Paris - La Vie Parisienne
'for women only'
Come and meet your new friends in Paris!
 Do
you harbor a secret fantasy of living in Paris, strolling through
charming neighborhoods, shopping at chic boutiques and local markets,
acquiring a bit of that inimitable Parisian style? Would you love
to meet women who live and work in this magical city, and discover
great insider places? Here’s your chance to step behind the
scenes and into life in the French capital, at least for a little
while, with our friendly Paris hosts to welcome you.
Our Paris hosts have many different interests and histories. What
they share is a fascination with their city – its neighborhoods,
its history, its manytastes and delights – and above all,
its people. Through them you will touch the ‘real’ Paris
– the city you’ve always wanted to visit.
You’ll enjoy the best of all worlds – a friendly welcome
in a new city, knowledgeable friends to share their own insights
and discoveries with you, plus enough free time to explore on
your own. We’ve designed this program for mini-groups of
4-6 women traveling together, with three Parisian hosts to introduce
you to life in the City of Light.
Cost based on 4-6 women traveling together:
6 night program with 3 star accommodations - $2895.-$3095. per
person, in twin room
6 night program with 4 star accommodation - $3895. - $4125.
per person, in twin room
Sample Itinerary (Itineraries may be customized to your
interests and preferences)
Day One
Arrive in Paris and make your way to your hotel.
This evening you’ll meet Sharon, one of your hosts, for a
drink and a chance to find out a little about what it’s like
to live in France. Sharon's field of study, in her native England,
was modern languages, but she’s become an expert on the world
of food and wine. She’ll be glad to suggest a place for a
light meal this evening. You’ll meet her again in a couple
of days.
 Day
Two
This morning you’ll meet Veronique, who lives just outside
Paris. Véronique lived in the US on several occasions
during her husband's military career. As she followed him on
his global assignments, Véronique raised their four
children, and found time for volunteer work with "Bienvenue
en France"
in Paris and "Welcome to Washington" in the US, as
well as language exchange programs in French schools. Here is
Veronique’s
suggestion for your first full day in Paris.
“Tuesday would
be a good day for shopping as most of the museums in Paris are
closed. So today we should visit the open market of the rue Clerc,
in the 7th arrondissement, not far from the Invalides. It is
a very colorful and animated street. There is a very famous cheese
shop where they prepare special trays for appetizers, great when
you only want to have friends for a wine & cheese evening.
Of course, we'll stop for a petit café.
Then I'll take you for a light lunch at Le Vauban, an elegant
spot named after a famous 18th century military French architect,
Vauban. It has a view of the Invalides dome just across the
square. There's a an exhibit at the Invalides that's worth
seeing, the Musée des plans reliefs, the only one of its
kind in France: a collection of 17th & 19th centuries models
representing fortified towns that architects built to show
the kings so that they could estimate each town's ability to
resist invaders. Afterwards we'll go the Ile de la Cite, and
stroll through the marché
aux fleurs, the flower market close to the Seine river. The scents
are delicious, and you really want to go gardening right away!
If you like old bookstores, there is the well-known Shakespeare
& Company, where you night find a treasure. Also the much
photographed bouquinistes along the river, who sell old and
second hand books and antique prints. Do you like ice cream?
I'll take you to Berthillon, who makes the most famous ice
creams in Paris. “
Veronique might tell you about her friends
Anne-Olivia and Gabriel, who are both artists, and experts in
finding treasures at the Paris flea markets – perhaps you’ll
get a chance to meet them if you’re interested in art and
if they’re
available.
Continue on to dinner with Veronique – she has
a special spot in mind.
Day Three
This morning you’ll meet Sharon again, for an excursion into
the world of ‘dégriffé’ – those secret
places only Parisians know where you can find great designer clothes
at knock-down prices. Sharon is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic
guide to this side of Paris, and who knows what wonderful bargains
you might find? And with Sharon, you’ll find a wonderful
place for lunch with great Paris style.
After lunch you’re free to continue along in Sharon’s
company or branch out on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask
about your own special interests when planning your trip. Sharon
knows lots of fascinating people in and around Paris – and
she’s interested in so many things, from unusual boutiques
(how about a visit to Paris’ only master perfumer) to a variety
of tastings – cheese, olive oils, wines – or a visit
to the ktichen of a prestigious hotel. You might even visit the
beehives on the roof of the Opera house!
Dinner on your own this evening.
Day Four
Today you’re on your own to explore whatever pleases you
in the city. You might opt for a bit of classic sightseeing or
a museum visit –perhaps the Rodin museum with its wonderful
garden, or the Musée Carnavalet, if you’re curious
about the city’s history. Sharon and Véronique have
probably given you plenty of ideas, but we are happy to suggest
visits or excursions that match your interests. Depending on the
time of year, there will be seasonal events and excursions as
well. And by now, you’ve caught the idea that just to flaner
– to stroll and explore – is part of every real Parisian’s
ideal.
Day Five
This morning meet yet another Parisienne. Andrée
will do more than tell you how sophisticated Parisians live, she
will show you. "I don't give a damn about fashion, but I
care passionately about style," she says.
Come with her to the elegant Batignolles neighborhood where she
lives, push open the heavy wrought-iron door of her 18th century
Haussmann-era stone building and step inside her flat. It will
be just as you imagine: high ceilings, white plaster moldings,
marble chimney mantelpieces, mirrors,18th century furniture: it's
not a grand museum, it's where she lives with her family of three
bilingual, college-age daughters who wouldn't think of leaving
home.
This morning she will introduce you to one of her favorite neighborhoods,
perhaps the newly trendy area along the Canal Saint Martin,
where
‘Monsieur Jean’ sells one of the best breads in Paris,
followed by an elegant lunch where you’ll learn about food
and wine pairing from the experts and then a visit with the
artisans whose studios share the same historic setting. After
a market stop (fresh vegetables according to the season, cheese
from the fromager, wine chosen for today’s menu), head
back to Andrée’s
apartment, where she’ll show you how to prepare and serve
a traditional French meal with flair – while she initiates
you into the mysteries of dining ‘à la française.’
Day Six
Today is your last day in Paris, and you are free to indulge in
whatever your favorite activities may be. By now you’ve come
to feel a little bit Parisienne yourself, and you will enjoy the
chance to explore a little on your own. You can explore a new
neighborhood, sample some wonderful fruits from the nearest market,
check out a gallery show or take an afternoon pause for tea and
macaroons at La Durée.
This evening you’ll meet all your hosts –– Sharon,
Veronique and Andrée – for a delightful evening of
dining and conversation. Gathered around the table, you will truly
feel as though you’ve entered into the life of Paris –
and made new friends as well.
Day Seven
Time to say goodbye to Paris and your new friends – at least
for now. Bon Voyage – and come back soon!
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