Fall in Love with Paris for the First Time

Fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airport. If you're flying overnight to get to Paris, consider coming a day early to rest, relax and get acclimated to the local time. There's an Arrive 1 Day Early option in the Add-ons section.

Grab a taxi or Uber at the airport - they are clean, safe and plentiful, and most (if not all) accept credit cards - to our home for the week,  the delightful 4-star Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne, 

In the afternoon, we'll gather in the hotel’s 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.

We'll cap off our 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, pate en route, and 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 Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art collection, including works by Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Vincent Van Gogh, and Auguste Rodin. An expert guide will lead us through the museum, allowing us to gain insights into their revolutionary contributions to modern art.

We'll enjoy a leisurely lunch at Les Café des Musées after our museum exploration. 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? We'll take the metro back to the hotel for some rest before dinner. (All "real Parisienne's take the Metro).

Dinner tonight will be a five-course feast at Restaurant Tracé, the gastronomic restaurant of Chef Clément Vergeat near Palais Royal and Opéra.  

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 planted and tended, 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. During Monet’s time, imagine the artist 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 for a cup of tea and world-renowned macarons. After a busy day, dinner is on your own—you can 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!

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 your 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 sparkles anew. You can easily return to the hotel 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 excellent Italian gastronomy inspires the menu, 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 visit the Louvre, the world's largest and perhaps most famous museum. Our private guide will guide us through its vast collection, which spans thousands of years of history and culture, providing 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, 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.