Day 1: Bienvenue! Welcome to Paris, France “The City of Lights.”
I will greet you at your private apartment in the exclusive Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. Settle your belongings into your new home, and then we'll enjoy lunch at a neighborhood café. After lunch, we will spend some time getting oriented ~ going over maps, metro and bus stops. The remainder of the day is at your leisure for you to unwind and settle at your own pace. (L)
Day 2: French breakfast, “Intro to Paris ” tour & genuine Parisian dining
Meet at Karen's apartment for your first traditional French breakfast, including fresh pastries and croissants from the nearby pâtisserie and a bowl of café au lait. Following breakfast, embark on a professionally-guided walking tour which provides an overview of the city using the different modes of transport. This 3-hour tour will enable you to become confident about using the excellent Paris public transport on your own. Highlights include the 800-year-old Notre Dame cathedral & Ile de la Cité, the striking Hôtel de Ville, the Louvre and Tuileries gardens, the fateful Place de la Concorde where the guillotine stood, the famous Avenue des Champs Elysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Tonight, dine together in an authentic neighborhood restaurant unknown to tourists. (B, D)
Day 3: Optional Gourmet Pastry, Chocolate & Macaron tour with Karen. Free day. This morning you have the option to discover Karen's favorite gourmet food haunts on her Gourmet Pastry, Chocolate & Macaron tour. During a 3-hour walking tour in the St-Germain-des-Près district, Karen will take you to a top chocolaterie, pâtisserie, and boulangerie where you may witness bread baking in the centuries-old bread ovens, and taste the most delicious and stylishly prepared confections. Discover where French actress Catherine Deneuve buys her morning croissants (as well as spotting her home.) The tour includes sampling exquisite delights at each of the 4 stops.
20€ per person.
Day 4: Outdoor market tour & picnic…Cooking Dinner Party
Visit one of the most beautiful outdoor markets in Paris in a prestigious neighborhood; witness a tremendous array of delicious fare, including abundant fish and seafood, cheese, meats, and exquisite produce. Choose from among the finest delicacies in Europe for our cooking dinner party tonight, as well as for our picnic lunch. Meet and visit with vendors, sample some tasty products, with free time to purchase provisions for yourself or shop for garments or household goods. For your convenience, Karen will have a rolling caddy to transport your purchases back to your apartment. After market, we will head to the nearby Champs de Mars to picnic on the lawn in front of the Grande Dame herself, the Eiffel Tower. This evening, Karen will lead a cooperative cooking party in her apartment with finds from the market. (L, D)
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Day 5: Champagne! Take the new high-speed train to the city of Reims ~ capital of the Champagne region, a short 45 minutes away. Visit one of the top Champagne producers for an exclusive tour of the chalk caves and vinification facility. Learn about the fascinating history of champagne making and then delight in a tasting of several different champagnes. Before returning to Paris, visit the impressive Reims cathedral ~ the gothic splendor where many French kings have been crowned.
Day 6: Optional Flea market outing…In-home French chef dinner with locals
This morning you have the option to visit one of the Paris flea markets to find treasures from the past. Tonight, enjoy the rare opportunity of a private dinner party with an established French Chef in the home of native Parisians. Our hosts are delighted to experience an evening with Americans, while enjoying a gourmet meal, starting with hors-d'œuvre and champagne. Wine will be selected to complement a traditional 3-course French meal. (D)
Day 7: Savor Paris the way you wish today! If you haven't gotten your fill of outdoor markets, I suggest the comprehensive Marché Bastille ~ a stone's throw from the 400-year-old Place des Vosges in the quaint Marais district. Historical walking tours are a fun and interesting way to explore the various neighborhoods of Paris. Paris Walks, my preferred walking tour company offers regular walks on Sunday ~ The Village of Montmarte (10:30a) and The Old Marais Quarter (2:30p).
Day 8: Optional Hands-On Culinary Class at Lenôtre
Deepen your Parisian experience during an optional 3-hour Hands-On Culinary Class at the exclusive Lenôtre Ecole de Cuisine located on world-famous Avenue des Champs Elysées. Enjoy preparing 2-3 courses alongside Chef Jacky with a generous gourmet meal to take home (perfect for dinner in your apartment!) 140€ per person. Course in French with translation during class by Karen, who will also provide recipes in English.
Day 9: “Au Revoir” … “Bon retour & MERCI!”
After savoring your last French pastries and coffee, your taxi will take you to the airport to catch your flight home.
