Today we’d like to introduce you to Joelle Gracia.
Hi Joelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It was during our spring break in April 2002. We were on one of those organized tours traveling from London to Paris by train. After having arrived at the Gare du Nord rail station in Paris, we all then hopped on the coach to make our way to the hotel. It was at this very moment that I fell in love with Paris for the first time. I remember looking through the windows and feeling completely enchanted. The lamp posts, the bridges, the cafes with the waiters in white aprons, the stylish people…there was a certain mood, a certain ambiance that I had never experienced before, and I instantly felt at home here.
Fast forward to 2011, the year that I started traveling to Paris as a solo traveler with my little Yorkie, Zoé. I knew that this time around there would be no tour guide to translate for me, and so I decided to prepare for this solo trip by taking French classes at the Alliance Française. I’m so glad that I did because not only have I met some of my best friends there, but when I arrived in Paris that summer, I realized that knowing basic phrases in French was a total game changer. I was able to go to my local boulangerie and order “une baguette tradition, s’il vous plaît”, chat with merchants at the farmer’s markets, and build friendships that still exist to this day.
Since that summer in 2011, I’ve deepened my relationship with Paris and France by being there as much as I can. My favorite Parisian neighborhood, Saint Germain des Prés, is my home during the summers and is where I welcome Meet Me in Paris guests. When in Atlanta, I enjoy hosting French events for the Atlanta Joie de Vivre group. The wine continues to be a passion for me and in 2013 I went on to pursue formal training at Emory to become a French Wine Scholar. The Covid-19 pandemic further opened up opportunities to train remotely with schools located in France such as the Comité Champagne where I specialized and became certified in Champagne, as well as studying French at Sorbonne University in Paris via Zoom. Today, I invite guests from all over the globe to join me in Paris where we experience the “joie de vivre” (the joy of living) together!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges has been figuring out the logistics, particularly since I’m so far away from our tour locations. What that means is that whenever I’m in Paris, it’s necessary to maximize my time there by focusing on the itineraries curated for Meet Me in Paris and working hard to ensure quality experiences for all of my guests.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Meet Me in Paris is your invitation to travel as my guest to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. As your hostess I invite you to join me for strolls in the Parisian gardens, admire gorgeous art, taste exquisite food, explore French wines, and something that you cannot find anywhere else – a taste of Parisian café culture. As a speaker of the French language, I’ll help us navigate through our bonjours & bonsoirs with the locals. As for your place of stay, your home for the week is a chic boutique hotel in the elegant sixth arrondissement filled with an assortment of delightful places within walking distance. This trip is perfect for both first time and returning visitors to Paris, as well as solo travelers and those traveling with companions.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
This may sound like a cliché. But my advice to others who have an idea in mind and are wanting to pursue those ideas is the same thing that has been told to me, and that is to follow your passion. When you feel passionate about something people take notice because that passion shines through.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.meetmeinparisatl.com/quintessential-paris
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetmeinparisatl/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeetMe_in_Paris
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/meetmeinparisatl/ and also TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@meetmeinparisatl
