A Sample Itinerary for a Personally Hosted Tour

A group of 8 friends is staying in a cluster of 3 picturesque St. Germain apartments. Their interests include photojournalism, gardening, cooking, and fiber art, which are woven into our excursions throughout the week.

Day 1 A fresh-flower welcome to our Parisian home for the next week. As we stroll through our neighborhood to lunch at a great cafe, we let the incredible concentration of boutiques compete for our attention with museums and landmarks. On the way chez nous, select fresh produce, bread, cheese and wine to be delivered for our evening’s entertainment: An informal presentation by a guest speaker in our own living room.

Day 2 A driving tour gives us the big picture as we whiz through the arondissements, taking notes on places to revisit. Alight for a special lunch then meander to the Musee D’Orsay for a private visit. Later, relax at home where the savory delights we’ve been eyeing in the shop windows have magically appeared on our buffet. Wrap up the day with a concert in a tiny church, or maybe jazz at a nearby club.

Day 3-6 Small museums, some visited nocturnally, offer refreshing respite from the monumental scale of many attractions and leave plenty of time for shopping and spontaneous pursuits. Explore the unexpected - from archeological digs to futuristic projects - Walk and talk with locals through private gardens, kitchens and ateliers where we not only observe but actually exchange ideas with people who share our interests. Balancing “real life” with tourism let’s us absorb Paris effortlessly without being overwhelmed. Flexibility and a relaxed pace reign above all. There is always freedom to choose between group and solo activities. Lunches and dinners, some with guest chefs in our kitchen, are interspersed with dining out. We like gastro-bistros but a choice, from simple to starred, is always offered.

Day 7 There’s never enough time in Paris, but we will have been checking daily to be sure your expectations are fulfilled, We’ll orchestrate departure details so you can make the most of your last day. Finally, we host a festive farewell party for our new Parisian friends, already looking forward our next trip!

    

“As much as I loved the museums and palaces, it’s the magical moments of everyday life that really opened my eyes. Staying in a flat, made me feel comfortable and confident, like I really belonged in Paris. I’ll never be a stranger there again.”

- A happy traveler