Textile Tours 2025
MAY 17th - 26th 2025
SEPTEMBER 18th - 25th 2025
Welcome
Follow the Threads is a 9-day exploration of the rich traditions of French textile. From silk to jacquard to Toile de Jouy and vintage garments, this voyage will transport you from the tapestry of the Middle Ages to the contemporary epicenters of haute couture while passing through rarely visited venues. Focused on the cultural centers of Paris, with hands-on experiences and visits to museums, boutiques and galleries, the trip weaves its way through half a millennium of textile fabrication and design.
We have prepared this experience with care to satisfy your curiosity, and we are absolutely thrilled to take you on this fiber adventure. No knowledge of textiles is necessary.
Your Guide: CLaire Renaut
CLaire is a French-born textile artist who has resided in the United States since 1998. She received a bachelor’s in fashion design from Esmod in Paris before earning a master’s degree in textile art and science from Philadelphia University. Her deep roots in the material culture of cloth and bi-cultural background make her a perfect guide for this voyage.
En route pour de Nouvelles Aventures!
See you in Paris.
Follow the Threads textile tour in Paris was just fabulous!
Claire took us to see some truly hidden gems. From the Boutis workshop to the Petit Trianon at the Chateau de Versailles, I saw textiles in an entirely new way.
The museum guides and lectures were very knowledgeable. The exhibitions were fascinating. And, do I need to mention that the food was so delicious! I would go back in a heartbeat!
Cass W
Client Review
Claire’s French textile trip was truly an extraordinary experience! I signed up looking for a creative travel opportunity, but this was so much more—it was a deep dive into the artistry of textiles. I went in with just a casual interest but came out with a whole new appreciation for the craftsmanship and cultural significance of this art form. The mix of historical insights, hands-on learning, and exposure to modern innovations gave me fresh inspiration and new ideas for my creative work.
Learning to weave and the boutis workshop gave me a whole new respect for the skill and artistry that goes into textile creation.
Thank you, Claire, for creating such a transformative experience! I can’t recommend “Follow the Threads” enough to anyone curious about textiles or looking to reignite their creative spark.
Julia K.
Julia K
Client Review
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Arrival in Paris
Public transportation, taxi, or private transfer to your hotel. Relax and get acquainted with the neighborhood.
Day 2
PARIS – Tapestry of The Middle Ages
Let’s start with The Middle Ages, with tapestries that have made history!
Day 3
PARIS – “Au Bonheur des Dames“
A morning of delights in fabrics, notions, yarn, as well as a walk around Montmartre.
Day 4
PARIS – Decorative Arts
We will start our day with a tour of the Museum of Decorative Arts. Follow by the Jardin de Tuileries and the gallery Vivienne.
Day 5
PARIS – Fashion and Haute Couture
Guided tour of the Musee Galliera.
Visit to the Dior Gallery, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
Day 6
VERSAILLES – Royal Pattern
We will immerse ourselves in the heart of the history of textile patterns at the Musee de la Toile de Jouy and continue to the Petit Trianon in the Chateau de Versailles.
Day 7
PARIS – Where Fashion and Fabric Are Being Made
We will head to the 2nd arrondissement and the Sentier district where fashion is omnipresent.
Afterward, we will visit La Manufacture des Gobelins.
Day 8
PARIS – Flea Market and Workshop
Visit the booths of vintage fabrics and clothes. Followed by a workshop on Boutis, a technique for creating stitched and embroidered textiles.
Day 9
Return
After breakfast, taxi or transfer to the airport (optional).
*Changes in the schedule may occur. Guests will be notified if any changes occur.
Located between the Opera and the Madeleine, a stone's throw from department stores and the main theatres, the George Sand Hotel opens its doors in the heart of the fashion and business district. From the hotel you will gladly walk to visit the Louvre Museum, go shopping in the many boutiques of the Faubourg Saint Honoré, admire the windows of the jewelers of the Place Vendôme.
Hôtel George Sand Opéra Paris
Price and Stuff
Includes
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Friendly knowledgeable English/French/German-speaking guide throughout your stay
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9 nights in 3 stars hotel in Paris
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Coach to Jouy en Josas and Versailles.
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Parisian MetroCard (Navigo card)
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Daily continental breakfast, 6 lunches, 3 dinners
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Guided visits, entrance fees for conferences and museums, according to the program
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Boutis lecture and workshop in Paris
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Assistance 24/7
Price per person
$4200/10 participants;
$4300/8 participants;
$4500/6 participants;
$4900/4 participants
Private tours for 1-3 participant - Contact for information
Deposit: $1500 at booking
Balance: due 8 weeks before tour starts
*The itinerary is subject to change if necessary due to weather or other events outside our control.
Optional
The supplement in a single room: +109 Euros per person per night.
Does not Include
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Airfares
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Travel and cancellation insurance (recommended)
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Wine and drinks other than water and mineral water with meals.
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Taxi, or public transportation to and from the airport.
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Any services not mentioned in the program.
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Personal expenses.
Dress
Informal. Jeans are acceptable everywhere. A raincoat or jacket, as well as a light sweater would be advisable. The tour involves a good amount of walking, so comfortable shoes, such as sneakers, are highly suggested.
Diet
We are happy to provide vegetarian meal, please let us know about it when you register.
Weather in May & September
September is generally mild and sunny in France. Here are weather statistics for France from September 2024:
day/ night: 22° / 13°C and 72° / 55° F; rain: 7 days.