Fall in Love with Paris for the First Time

Fly into Charles de Gaulle or Orly and catch a taxi into the city center. They're clean, safe, and plentiful at each airport. 

You'll immediately be immersed in charm once you check into the delightful 4-star Le Grand Hôtel Cayré. Nestled in the Saint-Germain neighborhood, this historic gem has been recently restored with all the luxe touches you would expect from a chic Parisian stay. 

Later, we will gather at our hotel for a welcome drink and introductions, setting a relaxed tone for the evening ahead. Our gathering will take place at Officine Bac, the hotel’s hidden bar created in what was once an old apothecary.

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

We will end our day with dinner at Annette, our hotel’s elegant brasserie. Under the direction of chef Bruno Brangea, formerly of Alain Ducasse, Annette reimagines classic French dishes with fresh, local ingredients. Named after writer Annette Kolb, who lived in the hotel for many years, the restaurant is beloved by both guests and Parisians. 

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 breakfast at the hotel, our day begins with a cultural immersion at the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station. This museum features an impressive 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 learn about their revolutionary impact on modern art.

Following our museum exploration, we'll enjoy a leisurely lunch at La Bonne Excuse, a darling small bistro café just around the corner from Orsay. Over delicious French cuisine, we'll discuss our favorite pieces. 

Under Patricia Salebi's guidance, our small group, limited to just five guests at the time, will enjoy a guided tour of the Notre Dame de Paris, others can wander into the legendary Shakespeare & Company bookshop nearby, where stories and history linger in every corner. 

As evening falls, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through Paris, catching a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower shimmering against the night sky. 

Dinner tonight will be at Restaurant La Petite Chaise, considered the oldest restaurant in Paris, dating to 1680 – serving the classic French standards such as foie gras, celeri remoulade, Salade Frisée avec lardons, confit de canard, and incredible mashed potatoes done the French way!    

After dinner, we can walk to find a good view of the Eiffel Tower to watch her sparkle as the clock strikes 10 pm. 

Our morning begins with a walking and food tour on Rue Cler with our friend Véronique, where we'll taste some of the city’s finest cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal produce. This charming market street was one of Julia Child’s favorites, and we'll follow in her footsteps as you explore its stalls and specialty shops. We'll take what we purchase and sit down to a gourmet feast at Veronique's lovely apartment in the chic 7th arrondissement. It's a rare privilege to be invited to dine at the home of a Parisienne. 

After lunch, we'll continue to the Luxembourg Gardens for a guided stroll with Amy Kupec Larue, who will share stories of the garden’s history and highlight its sculptures, fountains, and horticultural treasures.

The afternoon will be yours to wander, shop, or visit any Paris sights you may have missed. Paris always invites a little unscripted exploration, and this is your time to enjoy it.

For dinner, we will head to L’Affable, a beloved neighborhood favorite just a short walk from the hotel.

This morning, we'll leave early and drive an hour to 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 artworks 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 will have lunch at Restaurant Le Temps des Fleurs. 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.

After a big day, dinner is on your own - order room service or visit a nearby café.

It's time to experience the world's largest museum. We'll take a pleasant walk to the Louvre for a private guided visit, entering together and skipping the long queues. Our guide will lead us through a curated selection of masterpieces so we can enjoy the highlights without feeling overwhelmed.

If the schedule allows, we will continue by metro to the lively Marché Bastille, one of Paris’s most famous outdoor food markets. Its colorful stalls overflow with fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and other culinary treasures. Daily market visits are a cherished ritual for many Parisians, and it will be easy to see why as we wander through the energy and aromas of this beloved neighborhood hub.

After choosing a few favorites from the market, we'll savor a relaxed lunch at Café Milou, a cozy spot known for international dishes and French classics served with warmth and simplicity.

Later, we're off to Le Marais, one of Paris’s most vibrant districts and home to some of the city’s best boutique shopping. Our guide will show us around her neighborhood so we can get our bearings before we enjoy some time to wander. 

You might stroll along Rue des Rosiers, admire the serene beauty of the Place des Vosges, browse fragrances at Buly, enjoy a coffee at Place Sainte Catherine, or visit the Picasso or Carnavalet Museum. The recently renovated Carnavalet, the city’s oldest museum, offers a fascinating journey through Parisian history.

After time to rest at the hotel, we'll come together for dinner at Marzo, a stylish Italian restaurant near our hotel. It's the perfect place to share a wood-fired pizza and a warm, candlelit atmosphere before settling in for the night.

After breakfast, our day begins with a visit to the very heart of Montmartre. This charming village in northern Paris is renowned for its painters, cafes, and bohemian ambiance. We'll visit the Musée de Montmartre, located in one of the oldest buildings on the Butte from the 17th century, and explore its rich artistic history.

Then, we'll meet with our photographer for a personalized photo shoot around Montmartre. 

This afternoon, you can choose how you would like to spend your time. Lunch will be on your own, giving you the chance to explore a café or bistro that catches your eye. You may decide to enjoy some last-minute shopping or visit a few sights you've been hoping to see. 

If you prefer a shared experience, you can join the group for a perfume workshop that blends creativity and indulgence at the Musée du Parfum Fragonard. The experience includes a hands-on perfume-making session and a visit to a small fragrance museum.

Tonight, we'll relish 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.

When the time comes, call a taxi to the airport for your onward travels. 

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