fashion history spanning centuries in the Museum’s permanent galleries for La Mode en Mouvement #3, which showcases the evolution of sportswear through the ages. Alongside creations by contemporary designers (including an special exhibition dedicated to the work of Rick Owens), Palais Galliera offers a curated journey through the annals of fashion, highlighting the artistry, innovation, and cultural significance that define Paris as the global capital of style.
Day 4: Wednesday, July 23
Today begins with a trip to the legendary La Galerie Dior, a museum dedicated exclusively to the work and legacy of Christian Dior. April and Rebecca will give a short talk before we enter the enchanting and immersive world of Dior to learn the history of not only its founder, but also the designers who followed him to helm one of the most important fashion houses in history.
After lunch on your own, prepare to be mesmerized as we step into the world of Atelier Caraco where creativity meets craftsmanship. This made-to-measure atelier creates exceptional garments for haute couture, film and television alike, including the costumes for AppleTv’s recent production The New Look, which showcased Atelier Caraco’s amazing recreations of the work of Christian Dior and Coco Chanel.
We round out our day with a delight for the senses, a visit to the Musée du Parfum, a treasure trove of art and perfume housed in a beautifully restored 19th century mansion. Discover the fascinating history of perfume through interactive exhibits and aromatic experiences that awaken your senses to the world of scent and its intimate connection to fashion and culture. This fascinating private tour ends with a shopping experience (and wonderful discounts!) at the luxury perfumier Fragonard.
This evening offers the option to learn about the enchanting art and history of embroidery with Rebecca in an intimate gathering held at Au Ver à Soie, a family run business that has sold the finest silken threads for 200 years. Her engaging Samplers of Seduction workshop and accompanying luxury embroidery kit are the result of years of dedicated work as both an educator and haute couture embroiderer. This is an optional event for an additional fee.
Day 5: Thursday, July 24
Today is entirely dedicated to the opulence, splendor, and history of the royal palace of Versailles. As our private coach takes us to our destination, April and Rebecca will transport you to the bygone era of extravagance and intrigue, regaling you with stories of the fashion and etiquette of kings, queens, and courtiers at the home of the French court. Upon arrival, an audio guided tour of the main palace of Versailles will accompany you through the lavish chambers and majestic halls.
This will be followed by a sumptuous lunch together at the iconic Angelina restaurant before we make our way through Versailles' vast and exquisite gardens featuring floating swans and musical fountains to the Petit Trianon.
Marie Antoinette’s retreat from life at court, the nearby estate of Petit Trianon, was the Queen’s private residence and indulged her penchant for music with its private opera house and bucolic Norman-style hamlet where she purportedly played and dressed à la shepherdess and kept a flock of sheep dyed pink. Still a working farm today, Petit Trianon and its Hamlet are rarely seen by most visitors to Versailles and give a glimpse into the private life of the Queen of Fashion.
After a full day of experiencing epic luxury, our private coach returns us to Paris as April and Rebecca regale you with stories about the Queen's personal style.
Day 6: Friday, July 25
Our day begins at the famed ‘street of a thousand luxuries,’ the Rue de la Paix, which was once the epicenter of haute couture. On this walking tour developed exclusively for you, we will visit the former sites of famed haute couture houses including the Houses of Worth, Paquin, Doucet, Cartier and Schiaparelli among others.
After lunch on your own, we will get to know the father of haute couture, Charles Frederick Worth up close and personal by way of the exhibition Worth: Inventing Haute Couture. Co-curated by the Palais Galliera and the Petit Palais, the exhibition features 400 works including 80 examples of Worth garments as well as accessories, “objects, paintings and graphics–to create a vast fresco of the creations of the House of Worth.”
In the evening, we offer you an optional excursion to experience the sultry side of Paris at the historic Crazy Horse cabaret. The work of Christian Louboutin and tasteful partial nudity collide for a uniquely glamorous evening that has been a favorite experience for our past travelers. You won’t want to miss it!
Day 7: Saturday, July 26
Today is all about wandering the passages of the historic and legendary Les Puces, the world’s largest flea market. One of April and Rebecca’s favorite haunts with its incredible offerings of vintage fashion and fashion ephemera, antique textiles and deadstock sewing materials, furniture, art, and so much more... Les Puces is a repository of Parisian style. Each destination promises a blend of history, artistry, and intrigue. And did we mention shopping?!
Rebecca and April will lead you on two separate private tours of the market. Rebecca will regale you with her extensive knowledge of the market’s history and lead you to her favorite textile dealers, while April will introduce you to some of the best fashion purveyors at Les Puces!
Enjoy the whole day at Les Puces or cross your final Paris activities off of your list in the afternoon before we meet back up for our farewell dinner in the form of a sumptuous evening picnic at the Eiffel Tower catered by Love Picnic Paris.
Day 8: Sunday, July 27
Au revoir to Paris!
Cost and Terms and Conditions
Your Package Includes:
- 7 Nights at a 4- star centrally located boutique hotel with daily breakfast
- Welcome evening cocktail party and sumptuous farewell dinner
- Entrance to the Dior Museum (Le Galerie Dior)
- Entrance to Musée du Parfum, Fragonard
- Exclusive visit to the costume workshop of Atelier Caraco
- Private textile tour with Rebecca Devaney of Textile Tours of Paris
- Entrance to Palais Galliera, the Fashion Museum of the City of Paris
- Entrance to the Louvre to view the exhibition Louvre Couture: Art & Fashion
- Entrance to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs to view the exhibition Paul Poiret: Fashion is a Feast
- Private, after-hours tour of the Palais Garnier opera house & costume workshops
- Exclusive coach to our day at Versailles with lunch included
- Dressed’s exclusive walking tour of Paris’ ‘Street of a 1000 Luxuries,’ the Rue de la Paix
- Entrance to the Petit Palais to view the exhibition Worth: Inventing Couture
- Visit to Les Puces, Paris’ flea market with private tours by April & Rebecca
- Paris Metro Pass
- Dressed swag including a Textile Travels Paris Guide
Package Price
Cost of the trip:
Single Occupancy: $7,300 USD
Double Occupancy: $5,600 USD
Please review "additional information" section below before signing up for the tour.
Notes:
- Please note that some activities mentioned within the itinerary may incur additional costs as noted below.
- Prices are subject to adjustment until booked.
- You are welcome to request a partner to room with and we will pair you together as roommates for double occupancy.
- You will be notified via email from cheers@wanderandpour.com when your slot on the trip has been confirmed.
This cost includes:
Hotel: 7-nights in a 4-star accommodation Crowne Plaza Republique Paris
Meals:
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, except day of arrival
- Welcome Cocktail Party at hotel, including 2 drinks per person, and canapés
- Lunch at Angelina’s Coffee Chateau, Versailles
- Farewell dinner
Transportation:
- RATP Metro Pass for 1 week
- Local luxury motor coach for excursion to Versailles
Outlined Inclusions:
- Entrance to Dior Museum
- Guided visit to Fragonard Museum
- Entrance to Atelier Caraco
- Guided textile walking tour with Rebecca Devaney
- Entrance to Musée des Arts Décoratifs
- Entrance to Le Louvre
- Entrance to Palais Galliera
- Guided tour of Palais Garnier including an after-hours backstage visit and tour of costumes workshops
- Entrance to Versailles Palace, the Estate of Trianon, and the gardens
- Entrance to Petit Palais
- Visit to Les Puces, the world's largest flea market
Optional Adds-on for an Additional Cost
- Samplers of Seductions Embroidery Workshop with Rebecca Devaney, cost $201
- The Crazy Horse Show - includes: The show and ½ a bottle of Crazy Champagne, cost $195
What's not included:
- Any flights
- Ground transportation outside of what is specifically outlined in the inclusions
- Meals outside what is specifically outlined in the inclusions
- Travel Insurance
- Souvenirs
- COVID protocol/ testing (if applicable)
- Gratuities: All local service charges are included on confirmed items. Tips to your driver/chauffeur are not included and are at your own discretion. Tipping guidelines will be provided with final e-documents.
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary above
Additional Information
Payment Schedule:
- Your non-refundable $500 initial deposit will be due immediately upon booking.
- Fees for optional additional experiences will be charged in full at the time of final payment.
- Final payment is due April 21, 2025 along with passenger insurance information.
Cancellation policy & fees:
- Outside of 95 days: Insurance + $500 initial deposit
- 94 – 60 days prior: 60% of total cost + insurance + $500 initial deposit
- 59 days prior or less: 100% of total cost
Insurance: will be an optional add-on or you can seek your own provider
Rates:
Rates are quoted in USD and are based on current exchange rates. All rates are quoted per person. Journeys Connect reserves the right to adjust prices and/or itinerary as necessary due to availability or unforeseeable events. Once the deposit is received, Journeys Connect will begin the confirmation process. Upon confirmation, all rates are guaranteed. NOTE: Once Journeys Connect receives a group deposit, all rates are guaranteed against currency fluctuations.
Payment:
Payments can be made by credit card to Journeys Connect. Purchaser's credit card will be charged by Journey Connect and will appear as follows on credit a card statement: “Journeys Connect”.
Double and single occupancy:
If you requested double occupancy, we will pair you with another traveler that has requested to be paired with a roommate. We cannot guarantee any requested attributes of your roommate and selecting to be paired with a roommate is at your discretion. Single occupancy rooms are on a request basis and subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed as they may not be available at all properties.
Trip Requirements:
This tour is for travelers 18 years and up. Maximum group size is 25 people, with two additional hosts.
We will be relying primarily on the Paris Metro to get around Paris and therefore you can expect to walk several miles a day and encounter lots of stairs. This means you’re an on-the-go traveler and walking several miles a day and traversing uneven surfaces is not a problem for you. Our robust itinerary means departing the hotel in the morning and returning in the late afternoon/early evening. This trip will be a challenge for those requiring long rest periods and is not a good fit for travelers with limited mobility.
Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your travel. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements. IMPORTANT: We recommend that travelers take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.
Porterage:
Porterage is not included at hotels.
ARRIVAL SUGGESTIONS & PRE-POST TOUR ARRANGEMENTS:
Flight Suggestions: We recommend flying into Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports. Taxis and car services are the recommended method to get to the hotel. Official Paris taxis from CDG to the hotel are a flat rate of 56 Euro and from Orly 44 Euro.
Many travelers prefer to fly to Paris a day before the tour starts to rest off the jet lag. If you require extra nights in Paris before or after our tour dates, please email Kristin Staats & Katie Staats at cheers@wanderandpour.com for assistance. Additional nights at Crowne Plaza Republique Paris before or after the tour are not guaranteed and are subject to availability.
Check in:
Check-in at the hotels is normally 2:00pm. The hotels will try to accommodate earlier arrivals, but this is not guaranteed.
Tour Managers:
Your fashion experts, April Calahan and Rebecca Devaney and their tour assistant will be your point of contact for questions or concerns while on tour. While in Paris, we will use a group WhatsApp chat to coordinate as needed.
Regarding group meals, please alert tour managers in advance of any serious food allergies.
We will do our best to accommodate dietary preferences and allergies but cannot we can't guarantee selections to fit all allergies/preferences.
Please note: The order of visits outlined in the itinerary might change based on availability at the time of booking. All visits are subject to availability until the time of full group deposit and reasonable substitutions will be made should there be difficulty in securing availability at the time of deposits are received.
Your Knowledgeable Hosts
April Calahan is a fashion historian, writer and professional podcaster living and working in New York City. She is co-founder/created of Dressed: The History of Fashion, an educational platform dedicated to celebrating the societal and cultural significance of dress worn throughout history and around the world. Co-founded with Cassidy Zachary, Dressed’s offerings include a twice-weekly podcast, online courses and
in-person tours.
For twelve years, April served as a Special Collections curator at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and her work has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, WWD, Architectural Digest and The Business of Fashion. She has lectured at cultural institutions around the world including Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Yale University, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne and Parsons School of Design. Her publications include Fashion Plates: 150 Years of Style,
Fashion and the Art of Pochoir and The Hidden History of American Fashion.
Rebecca Devaney is a textile artist, researcher, and teacher with a BA in Art, Craft and Design Education (2006), an MFA in Textile Art and Artefact (2015) and recipient of the Education Award for excellence in teaching practice (2006) from the National College of Art and Design, Dublin. In 2018, following her graduation from École Lesage, Paris, Rebecca worked as a professional haute couture embroiderer for Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Givenchy, and Louis Vuitton. Her research into the origins, history and heritage of haute couture embroidery has been published and presented internationally. Rebecca established Textile Tours of Paris in 2019 to share her love of the rich heritage of textiles woven through the fabric of Paris, giving guided tours of the haberdasheries (notions stores) and vintage textile and fashion experts at the oldest flea market in Paris.
In 2022, Rebecca launched Samplers of Seduction, a collection of beautiful embroidery kits inspired by 18th century patterns and designs hidden in the libraries and museums of Paris.
In 2023, Rebecca and Jo Andrews began publishing Textile Travels, a series of guides for the intrepid textile traveller that includes Paris, London, Dublin, Lyon, Venice and New York. Rebecca will launch her first television series on the Joie de Vivre streaming network in 2024.