Friendsgiving in Paris
November 25-29th, 2026
Trade an empty Thanksgiving abroad for a full table, new friends, and lots of delicious French food. 5 days, 8 women, nearly all-inclusive.
Living abroad doesn't have to mean Thanksgiving alone
Paris is calling, whether you're looking for a getaway over the long weekend, or to not be alone during this holiday season.
France is known for its food, so what better way to celebrate a holiday known for feasting than in France? On this tour, we'll skip generic tastings and dive deep into France's food culture.
Over five days, you'll trade an empty calendar for a full one: strolling local markets, cooking with a chef, tasting cheese with an expert, beekeeping, and more.
You'll go home with new recipes, new friends, and a Thanksgiving to remember.
This trip is for you if...
✔️ Thanksgiving abroad usually means a video call home
✔️ You want a Thanksgiving filled with great food and new friends
✔️ You love good food and want to explore French cuisine in a non-stuffy way
✔️ You want to travel solo but not alone
✔️ You're up for something a little different
✔️ You're done with itineraries that try to show you everything and leave you with nothing
✔️ You want to come home with something to say, not just something to post
✔️ You don't want to spend hours planning the perfect vacation
This trip isn't for you if...
✖️ You don't like supporting small businesses
✖️ You don't want to meet new people
✖️ You're a man
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’ few remaining covered food markets. You’ll get to know your fellow travelers over cheese and champagne guided by a cheese expert. After the evening tasting, we’ll return to your 3-star hotel in the 12th arrondissement 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 with a chef. He’ll take us to a local market to pick out fresh, in-season ingredients before bringing us back to his workshop to cook a meal together. After our scrumptious 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 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 a 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, taste honey straight from the source, and learn the importance of bees for all of living species. Your tour participation supports a small farmer; additionally, a portion of each trip benefits a local environmental organization. After, we’ll head 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. Tonight, we’re visiting the second canal in Paris that is now a hip and trendy area through a food discovery walk. It’s a series of small bites and tastings that turns one of Paris’ most hip neighborhoods into your dinner table.
Le Détour Exclusive: Canal Food Discovery Walk
Give-Back Moment: Beekeeping Experience
Included: Hotel breakfast, beekeeping experience, entry to the Christmas Market (food & drinks inside not included), Canal food discovery walk, accommodation
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 the local park, explore some of your Tour Leader’s recommendations, or sleep in…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. 40 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
If you choose a shared room, Kendal will personally pair you with another solo traveler. Private rooms are available for those who want their own space after a day of exploring.
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.
Private Room
You'll have a double bed for yourself in a 3-star hotel in the 12th arrondissement.
Don't Miss Your Friendsgiving in Paris!
This is the Thanksgiving holiday weekend you didn't know you needed. Spots go fast.
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 Tour Leader 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 during your booking call or during your pre-departure call.
I've already been to Paris. Is this tour still worth it?
Almost certainly yes. The Thanksgiving tour is the most local tour yet. Nothing on this itinerary is on a standard Paris tour. Even if you’ve been to Paris before, it’s likely you haven’t seen it like this.
Do I need to speak French?
Nope! This tour is 100% conducted in English. Your Tour Leader handles all French-language interactions with vendors, guides, and restaurants. Some of our local guides may not feel as comfortable in English and Kendal may 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. Your Tour Leader is happy to give recommendations during your included 1-hr pre-departure call or during the tour. She can also coordinate your hotel and activities 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 provides every guest with a free workout guide to help you prepare, 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.
Why do I have to call to book?
Le Détour understands travel is an important investment of your time and money. The phone call will answer any questions you may have and ensure the tour is the right fit for you. Don’t worry, joining a call is not an obligation to book. Kendal can’t wait to get to know you!
How much is the deposit?
To reserve your spot, guests must pay a 40% non-refundable deposit. The remaining amount is due 60 days before the trip start.
How do you pair roommates?
Based on the booking call, Kendal 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 any of the buttons above. Joining a call is not an obligation to book!
Does Le Détour 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. It is affordable 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 guests will receive a guide as to how to purchase a physical card once in Paris or how to pre-purchase it with the Paris public transit’s app. Your Tour Leader will also be available during the welcome meeting to assist with this process. The estimated cost for the card and rides is 40 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.
Will you tell me more about the hotel?
It’s important to note that hotel rooms are much smaller in Paris compared to the U.S. and other European cities. Shared rooms often feature twin beds that are close together. Elevators are small and carry 1-2 people max.
More spacious rooms are only found at a much higher cost. At Le Détour Travel, we strive to balance cost, comfort, location, and sustainability with our hotel selections. This often means small hotel rooms with comfortable beds spaced close together in convenient locations.
If you prefer a more spacious layout, the private rom upgrade is recommended.
In general, guests are encouraged to bring a carry-on sized suitcase. Previous guests have found this size the most convenient for navigating public transportation, small elevators, and small hotel room.
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 Tour Leader.
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 your Tour Leader for more information.
Why Friendsgiving?
For a lot of women living abroad, Thanksgiving can be the hardest 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.
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 provides a packing guide with every booking.