Paris Artists & Authors, Yesterday & Today

After settling into the elegant left bank Hotel Le Recamier, named after Juliette Recamier, the hostess and muse of Revolutionary Paris. We’ll meet at 7 pm for a welcome drink and introductions before dinner at Le Pré Aux Clercs, a short walk from the hotel.

The Female Artists of Paris 

We'll start our week with a visit to the Comité Jacqueline Marval to see the exclusive collection. Apollinaire called Jacqueline Marval “one of the most remarkable artists of our time."

At La Boite Aux Lettres, we'll enjoy the quintessential Montmartre lunch on Rue Lepic, where artists from Van Gogh to Degas once lived. 

After lunch, we’ll stroll back in time through Montmartre, ending at the Musée de Montmartre, where many artists lived and painted. Artists who lived here included Renoir and Suzanne Valadon, whose studio is still intact. Walk into her life for a glimpse of the 19th century. 

Working up a thirst, we'll enjoy an early aperitif at the relaxing private hidden Hotel Particulier. An early dinner follows at the Moulin de la Galette, immortalized by many artisits on canvas.

Hemingway in Paris & Saint Germain des Prés

Paris was the cultural capital of the world in the Roaring 20s. Artists and writers, including the celebrated American writer Ernest Hemingway, flocked to the city from all over the world. Today, our guide will take you on a journey through literary Paris with Hemingway as our guide. We'll learn about a wide range of artists, writers, and thinkers in Hemingway's circle. His compatriots included Fitzgerald, Picasso, Pound, Matisse, and the inimitable Gertrude Stein. Hemingway loved the outdoors. They provided him with moments of reflection and connection to the community. Together, we'll trace his path to better understand his life in Paris.

We'll have lunch at an authentic French restaurant, Chez Fernand, nestled in the historic Odéon area. The small family-owned restaurant is steeped in classic French dishes. 

We are in the shadows of the great Romantic artist Éugene Delacroix, so we’ll tour the small museum in his former home and atelier, which marked the final years of his life as he worked on the frescos at Saint Sulpice. Afterward, we'll visit the stunning church that holds those frescos and so much history. 

For the cocktail hour, we’ll stop at one of the hottest places in Paris, once beloved by Anthony Bourdain. The small but mighty L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre was created by Yves Camdeborde as a place to enjoy a glass of wine or a small plate. 

The rest of the night is yours. We can suggest a few nearby spots for a casual dinner.

The New Artists of Paris 

On day four, we’ll step into the atelier of Alison Grace Koehler. Alison is a poet, stained glass artist, and vibrant member of the Parisian artistic community. Mixing poetry into her stained glass gives it a fresh new take on the age-old art that was once seen only in churches and cathedrals.

For lunch, we will dine at the casual, artsy French Brasserie L’Arrosoir beneath the Coulée Verse René-Dumont walkway that inspired the High Line in New York.

From the past to the artists of today, we'll visit painter Stephanie McKenzie who is just one member of an eight-level atelier Le 100 Establishment, a community of painters and artists.

After a proper French sieste, we'll head right back to dine at Willi’s Wine Bar near the Palais Royal. Willi’s is one of the first wine bars in Paris, opening in 1980. A personal favorite, the food is fantastic, the wine list is long, and the atmosphere and staff are charming.

The Impressionists that changed the art scene

We’ll start the day viewing impressionists' art in the morning light on the upper floor of the Musée d’Orsay. Monet, Degas, and their friends shook the art world back in the day, pulling it out of its classical realist tracks. 

From one beautiful piece of art to another, we’ll savor a classic crepe at Breizh Cafe before venturing through the Jardin du Luxembourg with our very own artist Krystal. Krystal will teach you all the tips and tricks for photographing Paris on your phone or camera.  We’ll explore the gardens and hidden spots while you capture pictures of the over 100 statues dedicated to the artists, authors, and infamous women in French history. 

Relax in the garden or back at the Hotel Recamier before we venture into the shadows of Notre Dame to the classic Chez Julien for dinner. You'll be in heaven if you love profiteroles and homemade chocolate sauce.

The great artists that still inspire today 

The Musée du Louvre, a former palace of kings, would transform into the largest museum in the world. For hundreds of years, artists have copied these masters. Manet, Morisot, Valadon, and many more learned how to paint from the artists before them. We’ll explore many of these paintings and treasures on a Louvre guided tour.

After soaking in the beauty of the Louvre, we’ll enjoy lunch close to the Palais Royal at the lovely Le Nemours. The restaurant is famous for its wonderful setting, delicious Croque Madame, and some of the nicest servers in Paris. 

Take the afternoon for some shopping, rest, or a walk through the lovely Palais Royal before we meet for dinner.

Our last meal is a celebratory dinner with a view to die for as we roll down the Seine on the famed chef Alain Ducasse’s floating restaurant. The Eiffel Tower sparkles as we discuss the discoveries and new memories made during this magical week in Paris.

Breakfast and depart.

“America is my country, but Paris is my home” Gertrude Stein. Paris lives on in the hearts of everyone who has visited. After a morning cafe and croissant, we will bid you adieu or better still á bientôt.