Fall in Love with Paris for the First Time

Experience the charm of the Île de la Cité by checking into the delightful 4-star Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne, nestled in the heart of Paris. Once a quaint area along the Seine, this historic locale retains its allure, providing a serene backdrop for your stay. Later, we will gather in the hotel’s elegant lobby for a champagne welcome drink and introductions, setting a relaxed tone for the evening ahead. 

Afterward, we'll begin a unique sightseeing adventure through Paris in a vintage Citroen 2CV, an iconic symbol of French culture. Feel the city’s pulse as you wind through its streets, passing by landmarks like the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Champs-Élysées.

Cap off your day with dinner at Au Vieux Comptoir, a rustic French classic restaurant sprinkled with global touches in a convivial bistro. They are known for their superb beef Bourgogne, their pate en croute & their magnet de canard.

Reflecting on the day’s experiences, you’ll find yourself immersed in the timeless allure of Paris. Here, history meets contemporary elegance at every turn. 

After a relaxed morning and breakfast at the hotel, our day begins with a cultural immersion at the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a former railway station, this renowned museum showcases an exceptional collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including works by Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Vincent Van Gogh, and Auguste Rodin. We'll be led by an expert guide to gain insights into their revolutionary contributions to modern art.

Following our museum exploration, we'll enjoy a leisurely lunch at Les Café des Musées. Over delicious French cuisine, we'll discuss our favorite pieces and soak in the elegant ambiance of this historical setting.

After lunch, we'll meet with our photographer for a personalized photo shoot across scenic Parisian locations. 

After our photo shoot, we’ll take a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower tickets. What first trip to Paris would be complete without a ride to the top of La Tour Eiffel for a birds-eye-view of the city? After a great day, we will take the metro back to the hotel for some rest before dinner.

Dinner will be a five course feast at Restaurant Tracé. Tracé is the gastronomic restaurant of Chef Clément Vergeat. Located close to Palais Royal and Opéra, it offers a casual chic gastronomic experience in a relaxed and intimate setting.  

This morning, we’ll drive about an hour from Paris to visit Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Monet considered his garden, which he personally planted and tended, to be his greatest masterpiece. His home, now a museum, is filled with the artwork and artifacts he collected over a lifetime, showcasing his passion for beauty. Inside, you’ll find his studio-sitting room and an exceptional collection of Japanese prints.

After exploring the house and gardens, we’ll stroll to the historic Ancien Hotel de Baudy for lunch. Open during Monet’s time, imagine the artist himself dining at the next table. Enjoy a meal steeped in history and ambiance.

Returning to Paris, we’ll visit the jewel-like L’Orangerie museum on the edge of the Tuileries Gardens to witness Monet's masterpieces. Specially designed rooms house Monet’s famous “Water Lilies,” offering a mesmerizing experience. Decide for yourself which is more breathtaking: the gardens or the paintings.

Feeling inspired, we’ll head to the famous Ladurée to savor world-renowned macarons over tea. After a big day, dinner is on your own— order room service or visit a nearby café.

We’ll start our morning with a delightful walking and food tour at Rue Cler, where you can savor some of the city's finest cheese, charcuterie, and gourmet produce.

After lunch, we'll stroll through the magnificent Luxembourg Gardens with guide Amy Kupec Larue, who will share fascinating stories about its history and point out its stunning sculptures and horticultural treasures.

The afternoon is yours for last-minute shopping or to explore any sites you may have missed. Paris is a city that always leaves you wanting more, so you'll just have to come back again!

Tonight, we’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner at La Réserve Du Terroir a traditional bistro known for its classic dishes and specialties from the Aveyron. Don’t miss the Aligot - mashed potatoes with tomme cheese, it's to die for!

After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll stroll to the ever-popular Le Marais, one of Paris' most enchanting neighborhoods. Along the way, we’ll visit the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore, admire Notre Dame, and stop at a historic tea shop delighting Parisians since 1854 before reaching the stunning Place des Vosges. Our route includes the bustling Marché Bastille, Paris’ most famous outdoor food market, where vibrant displays of fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and more will amaze you. For many locals, daily market visits are a cherished routine.

For lunch, we’ll savor the best crêpes in Paris at Breizh Café, celebrated for extraordinary crêpes and sustainable ingredients from Brittany.

This afternoon, enjoy free time in Le Marais. Explore Rue des Rosiers, shop at Buly, relax in Place Ste-Catherine, or visit the Picasso or Carnavalet Museum, Paris’ oldest city museum. Recently revamped, Carnavalet now sparkles anew. Return to the hotel easily by taxi or Uber.

This evening we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant energy of Liberto, a radiant italian restaurant that dazzles with its colorful, festive ambiance and lively atmosphere. The menu is inspired by the great Italian gastronomy, with a complete range of pinsa romana. 

After breakfast, we will begin our day by visiting the very heart of Montmartre. This charming village in northern Paris is renowned for its painters, cafes, and bohemian ambiance. We will tour the Musée de Montmartre, housed in one of the oldest buildings on the Butte, dating back to the 17th century, where we'll explore its rich artistic heritage.

For lunch, we will dine at Marcel, a delightful spot that perfectly captures Montmartre's unique atmosphere. Afterward, we’ll tackle the Louvre, the world's largest and perhaps most famous museum. Our private guide will navigate us through its vast collection, spanning thousands of years of history and culture, providing us with insights into some of the greatest masterpieces ever created.

Tonight, we'll enjoy a farewell sunset dinner cruise on the Ducasse sur Seine, a spectacular riverboat restaurant along the Seine. The highlight will be witnessing the City of Light illuminate before our eyes, offering a magical conclusion to our Parisian adventure.

Sadly, it's time to say goodbye and head home, but first, we'll enjoy a hearty breakfast together. May this be the first of many trips to Paris and la Belle France.

“America is my country, but Paris is my home,” Gertrude Stein.