Coco Chanel's Paris: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Coco Chanel has been the subject of biographies, movies, television programs, and even books like “The Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons from the World’s Most Elegant Woman.” Born Gabrielle Chanel, she defied humble origins to mingle with Europe's elite, including a few very notable lovers. She also transformed women's fashion with light fabrics and simple design, including the now iconic little black dress. This walk takes in the major sites associated with Coco Chanel's life, fashions, jewellery, and perfumes, as well as areas that were central to the fashion industry of the 19th and early to mid 20th centuries. The tour is ready whenever you are and the audio plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline.

1. 1

   Chanel

   Pass by

   The boutique on the ground floor of the Chanel headquarters sells everything from clothes to handbags to makeup. Look for the mirrored staircase at the north end of the boutique. (This audio tour does NOT include access to the boutique or other private areas) During fashion parades, Chanel would sit on the stairs, out of sight of the audience, watching the models and the audience’s reaction in the mirrors.

2. 2

   Place Vendome

   Pass by

   The Place Vendome is known for its jewellery and watch stores, and you’ll see Cartier, Boucheron, Van Cleef and Arpels, Piaget, Patek Philippe, and Dior, mostly on the same side as the Chanel boutique.

3. 3

   Harry's New York Bar

   Pass by

   A sign in the window of Harry’s New York Bar spells out the American pronunciation of the address: “Sank Roo Doe Noo.” The idea was that Americans in Paris could easily learn these four syllables so that they could always get there in a taxi.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.