Guest Comments | Media Reviews

Comments by Guests and Press

Guest Comments

Just a small note to thank you for arranging our tour in Paris with Deborah Cohen and Marc. It was one of the grandest days I've ever spent. My wife and I enjoyed it immensely. Deborah was wonderful and extremely knowledgeable.

Thank you again.
Richard Slate (2011)

Thank you for your message. We have many wonderful memories of our honeymoon in France.

Wishing you and your staff and associates a wonderful Christmas season.
Monique Beedles and Michael Sheridan (2011)

I am safely home. The return trip was uneventful. I am looking back on our two days in Paris with delight. My day with you was so satisfying, feeding my imagination with both historical and current examples of style and fashion. You really know how to put together an experience.

Our day in the Loire valley was worth the journey. The gardens were fabulous as you promised. Our tour guide was very informed and good company. He was mindful of our limitations and paced the tour just right. We saw a great deal in the time allotted without pushing too hard. He found me a great vegan lunch in a local bistro.

Looking forward to our next adventure,
Margo Marquess (2011)

Rachel Kaplan is the owner of Paris-based "Events & Company" and provided really exceptional tour guide services for my recent research trip.

She and her capable team helped arrange a "biographical tour" of key Coubertin sites that I found inspiring and well worth the fees.

She has designed tours and played host to numerous high-profile Americans in Paris and produced hundreds of events, as you can imagine.

The week I was there she had 50 McKinsey executives in tow.

Just wanted you to know about her in case you're ever doing any research in France.
George Hirthler (2011)

I just wanted each of you to know how much I appreciate the enlightenment you provided on my trip to Paris.

The services and insights you provided exceeded my expectations and provided the foundation of research I was hoping for.

Thanks so much for everything you did for me--and for overextending to ensure I gained as much benefit as possible.

Rachel: I will be recommending you and your team to anyone I know who plans a trip to Paris.

While I'm not sure if we'll ever see each other again, I will always cherish the memories of the hours we spent together.
George Hirthler (2011)

I would like to relay my sincere appreciation to you for scheduling a day with Sylvie. What a wonderful tour! She filled our day with fun, intrigue and adventure. Sylvie brought the French Revolution as well as Paris through the ages to life in a way that was meaningful and understandable to all of us. In addition, she could not have been more pleasant and polite. It was a delight to accompany Sylvie.

"I loved my day with Sylvie. It was really fun and I learned a lot. I just loved it! I can't decide what was my favorite part. Everything was special." Camille

"I loved learning about Marie Antoinette, the kings and the French Revolution." Danny

"I really appreciated everything Sylvie did for us. She researched the museums in advance of our visits. I loved the doll museum and seeing Marie Antoinette's jail cell. I hope we see her again someday." Grace
Susie Callahan (2011)

We are back in Sancerre reminiscing about our unbelievable weekend in Paris. You filled us with memories of a grand and gracious city. THANK YOU! We are filled with memories of a gracious and grand city. Everyone with whom we interacted could not have been more helpful or kind. We enjoyed another fantastic adventure with Deborah yesterday. She picked up where Sylvie left off, walking us through Greek and Roman history. Every step of the journey, Deborah sparked our curiosity with stories, ancient relics and fascinating "secrets."

"I can't believe I held a real knight's sword! That was a dream! Thank you for showing me the statues and swords. I am going to tell my Daddy all about it." Danny.

"Deborah was very interactive so I learned a lot. I enjoyed everything yesterday because of her." Grace.

"Deborah made a kid's dream come true! She is so fun and exciting! She made me laugh and ask lots of questions in my head. I can't wait to go back to Paris and do more!" We are eager to return and experience more of the magic! It was such a pleasure and honor to walk the streets, live the culture and learn about the past with your guides.
Susie Callahan (2011)

I just wanted to let you know what a fabulous time we had in Paris! Our guide Marlene was amazing and so patient with our fidgetty 8 and 10 year olds. She knew every answer to every question, and told us where to find the best Chinese restaurant in Paris.We most enjoyed giverny and versailles, the children loved the secrets of the Eiffel tower. Thank you for making our trip so easy and enjoyable!!
Mesha Hall (2011)

I just wanted to thank you so much for your services in Paris. You were great, and we enjoyed the experience so much. All the guides were great. Particularly liked Sophie and Simon. My kids say that you were their favorite of all of them. So thanks so much. Great company you have.
Nelson Thomas (July 23, 2011)

Our stay in Paris was incredible, mainly do to the fact that your selection of tour guides was PERFECT! Sabine guide was fantastic, incredible, intelligent, sweet, likable, affable and kind. She is a WINNER! I wanted to take her home with us. THANK YOU! Please use me as a reference or a testimonial in the future. I will be using you again next year when we return. There are no words to describe our thanks to you for a life time of memories.
Adam Segan (July 5, 2011)

I am constantly flooded with them, often random thoughts about my trip recent trip abroad and the fun that I had and the volumes I have learned. You made such a difference by offering up your unique perspective that made it all even richer, more real than I even expected. And the best bonus of it all was I made a friend in you that I hope to see again.
Thanks again so, so much Rachel, for your contributions to my travels and most of all for your warmth.
Gregory Lombardi, President of Gregory Lombardi Design Incorporated (June 30, 2011)

I want to thank you sincerely for the great efforts you made and your high consideration for our trip's organization. Mr. Abushaera arrived safely yesterday; the whole family was very pleased and spent a very nice time. They were so excited and had so much fun there. Again, I'd like to thank you and all of French Links' team, and I hope we can use your kind services in the future. We will be glad to provide Sudanese people with your granted services.
Osama Kashkosh - Badr Airlines (June 20, 2011)

Thank you so much for everything you and your staff did for us during our vacation in September. You made Rusty's parents' transport to and from the airport very agreeable, and you were right, very much worth the money. Our day trip experiences in Giverny, Versailles and Normandy were awesome and totally unforgettable. Our guides, Marlene and Pierre, were both fantastic! Marlene and Pierre were very kind to us, professional and extremely knowledgeable! All of us very much enjoyed spending the day with each of them and learning about each area in a way we never could have by ourselves.
Nella DeMent

Thank you so much for introducing us to some wonderful experiences during our recent trip to Paris. My wife and our friends thoroughly enjoyed the wine tasting and cooking class you set up for us! You really made me a hero with them, and made it so easy for me! [The owner of the wine shop] provided a wonderfully insightful and humorous wine and cheese tasting. He introduced us to wines we will enjoy for years to come. The cooking school was a huge hit, too! My wife and her life-long friend really enjoyed the small class size, the variety of foods and the techniques instructed, and the comfortable, high-quality environment. The Chef and his staff made the day fun and educational. In both cases, it was as though you introduced us to your friends, who in turn made us feel very welcome in sharing their unique insights with us. We're looking forward to our next visit to Paris soon,... so what's next?! Many thanks for a spectacular time,
Frederick S, England

Thank you for showing us the real Paris and making our dream vacation perfect. It would not have been the same without you.
Eric & Linda Morris

THANK YOU! My daughter and I had the most wonderful vacation in France -- better than we'd imagined. All of your work from suggestions for sightseeing and shopping to hotels and restaurants were impeccable. Each of our guides in Paris, the Loire Valley, Dordogne and Provence were delightful and so helpful making us feel very comfortable. We've brought home many fabulous memories and feel that we've made some new friends as well. Thank you for customizing our trip to meet our needs and for attending to every detail. This vacation was seemless. I'll tell all of my friends to contact you when planning to visit Europe.
Merci bien,
Therese Melden, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA

Thanks so much for an outstanding tour of the Loire Valley. [Our guide] Pierre was 100% first class from beginning to end including ensuring we got on the right return train. He was outstanding, very informative, and made it a great way to start off our experience in France.
Art Lofton, California

Thank you for arranging our Paris vacation. Angelo was a wonderful guide, very informative and knowledgeable. It made a huge difference and I may even get my husband to take me on a return trip to Paris. I certainly appreciate you working it all out on such short notice. The drivers were friendly and most helpful. This allowed me to relax and enjoy our trip and not worry. Thank you again!
Beth Farrington

I simply want to thank you for all your efforts to make our "European Christmas vacation" all it was. We had a marvelous time and everything went smoothly. The guides and drivers in every location were knowledgeable, trustworthy and we became fast friends. They were always getting as much in as possible and yet flexible enough to meet our specific needs as a family. Thank you. Your services were worth every penny we spent.
David O. Heaps

Regarding our personalized sightseeing tours of Paris in June – Everything went perfectly, the tour guide was excellent and wonderfully informed, and we truly saw and experienced the best of this marvelous city. Thank you so much for setting this experience up for us - be assured you will be hearing from me again on future journeys to Paris.
David Wilde

Thank you for all of your help with our trip to Paris. You created a spectacular experience for us in Paris. You provided an "expert guide", a skilled driver and first class transportation for our day. We visited Sacre Coeur, Montmarte, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre with a brief shopping excursion in the local shops. We saw the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées, the Place de la Concorde, Les Invalides, the Opera House and a 100 other monuments, gardens, and buildings around Paris that were brought to life through the knowledge of our guide. What we learned will make what we saw survive in our minds for years to come.
Christopher Curry, Plano, Texas

I have long wanted to tour the sites of Paris related to the city's liberation during World War II, but despaired of finding any tour operator that catered to such an eclectic taste. 'French Links' solved my problem! Their 'Liberation of Paris' tour covered the major sites involved in this modern drama, and the knowledgeable, experienced guide they provided was invaluable in providing background and colorful details. I recommend it highly.
John A. Barnes, Senior Manager, Pfizer Corporate Communications

Thanks very much for two wonderful days in Paris. Somehow you managed to cover the interests of my two teenage girls, as well as, myself and my husband. Your knowledge of art history is amazing, yet somehow you were able to handle the fashion demands of the teenagers with the same enthusiasm and pace! We will be sure to pass your name on to others. I truly feel like we were able immerse ourselves in the culture of Paris, thanks to your guidance.
Sarah Walsh

I just wanted to drop you a line letting you know what a terrific time we had in Paris. Thanks to you and Kristin, we have wonderful memories of our two days of touring the City and Versailles. Your choice of museums, shops and restaurants were perfect. We also found the people to be friendly - in particular, people in shops and restaurants went out of their way to help us. It's hard to get two adults and a 17 year old to agree on anything, but we all agree that the time we spent in Paris was very special.
Carol Gerber

Your background and education is impressive and my daughters were very impressed. You're a great role model. Unfortunately we did not have much time for shopping, but will cherish your book and hopefully we will return to Paris in the near future to use your book.
About your prices: When you first quoted me the cost, I did not know if they were high, low or what? Since we arranged this trip at the last moment, I did not really have time or bother to shop around. Well, your prices were great. Not only did we have our own driver and guide, which allowed us to see and do much more than we could have accomplished on a larger tour group, the cost was hundreds of euros cheaper than if we booked on any of the "Paris Tour"-type group tours.
Thank you so much, you made our trip truly amazing. My wife, Marci, said we are never traveling anywhere in the future, unless you plan the trip for us. We look forward to traveling with you in the future.
David E. Beneson, Detroit, Michigan.

We very much appreciated your terrific knowledge of the things we wanted to see in Paris and your thoughtful planning in accomplishing so much in such a very little period of time.
Cordell W. Hull, San Francisco, California

Thank you so much for our recent full day tour of Paris! We walked through many centuries worth of history, art and architecture under the excellent care of Pierre. Our trip was infinitely more enjoyable after our very specialized tour. We also enjoyed "the best French onion soup in the world" at Au Pied de Cochon. Thank you Rachel and Pierre. We will recommend you to all of our friends who want a memorable experience in France.
Amy Kimball and Mark Puckett, Seattle

Just wanted to thank you for arranging our Louvre tour with your guide -- it was truly one of the highlights of our week in France! Not only was he totally knowledgeable about the artwork, his narration and descriptions brought the paintings and sculptures to life and gave us tremendous insight into the life and times of the artists. It was totally first-class and I will enthusiastically recommend your services to anyone who wants a special experience in Paris.
Susan Horn, Senior Account Executive, Rosica Mulhern, Inc. - Strategic Public Relations, Paramus, New Jersey

You were an integral part of the success of our recent client events at Wimbledon and the French Open.
Joan Rapoport, Vice President, Manager Events Resources, Merrill Lynch

My husband, Worth Bruntjen, and I did the Liberation Walking Tour of Paris tour with Arthur Gillette on Sunday afternoon. We had a wonderful time. We were so impressed with his depth of knowledge, his passion for the topic, his well organized meandering through the landmarks (and he even showed us his photographs while it was raining and we were huddled under an umbrella!). We really increased our knowledge of this period of history but maybe even more importantly we "felt" it. Arthur Gillette is wonderful and we were privileged to spend time with him. Thank you for introducing us.
Sheridan Fenwick, Ph.D., Executive Officer, PsyBar, LLC

Thank you...and I will happily recommend you should I have the opportunity....
Ellen Weiser, Wife of the Ambassador to the Slovak Republic

My boss and his family (John Raffaeli) returned from Africa a few days ago. You arranged a tour for him in Paris and...he said you did an absolutely super job! Everything went smoothly. The tour he said was phenomenal! So, this is just a quick note to say a special "thank you" for arranging such a memorable tour for Mr. Raffaeli and his family. Kind regards,
Beverly Richards

Our family recently took a full day tour in Paris with Rachel. Thank you for the fabulous time! Rachel was knowledgable, energetic and responsive to our every need. Rachel took time in advance to identify our individual interests and designed a tour tailored specifically for us. Our tour not only covered all of the major sites, but Rachel also took us to out of the way markets and cafe's that enabled us to experience the richness of French life and culture.
Rachel has a deep knowledge of French history, literature, politics, culture and geography that she ably emparted on a variety of levels to both the children and adults in our party. We learned and experienced more in one day than we have encountered in week long trips. Thank you Rachel and way to go French Links.
The Richardson Family, Tinley Park, Illinois U.S.A.

Thank you for all your "perfectionist level" arrangements, planning, guiding and anything I've left out! We've had a week worth of splendid adventures; and your sparkling, intellectual, down-to-earth personality and versatile talents made it spectacular and memorable and never to be forgotten.
Deborah Schneider, Minneapolis, Minn.

Thank you so much for making my stay in Paris more wonderful than I could ever have imagined. As a woman alone in Paris for an extended stay, I wanted to meet people as well as seeing the Parisian sites. The customized itinerary you planned for me was ideal. The private guide you selected was incredibly knowledgeable. He made me feel at home in Paris as soon as I arrived. His tours were based on my interests and my personal requirements. You also made suggestions for insider activities about which the average tourist would never know. It was at one of these activities that I met a wonderful man... the first in 11 years. I will always remember the caring and personal attention you gave me while planning the trip and after I arrived in Paris. I hope others take advantage of your special touch. You have changed my life!
T. Hillman, Scarsdale, New York

Ms. Kaplan is a museum aficionado, an art historian, an anthropologist, a docent, a shopping maven, a writer and journalist as well as an expert on France. We learned and we enjoyed. The time we spent with her in Paris was the highlight of our last trip to Europe.
Bonnie and Ron Sherman, San Diego, California

The day we spent antiquing with Rachel Kaplan was the highlight of our trip to Paris. We told Rachel what we were looking for before we left, and we really put her to the test. She passed with flying colors, successfully locating some very unusual items. She's a great guide and negotiator, and probably knows more about Paris and France than the French.
Randy and Carolyn Cole, Dallas, Texas

Ms. Kaplan’s knowledge of France’s history was impressive! She went out of her way to see to our needs — helping us in the metro and the train to London, and other sites in Paris to see on our own . . . My 14-year-old daughter and her friend understood and remember the information given to them by Ms. Kaplan. Butterfield & Robinson needs to realize what a great representative they have for their organization in Paris with Ms. Kaplan . . .
Ms. Joy Davis, Dallas, Texas

Rachel Kaplan of French Links, Inc. is a walking, talking machine on the history of Paris and those out of the way personal and intimate museums or places that make a trip like this so memorable . . . She is one of a kind, a great negotiator for purchasing antiques, finding a place to eat, the best foods, the best place to stay, and the best services. She spared no amount of time and effort to give us a first class and the best tour possibly available.
Charles K. McPherson, Chief Executive Officer, McPherson Oil Products, Birmingham, Alabama

Rachel Kaplan’s presence really made Paris for us. We would have been lost on our own, while she made sure we saw all the important sites. And was a most congenial companion besides.
Marjorie C. Dyer, Vero Beach, Florida

French Links Tours is run by a perfectionist.
Mrs. Meryl Tisch, New York City

Media Reviews

Avenue Magazine
If designer fashion is your passion, you can uncover a glittering treasure of hidden Parisian pleasures by tapping the highly cultivated resources of former New Yorker Rachel Kaplan. Ten years as a Paris resident, combined with knowledge and curiosity about the French, has given her a unique perspective on the city.

France On Your Own
Rachel Kaplan knows where, when and how to find the best quality for the best price.

The Jewish Chronicle, London
Custom-tailoring (with minibus, sight-seeing, lunch and negotiations in fluent French) are Kaplan's forte, and make her trips a novel idea for a trousseau-gathering hen party or other shopping excursion.

National Geographic Traveler
Shopping veteran Rachel Kaplan offers several cultural tours of the fashion capital. Her personal shopping service includes admission to a fashion show and tours of stores such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Emmanuel Ungaro and more.

CNN.com
Kaplan, admittedly a big thinker, sees her job as much more than a nice way to make a living - she embraces it as a learning experience, and a chance to crash down walls and promote world peace.

Sandra Gustafson’s Great Sleeps In Paris
Rachel Kaplan never stops developing and perfecting her personalized tours of Paris. Whatever your needs, interests or requirements, Rachel will be up to the challenge. A day spent with her will reveal the hidden treasures of this sophisticated city, whether it be on one of her tours covering Paris Gardens, Literary Paris, Children’s Paris, Jewish Paris, Discount/Upscale Shopping (including tickets to fashion shows), or Women’s History of Paris – just to mention a few. In addition to her tours, she is a recognized authority on the little-known museums in and around Paris and has written a book on the subject. If you need help with transportation, finding a gym to work off those buttery croissants, planning for a handicapped person, or purchasing advance tickets, Rachel is the person to call.

France Magazine
Whatever your interests and passions might be, the tour guides at French Links do their level best to fulfill them.

Travel & Leisure
A tour guide can make or break a vacation, which explains why Rachel Kaplan is so sought-after. An inspired leader for Butterfield & Robinson’s Paris Walks program, Kaplan is the author of the best-selling guide Little-Known Museums In and Around Paris.

British Airways-Business Life
For those whose French is less than immaculate, French Links keeps track of all the newest and latest, from events, exhibitions and happenings to restaurants.

Paris Notes
You are the boss, with French Links Tours arranging all or just parts of your visit.

Alliance Française
Kaplan is a quirky and fascinating guide – essential for the visitor to Paris.

Gayot's The Best of Paris
Tell Rachel your interests, and she will compose a personalized tour of cultural sites, the newest restaurants, or the smartest shops.