Paris, France
August 2-10, 2022
9 days / 8 nights
8-12 GuestsDay 1 – August 2nd, Tuesday
Welcome to Paris! Train, Uber or cab to the Hotel Les Tournelles, your home for the next 5 nights. It’s a charming 3-star boutique hotel housed in a 17th century building in the heart of the Marais. Headquartered here, you’ll be just steps away from the iconic Places des Vosges and surrounded by some of Paris’ best restaurants and shopping.
After some rest and relaxation and perhaps a walk in the neighborhood, we’ll meet up at 6:45pm in the lobby for a welcome glass of Champagne, a Girls’ Guide to Paris signature! We’ll formally meet one another and learn more about our itinerary for our adventure in France.
Then we’ll head over to La Coupole, the quintessential Jazz-Era brasserie that was frequented by the likes of Josephine Baker, Marlon Brando, Paul Bowles, Marc Chagall and so many more. We love their seafood tower and their delicious Chablis!
Day 2 – August 3rd, Wednesday
Wake up and enjoy a Parisian breakfast at our hotel. Around 10am, we’ll depart for a tour of essential Paris on a Segway scooter. Paris Virgins (aka first-timers) will adore using the Segway to get around and see the main central sights of Paris. Even if you’ve been to Paris a dozen times, you’ll love bopping around on a Segway. While this might seem touristy, we’ve never found this tour to be cheesy. It’s great fun to learn how to ride one, and anyone can do it; their teachers are calm and patient. Pretty soon you’ll get the hang of it, and then we’ll be off to explore the Eiffel Tower, the Tuileries, the Louvre and so much more. I promise, you won’t want to give it up. The guides are really cute, funny, charming and give you a bit of history at each stop.
After our ride, we’ll stop for lunch depending on where we are, but likely for a crêpe or two in the Tuileries gardens if the weather is fine. (Lunch not included)
After lunch, we’ll deposit you back in the Marais armed with some GG2P pocket guides so you can hit the top shopping spots in the area including a candle shop that used to supply Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI, a discount French beauty pharmacy, our favorite clothing stores, and more!
Or perhaps you’ll want to pop into the Picasso Museum or the newly renovated Carnavalet Museum, which explores the history of Paris and is the oldest museum in the City of Light. Their formal garden is not to be missed.
Tonight’s dinner is at your leisure. There are literally hundreds of restaurants right outside your door in the Marais, but we’ll let you know which ones are our favorites!
Day 3 – August 4th, Thursday
After a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, today we’ll have a real adventure. With a guide we’ll explore Africa in Paris in the vibrant Goutte d’Or neighborhood in the North of Paris. We’ll discover its open-air markets complete with clothing, food stuffs emphasizing African specialties, and so much more. During our walking tour we’ll learn of the social and political issues that these migrants face, some of whom are of course French citizens. We can taste and try some delicacies along the way.
This afternoon we leave for you to discover Paris on your own from 2-6pm. Perhaps you’ll want to pop over to the nearby Montmartre. A self-guided walking tour can be given to anyone who wants it. Or you might want to go back to your hotel and relax or explore the Marais and its shops.
This evening we’ll meet up from 6-8pm to take a walk through the Luxembourg gardens with one of GG2P’s favorite guides in Paris.
After our walk, we’ll stop nearby for a cup of tea or a cocktail at the Café Tournon where James Baldwin and Duke Ellington used to hang out. First round is on us while you learn from our guide about Jazz-Era Paris and how many African Americans took advantage of the freedom in Paris, allowing them to live much in peace and nurture their creative abilities and talents.
Afterwards you’ll be free to have dinner on your own or with newly made friends. Suggestions for nearby hot spots will be given.
Day 4 – August 5th, Friday
Save your appetite this morning, because we’ll be heading over for our Macaron class at one of our favorite spots, La Cuisine Paris.
The afternoon is reserved for first timers and others who might want to see some Iconic Paris sights.
We can arrange these outings for those coming to Paris for the first time.
Cost not included, 125 euros per person per choice
- Skip the line Eiffel Tower visits
- Skip the line Orsay Tour
- Louvre Scavenger Hunt
- 2CV open car tour of Montmartre
Tonight, our friend Tanisha will guide you in a wine tasting, tapas tour of Paris from 6-8pm.
Day 5 – August 6th, Saturday
This morning is free to do whatever your heart desires in gay paree!
This afternoon, we’ll meet for an elegant tea at Josephine Baker’s favorite hotel, the Hotel Le Scribe Opera who does a proper tea with all the accoutrements.
OPTIONAL Rest up and get dressed up. One of our favorite photographers will be on hand to take some portraits of YOU in Paris, alone and as part of group. This just might end up being your most favorite souvenir from your trip! (extra charge of 100 euros)
Tonight, will be all yours to decide what you want to do and where. Suggestions will be given.
Day 6 – August 7th, Sunday
This morning, we’ll check out of our hotel after breakfast to catch the train down to the Dordogne region. We’ll train down to Bergerac where we’ll be picked up and driven to our very own Chateau for the next few days.
After checking in, we’ll be taken to the stunning Gardens of Marquessac for a visit and a glorious walk through the gardens. This is one of the most illustrious gardens in all of France, not so much for the flowers, but for the incredibly manicured and beautifully designed boxwood hedges. It’s a feast for the eyes.
Then we’ll head on to Beynac & Cazenac for a visit to the Chateau. Afterwards, we’ll make a stop in town for a cup of tea or a cold drink as a little refresher.
We’ll be back to our Chateau Hotel for rest by the pool by 7 pm, and then we can walk to the Le Rocher restaurant nearby for dinner around 9pm. In summer in France people generally eat a bit later. (dinner not included)
Day 7 – August 8th, Monday
Today after breakfast, we’ll discover the central reason we’ve come down to this beautiful region – to discover Josephine Baker’s Chateau Milandes, just a short ride from our hotel. The chateau where she lived with her 12 adopted children is heavenly. You’ll be fascinated to learn what an interesting life Ms. Baker led including the assistance she gave the French during WWII. After a fascinating tour, we’ll stop for lunch at the Chateau. They have a beautiful outdoor garden restaurant that’s quite elegant! (not included)
After taking our fill of everything Josephine, we’ll head over to discover the charming town of Domme. Considered one of the most beautiful towns in France, Domme is a Bastide town built on a hill during the middle ages. Enjoy a petite tour and a walk around and then we’ll get drive you back to your hotel arriving by 5pm at the latest.
Dinner tonight is on your own, it’s possible to walk into town for pizza.
Day 9 – August 9th, Tuesday
After one final breakfast at the Chateau your driver will drop you back at the train in the morning. Refreshed, you’ll arrive in Paris around mid-day for last minute shopping and exploring.
Tonight, you’ll rest your head at the Hotel des Grandes Hommes, one of our favorites in the 5th arrondissement facing the Pantheon near the Sorbonne. The location is ideal, and the staff is very kind. Check-in, just unpacking enough for tonight and tomorrow.
This evening we’ll top off our grand tour with an extravagant boat ride along the Seine on the cruise boat of famed chef Alain Ducasse. You’ll enjoy a four-course menu (drinks are extra) and end the night by watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle right in front of you! A more perfect ending to a spectacular trip can’t be imagined.
Day 10 – August 10, Wednesday
After breakfast we’ll say our final goodbyes and depart back home.