Douglas Arthur

Parisian and American both, I am a tourism professional with a decade of experience. With a rich, varied background and extensive education, I craft unique cultural experiences and tours for individuals and 5-star hotels in Paris. I am the founder of Vendôme Circle, a culturally-focused brand that offers connoisseur-level tours and experiences in Paris and beyond.

My love for Paris began as a child, when I immersed myself in French cuisine, history, culture, and language. I have lived on the Left Bank near the Luxembourg Gardens since 2013.

My path has been an adventure. I received a classical education in literature, philosophy, mathematics, art history, music theory, and ancient languages. I then entered seminary and was ordained a Catholic priest, serving as vicar of a large parish – where I oversaw and facilitated the growth of the Hispanic community – and as part-time chaplain at a Catholic high school. I later moved to Paris to pursue a Master's in Biblical Studies at the Catholic University of Paris.

While here, I realised the priesthood was not for me. I left to start my life over, this time in Paris. As academia was still beckoning, I earned a Master's in Contemporary Philosophy at The Sorbonne, where I also pursued doctoral research on Jean-Paul Sartre and began a dissertation.

It was during my time at The Sorbonne that I created my first walking tour of the Latin Quarter in 2017: a success that set me on my current path and ultimately led to the founding of Vendôme Circle.

Beyond guiding and travel planning, my passions run deep and inform everything I do. I am an organist and pianist, a devoted foodie who has been cooking French cuisine since the age of nine, and a serious wine enthusiast. I am also a fine art photographer working exclusively in film, and a collector of antiques and porcelain with an intimate knowledge of the Paris market.

I look forward to helping you put together a trip you will never forget.

As a professional in the tourism and hospitality industry with a decade of experience, I specialise in crafting cultural itineraries and luxury experiences for discerning travellers – in Paris, across the Île-de-France region, and throughout France.

Travel planning and consultancy

• Tailored itinerary planning for Paris, the Paris region, and destinations across France – balancing iconic sites with unique locations unknown to most visitors

• Insider recommendations for hotels, restaurants, shopping, flea markets, and auction houses

• Stress-free assistance with travel arrangements, transportation, and ticket booking

Tours and exclusive experiences

• Museum and château tours, with connoisseur-level knowledge of art, architecture, and history

• Walking tours – including my signature Latin Quarter literary and philosophical tour

• Food and wine tours: market visits, wine bars, and tastings

• Exclusive experiences such as a Marie-Antoinette-themed picnic at a château, served on antique porcelain and silver

• Privileged access to artist ateliers, private hôtels particuliers, and more

• Fine art portraiture on film in iconic Parisian locations