French manner

Does Petersburg have a French fragrance? S'il y a un air de France à Petersburg?

Many things in life are given to me through the perception of smells. I perceive the world and people more accurately, I understand and feel places better.

When I conceived to create a tour on the French theme, for some reason I did not doubt that I could not do without association with the smells, weavings together of amber - France and the French and old Petersburg. If it's French, it smells like that.

Therefore, in this walk, various notes will accompany us and create historical images and events through the prism of French sophistication, fine taste, and sometimes some gallant lightness or recklessness.

We will walk through the most aristocratic and fashionable part of St. Petersburg of the XIX century, learn stories about:

• where was the settlement of the first Frenchmen who came to St. Petersburg, how they lived, what they did, whether everyone loved Russia or were selfish towards her.
• About the first French architects, astronomers, dentists invited by Peter I
• Features of the French character of the architects and sculptors who created the dominants of the city
• When the first eclairs and champagne appeared in St. Petersburg
• What dishes were especially popular in French restaurants and let's talk about the menu of that time
• We will see the places where there were French bookstores and fashionable shops, beauty salons and printing house.
• Find out who gave the stunning dresses for the imperial family and where the garment production was established.
• How the French supported their faith and what trends in religion took root among the St. Petersburg French
• The development of French trade, banking and advertising
• We will find out whether the famous Soviet perfumes “Forest Lily” and “Red Carnation” were invented by the French.
• Of course, we will talk about the ballet and Marius Petipa, the Mikhailovsky Theatre, the Benois and Bryullov dynasty, the Russian Museum and the building of the former Noble Assembly.
• Let’s take a look at the Happiness store, because this chocolate also has a French note. Agreed?

During the tour, at the request of guests, we stop for a coffee break in one of the wonderful cafes of St. Petersburg, which will meet on the way. Payment for coffee and desserts is not included in the cost of the tour, paid by the guests themselves.
We also visit the chocolate shop and souvenir shop if guests want. Payment for purchases is made by guests independently and is not included in the cost of the tour.