Bienvenue à Paris
Arrival Day 1
Once transported to our hotel, you have the option of a spa treatment, a massage or facial.
There will be a reception area where you can have coffee, tea or champagne.
Le Bon Marché
You can start your adventure while waiting to check in with a brief walk to Le Bon Marché, the first department store in the world, founded in 1852! This is a great stop to pick up any items you left at home! 24, Rue de Sevres
Le Bon Marché has lovely dining options and across the street is the most fabulous food emporium in the world,
La Grande Épicerie de Paris, if you want snacks for your room!
Many exquisite boutiques are close to your hotel, also Jardin du Luxemburg is a 10 minute walk, Notre Dame 15 minutes away. If you love beautiful paper and stationery goods, visit Melodies Graphiques at 10 Rue de Pont Louis-Philippe 75004, about a 20 minute walk.
Check in will be at 3:00.
For dinner, we will walk to Café de Flore, 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Please meet in Lobby at 6:00
Café de Flore
This iconic Parisian café was opened in the 1880’s, and has been a favorite of the elite including Pablo Picasso, Jane Fonda, Brigitte Bardot, Yves Montando.
It’s classic Art Deco interior of red seating, mahogany and mirrors has endured for decades.
Day 2
Breakfast at hotel 9:00- 9:30, Departure 9:30
Pierre Frey
10:00- 11:30 Our morning will be spent at the
Archives of Pierre Frey fabrics and designer showroom.
Pierre Frey is a third generation family business founded in 1935. Their textile archives, headed by Sophie Rovart since 2003, includes documents, drawings and fabrics from the 16th Century to the present. Today the company creates fabrics, wallpaper, custom made rugs and furniture. Pierre Frey is a member of the Comite’ Colbert, which was est. in 1954 and recognizes French luxury houses that promote French art de vivre at the international level. Archives: 47 Rue des Petits Champs, 75001 Showroom: 27 Rue du Mail, 75002
de Gournay
12:00 to 1:30 We continue our introduction to the best of French design in the de Gournay showroom, one of the most beautiful fabric and wallpaper companies in the world. “Why would one not wish to surround oneself with beauty?” Claude Cecil Gurney…in the early 1980’s he visited the workshops in China that would make his wallpaper which is renowned for custom and historical reproductions. Every artistic process is carried out by in-house artisans who bring original hand-wrought techniques to life. We will see their onsite Paris apartment, which features more of the beautiful designs. 15 Rue des Saints-Peres, 75006
Le Souffle
2:00-3:30 Lunch at Le Souffle, yes soufflé for 3 courses!
(included in your trip, Formule de’jeuner) founded 1961.
36 Rue du Mont Thabor, 75001
Buly Parfumerie
Time to take care of ourselves… we will indulge at Buly Parfumerie, the oldest in Paris. From zesty toothpaste to luxurious skin care products, this is the place to revive our skin after a day of travel. The shop’s hallmark interiors from the original 1803 store include walnut burls, elm, cherry wood, fine French woodworking, hand crafted tile. 4:00-5:00 6 Rue Bonaparte, 75006
E. Dehillerin
For our Gourmands…from baking to a classic copper saucepan, your French cooking fantasies will be fulfilled at E. Dehillerin, according to Ina Garten, “the IT of cookware, I dream of going to this place. I promise you will be inspired.” 5:30-6:30 18-20 Rue Coquilliere, 75001
7:00 Dinner Au Bon Accueil
The name translates to “good welcome”, and this charming bistro offers a French market home-cooked touch. Classics include roast chicken, mushroom risotto, add a bottle of artisanal wine and dessert!
14 Rue de Monttessuy, 75007
Finish the day with a stroll around the Eiffel Tower.
9:30 Return to hotel, bonne nuit
Day 3
Breakfast 9:00-9:30 10 minute walk to 9 Rue de la Monnaie, 75001
La Samaritane, Pont Neuf Building
Where to start? Impeccably restored by LVMH, this Art Noveau icon is itself a historic monument...recognized by its shimmering enamel tiled façade and topped with a vast glass roof. Immense peacock frescoes were created by Francis Jourdain, the son of the Belgian architect Frantz Jourdain that designed the store. Grab a light lunch on the top floor. Please note, the lower level houses Europe’s largest beauty department…At least buy a lipstick!
Pick up at Noon, Meet at the Front entrance, the tiled wall AT NOON:
Veuve Clicquot
The widow Clicquot at age 27, Madame Clicquot, took over the vineyard in 1805 after the death of her husband Frances. She was one of the first business women of modern times, and she revolutionized the champagne industry with the invention of the riddling table, rose champagne and shipping her products to Russia. The vineyard was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot, her father-in-law. We will be hosted with an exclusive tasting in the caves.
Dinner at Le Manoir de Verzy with a vineyard tour and dinner. The Manoir is an impeccably decorated family home built circa 1820, and attached to the 1700’s wine press. It is only open for private groups, so this is a once in a lifetime experience!
Day 4 A Day in the Country, jeans and sneakers!
8:15 Walk to Bakery Polaine for breakfast to go!
Boulangerie Polaine
Rue de Cherche-Mi di 75006
Established in 1932, this, bakery ships bread globally.
An artisanal process, each loaf is unique and carries the famous “P” letter, now directed by third generation owner Apollonia Polaine.
Depart Polaine and 9:00 am, drive to:
Giverny
Home & Gardens of Claude Monet
You will have 4 hours to explore the charming home and often painted garden, tickets provided. Meet for Lunch at 1:00 at Brasserie des Artists in the garden of the Museum of Impressionism. Known for its Burger Normandie, but if you choose to wander, there are several charming bistros in the area.
Depart at 2:30 for Paris! Back to hotel before 5:00, slip on some dressy flats and a pretty shawl!
Walk to dinner, 5:45 10 minute walk, Dinner at 6:00
75 Av. Des Champs-Elysees 75008
Ladurée
I haven’t added this to our tour for the food; I will recommend the French fries and champagne. Dessert if you like…but so reminiscent of the scene from Sex and the City where Cary has pastries, and the guest next to her is a Mastiff. That café was actually Cador Patesserie, which is no longer in business, but I always think of Laduree as where any beautiful woman would go for a coffee and the scene. I had the best French fries in the world here years ago, and our waiter was most distressed that I asked for ketchup, not mustard! It was our 10th day in Paris, and I was homesick, so the French fries were irresistible.
7:30 Cab to:
Musée Yves Saint Laurent
5 avenue Marceau 75116
A view of the glamorous world of haute couture, Yves Saint Laurent spent almost 30 years at this address designing his collections, from 1974-2002. Did you know he designed the costumes for the 1963 comedy classic, The Pink Panther?
7:30-9:00, 9:00 pm Cabs back to Hotel
Day 5
Breakfast at hotel 9:00-9:30
9:30 car service to:
Souleiado
Souleiado is the iconic 1806 fabric house from Provence, known worldwide for its charming cotton prints and brilliant colors. You will find treasures for your home here, and wonderful additions to your closet, at least a fabulous scarf! We will be hosted to a special presentation on the history of this much loved company.
10:00-11:30 78 Rue de Seine 75006
Be sure to ask for your VAT form and refund.
Musee de la Chasse et de la Nature
Art in Nature
This charming petite museum features classic animal exhibits, along with rotating modern art installations. The architectural details are worth the visit alone! The museum is housed in the Hotel de Guenegaud, a 17th Century aristocratic mansion built between 1651 and 1655. The museum sprang from a foundation started by Francois and Jacqueline Sommer, active defenders of the environment and the factor of hunting that is respectful of natural balances. 12:00-1:30 62 Rue des Archives 75003
Lunch at Le Dame de Paris
1:45-3:00 If you are homesick, they offer an amazing hamburger, and delightful pizza, along with traditional bistro fare.
La Galerie Dior and Dior Boutiques
3:15 11 Rue Francois 1er 75008
Discover the richness of Dior at this petite museum.
“Fashion designers offer one of the last refuges of the marvelous. They are, in a way, the masters of dreams…”
CD 1958 If you need refreshment, there is a delightful café in the museum. After your museum visit, you will find the stores irresistible, even just to window shop! The children’s shop is pure fantasy.
6:00 Pickup for return to the hotel
We will walk to dinner at 7:30
Le Precope
Dinner 7:45 Le Precope Five minute walk from hotel…
13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comedie 75006
A plaque on site claims that this is the oldest continually serving café in the world, founded in 1886 as a coffee house.
Day 6 - Denier Jour (last day)
Sleep in a little if you like, take your time to pack, gather your VAT forms, this is very cumbersome to do at the airport, you will need your receipts. Also the items listed on VAT cannot be in checked luggage.
9:45 Optional walk to Deyrolle, back by 11:15. 10 minute walk from hotel. If you love animals, you will want to come along.
Deyrolle
In 1888, Emile Deyrolle opened the store at the current location, in an old 18th Century hotel. On the first floor, visitors experience the green walls with ornate gold moldings, frieze-embellish ceilings, and handsome display cabinets. Beautiful specimens from butterflies to zebras bring one close to nature, even Salvador Dali came for inspiration!
11:30 Transport to Le Train Bleu, Gare de Lyon
Le Train Bleu for lunch
An unforgettable setting opened in 1901 and christened Le Train Bleu in 1963. Take a look at the website to inspire your imagination, luncheon included in trip price.
After lunch you will be delivered to…
Hôtel de la Marine
Completed in 1774, the building was originally the “Guarde-Meuble Royal”, the repository of the King’s furnishings, from exquisite furniture to daily items such as cookware and household linens, to the Crown jewels…including furnishings for Versaille, Fountainebleau, Trianon. On September 16, 1792, in the days of the Revolution, the Crown jewels, valued at 30 million francs, were stolen. Following the Revolution until 2015, the building housed the Ministry of the Navy.
The collections today showcase beautiful furniture, interiors, and artistic objects from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Visit from 2:30-4:00
4:00 on to:
Galleries Lafayette
Time to walk off lunch! This iconic department store, est.in 1894, is known worldwide for its Art Nouveau glass and steel dome roof, created in 1912. You will find an English speaking staff in the concierge area, they can help you with your VAT purchases, and even a cab reservation back to the hotel. If shopping is not on your list, visit the Palais Garnier, the Paris opera house, a five minute walk from Galleries Lafayette. Or stroll to Galerie Vivienne, the covered shopping passage dating from 1826. Don’t miss a glass of champagne at the roof top bar, one of the best views in Paris! DON’T MISS THIS!!! Make your own way back to hotel, this allows you the most flexibility with how you spend your afternoon.
ALSO NOT TO BE MISSED: BNF Richelieu Library, Bibliotheque Nationale, there is a small fee, about 12 euros, to enter. An easy 20 minute walk from Galleries Lafayette. 5 Rue Vivienne, 75002
8:00 Dinner , a surprise! Please meet in the lobby!
Hope you are leaving on Sunday with amazing memories to last a lifetime! Or until our next trip!