Paris Match: Clay Courts and City Lights

Bonjour, Paris! Fly into Paris (either Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport). If you're flying to Paris overnight, consider arriving a day early to rest, relax and adjust to the local time. (You can purchase an Arrive Early option in the Add-Ons section of this page).

Either way, grab a taxi or Uber from the airport - they're clean and safe, and plentiful - and head to our home for the week, the exquisite 9Confidentiel. Enjoy a stroll through the historic surrounding neighborhood. We've arranged optional appointments at the nearby Codage Spa for those who'd like to be pampered.

We’ll gather at 6 pm for a welcome drink at the hotel to set the tone for the journey ahead. Then we'll head to dinner at Le Trumilou, a vintage-inspired bistro serving authentic, home-cooked French cuisine.

After breakfast, we'll head out on a walking tour of the charming Marais neighborhood with a wonderful local. It's one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris, and our guide will regale us with stories of times past as we stroll by historic mansions and gorgeous parks. 

Lunch today will be at JOLI, a chic neighborhood spot that feels a little bit like stepping into an immersive art exhibit.  

After lunch, our journey continues with some free time for shopping. The Marais district offers some of the most charming and eclectic shopping in Paris, where independent boutiques, vintage shops, and high-dollar designers line cobblestone streets. It's a paradise for those who love style with a story.

Later in the evening, we'll reconvene in the lobby for an evening of wine and charcuterie at Le Santé Bonheur. This charming wine bar is well-loved by locals, and we'll enjoy a curated wine tasting and hearty snacks. 

Following dinner, we're in for a treat. A short walk brings us to the colorful Sainte-Chapelle for a concert. We don't want to spoil it too much, but trust us, the venue is a visual dream.

After breakfast, we'll catch a taxi to the Parfums Galimard boutique. Here, a trained perfumer will guide us through the technique of creating our perfect fragrance. With 126 different aromas to mix and match, each of us will walk away with a unique scent that will always remind us of Paris. 

We'll have lunch at Le Verrière under the glass roof of a beautiful modern atrium in the middle of the iconic InterContinental Paris hotel. 

We're in for a treat this afternoon on a guided tour of Musee Jacquemart-André. Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart turned their private mansion into a showcase of the finest 18th-century art, and we're lucky enough to get an inside look. 

Take some time to relax at the hotel this evening before we walk over to our dinner reservation at Bonnie. Soak in the sprawling views of the Seine as we sip perfectly crafted cocktails and enjoy elevated dishes.

After breakfast, we'll explore the Gustave Moreau Museum, the former residence and studio of the esteemed artist. Immerse yourself in Moreau's world on this guided tour. His captivating artworks, adorning the walls, offer insight into his life and creative process. 

We'll savor lunch at the elegant Les Romantiques, a charming French restaurant with an inviting atmosphere and excellent service. 

In the afternoon, we'll take a historical walking tour of Montmartre, the vibrant 18th arrondissement, renowned for its artistic flair. As the highest point in the city, there's no better place than the Sacre Coeur to appreciate the beauty of Paris.

Dinner tonight will be a bespoke 4-course dinner at Chef Veronique’s very own apartment! Not only will we indulge in a beautiful dinner with wine, but she'll teach us the secrets of effortless French hosting. What a treat to end another wonderful day.

After breakfast, we’ll set off for a literary morning. With our guide, we’ll wander through the storied streets of the Latin Quarter, uncovering the cafés, corners, and histories once frequented by the likes of Hemingway, Stein, and Baldwin.

All of that exploring has probably made us hungry! Let's head to Allard for a caffeine pick-me-up and lunch. This quaint bistro is the perfect neighborhood hotspot for relaxing and people-watching. 

We'll split into two smaller groups to keep the experience more intimate as we tour the newly restored Notre-Dame Cathedral. We'll get an up-close look at the intricate stained glasswork of the famous Rose Windows, admire the stunning French Gothic architecture, and revel in the grandeur of the iconic landmark. 

Dinner tonight will be at Le Sergent Recruteur, a stylish, Michelin-starred bistro serving plates that are as visually appealing as they are delectable. 

Savor breakfast at the hotel before we gather just after 9 am for a short drive to Elaine Sciolino's humble abode for a champagne toast and a guided stroll along the Rue de Martyrs, a bustling street filled with trendy boutiques and cafes that still maintain their historic charm. 

Elaine is a contributing writer and former Paris bureau chief for The New York Times, and has lived in Paris since 2002. It'd be hard to find a better person to show us around this lively arrondissement.

We'll head to Les Canailles Pigalle for lunch around midday, a playful restaurant reminiscent of an old diner. 

Take this afternoon to relax and unwind. Hang out at the hotel, pop into your favorite boutiques around Marais, or maybe head to the nearby Codage spa for an optional treatment (at an additional cost). 

Dinner will be on your own tonight or with new friends. Your guide would be happy to point you to a few local favorites if you need inspiration. 

Today's the day we've all been waiting for!

The French Open, played at Roland-Garros Stadium in Paris, is one of four major tennis championships and the only "major" played on clay. While the world watches from afar, we'll be there in person!

Our Category 1 tickets to the ladies’ semi-finals include access to L'Orangerie, a 19th-century greenhouse beautifully converted to a VIP hospitality venue, just steps from Center Court Philippe-Chatrier. We'll enjoy a delicious Parisian sit-down lunch and an open bar.

We'll watch the women's semi-finals, but you must also explore the outer courts to see the world's best tennis players compete.

After a fantastic full day at the French Open, we'll return to the hotel to rest before we gather for dinner and farewell drinks in the lobby.

It's time to say au revoir to Paris and our new friends!

After breakfast, our hotel can help you arrange a taxi to the airport (or you can Uber) for your flight home. Until we meet again...