Raquel often dreamed of travel and of one day visiting Paris to gaze at the Eiffel Tower and stroll down the wide boulevards like the French Dames she had experienced in films. But, in her wildest dreams did she ever imagine or think the enchanting city would cast a spell on her when she first set foot on it. A love affair was instantly born.
Raquel is recognized by many to be one of the leading experts on bespoke, luxury travel and entertaining in France and Europe. She is a world-class traveler with an eye for the finest details. For the last few years she has been leading intimate groups to some of her favorite destinations throughout Europe.
After walking away from corporate America, Raquel decided it was time for a lifestyle change and in 2009 followed her passion for travel and founded her very own boutique luxury travel company.
Je Suis. PARIS Tours was born from her vision and eagerness to provide the best personalized service, and passionate experience for her clients that she creates for herself in every trip she plans. Her attention to every detail of an itinerary and unwavering desire to see the world through the eyes of the local culture is the driving force behind Je Suis. PARIS. Through her extensive travels, Raquel has built a vast network of partners, friends and qualified local experts throughout the world.
Raquel is an entrepreneur who believes in empowering other women. An avid reader and wannabe writer. A true Francophile. A culture aficionado who enjoys learning new languages, tasting wines from around the world and experiencing all different cuisines.
Raquel has lived throughout the New York City metro area, Dominican Republic and currently resides between South Florida and Europe. When she is not jet-setting around the globe she can often be found riding around town on her blue Vespa lovingly named “Valentina.”
Historically some of the most memorable moments in fashion happened in Paris: it’s where Marie Antoinette lived and died for her love of la mode, where Mademoiselle Chanel invented the iconic Little Black Dress, and where designers both new and old continue to innovate the fashion world. Haute Couture was born in Paris and Fashion isn't limited only for those that work in the industry. Parisians have a keen eye for stylish dress.
The French love getting together to eat, drink well and enjoy good times in such a manner. It is part of their culture and tradition. Declared a “world intangible heritage” by UNESCO, in Paris one can always have a remarkable time experiencing a variety of tastes and aromas while discovering many of the local delicacies. With glistening fruit tarts down one cobbled street and artisanal cheeses down another, Paris is a gourmand's mecca.
Paris, known as the 'City of Light', is like a Pandora's Box full of exciting history, culture, art, museums, music, monuments, architecture, and many more. It should be no surprise that there are a never-ending amount of galleries and endlessly changing art exhibits throughout this amazing artists' haven. The city has inspired some of the greatest artists in the past centuries. Even today, artists from around the world still flock to Paris for creative inspiration.
“She wanted to live, and live fully, and to give life, she who loved life! What was the good of existing, if you couldn't give yourself?” ― Émile Zola           Joie de vivre (joy of living) is to experience enjoyment of life and have the ability to live life to its fullest. The French have mastered the Art of Living, with their quality of life that is equal to, and arguably better than, that of any other country in the world. Pleasure is not an option but a way of life!