Stroll through French literary history
Experience hosted by Vesna
2.5 hours
Includes food, drinks
Up to 8 people
Hosted in English, French
What you'll do
We will stroll around my neighborhood, in between the 16th and 8th arrondissements, close to the Champs-Élysées, discovering the hidden places where Honoré de Balzac, Marcel Proust, Charles Baudelaire, Paul Valéry, and other artists lived a part of their lives. You will then be invited to my own "salon" apartment in a 19th-century building to read a few poems and excerpts from novels in English or French. Meanwhile, we will listen to the music of Debussy, yet another former resident of this area. We'll end the afternoon with tea or coffee and homemade madeleines to perhaps reveal some long-forgotten memories. Collector's editions from my family book collection will be available for you to view. I will bid you farewell by unveiling the name of my closest historical neighbor who lived briefly on the same street.
Other things to note
Even though it is a leisurely walk, please wear some comfortable shoes.
Other things to note
Even though it is a leisurely walk, please wear some comfortable shoes.
We will stroll around my neighborhood, in between the 16th and 8th arrondissements, close to the Champs-Élysées, discovering the hidden places where Honoré de Balzac, Marcel Proust, Charles Baudelaire, Paul Valéry, and other artists lived a part of their lives. You will then be invited to my own "salon" apartment in a 19th-century building to read a few poems and excerpts from novels in English or French. Meanwhile, we will listen to the music of…
Vesna's commitment to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19-related safety and cleaning guidelines—including adhering to social distancing guidelines, practising good hygiene and ensuring that all participants wear a mask.
What's included
- FoodMadeleines
- DrinksTea or coffee
- 40 Reviews
- Identity verified
I am a passionate reader, tireless storyteller, and have been an active English and French book-club member for many years. I enjoy telling uncommon anecdotes about famous writers who lived in my neighborhood near the Arc de Triomphe and about life in Paris in general. I have traveled and lived in many countries. Yet, even after more than three decades of being a Parisian, my curiosity and love for this fascinating city has never ceased. I am still a small town girl from far away, and I often pinch myself to remind myself I actually live in Paris. Let me share some of that wonder with you.
I am a passionate reader, tireless storyteller, and have been an active English and French book-club member for many years. I enjoy telling uncommon anecdotes about famous writers who lived in my neighborhood near the Arc de Triomphe and about life in Paris in general. I have traveled and lived in many countries. Yet, even after more than three decades of being a Parisian, my curiosity and love for this fascinating city has never ceased. I am still a small town girl from far away, and I often pi…
Where you'll be
The walk will take place on the side streets, some named after the writers, not far away from Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées. We will also pass through two smaller, rather unknown parks. Along the way I will draw your attention to different, lesser known monuments, historical buildings, or simply places of interest and sites you might have noticed, but not heard much about. The second half of the experience takes place at my home.
Very good tour, full of historic perspectives, anecdotes and places of significance for some of the most important French writers of the 19th century. It ends with a nice tea and reading at the guide’s apartment located in an historic area of Paris.
Very good tour, full of historic perspectives, anecdotes and places of significance for some of the most important French writers of the 19th century. It ends with a nice tea and r…
This was a unique and fascinating tour. An excellent way to learn some things about Paris that are a bit off the usual tourist map. Vesna was a wonderful guide who's clearly passionate about what she does. Visiting with her in her beautiful apartment was an extra treat.
This was a unique and fascinating tour. An excellent way to learn some things about Paris that are a bit off the usual tourist map. Vesna was a wonderful guide who's clearly passio…
We had a lovely tour with Vesna. Her knowledge of writers who lived in and around her neighborhood was insightful and we really enjoyed walking around and visiting some of the spots where they spent time. We had a lovely visit at her gorgeous apartment, listened to music, and enjoyed tea and madeleines.
We had a lovely tour with Vesna. Her knowledge of writers who lived in and around her neighborhood was insightful and we really enjoyed walking around and visiting some of the spot…
The Stroll Through French Literary History with Vesna was exceptional -- an interesting and informative insight into several writers and their place in French history. Vesna was very knowledgeable and shared this knowledge in a very relatable way. Ending the tour at her lovely apartment, savoring home-made madeleines and listening to poetry and classical music was certainly a treat!
The Stroll Through French Literary History with Vesna was exceptional -- an interesting and informative insight into several writers and their place in French history. Vesna was ve…
I had a great afternoon with Vesna! She’s knowledgeable, elegant! I’ve learned so much about French literature and so many anecdotes that I felt like I was back to the beautiful old days ! Highly recommend this experience if you haven’t done it before! Since I will do it next time when I visit Paris for sure!
I had a great afternoon with Vesna! She’s knowledgeable, elegant! I’ve learned so much about French literature and so many anecdotes that I felt like I was back to the beautiful ol…
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 8 guests ages 18 and up can attend.
What to bring
Take an umbrella and dress according to the weather