Textile Tours
2026
JUNE 17th - 25th
SEPTEMBER 12th - 20th
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.
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).
*This is a brief overview of the schedule to give you an idea. Changes will occur between the May and September tour. Guests will be notified.
*The itinerary is subject to change if necessary due to weather or other events outside our control.
Heard Along the Thread
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!
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