MSU Global Game Changers

June 2026

Meet Anna and Professor Markin at the airport.
We will take the metro from the airport to the hotel.

Metro route: L9S from airport to Collblanc change trains to L5 (direction Vall d'Hebron), 7 stops to Verdaguer, then walk 5 minutes.

Check-in from 3pm onwards.

Arrivals Times: see above

Barcelona Transport:
We will give you metro cards which will cover all of your public transport for your 5 days in Barcelona. Please note that you are personally responsible for your card and if you lose it you will have to replace it at your own cost.

Public Transport Website: https://www.tmb.cat/en/home

Hola Barelona 5-day Card
Includes unlimited public transport on the metro and bus (TMB), the Montjuïc funicular, railway (FGC, zone 1), tram (TRAM), and Barcelona commuter trains (Rodalies de Catalunya, zone 1). The Montjuïc cable car is not included.
Hola Barcelona Travel Card are valid for one person only.
To use your card, validate it at the beginning of every journey.

Generator Barcelona Room Allocations:
Boys: one room with 6 beds
Girls: four rooms each with 6 beds and one room with 7 beds

Welcome Event - Flamenco and Tapas
Details below the metro map.

Meet Your Tour Leaders
Anna McNiel +393287290848
Gabriele Merlini +393284576517

The best way to contact us is using Whatsapp. Whatsapp uses data to send messages or make phone calls. You can use it when your phone is roaming or your are on a WiFi network. It is one of the most common ways to communicate in Europe as an equal number of people have iPhones as have Samsung or other android phones.

Roaming through your cellphone provider
Roaming can be very expensive - around $10 a day. Check with your compnay to see if they allow eSims. It can be a great alternative which is cheaper and keeps you connected throughout your travels. Look at the Europe options. I have used https://www.airalo.com/ on various overseas trips, however there are many different companies offering the same service.

Luggage: We will be taking multiple forms of public transport throughout the trip. You need to be able to EASILY carry and walk 15 minutes with your luggage. The sidewalks are narrow in Europe and the trains do not have unlimited luggage racks. One rolling suitcase and a backpack is a comfortable amount of luggage. We recommend having travel locks on your bags especially on your backpack so you know your belongings are secure when you are walking around airports and taking public transport.

Note: we will be flying between Barcelona and Paris you will be limited to one suitcase of 50 pounds and one handbag or small backpack maximum 16x12x18 inches. If you think you will be doing a lot of shopping, pack a extra duffel bag in your suitcase.

WELCOME TO BARCELONA
Flamenco and Tapas

Meet in the Generator reception at 5PM to go to the Flamenco Show all together. Make sure you bring your metro cards and an ID (passport or drivers license as proof of age).

METRO: Green Line L3 from Diagonal stop (direction Zona Universitària), 3 stops to get off at LICEU.

Entry to the Flamenco Show from 6PM -
General seating (so we will stand in line from 5:30PM)

Opened since 1963, Los Tarantos is the oldest flamenco tablao in Barcelona. It is located in the beautiful Plaça Reial, next to Las Ramblas. Come and enjoy a real flamenco show! Watch the spectacular flamenco tap dance while you get immersed in the live music. Feel the passion and sensuality of the flamenco art and live a unique experience fot the senses. A cast formed by guitarists, singers and percussion will set the pace of the flamenco evening. The 40 minutes show will catch your attention from start to end!

The show will be followed by Tapas.

Filming or recording the event is absolutely prohibited. The use of cameras or flash photography and bringing in objects the organisation considers to be dangerous are prohibited. For better security, the organisers reserve the right to request your identity card.

Breakfast Included from 7:30AM
Meet in reception at 9:30AM. Because the Pope is in Barcelona, there will be crowds, a more present than usual police presence on the street, and some traffic deviations and restrictions. The bus will pick us up at Hotel Balmoral, Via Augusta, 5 (approximately a 10-minute walk from Generator Hotel)

Make sure you have had a substantial breakfast!!! We will be back at the hostel at 3PM. You might even want to put a snack in your bag.

CODORNIU, THE CATHEDRAL OF CAVA WINE TOUR

BUSINESS
Discover the place where it all began. The origin of cava. The steps we followed more than 450 years ago. The inheritance of 18 generations of the same family of winegrowers.

ARCHITECTURE
The modernist architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch was commissioned to build a new wine cellar, which would later become the Cathedral ofCava. In 1976, was listed as a Historic Artistic Site and constitutes one of the most impressive examples of architecture at the service of cava making and cellaring.

The visit includes:

• A warm welcome in the Sala Puig, also known as "the Cathedral of Cava."
• An overview of the company's rich history dating back to 1551.
• Modernist Tour: Explore the architectural work of Josep Puig i Cadafalch, declared a Historical-Artistic Monument in 1976.
• Delve into the history and heritage of the Codorniu family.
• Discover the beauty of the Codorniu winery gardens,
• Detailed explanations about the cava production process.
• A descent into the subterranean historical caves, which date back to the end of the 19th century and a guided tour on a train through the vast cavas.
• Tasting of three premium cavas and appetizers.

Although this is our FUN culture day, it is also a day that is part of your academic itinerary especially for anyone studying family business and architecture. Fashion students, even though this is day 1, you can probably use this as a backdrop for some photos — dress cute, take inspiration from the flamenco show, and take advantage of the location!

Things to do in Barcelona!

Picasso Museum
https://museupicassobcn.cat/

Parc Guell
https://parkguell.barcelona/en

Bike tour of the city
Barcelona is BIG…see the city, understand the history, take in the sights from the seat of a bike!
https://unlimitedbiking.com/barcelona/

BUSINESS 10AM - 1PM (ANNA)
Meeting with the EAE Business School of Barcelona
Meet in the recption of the Generator at 9:15AM.
Take metro line L5 from Verdaguer to Entença (3 stops)

Given the focus of your trip on Entrepreneurship and Family Business, we will arrange a session with our specialists who be able to share valuable insights into the Spanish and European context, particularly the strong presence of small and medium-sized family-owned companies, the local entrepreneurship ecosystem, and the practical aspects of doing business within the EU.

ASK EAE TO EXPLAIN THE IMPACT OF…
Barcelona was named the inaugural European Capital of Small Retail for 2026 by the European Commission, earning the title of "Visionary City" for its neighborhood-rooted retail model. The prestigious distinction recognizes cities that excel in supporting small businesses, fostering sectoral innovation, and maintaining urban vitality.

Economic Impact: Small retail accounts for 13.2% of the city’s GDP and employs more than 152,000 people across over 61,000 establishments.

Urban Vitality: The city maintains an active use rate of 90.9% for ground-floor premises, preserving bustling, walkable, and lively streets across all 10 districts.

Events and Legacy: Throughout 2026, the city is hosting over 200 activities, including the Local Commerce Fair and the rollout of a new Strategic Plan for Barcelona as a Retail City to protect iconic shops and support generational renewal.

AFTER LUNCH
Free to explore and follow up on any recommendations that you receive during your EAE meeting.

Here is a map of some of Barcelona’s most ‘iconic’, historic, traditional, multi generational businesses. If you find others, let me know and I will add them to our map!
Family Business Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/3/edit?mid=1vXoNGaXJn1rbnuj0hqD0P6U1NpbLYH0&usp=sharing

Want to know more? This post that gives you a quick summary of 6 iconic businesses in Barcelona (most are on our map) https://www.nn-living.com/en/news/6-iconic-businesses-in-barcelona

ARCHITECTURE 9AM - 2PM
Meet your Architecture tour guide in the reception at 8:45AM.

Architecture Walking Tour and meeting with an architecture studio.
Meet your tour guide in the reception of the Generator at 9AM.
Make sure you bring your metro card which we may use to move around the city to visit different sites.

9.00 AM:                           
Pick up from Generator with intro to the Architectural Tour

9.20 – 12.00 midday:      
City centre and Barceloneta area tour

12.30 – 1.30 PM:             
Arrive a SCOB Architects offices for a presentation of their work followed by a Q&A

2.00 PM:                           
Bring group back to hostel

3:15PM meet back at the Generator at 3:15PM for your afternoon visit. Details below.

ASK YOUR TOUR GUIDE? About Barcelona being the World Capital of Architecture in 2026! Want to know more before you go?
https://www.barcelona.cat/capitalmundialarquitectura/en

FASHION 10AM - NOON (LIVIA)
Meet in the reception of the hostel at 9:15AM to take the metro to your workshop. Don’t forget to bring your HOLA metro pass.

METRO: Green L3 from Diagonal (direction Zona Universitària), 3 stops to Liceu, then walk 5 minutes.

Handmade Address: Carrer d’Avinyó 8, Gothic Quarter, Barcelona

After the workshop you will have free time for lunch and to explore local traditional, historic, and contemporary designers as you make your way back to the hostel for our afternoon appointment at 3:15PM.

Here is a map which includes some Spanish Designers that you should check out. The Spanish Designer section on the map represents fashion that draws inspiration from Spanish art and culture.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/3/edit?mid=1z0IcR7ee7AWQQRezlgcClM_IMq6mk-k&usp=sharing

Espadrilles: History and Workshop
Discover the art of traditional Spanish shoemaking with our hands-on workshop!

At our workshop, you'll have the opportunity to create your very own traditional Spanish espadrilles. Our skilled artisans will guide you through the process, providing all the materials and tools you need.

First, we'll introduce you to the fascinating history of espadrilles and the materials used to create them. You'll learn about this beautiful tradition, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a top fashion trend.

Then, you'll get to choose the size of the base, the color of the laces, and the style you prefer. Once you've made your selections, you'll stitch your own traditional espadrilles, and we'll show you the different ways to lace them up. With over 100K different combinations, get ready for a fun and exciting challenge!

SOME BACKGROUND ON THE ESPADRILLE
The espadrille is one of the few fashion staples that has successfully transitioned from Neolithic survival gear to high-fashion runways. Its history is a 6,000-year evolution of the "simple sandal."

1. Prehistoric Roots (The 6,000-Year-Old Shoe)

The espadrille's name comes from esparto, a tough Mediterranean grass used to braid the sole.

• Archaeological Proof: In 2023, scientists confirmed that esparto sandals found in the Cueva de los Murciélagos (Bat Cave) in Granada, Spain, are approximately 6,200 years old. This makes them the oldest known footwear in Europe—beating the famous "Ötzi the Iceman’s" boots by nearly a millennium.

• The Design: Even 6,000 years ago, the construction was strikingly similar to today: a braided plant-fiber base with cords to wrap around the foot.

2. The Middle Ages: Soldiers and Kings

By the 13th and 14th centuries, the "espardenya" (its Catalan name) became the standard footwear for the infantry of the King of Aragon.

• Classless Footwear: While they were the "peasant shoe" because they were cheap and breathable, they were also adopted by priests, miners, and the military for their durability.

• Regional Pride: Different regions developed unique styles. For example, in Catalonia, they were often tied with long black ribbons and became the essential footwear for the Sardana (the national dance).

3. Political Symbolism

In the early 20th century, the espadrille took on a revolutionary identity.

• Spanish Civil War (1936–1939): Catalan and Republican soldiers wore espadrilles as a practical alternative to expensive leather boots. They became a symbol of the working-class struggle against Franco's forces.

• National Identity: Post-war, the shoe remained a badge of Catalan and Basque heritage, notably worn by famous residents like Salvador Dalí (who was rarely seen without them) and Pablo Picasso.

4. The Hollywood and High-Fashion Shift

The transition from "workwear" to "chic" happened in two major waves:

• 1940s–1950s: Hollywood icons like Lauren Bacall (in Key Largo) and Rita Hayworth began wearing them on screen, turning the humble sandal into a glamorous vacation accessory.

• The 1970s Pivot: The most significant moment in espadrille history occurred at a trade fair in Paris. Yves Saint Laurent approached the Spanish manufacturer Castañer with a request: he wanted an espadrille with a wedge heel.

  • This collaboration birthed the modern "wedge espadrille," transforming the flat peasant shoe into a luxury fashion icon that remains a staple of summer collections today.

4PM FASHION
Dressing the Body. Silhouettes and fashion (1550-2015) at DHUB

Since ancient times, human beings have altered the shape and appearance of their bodies by means of hairstyles, jewellery, tattoos and especially their clothes. 

In every age, the different ways of dressing are intimately connected with moral, social and aesthetic codes. Fashion imposes standards of beauty; silhouettes and volumes are modified and nature gives way to artifice. Clothes change the body's proportions and alter the wearer's relationship with physical space and other people. 

The exhibition Dressing the Body sets out to show how clothes modify the appearance of the body by way of actions that have alternately tended to compress it and liberate it, from the sixteenth century to the present. 

Dress modifies the appearance of the body

 1. Increasing: 
Creating volume using interior structures or ample rigid fabrics, separated from the body. 

The figure is enlarged from waist to feet: paniers, petticoats, crinolines and bustles. 

The silhouette is wrapped and expanded: shawls and capes. 

 2. Reducing: 
The natural forms of the body are reduced, especially the thorax and waist. 

The torso is compressed: corsets, bodices, bras and belts. 

 3. Elongating: 
Enhancing the vertical to make the body look taller. 

The body is lenghtened: shoes with heels and platforms, hairstyles, hats and dresses with long tails. 

 4. Profiling: 
The forms of the body are outlined, without being altered. 

The silhouette is emphasized: stockings, tights, gloves, bodystockings and T-shirts in knitted or stretch fabrics. 

 5. Revealing: 
The silhouette is suggested, showing legs and arms and bare skin. 

The figure is revealed: transparent fabrics; short sleeveless dresses with low neckines. 

4PM ARCHITECTURE
Seny i rauxa. An account of Catalan Architecture at DHUB

The exhibition proposes a broad and evocative journey through Catalan architecture, highlighting its richness, diversity, and historical continuity. The starting point is the recognition of an unbroken thread that links the founding of the School of Architecture in 1875 with contemporary practices and sensibilities. A thread that runs through generations, styles, and turbulent periods, yet remains alive through a way of working in which restraint and audacity, rigor and instinct coexist, in a balance popularly known as seny and rauxa.

The exhibition moves away from a chronological approach and instead adopts a thematic structure that invites observation, dialogue, and comparison. The works are presented in unexpected conversations that reveal affinities, tensions, and resonances between pieces from different periods. This approach makes it possible to understand architecture not only as a technical discipline, but also as a cultural expression deeply rooted in its territory and, at the same time, open to global influences.

The itinerary includes a wide range of architectural materials: sketches that capture the initial creative gesture, drawings and plans that define forms and structures, models that give volume to ideas, and photographs that document their life and impact. Together, these elements offer an intimate view of the architectural creation process, often invisible to the general public.

In addition, the exhibition incorporates works of art and design (paintings, sculptures, furniture, and other objects) that build bridges between visual languages and different ways of interpreting space. This combination is not ornamental; it reflects a desire to show how architecture is in constant dialogue with the arts and how, taken together, they contribute to imagining ways of life, aesthetics, and social forms. The result is an expanded reading of Catalan architectural heritage that transcends disciplinary boundaries and places architecture at the heart of a shared creative ecosystem.

With around four hundred works, the exhibition offers a collective perspective that reflects expressive movements, social contexts, and cultural transformations. It invites careful looking, recognition of the diversity of authors, and an understanding of architectural heritage as a living organism: a set of ideas in continuous transformation.

The exhibition also seeks to be a space for discovery and reflection, capable of engaging both professionals and those encountering the subject for the first time. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the role of architecture in shaping collective identity and to show how, over time, seny and rauxa have coexisted in the creation of spaces that define how we live, relate to one another, and imagine the future.

10AM FASHION - meet with Carlos Nebot from TwoThirds (ANNA)

Meet in the hotel reception at 9:15AM.

TWO THIRDS OFFICE
Calle Morales 21-27. 08029 Barcelona, Spain
Bus H8 Stop: Còrsega - Llúria, direction Ernest Lluch, 6 stops to Les Corts - Pl Dr Ignasi Barraquer.

Founded in 2010 by surf enthusiasts, TWOTHIRDS is an ocean-inspired slow fashion brand for women and men. Known as PRE-ORDER and deadstock pioneers, we spearhead the use of innovative low-impact materials and are B Corp Certified. 

Our mission is to bring positive change to the fashion industry and protect what we love: our ocean. All our premium-quality clothing is designed in Barcelona, and crafted with love in Portugal and Spain.
https://twothirds.com/pages/about-us

ARCHITECTURE (INDEPENDENT)
Casa Batlo is a 15 minute walk from the Generator. I recommend getting there 15 minutes before your entry time, so depart at 8:45AM, just to be sure!

Here is a link to the walking map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Zf4Qvvqb1YNBZtu5

BRING YOUR STUDENT IDS.

Your ticket says that the visit takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is for a standard ticket, you have an upgraded ticket to include the roof, recently reopened apartments, and more — see bullet points below. Your visit should take minimum around 2 hours.

Casa Batlló - 9:30AM entry
https://www.casabatllo.es/en/antoni-gaudi/casa-batllo/history/
Josep Batlló gave complete creative freedom to Antoni Gaudí, initially commissioning works that involved demolishing the building. However, thanks to Gaudí’s boldness, the demolition of the house was ruled out, and a full renovation was carried out between 1904 and 1906.

• Audioguide (15 languages)

• Gaudí Cube (360º)

• Dragon's Rooftop

• Augmented Reality Tablet

• Gaudí Dôme (immersive)

• Original Concierge Room

• Private residence of the Batllós

Casa Batlló presents a new chapter in its history with the opening of its Third Floor, the last original residence in the building to be restored for the first time. After more than a century inhabited by direct descendants of the Batlló family, this space of extraordinary heritage value now opens to the public with a new purpose: to become a living place for exclusive private gatherings.

This milestone marks a unique moment in the building’s history. Unlike the other floors, the Third Floor is the only residence that has survived to this day with an exceptional level of authenticity, preserving the essence of the domestic life conceived by Antoni Gaudí in the early 20th century.

The walking time between the two Gaudi Houses is approxiamtely 10 minutes. We have intentionally left time for a coffee break between the two visits.

Here is the walking map:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YcPsoafTkkmcbdHD8

1PM Entry to Casa Mila - La Pedrera
https://www.lapedrera.com/en/

The Essential La Pedrera
Visit Gaudí’s biggest house! At La Pedrera you will discover first-hand how nature was the origin and inspiration for the building, and you will enjoy the most impressive rooftop in Barcelona.

La Pedrera - Casa Milà is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also the last civil work of architect Antoni Gaudí. A unique building, a masterpiece inspired by nature where you can get an in-depth understanding of the imagination of this genius.

In addition to being an iconic work, La Pedrera houses the only exhibition centre in Barcelona that allows us to understand Gaudí’s entire career: from his influences to his artistic legacy.

Explore this building full of soul at your own pace. With this ticket you will discover 4,500m² of shapes, lights and textures on five floors, revealing Gaudí’s entire universe, at your own pace and without having to hurry.

10AM - 11:30AM BUSINESS (LIVIA)
Meet in reception at 9:15AM. Make sure you have your metro passes.

Metro: Yellow L4 from Verdaguer (direction La Pau), 5 stops to Barceloneta, then walk 5 minutes.

The meeting point is:
Pier01 · Palau de Mar Plaça Pau Vila, 1
Bloc A · Planta 3 · Porta 3A3 08003 Barcelona

Is Barcelona the Silicon Valley of Europe?
Barcelona might not be the single Silicon Valley of Europe, but it is certainly the Silicon Valley of Southern Europe.

Instead of trying to replicate the hyper-corporate, high-burnout model of California, Barcelona has branded itself as the capital of sustainable tech and lifestyle balance—a place where you can build a billion-dollar company and still catch the sunset by the sea.

PIER 1
A 19th century port warehouse dedicated to innovation. Palau de Mar is a former port warehouse, built in 1890, which was refurbished as office space when the city was transformed by the 1992 Olympic Games. Since 2016 it has been Tech Barcelona's emblematic headquarters. The 11,000 m2 building houses startups, corporations, incubators, investors and institutions. Located in an unbeatable enclave, in front of the sea, between Barceloneta and the Gothic Quarter. In 2017 it was highlighted by Forbes magazine as one of the five most important innovation hubs in the world.

GUIDED VISIT
We will have the opportunity to discover Pier 01, Tech Barcelona’s flagship innovation hub, and learn more about Barcelona’s startup and digital ecosystem. Included is a tour of the building, an introduction to Tech Barcelona and the local tech scene, and whenever possible, a short interaction with one of the startups or companies based at Pier 01 so the group can hear directly from ecosystem players.

After your visit we will have a short break for coffee and then go on a walking tour of some of Barcelona’s traditional and historic, small family run businesses.

The walking tour will finish up at around 1:30PM. You will have free time for lunch and to make your way back to the hostel to meet at 3:15PM for our afternoon visit to Akasha Hub. Details below.

Breakfast Included
Meet in reception at 8:20AM. We will walk as a group to the Sagrada Familia. We have timed entry tickets to enter and visit the towers. It is important that we are on time. The tickets are individual which means once you have climbed the tower you can explore the cathedral and then leave to enjoy your free day.

Today you will be free to explore the city. Don’t forget to finish any Barcelona specific projects that you have for your professors before your shop, see the sights, or relax on the beach.

TOMORROW
Pack today! We will be leaving straight after breakfast tomorrow to take the train to the airport. Remember that there will be strict luggage rules. You can check in one suitcase of 50 pounds and you can carry on either a handbag or a small backpack that does not exceed the following measurements 16x12x18 inches. Your carry on must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. If you bag exceeds the weight or is too large to fit under your seat, YOU will be responsible for paying an excess luggage fees.

When travelling in Europe you will need to have your passport to show as identification, even if we do not need to go through passport control.

Do not throw away your Barcelona Metro card as you will need it to get the train to the airport.

CANAL SAINT-MARTIN

Why stay here? Relaxed, authentic and stylish, Canal Saint-Martin is well-positioned to explore Paris's hotspots without being touristy

Nearest attractions: Parc de la Villette, the Eiffel Tower is about 30 minutes away on the Metro and you’re about a 10 minute walk to Garde du Nord station which has a direct 48 minute train to Disney Land

With the first rays of sunshine, the cobblestones of the Canal Saint-Martin are transformed into an urban beach where the whole of Paris lazes around until late at night. So if you’re looking for a bit of holiday, you’ve come to the right place. Between République and Stalingrad, on either side of the Arletty footbridge that spans the canal (in homage to the actress in Hôtel du Nord), you'll find plenty to keep you busy all day.

Coffee and croissants at Ten Belles, window-shopping at Centre Commercial, lunch at Sur Mer or sunrise at Ima Cantine... In the evening, dinner at Early June is a must, before heading off to party at the not-to-be-missed Point Éphémère. If humour is your thing, the best comedy club, Paname, is just a stone’s throw away.

FROM: https://www.timeout.com/paris/en/travel/where-to-stay-in-paris

Breakfast Included at 8:30AM
MEET IN RECEPTION AT 9AM. Don’t forget your metro passes and water! There should be a basic bar on the boat but just in case you can also bring a snack.

SAINT-MARTIN CANAL CRUISE
The program:
From 9:45AM : Boarding of passengers at the Parc de la Villette.
The boat is moored at the end of the Grande Halle de la Villette - 75019 Paris.
10:15 PM : Departure for navigation.
Around 12:45 PM: Arrival at the Orsay Museum - 75007 Paris.
Metro: Solférino on line 12.

Your cruise:
You will board at the Parc de la Villette, cross the lift bridge of the rue de Crimée before arriving on the Bassin de la Villette, where you can see the first lock, that of Jaurès. Then the boat will continue its descent of the canal by crossing the Récollets lock, where you can see the Hôtel du Nord. You then discover the Canal Saint Martin in all its poetry: an astonishing aquatic alley surrounded by romantic walkways, lined with chestnut trees and fishermen. 

Then the boat rushes into the night: 2 km of near darkness under a mysterious underground vault pierced with light holes ... A place full of magic and beauty. At the exit of the tunnel, the Port of Arsenal and the genius of the Bastille who contemplates you from the top of 52 meters of its column... and you enter the Seine! You will have a perfect view of Notre Dame. The boat runs along the Iles de la Cité and Saint Louis, the gateway of arts and approaches then the Musée d'Orsay where your cruise ends.

When we disembark from our canal cruise, we will walk all together to the Louvre Museum. We will show you where the Louvre Pyramid is and then give you free time until we meet back at the Pyramid at 2:45PM.

LOUVRE MUSEUM
You have individual tickets to visit the Louvre. Make sure you don’t lose them as you will need to show them to move from one gallery to the next. They say if you visit every artwork in the Louvre you will have walked almost 5 miles!

There are so many things to see! Do some research before you go about the collections and make sure you pick up a museum map at the information desk before you run off for a selfie with the Mona Lisa.

Website: https://www.louvre.fr/en

Take your first lunch break in Paris in the same place that Emily in Paris took hers!

🎯3/ The jardin du Palais Royal

Leading straight off Place de Valois is the Jardin du Palais Royal, where Emily decides to take her first lunch break in Paris. It is here, while she is sitting near the fountain on a bench bearing the words Aujourd’hui, c’est demain et hier qui s’épousent [The present is a marriage of the past and the future] that she meets Mindy (Ashley Park). The two young women go on to become fast friends and spend a lot of time together as the series goes on. The art installation ‘Les Deux Plateaux’ (commonly known as Buren’s Columns), where Emily and Mindy take a selfie together, can be found in this garden. North of the Jardin du Palais Royal is the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Grand Véfour, where Emily tries (and fails) to get a table. It’s not the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the area: there is also the Restaurant du Palais Royal a little further on.

Domaine national du Palais Royal, place Colette, Paris 1st

FOR MORE EMILY IN PARIS LOCATIONS: https://parisjetaime.com/eng/article/see-the-paris-of-emily-in-paris-a1097

FASHION
Meet at 10AM in reception. Wear comfy shoes. Today will be a walking day! We will stroll from the hostel through the Marais to reach our first stop.

11AM Dover Street Market
For innovative fashion.
https://www.doverstreetmarketparis.com/

12PM Foundation Azzedine Alaia
The Azzedine Alaïa and Christian Dior, Two Masters of Haute Couture exhibition at the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa highlights the deep admiration and creative dialogue between the two designers. The showcase features nearly 70 creations, pairing Alaïa's designs with 1950s Dior archives.

1PM Free time for lunch and to explore the Samaritaine historic department store which opened in 1870 and is now fully owned by LVMH who rennovated the store and reopened it in 2021.
https://www.samaritaine.com/en/

2:45PM meet to take the metro all together.
3:30PM Dior Museum visit
Featuring a unique scenographic narrative, La Galerie Dior embodies the spirit of Parisian Haute Couture while perpetuating the memory of this historic address.

Once we have all finished at the Galerie Dior, we will walk all together to the Eiffel Tower meeting point. Once there, you will have free time to get something to eat before meeting the guide.

NOTE: visiting the Eiffell Tower all the way to the top can take anywhere between 2 and 3 hours.

7:30PM entry to top of the Eiffel Tower
Meet the guide at 7:00PM. You will go together to enter the tower. The guide will accompany you to the second floor and then give you directions on where to take the elevator to get up to the top of the tower.

Meeting point: Le Champ de Mars Cafe
45 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, Paris, France

Once the guide shows you the elevator to the top floor of the Eiffel Tower you will be on your own and can take your time visiting the tower. When you are finished you have free time. You may want to stay in the area for dinner or make your own way back to the hostel.

BUSINESS & ARCHITECTURE
FREE DAY

FASHION - Textiles Tour (ANNA)
Meet in reception at 9:15AM.

Google Map of Textiles Stores
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/3/edit?mid=1mCj8sGcGBHGEUVMHIhVMmK1bn-ta7KQ&usp=sharing

9:50AM - Paris textiles walking tour with Rebecca Devaney.
Rebecca Devaney is a textile artist, researcher, and teacher with a BA in Art, Craft and Design Education (2006), an MFA in Textile Art and Artefact (2015) and recipient of the Education Award for excellence in teaching practice (2006) from the National College of Art and Design, Dublin. Following her graduation from École Lesage, Paris, Rebecca worked as a professional haute couture embroiderer for Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Givenchy, and Louis Vuitton.

Meeting point: Metro Quatre Septembre/Bistrot Edmond, rue Réamur, 75002, Paris
How to get there: take Pink Line No. 7 from Louis Blanc (direction Mairie d'Ivry) 7 stops to Opéra, then walk 5 minutes.

Finishing Point: Metro Sentier, rue des Petits Carreaux

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FREE TIME FOR LUNCH 1pm TO 2:30pm
MEET AT 2:30PM TO GO ALL TOGETHER TO THE PALAIS GALLIERA FOR TWO FASHION EXHIBITIONS.
ENTRY TIME 3:15PM

HOW TO GET THERE: walk from Metro Sentier along Rue Poissonnière to metro Bonne Nouvelle, take Green metro No. 9 (direction Pont de Sèvres) 10 stops to Iéna, then walk 5 minutes to Palais Galliera.

Fashion in the 18th Century. A Fantasized Legacy

The Palais Galliera is hosting an exhibition titled Fashion in the 18th Century. A Fantasized Legacy that looks at the characteristics of women’s fashion during the Age of Enlightenment and its numerous reinterpretations throughout fashion history up until the present day. Often perceived as a distant, even dusty epoch, the eighteenth century nevertheless constitutes a major stage in the evolution of the female appearance that continues to influence the world of fashion and popular culture today.

WEAVING, EMBROIDERING, EMBELLISHING. The Crafts and Trades of Fashion

In December 2025, the Palais Galliera is launching a series of exhibitions devoted to the skills and crafts involved in Parisian fashions. The three successive exhibitions will explore the specialised jobs and techniques in the fashion industry from different angles, showcasing items from the museum's stunning collections and offering a fresh perspective on the history of fashion from the 18th century to the present day.

ARCHITECTURE (ANNE)
Meet in reception at 8:30AM, ready to go with your metro passes.

Pink Metro no 7: from Louis Blanc (direction Villejuif - Louis Aragon) 7 stops to Opéra, then change to purple metro no. 8 (direction Balard) 5 stops to École Militaire, then walk 10 minutes.

10AM -1PM entry to top of the Eiffel Tower
Meet the guide at 9:30AM. You will go together to enter the tower. The guide will accompany you to the second floor and then give you directions on where to take the elevator to get up to the top of the tower.

Once you take the elevator to the top you will be on your own to explore and take as much time to visit the tower and buy souvenirs, as you like!

Meeting point: Le Champ de Mars Cafe
45 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, Paris, France

Meet back at Le Champ de Mars Cafe at 2:30PM to take the metro to our next visit.

Walk to Metro Alma-Marceau, take the Green Line 9 (direction Pont de Sèvres), 5 stops to Ranelagh. From there we will pass by some of the buildings on the Architectural Promenade on our way to Maison La Roche.

As we walk from the Ranelagh station to the Fondation Le Corbusier we can stop along the way to look at some of the buildings on their Architectural Promenade.

Promenade Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/3/edit?mid=10iuMNOPqsjTK33PROXGXT67ZyndtTe4&usp=sharing

4PM Afternoon guided tour of the Maison La Roche - Foundation Le Corbusier.

An icon of modern heritage and the first expression of purism in architecture, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Designed and built between 1923 and 1925 by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, Maison La Roche was widely photographed and admired from the late 1920s onwards. Like all the Purist villas, it helped to establish Le Corbusier as the master of modern architecture.

The use of new building materials such as reinforced concrete enabled Le Corbusier to implement for the first time “the 5 points of a new architecture“, theorised in 1927: the free facade, the free plan, the long windows, the garden roof and the pilotis.

In accordance with the wishes of its patron, Raoul La Roche, a banker and collector of modern art, the house was divided into two parts: the gallery, which housed his collection of paintings, and his private flats.

The architectural ensemble of the Maison La Roche and the Maison Jeanneret underwent several restoration campaigns from the 1970s onwards. It was listed as a historic monument in 1996, and since 2016 has been included alongside 16 other works by Le Corbusier on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

BUSINESS (ANNE)
Meet in the hostel reception at 8:00am to go all together to Vivatech. Doors open at 9:00am.

Entry to the Vivatech Conference.
https://vivatechnology.com/sessions
Vivatech is a HUGE international conference. Some of the theme areas that might be of interest to you are: Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Quantum Computing, Sustainability, Climate and Mobility, Health and Longevity, Work Reimagined, Creative Industries and Gaming, And Culture and Lifestyle.

Conferences can be overwhelming and exhausting but an incredible opportunity to attend presentations by leaders in industry and to visit stands, make connections, ask questions, pick up brochures and business cards, and even line up internships!!!! Plan your day. There will be cafes and open areas on site for when you need a break. Ask you professor about strategies to get the most out of this opportunity.

Location: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles Hall 1 & Hall 2.2
1 Place de la Porte de Versailles, F-75015 Paris

How to get there: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2FncgvWLYkpqXcKM8
Metro Stop: Porte de Versailles
Travel time from hostel: 40 to 50 minutes

MEET IN THE RECEPTION OF THE HOSTEL AT 4:00PM (ANNA)
Walk all together to Abricot Bar.

4:30PM Meet Jennifer, owner of Abricot Bar. Originally from California, she was looking for a change and saw an opening in the market in Paris. We will meet her in her bar before opening for a chat about how she decided to move to Paris, what have been the challenges of opening a business in Paris and how these compare to the challenges one faces in the USA.
https://www.abricotbar.com/
https://www.instagram.com/abricotbar/?hl=en

After the meeting you can stay for a drink and snack (not included).

ARCHITECTURE (ANNA)
Meet in reception at 9AM. Don’t forget your metro passes!

10:30AM - 12 NOON Guided tour of the LV Fondation Building
With a qualified guide, your group discover the different part of the building, its location and the history of its construction. Find out more about the artistic commissions especially created for the Fondation.
https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en

To make the most of your upcoming visit, we invite you to download the Fondation Louis Vuitton app, which offers privileged access to discover the building’s architecture from a new perspective.

We would also like to inform you that bottles and water flasks are not permitted inside the building. We kindly ask you to keep them in your bags, which will be placed in a dedicated container before the start of the tour.
 
Following your tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the Alexander Calder exhibition, as then have lunch at Café Franck (lunch not included).

Calder Exhibition:
This exhibition spans half a century of creation, from the late 1920s and the first staging of the artist’s Cirque Calder performances that captivated the Parisian avant-garde, to the monumental sculptures that redefined public art in the 1960s and 1970s. At the Fondation, Calder’s mobiles – floating within Frank Gehry’s architecture – transform the exhibition into a choreographed dance.

One of the most important exhibitions ever dedicated to Alexander Calder, “Calder. Rêver en Equilibre” has been conceived in close collaboration with the Calder Foundation, its principal lender. The display also features loans from international institutions and leading private collectors, bringing together nearly 300 works: stabiles and mobiles – to use the Calderian terminology for static and kinetic abstractions – as well as wire portraits, carved wooden figures, paintings, drawings, and even jewelry, designed as unique sculptures. Throughout the chronological journey spanning more than 3,000 m2, the exhibition will highlight Calder’s fundamental artistic concerns: movement above all, but also light, reflection, humble materials, sound, the ephemeral, gravity, performance, and the interplay of positive and negative space.
https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en/events/calder-rever-en-equilibre

From Amsterdam Centraal Station we will take TRAM NO. 14 (magenta line - direction Muiderpoortstation) to Mauritskade stop and then walk 5 minutes to the hostel.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cqiAUmZnUp67xXSb6

GENERATOR HOSTEL
Room Allocation Girls: 4-bed rooms
Room Allocation Boys: 6-bed room

ARCHITECTURE
Meet in reception at 8:15AM to walk all together to ARCAM (approx. 25 minutes - there is not a great transport option to get there - if you want we can hop a couple of stops by tram).

ARCAM Architecture Centre of Amsterdam
Address: Prins Hendrikkade 600, 1011 VX Amsterdam

Architect Guide: Wendeline Dijkman from De Gebouwengids
Cell: +31613560615

9AM - 10:30AM Intro to Amsterdam Lecture
A general introduction to Amsterdam, briefly covering its history, zooming in on current developments such as industrial areas being repurposed, the construction of new residential islands. (coffee break included)

10:30AM - 11:00AM Break to explore the architecture exhibitions/installations at ARCAM

11:00am - 1PM Walking Tour
The tour starts at Arcam, goes across the Marineterrein, a former defense area, and over the Oosterdokseiland towards Central Station. If time permits, information will also be provided about the renovations around and inside the station, the construction of bicycle parking facilities, and improved access on the north side.

After the walking tour, you will have time for lunch and to travel to the Anne Frank for our afternoon visit. The walk from the Central Station to the Anne Frank Haus is approx. 20-30 minutes.

FASHION - TOUR OF DENIM CITY - 10AM to 1PM
“Make your own bag” course 

Meet in reception at 9:15AM. Take Tram no.19 from Mauritskade, (direction Station Sloterdijk), 8 stops to
Bilderdijkstraat, then walk 5 minutes.

Location: House of Denim Foundation
Denim City, De Hallen, Hannie Dankbaar passage 22

Learn everything you want to know about denim, history & future, sustainability, circularity, innovation and crafts(wo)manship and make your own bag under the guidance of our Master tailor and Wash master. 

Dive into the treatments of denim, like ozone and laser in our sustainable laundry lab in our denim innovation campus Denim City Amsterdam. Workshop is in English and of course we speak Dutch. 

No need to bring anything, just a good mood, we serve coffee & tea & water

DAY 1/2 

• Tour at Denim City + archive

• selection fabric (we use a PCR denim)

• sewing (no need for experience)

• Trims (we use recycled buttons & labels)

• Optional: laser treatment in our Laundry lab based on your personal preference/idea/design 

• presenting the outcome 

• you get a certificate ;-)

After your workshop you will have free time for lunch and to get to the Anne Frank House. The walk from Denim City to Anne Frank is about 25 minutes. Make sure you leave enough time to arrive at Anne Frank by 3:00pm.

EVERYONE
6PM - 7:30PM
PRIVATE BOAT CRUISE ALONG THE CANALS OF AMSTERDAM
Departing from Central Station (Prins Hendrikkade 37a, in front of Saint Nicholas Church). Drinks and finger food included.
Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TwJGep4n3fRm2NuZA

Meet at 5:45PM directly at the boat.
DO NOT BE LATE, THE BOAT WON’T WAIT!!!!