Bonjour, I’m Meli
A Canadian historian based in Paris, helping curious travellers make sense of the city one neighborhood at a time.
My relationship with Paris started more than 15 years ago
I first came to the city as a traveller.
Like many people, my interest in the city started with a film. Watching Amélie for the first time sparked something in me. Paris felt like a place where the ordinary was never quite ordinary.
Over the past fifteen years I kept finding my way back. Eventually that pull brought me here for good.
What still fascinates me today is how much there is to uncover. The city’s history, architecture, cultural influence and the everyday details that fit together in the most intricate and layered ways.
Those are the things I love sharing when I guide people through Paris.
“I believe, every day, you should have at least one exquisite moment.”
— Audrey Hepburn
What It’s Like to Explore Paris Together
Paris is full of tours.
My tours are intentionally small and always led by me ⁓ so you’ll always know exactly who your guide is.
In the days leading up to your tour, we’ll be in touch to make sure you have everything you need. I’m always happy to answer questions or help you prepare for our time together.
We’ll begin with a hotel pickup or meet at a convenient starting point and from there explore the city at a relaxed pace.
Along the way I’ll share the stories, context and small observations that help connect what you’re seeing around you. It’s not a lecture, it’s never rushed and there’s always space for questions, conversation and a pause for a photograph or a great view.
Whether it’s your first visit to Paris or a return trip, my goal is to help the city feel a little more familiar by the time we’re finished.
I lived in Dubai for a decade before settling in Paris
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I've explored more than 25 countries (and counting)
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I once had the opportunity to interview Noam Chomsky
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I still wear the Dr. Martens I thrifted 20 yrs ago
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My soundtrack is a mix of podcasts and electronic music
·
I lived in Dubai for a decade before settling in Paris
·
I've explored more than 25 countries (and counting)
·
I once had the opportunity to interview Noam Chomsky
·
I still wear the Dr. Martens I thrifted 20 yrs ago
·
My soundtrack is a mix of podcasts and electronic music
·
I lived in Dubai for a decade before settling in Paris
·
I've explored more than 25 countries (and counting)
·
I once had the opportunity to interview Noam Chomsky
·
I still wear the Dr. Martens I thrifted 20 yrs ago
·
My soundtrack is a mix of podcasts and electronic music
·
I lived in Dubai for a decade before settling in Paris · I've explored more than 25 countries (and counting) · I once had the opportunity to interview Noam Chomsky · I still wear the Dr. Martens I thrifted 20 yrs ago · My soundtrack is a mix of podcasts and electronic music · I lived in Dubai for a decade before settling in Paris · I've explored more than 25 countries (and counting) · I once had the opportunity to interview Noam Chomsky · I still wear the Dr. Martens I thrifted 20 yrs ago · My soundtrack is a mix of podcasts and electronic music · I lived in Dubai for a decade before settling in Paris · I've explored more than 25 countries (and counting) · I once had the opportunity to interview Noam Chomsky · I still wear the Dr. Martens I thrifted 20 yrs ago · My soundtrack is a mix of podcasts and electronic music ·
Why Tour With Me
What makes these experiences different is the perspective behind them.
I graduated with an honors degree in History and a master’s degree in Literature before beginning a life abroad that has now spanned nearly fifteen years.
Along the way I’ve lived on three continents, spent the past thirteen years living and working both Dubai and Paris. and explored more than twenty-five countries.
I first got engaged on the viewing deck of the Eiffel Tower back in 2010 and over the years I kept returning, long before I imagined I would one day call the city home.
Since then I’ve spent countless hours walking its streets, learning and connecting the details that make the city feel layered and rich, a bit like a very good croissant.
Today I divide my time between guiding small groups through Paris and working as a photographer, experiencing the city from several perspectives at once: as a resident, a traveller, a historian and an observer of the everyday.