Meet Erica
Born and raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit), I did what every good Detroiter does and went to work in the car industry. After many years traveling around the globe for one of the “Big Three” I fell in love with a French executive and moved to Paris with him in 2007.
I got married, learned French, had twin boys (surprise!!), received French nationality, and basked in the opportunity to eat, drink, shop, and learn about what makes France and the French so deliciously appealing to the world.
This deep personal connection to Paris, combined with a lifelong passion for history and culture, naturally led me to guiding. I pursued formal education at the University of Paris Nanterre, culminating in my qualification as a Nationally-licensed Guide Conférencière.
Today, I offer private, story-driven tours for discerning travelers seeking a deeper, more meaningful experience. Whether your passion lies in art, architecture, history, or simply the pleasure of being immersed in French culture, I leverage a unique blend of American perspective and Parisian insight to craft unparalleled luxury experiences, inviting you to discover the true essence of France.
What is a Guide Conférencier?
In France, a Guide Conférencier is a nationally licensed tour guide who holds a professional credential issued by the French Ministry of Culture. To become one, guides must complete a university-level program in art history, history, or cultural heritage, and pass rigorous exams in both content and public speaking. The title isn’t just honorary—it’s a legal distinction that ensures a high level of knowledge, training, and professionalism. Guides are also required to speak multiple languages fluently and are often specialists in specific regions or historical periods.
Only Guides Conférenciers are authorized to lead guided tours inside France’s national museums and monuments, including the Louvre, the Château de Versailles, and sites like Mont-Saint-Michel or the Sainte-Chapelle. This regulation protects both the integrity of the sites and the visitor experience, ensuring that guests receive accurate, well-researched information presented in a thoughtful and engaging way.
When you book a licensed guide, you’re not just getting access—you’re getting a richer, deeper, and more reliable window into French history and culture.
