During my internship at My Private Paris, I sat down with the founders, Marie and Bertrand, for a candid conversation. As an American intern in Paris, this wasn’t just an interview—it was an eye-opener. I wanted to understand how their boutique travel agency runs, and more importantly, why they do what they do.
What I discovered? Everything at MyPrivateParis starts with passion.
Marie and Bertrand were once tour guides doing repetitive, scripted group tours. They did not like it. They knew they could create something better—something personal. That frustration sparked the idea for My Private Paris: private, customized tours built around each traveler’s interests. They weren’t chasing trends—they were chasing passion.
Their belief? “It’s not about private tours. It’s about making people feel like the experience was crafted just for them.”
I saw that passion firsthand in the office. Every team member actually loves being there. And that’s rare. They joke around, help each other, and genuinely care. The work culture is buzzing. Happy guides make happy guests. Simple, but true.
Marie and Bertrand don’t shy away from challenges either. When COVID hit, the business went to zero. But instead of shutting down, they adapted—fast. They created online content, stayed visible, and even restructured their company to empower their freelance guides. That resilience? Also rooted in passion.
In a competitive industry, what makes My Private Paris different isn’t just the custom itineraries. It’s the people. They handpick guides not just for knowledge—but for personality. As Bertrand said, “It’s not what you know. It’s how you connect.”
By the end of the interview, one quote stuck with me: “Don’t go into a business if you don’t love the product, the service, and the people.” That’s what makes this company special—and why I’m lucky to learn from them.
Find out more information about our co-founders through this YouTube video:
Written by Ashley Panah
