We had the good fortune of connecting with Joelle Gracia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joelle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The idea for Meet Me in Paris started with a passion that I have for Paris and France. I fell in love with the City of Light over 20 years ago and since then, and with every moment that I’m there, I adore it more and more. As with anything else, when you really love something you want to share with other people and this is how Meet Me in Paris was born. It is an invitation to those who’ve been wanting to go or were curious about Paris but didn’t have a travel partner, or who may have felt intimidated because of not knowing the language. As your travel host, Meet Me in Paris welcomes both first-time and return guests to enjoy Paris without having to plan, organize or have any of those worries.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Meet Me in Paris is an invitation to travel as my guest to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The idea began out of a love that I have for Paris and everything French, and today I want to share those experiences with others.

Meet Me in Paris is unique in that guests are accompanied throughout the daily itineraries, which are prepared ahead of their arrival. We explore Paris together in our guided walks, food and wine tastings, art exhibits, and other Parisian experiences. All of the details such as airport pickup, hotels, tickets and reservations, etc. are taken care of well in advance so that travelers can relax and enjoy the city.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Day 1 Welcome to Paris! At the airport arrivals hall, you’ll be greeted by your personal driver holding a sign with your name on it. We’ll meet up for a welcome reception and a chance for you to unwind after your long journey. Afterwards we’ll stroll around the neighborhood for an introduction to Rive Gauche (Paris’ Left Bank), Île de la Cité where Paris was born, and the medieval streets of the Latin Quarter. Dinner in a lovely neighborhood restaurant.

Day 2
A moveable feast…includes a visit to one of Paris’ most charming pedestrian streets, a guided walking food tour and wine tasting. The day concludes with Champagne & macarons and a view of the Eiffel Tower at night.

Day 3
Today we make our way to la Rive Droite (Paris’ Right Bank) for 18th & 19th century Parisian high elegance, including a visit to one of Paris’ lesser known museums, a stop at an open-air market, and a leisurely afternoon stroll through one of the most exclusive avenues of the capital. We continue with a walk to the Champs de Mars for an up-close view of the iconic Eiffel Tower. For the evening, we meet up for cocktails & jazz.

Day 4

This day is your time to enjoy Paris on your own, whether it is a visit to a famous museum, pampering yourself at a hammam or the luxurious Dior Spa, taking a cooking class, or people watching at a local café. The choices are endless. Meet Me in Paris can also help you plan a day trip to Versailles or Giverny for those who wish to visit these destinations. Or… come with me on a train ride for Champagne tasting in the world famous Champagne region!

Day 5

We’ll meet up in the afternoon and make our way to one of my favorite squares in the city and practice the art of “flaner”, a Parisian pastime which means to stroll or wander for pleasure. After a stop for a scenic view (with photo ops of course), we’ll have a “pause gourmande” (coffee and pastries) at a lovely Paris café. Later is a short Métro ride to the Afro-Caribbean quarter and to the village of Montmartre where artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Toulouse Lautrec used to live and work. In the evening we enjoy an “au revoir: (farewell) dinner together, sharing travel stories and toasting new friends!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Morgane DiMeglio is a friend and part of the Meet Me in Paris community. She is the one who was able to capture my vision and bring it to life. https://www.mdm-pr.com/

Nicole Gustin- she and I are both francophiles and when I shared with her my idea she has been supporting me in the areas that I struggle with the most which is the business aspect, in particular marketing. https://www.bitelinesatl.com/

Website: https://www.meetmeinparisatl.com/quintessential-paris

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetmeinparisatl/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo%C3%ABlle-gracia-6121911b8/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeetMe_in_Paris

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087366610609

Other: Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/meetmeinparisatl TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@meetmeinparisatl

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.