Sylvie was our tour guide for the Louvre and was fantastic! We contacted Rachel Kaplans after doing an internet search on custom tours in Paris. We were interested in doing a tour of the Louvre, with special interest in Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and Napoleon. (And of course wanted to see Da Vinci.) we'd been to Paris several times, but had never done the tourist things, nor been to the museums. The Louvre is so massive you could spend days looking around, or seems to really soak it all in. We wanted to spend a few hours there, and not be miserable huffing around trying to find things, looking at maps, and then researching on our phones about the artists and pieces of art. Rachel was great at prompt and detailed responses, and was very patient with us when we didn't know our travel schedule for awhile. Sylvie, our tour guide, was spectacular! Could not have hoped for a better tour. She tailored the tour to our desires, and was very knowledgeable on not only the Louvre in entirety, but on each piece of art we viewed, and the artists. Actually, any piece of art I pointed out, she knew about! Her analysis of the art was spot on, as well. Very detailed and insightful perceptions. She is from Paris, but speaks perfect English, and even my husband, who has trouble with accents, understood her perfectly. She is also just good company--a warm and easy presence, patient, considerate, and a great host. Afterwards, Rachel had made us reservations at Cafe Marly, which she recommended, and we ate there. The food was fantastic, as was the warm, speak-easy, elegant-casual environment. It ended up being my favorite restaurant in all of Paris. That was just a great day, all-in-all. Thank you Rachel and Sylvie! Highly recommend for custom tours, private tours, and any event planning. Rachel will think of every detail before you even ask! read more