Exploring the Timeless Legacy of Parisian Design: The SoFA Design Tour 2025
Bonjour!
We are inviting you to #LiveDesign by joining our Paris Design Tour on May 24 - May 31, 2025.
The iconic city of Paris, the unparalleled global capital of DESIGN, ART, and FASHION, will set the stage for the much-anticipated SoFA Design Tour 2025. Guided by Mads Constantino from the Academic & Student Experience Department of SoFA Design Institute, this week-long exploration promises an unforgettable deep dive into the artistic soul of Paris. Participants will experience firsthand the fusion of history, innovation, and luxury that defines this timeless metropolis.
From the architectural grandeur of the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame to the intimate creativity housed within La Galerie Dior, this tour provides an immersive journey through the city’s rich cultural narrative. Highlights include a talk at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni Paris, a visit to the iconic Louvre, and the rare chance to explore French fashion history along legendary streets like Rue Saint-Honoré and Place Vendôme.
Beyond Paris’s urban elegance, participants will also marvel at the splendor of Versailles, gaining insight into the inspirations behind France’s artistic and cultural dominance. From its unparalleled museums, such as the Musée Rodin and Musée d’Orsay, to the gastronomic delights of a Parisian food tour, every moment is designed to ignite creativity and uncover the city’s enduring influence on design, art, and fashion.
Join us in celebrating the legacy of Paris, France as a beacon of artistic excellence while embracing its vibrant present. The SoFA Design Tour 2025 promises to be an enlightening journey into joie de vivre. #WeLiveDesign #SoFALovesParis
Inclusive of:
- 7 nights accommodation based on double sharing with breakfast (Hotel Info will be confirmed by the Jan 2024 Info Session for Confirmed Participants.)
- Inner City Travel & Inter-city Travel (INNER City means within the City - Metro/Train from museum destinations, etc., INTER CITY means outside of Paris - so the travel to Versailles is covered)
- Tour, museum and destination entry fees & access
Exclusive of:
- Food and drinks (but it will include regular lunch during the Official SoFA Tour Days as we head to the day’s destinations)
- Airfare, Terminal Fees and Surcharges
- Travel/Personal Insurance
Please take note: Airfare is not included because we would like to offer our participants the flexibility to tailor their travel arrangements according to their preferences and individual circumstances: Some may wish to explore cost-effective options with budget airlines, while others may opt for the comfort and added amenities of business class. Similarly, participants may want to customize their baggage allowance, select preferred seating, or take advantage of accumulated credit card points or frequent flyer miles.
Moreover, we recognize that some travelers may wish to extend their journey by visiting other destinations before or after our Paris trip.
PARTICIPANTS SHOULD NOT BOOK FLIGHTS UNTIL SoFA HAS GIVEN THE OFFICIAL GO-SIGNAL TO DO SO.
(Go-Signal will depend if the minimum number of 15 participants has been reached)
*Schengen Visa fees ***PARTICIPANTS SHOULD NOT APPLY FOR SCHENGEN VISA UNTIL SoFA has given the OFFICIAL GO-SIGNAL TO DO SO.
(Go-Signal will depend if the minimum number of 15 participants has been reached)
TRAVEL ITINERARY
MAY 24, 2025 (Saturday) - Bonjour!
Paris Design Tour delegates will be kicking off this cultural adventure by meeting up at the Charles de Gaulle Airport from 12nn to 3 PM Paris Time. The delegation will have transfers to the hotel and the official group check-in of the SoFA Design Tour delegates. After settling into your accommodations, take a moment to relax and adjust to the Parisian rhythm. You may enjoy a leisurely evening walk along the Seine or through one of Paris’s elegant quartiers, savoring your first glimpses of the City of Lights.
MAY 25, 2025 (Sunday) - Iconic Paris Landmarks
This day is dedicated to Paris’s iconic landmarks, beginning with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Stroll down the Champs-Élysées, then continue to the Arc de Triomphe, before a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Marvel at the Gothic architecture as we continue on to the bohemian district of Montmartre, where you can wander the cobbled streets and admire the artistic history of the area.
MAY 26, 2025 (Monday) - The Louvre & Seine Cruise
Explore the world-renowned Louvre Museum: Immerse yourself in its vast collections, from the Mona Lisa to ancient Greek sculptures. In the afternoon, unwind with a scenic Seine River Cruise, gliding past some of Paris’s most famous landmarks, such as the Notre-Dame and the Musée d'Orsay. The cruise offers a unique perspective of the city, showcasing Paris’s romance and architectural grandeur.
MAY 27, 2025 (Tuesday) - French Fashion History
This day is dedicated to the heart of French fashion, beginning with the elegant Place Vendôme, known for its luxury boutiques and jewelry. Stroll down Rue de la Paix and Rue Saint-Honoré, where iconic fashion houses such as Chanel and Dior have their roots. We continue the fashionable journey along Rue de Rivoli and Rue Castiglione, before visiting two of Paris’s most celebrated fashion museums: the Musée Yves Saint Laurent and La Galerie Dior, where you can delve into the history of these legendary designers and their influence on global style.
MAY 28, 2025 (Wednesday) - Day Trip to Versailles
Take a day trip to the opulent Palace of Versailles, just outside Paris. Explore the Hall of Mirrors, the stunning gardens, and the palace’s grandiose interiors, a reflection of the royal splendor of the French monarchy. The Versailles estate offers a rare glimpse into a bygone era of luxury, power, and culture, making it an essential stop for any history or art enthusiast.
MAY 29, 2025 (Thursday) - Paris Food Tour & Marangoni Paris Talk
Indulge your senses in a culinary exploration of Paris, savoring the rich flavors of French cuisine on a guided Paris Food Tour. After enriching both mind and belly via the city’s gastronomic heritage, Let’s discover the cutting-edge world of design at the Istituto Marangoni Paris.
MAY 30, 2025 (Friday) - Musée d'Orsay, Sainte-Chapelle & Musée Rodin, Place des Vosges & Le Marais
Your final full day in Paris explores Musée d'Orsay, where you can admire masterpieces from the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist periods. On to Sainte-Chapelle, a jewel of Gothic architecture known for its stunning stained-glass windows. In the afternoon, explore the Musée Rodin, home to sculptures by the master Auguste Rodin. Later, discover the elegant Place des Vosges and explore the charming Le Marais district, a blend of historic streets, boutique shops, and vibrant cafés, a perfect culmination of the city’s creative soul.
May 31, 2025 (Saturday) - Au Revoir Paris!
Check Out & Departure: As we bid farewell to our ‘home’ in Paris, the SoFA Design Tour 2025 delegates may continue to enjoy the morning’s free time before we all bid each other Au Revoir! We will be bringing back our memories, diverse experiences, personal stories, and hopefully the spirit of travel that will continue to inspire us as #WeLiveDesign #SoFALovesParis
Please note: As we continue to refine the itinerary to deliver the best experience to our participants, minor changes may occur and should be expected.
Set day itineraries may be adjusted and/switched with another day due to weather conditions and other important factors.
We will ensure that transitions are as smooth as possible to uphold the quality of your SoFA Design Tour Experience.
*A more detailed Itinerary will be made available to confirmed Official SoFA Design Tour Participants nearing tour commencement date