A Paris Insider Shares Her Secrets

Muraro is an art historian, art advisor and personal shopper in Paris since 2000. She was recently referenced by American Express Centurion in their Paris City Guide. Her VIP clients include: Eva Mendes (pictured above with Muraro in the Louvre museum), Denise Richards, Robert Downey Jr., Will Smith's family, Kobe Bryant, HRH Princess Victoria of Sweden, Al Nahyan family, among many others.

Luxury Travel Magazine's interview with Anne Muraro:

How do you proceed in order to create personalized tours for your clients?

I try to obtain the maximum of information about their tastes. Concerning a city tour for example, I ask them if they prefer architecture, fine arts, history...About fine arts if they prefer modern art, contemporary art or old masters, then I build the perfect tour corresponding to their interests. The same for museums, if they want the highlights or if they want to explore an artistic trend through Parisian museums, for example, an impressionist tour included not only Orsay, but also Marmottan collection and Orangerie, and why not a journey to Monet's home in Giverny?

How can you surprise visitors who have already been to Paris many times?

Usually, the best way is by going on "off the beaten path" walking tours. My favorite starts in the gardens of the Palais Royal near the Louvre and leads us to the Paris Opera house, through the covered passageways created in the early 19th century (around 1830 for the most part). They are classified national heritage sights with vintage decor (mosaics, glass roof, sculptures). They have become trendy with many bistros and boutiques, so it's the perfect blend of history and contemporary Parisian life.

Another way to surprise visitors: my special gourmet tour! It's a selection of the best places for wines, cheeses, chocolate, fine groceries, where we can taste the best products. It's another way to speak about french history, visiting street markets or the oldest french pastry shop on one hand and discovering contemporary talents like Pierre Hermé on the other hand. (By the way I gave tours to Pierre Hermé his winter!)

So you're an art historian, art advisor for collectors, and personal shopper specializing in high fashion and jewelry, but are you able to advise people about restaurants and hotels for their stay?

Of course! Hotels and restaurants are my passions too! I know all the palace hotels and their restaurants very well, since I've been working with them for 11 years now and I'm able to recommend the best places for the best stay.

All tours are private and custom-designed, starting at 100 euros per hour/250 euros for high-end jewelry tour (Boucheron private collection, Chanel VIP collection and vintage pieces, etc.). To book, call Anne Muraro at 33-6/60-64-65-02 or e-mail her at amuraro@club-internet.fr. Website: www.annemuraro.com