CELEBRATE FALL IN PARIS WITH A TASTE OF CHAMPAGNE!!
Sept. 9-15, 2009

This is a luxury trip to Paris and Champagne with lots of extras included in the price!  It’s a full five nights in a 5-star Paris palace hotel.  Be pampered on the club level with your own private lounge and concierge staff.   Food & beverage service and evening cocktails are included!  The trip includes a private day trip to Champagne and a visit to two champagne houses.  It also includes a champagne cruise along the Seine River and a welcome lunch with champagne at one of the most beloved gourmet food houses in Paris! 

An unusual treat is a Royal Horse spectacle at the Chateau of Versailles, choreographed to classical music!  I have carefully planned splendid experiences for both those who have been to Paris before and for those who have never been!   Ask a friend, sister or relative to join you!   This trip is ideal for couples as well!   If you don’t care for champagne, try the wine and I promise you-- the visit to the chalk caves of champagne will delight you!   You will have a bilingual personal concierge (me!) accompany you every step of the way to take the stress, worry, and uncertainty out of what will be one of the most memorable weeks of your life. 

DAY ONE Wednesday, Sept. 9

You depart in the late afternoon from your own US gateway to Paris.   This is a travel evening and you will overnight on the plane.  Once in Paris, you will easily find the nonstop bus that takes you directly to the 5-star Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel!  

DAY TWO  Thursday, Sept.  10

You arrive at Paris in the morning and we will all meet at le Grand  Hotel.  We’ll check in at the private concierge desk upstairs in our lounge.   We’ll then freshen up and explore this lovely part of the tony Right Bank.  We’ll head over to Fauchon for a relaxing lunch with champagne  (or wine, if you prefer!)   We’ll then visit the breathtaking Place de la Concorde.   We’ll then walk along the rue de Rivoli with its souvenir shops and galleries.  We’ll walk through the Place Vendome and then end up back at our hotel.   You may wish to schedule a massage for you either before or after dinner to help you with jetlag!   I suggest we eat at the club tonight with an early bedtime.

DAY THREE Friday, Sept. 11

After a lovely breakfast at the hotel, I suggest the Louvre museum. We will walk through the Tuileries Gardens to the Louvre Museum. Those who would prefer to shop may visit the Palais Royale shops or shop the lovely boutiques underground by the museum.  We’ll then head over to Place Monge on the Left Bank for the outdoor market.  We’ll pick up picnic supplies and go to the very tip of the Ile de la Cité island in the middle of the Seine River for a fabulous and relaxing lunch!    This afternoon we will stroll around the charming and quaint Left Bank. There are many streets and sidewalk cafés to relax in. 

 DAY FOUR  Saturday, Sept. 12

After breakfast, our private chauffeur will meet us at our hotel. He is a charming man whom I have worked with for five years! He speaks perfect English, has a delightful sense of humor and is extremely knowledgeable about the history and culture of his homeland. He will take us to the Champagne region, which is less than 2 hours from Paris. We will visit the stunning cathedral in Reims where all the kings of France were crowned. We will also visit two champagne houses…one large and one small.  We will tour the underground chalk caves where the champagne is fermented. It is truly a memorable experience!   Of course, there are tastings along the way!   Our chauffeur will return us to the hotel in the evening! 

 DAY FIVE Sunday, Sept. 13

The morning is “free” for those who may have different interests.  I will probably take a group to one of the famous flea markets for small antiques.  I also suggest museums, shopping, or the Eiffel Tower for those who have never been there!  Early afternoon we will depart via train for the Chateau de Versailles.   There is a special treat, especially for those who have already been here.  We will be guests for a show at the Royal Horse Academy. It is an elegant demonstration with choreography set to classical musique!   Afterwards, we will visit the Grand Stables built in the 17th century by the king’s architect for the Royal Cavalry. It is home today to the 30 horses training at the Royal Academy.  Those who would like to visit the Chateau may do so afterward!

DAY SIX, Monday, Sept. 14

Again, this day is free for your own custom planning. I will be happy to arrange and accompany you to places you would like to visit.   This is the day to finish your must-see list. I suggest a visit to Montmartre and the Basilica of Sacré Coeur.  Other ideas include walking along the Champs Elysées and tea or lunch at Ladurée, the famous pastry shop.  A stroll through the Marais (Jewish Quarter) and a visit to the Place des Vosges would be a fun way to spend the day.   High tea at the Ritz is a splurge!    I suggest  a farewell dinner at a neighborhood bistro on the Left Bank.   The chef will create three courses for us according to what he found at the market that day.   It’s an undiscovered treasure amongst locals and it is not super expensive! 

 

DAY SEVEN, TUESDAY, Sept. 15

Alas we must depart today!  After breakfast, we will take the bus back to the Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.  I can help find you the best itinerary and connections as you journey home!