Friendsgiving in Paris
Same city. Nobody else's itinerary.
November 25-29th, 2026
Sick of copy/paste tourism?
This tour is different. This is Paris built from someone who actually lives here, with access and itineraries you won't find on a single booking site, blog, or "hidden gems" listicle. Not because we're hiding it from you. Because it took years of living here to build it, and it's not for sale anywhere else.
Are you ready for a Thanksgiving to remember?
Your DIY vacation...
You try to avoid the tourist traps--and you still end up there
You're the trip planner. Again.
Your travels start to blur, looking and feeling the same
You're traveling solo or with the same people per usual
You're trying to balance it all, and now trip planning too
vs. Traveling with Le Détour!
You'll see a version of Paris not replicable by anyone else
From the moment you book, you finally get to be a guest and taken care of
You'll have a Paris story people actually want to hear
You'll join a small, supportive group of 8 women like you
✔️ You'll finally have "me" time to remember who you are
You can focus on the rest of your to-do list before the trip, and return from the trip ready to take-on what's ahead
You’re tired of travel planning alone, from scratch, every single time…and still ending up somewhere Instagram already knows about.
It’s time to exit that pattern, starting right now. From the moment you book a trip, you’ll have a local at your side to take control of the map.
Now you get to explore the same city everyone loves, with an itinerary no one else has. The kind of itinerary that isn’t bookable solo, even with 1,000 hours of research, because it’s the thing you can only experience with a local who threw out the tourism industry’s rule book to finally offer something worth buying.
Every tour is different because it’s built around the women who join. Seats are limited by design to only 8 women per tour to ensure you get as much (or as little) personalized attention as you need.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Wednesday, November 25th
We’re jumping straight into the weekend with a sit-down cheese tasting (with champagne!) in one of Paris’ last remaining covered food markets. You’ll get to know your fellow travelers over cheese and champagne guided by a cheese expert who has judged in a national cheese competition. After the evening tasting, we’ll return to your 3-star hotel so you can settle in.
Included: Cheese tasting, accommodation
Note: Hotel check-in begins at 15:00. The cheese tasting will start at 17:30 near Gare de l’Est. You are welcome to join us with your suitcase immediately upon arrival. The market is big and someone will constantly be at our table to watch your bag.
Day 2: Thursday, November 26th
While family are at home debating who brings which dish, you’ll spend your Thanksgiving Day with a chef. We’ll visit a local market to pick out fresh, in-season ingredients before returning to the kitchen to cook a meal together.
After our homemade meal, you’ll have free time in the famous and aesthetic neighborhood of Montmartre.
Our Thanksgiving can’t end without the best mac & cheese in Paris! That’s right – we’ll enjoy an American Thanksgiving dinner prepared by an American chef in Paris to end our day.
Included: Hotel breakfast, morning with a chef, Thanksgiving dinner, accommodation
Day 3: Friday, November 27th
Thanksgiving might be over, but the adventures aren’t! We’ll suit up for an indoor and hands-on beekeeping workshop. France boasts over 40 types of honey and we have the opportunity to experience first-hand this diverse world of bees and honey. You’ll learn how the beekeeper manages his hives in a big city and harvest your own honey. Your tour participation supports a small farmer; additionally, a portion of each trip benefits a local environmental organization.
For lunch, we’ll visit the second canal in Paris that is now a hip and trendy area with a food discovery walk. It’s a series of small bites and tastings that turns one of Paris’ hip neighborhoods into your dinner table.
You’ll have some free time linger by the canal before heading to the Christmas Market locals visit. No elbowing tourists here! It features mulled wine, classic French holiday foods, and local artisans. It’s the perfect stop for holiday shopping if you want to surprise friends and family (or treat yourself) to local, handmade goods. You’ll have free time to linger in the market or taste Parisian beers along the canal.
Le Détour Exclusive: Canal Food Discovery Walk
Give-Back Moment: Beekeeping Experience
Included: Hotel breakfast, beekeeping experience, food discovery walk, entry to the Christmas market (food & drinks inside not included), accommodation
Note: The bees will be in hibernation in November, so this will be an indoor experience.
Day 4: Saturday, November 28th
You may want to save your appetite for our leisurely brunch at noon outside of Paris in a 12th-century abbey turned countryside retreat.
Once you’re ready to leave the brunch buffet, the grounds are yours to explore – by rowboat, bicycle, and quiet walking paths.
We’ll return to the city in the early evening, where we’ll close the weekend over galettes, crêpes, and a glass of cider – the way the French actually do it.
Included: Hotel breakfast, private van, brunch and afternoon at the abbey, crepe dinner, accommodation
Day 5: Sunday, November 29th
Today is yours. Enjoy a slow morning at a local park, explore some of your host’s recommendations, sleep in…or whatever feels right before your trip back home.
Included: Hotel breakfast
What's Included?
Inclusions
✓ 4 nights accommodation
✓ All activities and meals mentioned above
✓ Mandatory city tax
✓ Digital itinerary
✓ Private WhatsApp group access
✓ Digital packing guide (20 euro value!)
✓ Digital workout guide to prepare you for the walking and stairs (25 euro value!)
✓ Digital guide to Paris public transportation (15 euro value!)
✓ Digital “Paris Recommendations” guide (25 euro value!)
✓ 1-hour pre-trip call with your Tour Leader to ask any remaining questions, help booking your transportation, or whatever else you need (100 euro value!)
✓ Le Détour give-back moment (priceless!)
Exclusions
• Transportation to/from Paris
• Paris local transit card (approx. 30 euros)
• Optional travel insurance (recommended)
• Personal spending, such as souvenirs or activities during your free time
• Any alcohol/drinks not mentioned in the itinerary or “premium” meals during included meals
• Anything else not mentioned in this itinerary
Pick Your Room
Shared Room
You'll have a twin-sized bed in a 3-star hotel in the 12th arrondissement. You'll share your room with another Le Détour solo traveler, with whom Kendal will personally pair you.
Private Room
You'll have a double bed for yourself in a 3-star hotel in the 12th arrondissement. Private rooms are best for those who want their own space after a day of exploring.
Don't Miss Out on a Thanksgiving to Remember
Only 7 spots remain.
Why is this tour women-only?
In Kendal’s personal experience traveling to over 40 countries solo, she has found that traveling with women has been the fastest way to form connections. There’s something unique about a group of women connecting over shared experiences. Guards come down, laughter comes out, and conversations go deeper. This tour was designed as a space where women can travel without the social dynamics of a mixed-gender group, especially during a holiday that can be a particularly difficult time.
Is this tour good for first-time visitors to Paris?
Yes! Paris is often viewed as a difficult destination to travel in, particularly if you don’t speak French or don’t understand French culture. Many visitors think Parisians are rude when, in reality, it’s often a matter of cultural difference. By traveling with Le Détour Travel, you’ll have a local as a guide to help you learn to navigate this city, and build the confidence to return again and see more.
In terms of sightseeing, this tour will bring you far from the highlights. This is our most local tour yet and your host is excited to show you Paris in a unique way. It’s recommended to stay longer in Paris to keep exploring, or to return on a future tour. Kendal is happy to help you organize this.
I've already been to Paris. Is this tour still worth it?
Definitely. This is the most local Paris food tour I’ve seen. Nothing on this itinerary is on a standard Paris food tour. Even if you’ve been to Paris before, it’s likely you haven’t seen it like this. I strive to create truly one-of-a-kind itineraries for you to see an authentic side of Paris.
Do I need to speak French?
Nope! This tour is 100% in English. Your host handles all French-language interactions with vendors, guides, and restaurants. Some of our local guides may not feel as comfortable in English, so the host will help translate in these instances. Previous guests have found these interactions some of the most authentic!
Can I stay longer in Paris before or after the tour?
Yes, many guests arrive before or stay after the tour. The founder Kendal is happy to help you plan and book the extension of your trip at no additional cost.
What fitness level is required to participate?
This is an easy-to-moderate tour. Most days involve walking and Paris metro stairs, plus one outdoor day in the countryside (the abbey grounds involve some walking on uneven paths). Le Détour Travel provides every guest with a free workout guide to help you prepare for the walking, if you feel nervous. However, most guests don’t find any difficulty.
What's the cancellation policy?
In accordance with the European Union’s Consumer Rights Directive Cancellation, all online sales allow a 100% refundable cancellation within 14 days of booking/reserving your spot. Beyond this date, the deposit and any other payments made become non-refundable.
If the trip is cancelled by the operator for any reason, a full refund to the original payment source will be submitted within 5 business days.
How much is the deposit?
To reserve your spot, you must pay for the hotel and pay a 40% non-refundable deposit of the tour fee. This amount equals the first amount paid in the 4-part payment plan. The remaining amount is due 30 days before the trip start.
How do you pair roommates?
Your tour host will pair roommates as best as possible based on location, personality, and interests.
How can I ask a question about the tour?
Feel free to book a call with me by clicking here: https://calendly.com/ledetour-travel/30min
Or email me at [email protected].
Does Le Détour Travel offer discounts or sales?
Previous guests receive a 100€ discount. Guests who pay 100% up-front receive a 50€ discount. These discounts can be stacked.
How will guests be transported around Paris?
We will exclusively use the Paris public transportation, except for the use of a private van to the abbey on day 4. Public transportation in Paris is affordable, safe, and fast…often faster than taxis! This is a great way to immerse in the Parisian lifestyle.
The Paris metro system includes a lot of stairs. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and take advantage of the free workout guide included in every tour.
Why isn't local transportation included in the price?
Each guest must have their own individual public transportation card, so this cost is not able to be included in the sales price. However, all Le Détour Travel guests will receive a guide on how to purchase a physical card once in Paris or how to pre-purchase it with the Paris public transit’s app. Your host will also be available during the welcome meeting to assist with this process. The estimated cost for the card and rides is 30 euros.
Is alcohol served on the tour?
Yes, some alcohol is often included during the tours. Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health–please enjoy responsibly.
Should I pick the shared or private room?
Picking a shared or private room in Paris largely depends on your budget, social level, and privacy preferences.
Shared rooms are great for those who love to socialize and is a more affordable option of travel. Your roommates is often the first person you meet on the tour, so you become closer faster. However, Paris hotel rooms are much smaller compared to the U.S. and other European cities. Shared rooms often feature twin beds that are close together. If you prefer more privacy, then a private room or quiet time after a full day of exploring may be better for you.
Private rooms are great for those who prefer their space or personal time after a long day of exploring. You’ll still have many opportunities to meet the other guests throughout the day. However, if this is your first time traveling solo, or you’re on a budget, a shared room may be a better option for you.
At Le Détour Travel, we strive to balance safety, cost, comfort, location, and sustainability when selecting our hotel partners. To make this balance more affordable, we’re happy to offer shared rooms and roommate pairing at not additional cost to make solo travel more accessible and exciting! Those staying in private rooms can be reassured that their hotel stay will be equally enjoyable.
When can I access the included guides?
All of the included guides and services are made accessible after full payment is received OR two months before the tour start date, whichever comes later. This applies to: the digital packing guide, digital workout guide, digital guide to Paris public transportation, digital “Paris Recommendations” guide, and the 1-hour pre-trip call with your host.
The private WhatsApp group will be made accessible one week before the tour start date.
The digital itinerary will be made accessible 2-3 weeks before the tour start date. If you have itinerary questions due to scheduling other activities, please contact the founder for more information at [email protected].
Why celebrate Thanksgiving in Paris as a military woman?
For a lot of military women living abroad, Thanksgiving can be a difficult holiday to spend far from home. There’s not enough days off work to fly back to the U.S., but enough time off to feel alone. This trip turns that week into something to look forward to: a full table, new friends, and a few days that feel like a holiday rather than just another week on the calendar.
Why spend Thanksgiving in Paris?
If you’re spending Thanksgiving outside of the U.S., France is the perfect place to do so! France has a rich tradition with food, from meats cooked so well they fall apart to touch, to spending hours lingered in deep conversation with wine. In addition, traditional French foods may scratch the itch Americans crave for traditional Thanksgiving meals – meat, gravy, potatoes, and more. However, it’s important to celebrate the holiday with a tour operator that knows what its doing to avoid tourist traps. Le Detour Travel is the perfect host to plan your Thanksgiving in Paris.
Will there be a turkey dinner?
We will dine at a French-American fusion restaurant owned by an American chef originally from Georgia. She is known for bringing classic Southern cuisine to France. The restaurant’s Thanksgiving menu is not yet released, but in the past it featured some traditional Thanksgiving meal options.
What's the weather like in Paris in late-November?
To be honest, Paris in November is often cold, grey, and sometimes rainy. But, it’s also when Paris starts to feel festive, with Christmas markets and lights going up around the city and before the Christmas tourist rush. To ensure you are prepared for the weather, Le Détour Travel provides a packing guide with every booking.