The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Blog

Ricki Stevenson’s Black Paris Tour Review!

by Nadeen
September 22, 2019
A A
The Back Paris Tour with Ricki Stevenson review

Feature Image courtesy of: Photo by Atikh Bana on Unsplash

Although I was given 1 complimentary ticket to The Black Paris Tour, all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

There is no shortage of things to do in Paris, France. But, if you “been there, done that” or looking for something unique to do on your first trip, consider the Black Paris Tour. The Black Paris Tour by Ricki Stevenson has been in existence since 1998. Ms. Stevenson is a native of Oakland, California and is an ex-TV news reporter and talk show host. She also has a master’s degree in history with a focus on African and African-American History. Ricki Stevenson used all this experience to develop the Black Paris Tour. She serves as the lead guide with fellow guides being well versed in Parisian and Black History.

The Black Paris Tour Review!
Ricki Stevenson with our guide Miguel

The purpose of the Black Paris Tour is to educate and enlighten others on the extensive history of Black Americans, Haitians and Africans in Paris. Many African-Americans fled racism in America and headed to Paris. Writers, artists, musicians and celebrities all spent time there. The tour takes you pass residences, hang out spots, and even churches made famous by Black individuals in Paris. From the days of the Haitian Revolution to World War I to the Harlem Renaissance, you will learn about their many contributions.

The Black Paris Tour Review!
The start of the walking tour. Don’t we all look like tourists with our cameras? lol

There are several packages available for the Black Paris Tour. My husband and I chose the full day bus and walking tour which was $125 Euro and included a visit to Little Africa. There is also a 2/3 day tour without the visit to Little Africa. Our tour started at a café with the other attendees. Coffee or tea with a croissant was included in the tour price. Our guide Miguel then began our orientation to Paris and the Tour. This included helpful information on getting around Paris and details about the individuals covered on the tour. We were joined by Ricki and it was a pleasure to meet her in person.

The Black Paris Tour Review!
We walked around and below the Arc while learning about Black soldiers who served in the French military
The Black Paris Tour with Ricki Stevenson
Miguel used large laminated photos of historical figures to discuss their contributions in Paris

Our tour began at the Arc de Triomphe, took us down the Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde to Montmartre and even made a stop at the famous macaron shop-Laduree. Via walking, the bus and the train, we visited important landmarks of Black individuals in Paris. Miguel discussed the famous Dumas family, Josephine Baker, Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. Did you know the author of The Three Musketeers was Black? Did you know Josephine Baker served in World War II, adopted 12 children called the “rainbow tribe” and is buried in Monaco? We did visit the church in Paris where Josephine Baker’s memorial was held.

The Black Paris Tour Review!
Former residence in Paris of the iconic Josephine Baker
The Black Paris Tour Review
A plaque at the former residence of Thomas Jefferson. He spent time with the young Sally Hemings here. Slavery was illegal in France but she returned to the United States with him as his slave.
The Black Paris Tour Review
A statue of French nobleman Alexandre Antoine Davy-the father of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas. Thomas-Alexandre had his mother’s maiden name of Dumas.
The Black Paris Tour Review
A memorial for Thomas-Alexandre Dumas based on his capture and imprisonment in Naples Italy
The Black Paris Tour Review
A statue honoring Alexandre Dumas-the son of Thomas-Alexandre, who was the author of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo.

Do you recall the famous song by Nat King Cole “Mona Lisa”?  Rumor has it the song was intended for Frank Sinatra. Did you know a Black American man named Benjamin Banneker was a surveyor on the team that laid out the plans for Washington D.C.? The team was led by Frenchmen Pierre Charles L’Enfant. If you have ever wondered why parts of both cities look so similar, now you know. One of the most interesting things discussed was prior to the Haitian Revolution, Black people in Haiti were slaves yet in France there were Black nobles and slavery was illegal. We learned about Toussaint Louverture who was a leader of the Haitian revolution. Throughout the tour Miguel kept us intrigued and I could tell he was passionate about history and storytelling.

The Black Paris Tour Review
Place de la Concorde. The Egyptian Obelisk of Luxor is seen. The Place de la Concorde was the place of executions of royalty including Marie Antoinette.
The Black Paris Tour Review!
A plaque commemorating the execution of Marie Antoinette by guillotine at the end of the French Revolution

Here are some tips to make the most out of The Black Paris Tour:

  • Coffee/Tea and a croissant or bread and butter are included and served during the orientation. Although the information given prior states the orientation would take 1 hour, we spent two hours in the café. During this time you can request a menu and order a full breakfast. I recommend this since it will be a long day with a lot of walking. The waitress and guide may not mention this to you but it is listed in the orientation paperwork sent prior to the tour.
  • Bring water and snacks. This is even more important if you do not order breakfast. While we anticipated a “late lunch” we did not arrive at the restaurant until 5.30pm. We did make a stop for snacks at the macaron shop Laduree but it was all sweets and sorbet. In addition, it is pricey.
  • The stop for dinner was a Senegalese restaurant near Little Africa. Although I am a big foodie, I found the items available to be a bit limited. They did have several tilapia dishes and a chicken dish as well as fried plantains. The tour attendees seemed to enjoy the food and fellowship at dinner. Dinner is not included in the tour package so be sure to bring at least 10 Euro for your meal and drinks.
  • Your guide will point out public restrooms along the tour. Take advantage of stops since some will be cleaner than others. Bring tissue paper and hand sanitizer.
  • Our tour started at 10am and at 6.30pm was continuing on to Little Africa from the restaurant. Keep this in mind if you are planning anything else later that day.
  • Read through the guide sent by Black Paris Tour prior to your arrival in Paris. There are a lot of great tips on local restaurants and jazz clubs to visit as well as instructions for the tour. This includes buying your bus/metro pass prior to the tour.

Have you done been to Paris or done The Black Paris Tour? If so share your thoughts with us below. For more information please visit this website.

The Black Paris Tour Review
A delicious treat of Rose sorbet and macaron during the tour! Laduree is well-known in Paris and the world for their macarons!

Feature Image courtesy of: Photo by Atikh Bana on Unsplash

Pin this post for future reference

The Black Paris Tour by Ricki Stevenson! Read my review of this walking and bus tour in Paris France!

Subscribe to the newsletter & receive FREE Packing & To-Do lists for your International Vacation!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Tags: black paris toureuropefranceparisTravel
Previous Post

Fine Dining in Paris: La Reserve Hotel.

Next Post

Atlanta Staycation: Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel!

Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

Related Posts

Audacity Fest, Audacity Fest Memphis, 2nd annual Audacity Fest, The Black Travel Movement, Memphis Tennessee, Nomadness Travel Tribe
Blog

Audacity Fest: the conference the Black travel community needs & deserves.

November 19, 2019
porto portugal, visit portugal, portugal travel guide, reasons to visit portugal
Blog

11 Awesome Reasons to Visit Portugal Now!

November 23, 2019
harmony of the seas cruise ship review, royal caribbean cruise ship, cruising, oasis line of cruise ships, cruise review
Blog

Harmony of the Seas Cruise Review: 50 Things You Should Know!

June 10, 2019
Australia, 21 things to love about australia, 21 things I love about australia, best things to do in Australia, planning a trip to Australia, travel to Australia, Australia travel tips
Blog

21 Things I Love About Australia (& 8 Things I Don’t)

March 29, 2019
travel, 2018 travel, travel experiences, arizona, australia, new zealand, sundance film festival
Blog

My Top 5 Travel Adventures of 2018!

December 31, 2018
10 surprising reasons I am thankful for travel, grateful for travel, thanksgiving travel, family travel, girls getaway
Blog

10 Surprising Reasons I am Thankful for Travel.

November 19, 2018
Next Post
Read my comprehensive review of the Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel!! This is a chic and sophisticated hotel located only 3 minutes from the Atlanta airport via the Sky Train!

Atlanta Staycation: Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel!

A Jord Wood Watch makes the perfect Holiday Gift! Read my review here!

Jord Wood Watch: The Perfect Holiday Gift! (coupon link included)

Follow TSL

No Result
View All Result

Meet Nadeen

Hello! I am Nadeen. The Creator and Editor of the Sophisticated Life. Read More

Subscribe for updates!

Subscribe for updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Best-selling Travel Ebooks Available for Download

Travel Guides to Your Favorite Destinations

USA Wine Guide for Travelers

Culinary Travel Guides: Food & Wine

Recent Posts

Blog

7 Compelling Reasons to take the COVID-19 Vaccine (including travel!)

by Nadeen
January 15, 2021
Wine

Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

by Nadeen
November 24, 2020
  • #WineWednesday What a beautiful sight! 🍷🍷🍷😍😍😋😋

Let’s talk about allyship for a sec. What does it mean to you? Have you seen true examples of this in the past year? I know this word has been overused and beaten into the ground since last year followed up by being a “performative ally”. But when I see someone making an effort and doing something to make a difference, it’s worth applauding. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

A fellow @oprahmagazine Insider told me about Master Sommelier @andrearobinsonms because she was awarding scholarships for her virtual “Great Wine Made Simple” course to women and BIPOC wine students & enthusiasts interested in furthering their wine studies. She thought I would be interested in applying. I did. Andrea reached out & asked me to take the class but play a supporting role based on my previous experience as a wine blogger, author & WSET Level 2 wine certification! I was honored. The class has been very informative interactive & fun! 

Andrea has picked stellar wine professionals as mentors for the scholarship students taking this course. They are from all different backgrounds & experiences across all niches in the wine industry. I am sure they are having an amazing experience!!!! This is what being an ally looks like. Using your privilege, connections, and experience to open doors and provide opportunities for others. The wine industry, like so many other industries, is lacking and needs more Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. So Thank You. 

Oh back to the pic. This was just 1 delivery 🚚 📦  for the course filled w wines from Italy, Spain & Germany! 😋😋😋 

 #wineblogger #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #winewithfriends #winewriter #blackcontentcreators #blackcontentcreator #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #oenophile #blacksinwine #buyblackwine #sommeliers #mastersommeliers
  • #DopeBlackDoctor #IssaMood
Happy Monday Everyone! I’m trying to go into the week, the last week of Black History, with this mood and attitude! 👏🏽

You may have seen my post on National Women’s Physician Day that only 2% of all Physicians are Black women. We are truly unicorns and I stand proud to represent this profession and to make my ancestors proud 🩺 

So let me tell you what breaks my heart 💔. That after 25 years of being a M.D.-medical doctor and actually practicing medicine and seeing patients for 25 years!!!, I’m still constantly questioned by people who aren’t even in the science or medical field 🤔🤔
Could it be because I’m female? Black? Both? 😡🤬

Ever since this pandemic started I have been on top of it. My first blog post on COVID19 went viral and I appeared on @cnn I did countless webinars and podcasts informing and educating the public including the travel community. This year I published an article on the COVID19 vaccines 💉 and shared my experience receiving the vaccine on social media. But STILL when I simply comment on a thread on social media as a medical expert to correct misinformation I face backlash and MEAN comments! Even in predominantly Black travel groups. It’s exhausting. I had to take a break. I tried again today and the person deleted the thread. I’m at a loss. People do not want to be informed. I don’t get it. 

But I will hold my head up high. I went into this profession to serve. For those who are still having doubts about the vaccines 💉 please read my article-“7 Compelling Reasons to take a COVID19 Vaccine” which includes summaries of the vaccines & research studies. The link is in my profile. Happy to answer any questions. Stay safe everyone! 

📸 @parrishu70 

#blackdoctorsmatter #whitecoatsforblacklives #blackfemaledoctors #blackdoctorswhitecoats #covid19vacccine #pandemiclife #wokedoctors #covıd19 #covidvaccineadvocate #covid19usa #physicians #blackcontentcreator #blackcontentcreators #socialmediadoctor #whatadoctorlookslike #blackhistorymonth2021
  • It’s going to be an exciting weekend of wine!!! 🍷🍷🍷
I’m celebrating Black winemakers this weekend by attending the first annual International Winemakers Summit being held by @urban_connoisseurs and @uncorkedandcultured 
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

When I first started my blog over 6 years ago I always had a WINE section. I have also always supported and blogged about Black-owned wines and winemakers from @mcbridesisters @houseofmandela early on to 5 1/2 years ago when I had the pleasure of visiting the first Black-owned winery in Napa Valley @brownestate during my Bachelorette weekend 
A year later I stopped by @rideauvineyard in Santa Ynez Valley, had a blog post on a Black History month Black-owned wine tasting go viral, met Andre Hueston Mack of @maisonnoirwines here in Atlanta then did a road trip a few years ago to the PNW and stopped by @frichettewinery and @abbeycreekwine the first “hip hop winery” in the PNW. 

All of this inspired me to curate a list last year of over 45 Black-owned wineries, wine businesses, even podcasters..!! I also pursued & received my first wine certification last fall. WSET 2 with distinction 👏🏽👏🏽🍾🍾

It will be a pleasure to listen & learn from these trailblazers this weekend and be able to show continued support. Head to the link in my profile to read my blog post and to @urban_connoisseurs to register for the conference this weekend! 

#buyblackwine #sipconsciously #blackownedbusiness #blackownedbusinesses #blackhistorymonth2021 #wineblogger #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #travelfly #winetourism #luxurytravel #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #oenophile #blacksinwine #winewithfriends #winewithfriends🍷
  • Since it’s #nationaldrinkwineday I thought I would share a few pics of one of my favorite wine 🍷 tours and wine areas that I visited in 2019. That was such an amazing year of travel!!! 

PORTO in Portugal 🇵🇹 was amazing! It’s the home of Port wine and even if you are not a fan or don’t think you are a fan of fortified  or sweeter wines you have to try them if you visit the area. They have all different styles including white port. 

We did a tour @taylorsportwine which has a self-guided walking tour of the history of port wine making, Porto, the Douro Valley and port wine trading. It was very interesting. And swipe to see the pic of my forever POTUS President Obama! 
Taylor’s port is available in the US so you may have tried it. 

Have you been to Porto or tried port wine? 

#nationaldrinkwineday🍷 #wineblogger #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #travelfly #blackgirlstraveltoo #winetourism #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #visitportugal🇵🇹 #portugaltravel #portugallovers #portuguesewine #lisbonportugal #portoportugal #dourovalley #portwinelover #portowine #visitlisbon #visitporto
  • #traveltuesday✈️ (rant) 
There is this constant rumor that goes around that Black Travel Bloggers are hard to find. NOT TRUE!!!! Travel brands and DMOs are heard saying that they can’t find any to work with. 🤔 
How hard are they looking?!! 

If you simply Google “Black Travel Bloggers” my blog post on “50+ Amazing Black Travel Bloggers You Should Follow” has been sitting at #1 for years and only recently at #2 due to another great post by @travelandleisure on Black Influencers. There are tons of blog posts on this topics on the web. 
PLUS...

Travel groups that have been around for years filled with talented travel content creators like @nomadnesstribe that has held several @audacityfest conferences with seminars & lectures featuring these content creators. Not to mention platforms like this one & Facebook & LinkedIn 
PLUS...

@theblacktravelalliance was formed last June that features Black travel content creators from all over the globe 🌎 in all different niches. Black travelers do everything-luxury, adventure, couples travel, budget travel, culinary travel..we are here to change the narrative and prove that Black Travel Content Creators are available to do anything and everything in this industry from writing & editing to TV hosting to photography to videography. 

So stop asking where are we. WE ARE RIGHT HERE AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HERE! (rant over). 

Head to my profile to read my blog post and PLEASE drop the handle of your favorite Black travel content creators in the comments! 

 #travelbloggerlife  #travelfly #blackgirlstraveltoo #hardlyhome 
#travelcontent #blackcontentcreator #blacktravelmovement #travelcontentcreator #blackbloggers #blacktravelalliance #travelisthenewclub #nomadness #travelnoire #essencetravels #travelfly #blacktravelhackers #blacktravelfeed
  • Can someone put me back on the beach in January and wake me up when COVID19 🦠 is gone and the world 🌎 has opened back up and we can travel 🧳 again?!!!! 
#overit #thisisnotfun #iwishiwasalwaysonvacation #alwaysonvacay #takemeonvacation 
#vacationnowplease #whereismyvacation 
#covidgoaway #covidgtfo #nomorecovid19 #nomorecovidplease #gtfohcoronavirus #gtfohcovid19 #moretravelplease #ineedavacation #ineedtotravel #traveladdicts #travelnownotlater #beachbumlife #miamibeachlifestyle #takemeawayfromhere #takemeanywhere

Black-Owned Businesses & Bloggers

holiday gift guide, black-owned businesses wine and spirit businesses holiday gifts, wine and spirit books, mixers, food

Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

November 24, 2020
black-owned atlanta restaurants, atlanta black-owned restaurants, soul food, southern food in atlanta, restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food

35+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

August 30, 2020
black-owned wineries, black winemakers, frichette winery, black wine, napa valley, california, wine country, black wine businesses, black-owned wine businesses,

45+ Black-Owned Wineries & Businesses You Should Follow & Support.

June 5, 2020
amazing black travel bloggers, black travel, travel bloggers, travel blogs

50 + Amazing Black Travel Bloggers You Should Follow!

February 16, 2021

Explore the U.S.A

staycation ideas, canopy atlanta midtown hotel, hilton hotel, atlanta staycation, atlanta midtown hotel, hotel reviews

Staycation Ideas: Canopy Atlanta Midtown Hotel

February 17, 2021
things to do in atlanta for black history month, ebenezer baptist church, black churches in atlanta

Things to do in Atlanta Georgia for Black History Month.

January 30, 2021
atlanta in the fall, fall in atlanta, atlanta fall festivals, atlanta fall events, places to visit in atlanta

Fall in Atlanta: Fun & Fabulous Places to Visit

October 16, 2020
us national parks, national parks in america, visiting us national parks, yosemite, yellowstone, grand canyon, great smokey mountains, travel to national parks, adventure travel

4 Epic U.S. National Parks To Visit This Summer!

August 6, 2020
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide for Foodies!

The Best Myrtle Beach Restaurants: A Guide for Foodies!

August 6, 2020
15 fun facts about quebec city canada, travel to canada, canadian

15 Fun Quebec City Facts

August 7, 2018
black-owned atlanta restaurants, atlanta black-owned restaurants, soul food, southern food in atlanta, restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food

35+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

August 30, 2020
Polo match in long island, visit long island, exploring long island, a long weekend in long island new york

Weekend Getaway to Long Island: Things to Do

April 3, 2020
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

How I spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! A Desert Safari, Camel rides, Burj Khalifa, High Tea at Burj Al Arab, Shopping in Souks, Visiting the Grand Mosque and so much more!!

How I Spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

Cruising the Mediterranean Sea on Norwegian Epic!

staycation ideas, canopy atlanta midtown hotel, hilton hotel, atlanta staycation, atlanta midtown hotel, hotel reviews

Staycation Ideas: Canopy Atlanta Midtown Hotel

February 17, 2021
things to do in atlanta for black history month, ebenezer baptist church, black churches in atlanta

Things to do in Atlanta Georgia for Black History Month.

January 30, 2021
7 compelling reasons to take the covid-19 vaccine, covid-19 vaccines, coronavirus, pandemic, pzifer vaccine study, moderna vaccine, mRNA vaccines, operation warp speed,

7 Compelling Reasons to take the COVID-19 Vaccine (including travel!)

January 15, 2021
holiday gift guide, black-owned businesses wine and spirit businesses holiday gifts, wine and spirit books, mixers, food

Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

November 24, 2020
The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2021 The Sophisticated Life

The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Menu
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Wine
  • Food
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life