The Best of Paris: Art, Food, & History!

April 27-May 3, 2025

Join us for a delightful walking tour of Paris as we focus on Food, Art, and History!  We’ll experience the excitement of Paris through its museums (large and small), first-rate restaurants (famous and neighborly), architecture (from the medieval to the Belle Epoque) and chocolate! (yes, chocolate.) Our inside contacts will tease your tastebuds and introduce you to fresh French produce with a tasting tour at a picturesque marché, a workshop on the taste and smell of fine chocolate, and a personalized cooking class specializing in pastry.  We’ll spend time at the newly renovated Jacquemart-André museum–one of the most stunning private-house museums in Paris–admiring not only the luscious collection of Italian frescos and paintings but also the state-of-the-art faux marble and gold-plated staircase.  Our (optional) Louvre visit is unlike any other as our Art Historian will present how food was relished throughout the ages, and at the Rodin museum, we’ll marvel at the sculptor’s most significant creations.  We’ll walk through history at the Opera House and the Belle-Epoque passages that are so dear to the Parisians.  In addition to our private chocolate tasting, we’re offering a wine tasting at a local Parisian home.  And we’ll top it all off with a savoring of a variety of cuisine, settings, and ambiances that reflect the unique culture of this great city.

Keeping our group small (9-12 people max) ensures attention to detail, a specialty of The French Traveler.  You’ll be lodged in a four-star hotel in the elegant VIIe arrondissement within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower and the Ecole Militaire, across the street from the delightful Rue Cler, near shops, restaurants, and public transportation.  In this classic and elegant neighborhood, you have l’embarras du choix as to eating, shopping, and getting around in your leisure time.  

This walking tour of Paris is in English.  Knowledge of the French language is always a plus, but not necessary.  This tour requires the ability to walk without assistance, sometimes for 2-3 hours per day. We use public transportation (buses and metros) to get around the city; that means steps to climb and descend.  You will have your own metro/bus card to use throughout the week.  Taxis and/or Ubers and even private drivers are readily available as an alternative at your expense if you prefer. 

As a bonus, you can extend your tour by one day and come discover the magical Champagne region of France, just an hour away from Paris.  We’ll visit a renowned Champagne cellar in Reims, the famous Gothic cathedral where all the kings of France were crowned, and have lunch in an authentic local restaurant before returning to our Parisian hotel for one last night in the capital.

We strongly suggest arriving early to get over jet lag before starting our wonderful tour, and staying a day or two later after the tour has ended to continue your exploration of Paris.  The hotel is happy to have you as long as you’d like to stay, as we’re sure this short tour will only whet your appetite for more.

 

Sunday, April 27
Welcome to Paris!  Arrive at your leisure today.  Take a stroll around the neighborhood or relax in your room.  Welcome dinner this evening at a delightful neighborhood restaurant, beloved by American presidents and locals alike.      DINNER                                                                                 

Monday, April 28
We’ll stroll through the fantastic St-Germain neighborhood this morning, made so famous in the 20th century, and lunch in one of their iconic restaurants.  From there, we’ll explore the breathtaking Jacquemart-André museum, and at the end of the day, what  better way to finish than a pick-me-up-snack in their magnifient tea room.        LUNCH

 Tuesday, April 29
We’ll visit a special farmer’s market today known for its excellent local produce and be introduced to some of the producers themselves.  Tastings are permitted and encouraged here to acquaint your taste buds with the freshness of the food.  Lunch in the area before a very special visit to the Musée Rodin and a stroll through the magnificent gardens there.      LUNCH   

Wednesday, April 30
Spend the morning at leisure today, or perhaps pursue an optional pastry class where learning “ze French touch” will impress your friends at your next dinner party!*  Have lunch at your leisure, then we’ll meet for a nostalgic trip back through la Belle Epoque at the epochal Opéra Garnier.  Afterwards, we’ll journey over to a fellow-Parisian’s apartment for an engaging wine tasting with a Bordeaux wine professional.  Ooh la la.    OPTIONAL WINE TASTING 

 Thursday, May 1
We’ll take advantage of the quiet which the national holiday will give us today to travel up to captivating Montmartre, a village in itself, full of wonderful momuments, churches, shops and restaurants. After lunch together, we’ll be treated to a tasting workshop on fine chocolate. LUNCH

 Friday, May 2
Take the day at leisure today to revisit some of the haunts we’ve seen or strike out on your own to explore a different area of Paris.  We’ll have lots of suggestions for you, one of which is a private Louvre tour with Pascale.  (You’ll never look at paitings in the same way again, guaranteed!)  We’ll celebrate our final dinner this evening in a charming Art-Nouveau restaurant where fine dining and beautiful surroundings combine to give you a sensational send-off. DINNER

Saturday, May 3
Departure is always difficult after such an incredible week, and we highly encourage you to spend more time in Paris or explore other parts of France if you have time.  If you’d like to spend one more day, then come with us to….

Saturday, May 3*
Reims!  The capital of Champagne country bustles with extraordinary Champagne cellars, excellent restaurants, and a magnificent Gothic cathedral where all of France’s kings were crowned.  We’ll come back for one final night at our Parisian hotel before saying Au Revoir tomorrow morning.     LUNCH

Sunday, May 4
Final departure this morning for those who opted for the Reims outing.

* = extra cost

 

 

 

 

Register For This Trip

You can reserve your spot for this trip in two different ways, electronically or by mail.

If you would prefer to do so by mail, please print out this form and fill it out accordingly.  To secure your spot, you can choose to pay either the deposit  ($1000) or the full trip amount, by check. Please include the check with your form and mail them to: The French Traveler, Inc, 1825 Ponce de Leon Blvd #346, Coral Gables, FL 33134 USA.

If you prefer to fill out your information digitally, you may do so by filling out this electronic form. Then you can secure your spot by either mailing a deposit check (as stated above) or paying the entire amount through Paypal by clicking here.  Balance for the trip is due February 15, 2024.

The Best of Paris: Food, Art, History!. April 27-May 3, 2025.  $4350 land only. Single occupancy.  For people interested in sharing a room, price is $3950 per person.  NB: rooms come with bathtubs (with shower fixtures)  in the bathroom  To opt for a walk-in shower, a $199 upgrade is possible.  Please request at time of registration.

Optional visits may be canceled if the minimum number of people is not attained, in which case participant will be refunded:

– Pastry making class, 4/30   $250
– One-night extension to city of Reims, 5/3/-5/4   $799

Transportation to and from Paris is the responsibility of the individual; closest airports are Paris CDG and Paris Orly.

Payment
To reserve your space, please send in a registration form (download here or click here) along with a deposit of $1000 is due by check only before December 14, 2024.  Balance may be paid by check, Zelle, or Paypal.  Please note that a Paypal payment incurs a $90 administrative fee, payable by check to the French Traveler and sent separately.  Balance due by January 15, 2025.  The French Traveler strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment in case of unforeseen accident or incident which prevents you from attending at the last minute.  One such company we have worked with successfully in the past is CSA Travel/Generali.   (Use Producer Code 71636881.) You can compare them with other Travel Insurance Companies and see what you think.

Inclusions

All lodgings in single accommodations in deluxe hotel in VIIe arrondissement of Paris ♦ all breakfasts and other meals where noted ♦ all guided tours ♦ introductory & farewell cocktails  ♦ entrance fees and transportation to scheduled locations ♦ one week metro/bus card ♦ tips, taxes, & service charges for all group activities. 

Exclusions
International airfare  ♦  meals on days marked “at leisure”  ♦ all drinks except at welcome & farewell dinners ♦  accident/baggage/trip cancellation insurance ♦ any activities not scheduled in program ♦ optional activities ♦ laundry, dry cleaning or valet service ♦ phone, fax ♦ transportation around Paris other than metro or bus

Registration
Print out registration form from website and send it with your deposit check of $1000 made out to The French Traveler to The French Traveler, 1825 Ponce de Leon Blvd #346, Coral Gables, FL 33134.  Deadline for reservations:  December 14, 2024.  Balance due January 15, 2025.  Balance preferred by check but may be made via Zelle or credit card on  Paypal (which incurs a $90 administrative fee to offset the cost, paid separately by check to the French Traveler.)

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made in writing before January 14, 2025.  Deposits and any paid balance are refundable, less $500 per person administrative fee, until January 14, 2025. No refunds of either deposit or balance after January 15, 2025 under any circumstances, unless The French Traveler cancels the trip.  The French Traveler strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment. 

Eligibility
This walking tour of Paris is in English. Knowledge of the French language is always a plus, but not necessary. This tour requires the ability to walk without assistance; sometimes for 2-3 hours per day. We use public transportation (buses and metros) to get around the city; that means steps to climb and descend.You will have your own metro/bus card to use throughout the week. Taxis and/or Ubers and even private drivers are readily available as an alternative at your expense if you prefer.

Participant responsibility
We will gladly discuss details of the tour with you.   We expect you to read the pre-departure information and be in sufficiently good health to undertake the trip.  We use public transportation in France and walk at length, sometimes on bumpy cobblestone streets or on narrow sidewalks.  We take guided walking tours which means walking for 2-3 hours at a time and standing while the guide tells us a story.  While this contributes to the charm of the experience, it requires the participant to be in good physical condition, particularly knees & hips.  Air conditioning in Europe is not as widespread as it is in the US, and hotel rooms are smaller. We focus on absorbing French culture and expect our participants to do their best to adapt to France: vive la différence!  If you have certain dietary or other restrictions, please ascertain beforehand that we are able to accommodate you.  Vegetarian diets can usually be adapted, but we regret that our chefs cannot accommodate a vegan diet.

Organizer Responsibility
The French Traveler has exercised careful consideration with regard to the safety and well being of participants.  We can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any airplane, automobile, train, cable car, motor coach, metro or other conveyance, or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying passengers in carrying out the arrangements of these programs.  We accept no responsibility for baggage losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, force majeure, or other causes beyond our control; such losses or expenses will be borne by the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated.   We reserve the right to make alterations to this itinerary as deemed necessary, or to cancel this program prior to departure, in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation. We reserve the right to decline any person deemed inappropriate for the program, and to change or substitute any activities described above for reasons of inclement weather, unforeseen circumstances, acts of nature or inconveniences or reasons beyond our control.  No refund will be made for any unused portion of this program.  The French Traveler accepts no liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket connected with the program.  Program price based on exchange rate in November 2024; if euro/dollar rate reaches or exceeds 1 E = $1.20 by January 15, 2025, a $200 surcharge will be required of all participants, regardless of registration date.

I’m ready!  Sign me up!

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