Instructor Cécile Balavoine begins the course with a walking tour that introduces the city through the stories of its historic female figures.

All of the students in our recent session of Women in Paris had been to the City of Light before. They’d strolled along the Seine, stood beneath the Eiffel Tower, and visited the major museums more than once.

Taking this class allowed them to see Paris differently—as a place shaped by the women who have lived in, created in, and contributed to the city across centuries. Through readings, discussions, walking tours, and intimate conversations with artists, writers, and designers, the cohort came to know a Paris that most visitors never encounter.

Here are some highlights:

The group sits down with acclaimed French writer Colombe Schneck for a conversation about *The Paris Trilogy*—her recent, deeply personal exploration of memory, identity, and the city.

Field Seminars

Classes took place across the city—in museums, neighborhoods, cafés, and historic sites—making Paris itself central to the learning experience. Visits included the atelier of a glass artist inspired by the famed Metro entrances, a private behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Opéra‑Comique, where female opera characters Carmen and Manon first came to life, and a conversation with the restaurateur who transformed a rundown café into the cozy neighborhood restaurant that hosted our farewell dinner.

After a morning Field Seminar, a student wanders through the Latin Quarter in search of a street mentioned in that day’s reading.

Self-Guided Study

Students followed their own interests, exploring the city independently to deepen and personalize the course material. The Instructor offered suggestions of hidden spots and lesser-known museums connected to course, but everyone charted their own course at their own pace.

The group gathered for a lively discussion each day in the courtyard of the hotel.

Daily Discussions

The group gathered each day to connect ideas, share observations, and reflect on how what they saw and experienced throughout the city connected back to the themes of the course.

A tasting at a neighborhood wine bar is a chance to learn not just about French wine regions and grapes, but also about the culture of the *apéro*—the ritual of gathering for drinks and light bites before dinner.

Extracurriculars

Depending on their interests, students had the opportunity to learn about French wines, take a pastry-making class, or go on a gallery walk led by their Facilitator. Each of these activities offered a different lens on contemporary Paris and added texture to the overall experience.

Thank you to our Women in Paris cohort!

For more information about Women in Paris and to explore upcoming sessions of this course, check out the course page.