Fall in Love with Paris for the First Time

Experience the charm of Saint-Germain-des-Près by checking into the delightful 4-star Hotel Recamier, nestled in the heart of the 6th Arrondissement. Once a quaint village, Saint-Germain-des-Près retains its historic allure, offering a serene backdrop for your stay. At 5 pm, gather in the hotel’s lobby for a champagne welcome drink and introductions, setting a relaxed tone for the evening ahead.

Afterwards, 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 Restaurant Georgette, a renowned bistro known for its modernized French cuisine sourced directly from local farms. Nestled in Saint-Germain-des-Près, the restaurant offers a cozy ambiance ideal for savoring dishes ranging from traditional coq au vin to inventive seafood specialties, accompanied by a selection of fine wines.

Reflecting on the day’s experiences, you’ll find yourself immersed in the timeless allure of Paris, where 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. Led by an expert guide, we'll gain insights into their revolutionary contributions to modern art.

Following our museum exploration, we'll enjoy a leisurely lunch at Cafe Campana, conveniently located at the museum's exit. 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 with our skip-the-line 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  at Le Récamier, renowned for its intimate atmosphere and exquisite French cuisine.

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. 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.

After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll take a leisurely walk over to the ever-popular Le Marais, one of Paris’ most delightful neighborhoods.  On the way we’ll stop by the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore, see Notre Dame, visit a tea shop that has been serving Parisians since 1854 and visit the stunning Place des Vosges before exploring Paris’ most famous outdoor food markets, Marche Bastille  You’ll marvel at the variety and presentation of the produce, cheese, meat, and almost anything else you can imagine. (Most Paris apartments are small and have small refrigerators, so a daily visit to a local market is not uncommon).

We’ll have lunch at one of the best crêperies in Paris, the Breizh Cafe. Not only will you find extraordinary crepes at Breizh, but the staff are also committed to the development of organic, local, and sustainable agriculture from their home region of Brittany.

This afternoon, you have free time to explore the beautiful Marais, home to some of the best shops in Paris. Wander down Rue des Rosiers, stop at Buly for perfume, sit for a cafe and a Pastis in Place Ste-Catherine, or visit the Picasso Museum or the Carnavalet Museum  (Opened in 1880, it’s the oldest City of Paris Museum. For over 140 years, the continuously enriched museum collections have told the story of Paris from prehistory to the present. Recently revamped, the museum sparkles). Make your way back to the hotel by taxi or Uber. Both are plentiful.Tonight, we’ll have a lovely dinner at Mechoui du Prince for some traditional Moroccan cuisine.

We’ll start our morning with a delightful walking and food tour at Rue Cler, where you'll 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 exploring 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 L'Atelier Rouliere, a contemporary French brasserie known for its classic dishes and chic ambiance.

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 Musee 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 have 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.