Day 1
Saturday, November 9: Paris is a Fête
Arrive on overnight flights and transfer independently to the boutique Hôtel Royal Saint Honoré ideally located in the center of Paris. Gather this afternoon with your fellow travelers, expert Judy Barie, and Paris curator Susan Taylor-Leduc, who will accompany you during your journey. Begin with a guided visit to the Opera Garnier. Since the Second Empire, the Opera Garnier, the jewel in the crown of nineteenth century urban planning, has incarnated the art of seeing and being seen. Your tour to the lavish public areas and backstage literally sets the stage for this trip. Stroll to Drouant for a festive welcome dinner. Since 1916, the famed literary prize, named in honor of Edmond de Goncourt, is awarded after members of the Académie Goncourt after meeting at Drouant. This setting will be an occasion to discuss Goncourt’s prize and appeal of literary Paris.
Included meal: Dinner
Accommodations: Hôtel Royal St. Honoré
Day 2
Sunday, November 10: Sight
Since the triumph of Abstract Expressionist painting in New York of the 1950s, the contemporary Parisian art Scene has been relegated to a second-tier status. Today this characterization of contemporary art repositions Paris squarely in the modern art scene. Begin by visiting the illustrious collections as the Pompidou Center (opened in 1977 and scheduled for major renovations in 2025), followed by the lastest hub of contemporary art, the newly established Pinault Collection. You will then be joined by art critic Lillian Davis for private gallery visits as she discusses the current art market.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hôtel Royal St. Honoré
Day 3
Monday, November 11: Touch
Auguste Rodin’s sculptures are a perfect place to explore how the sense of touch informs artistic creation. After visiting the Rodin Museum, a favorite of Judy Barie’s, move to see how one of his students, Antoine Bourdelle, developed his own vision of monumental sculpture in the 1930s. This dialogue provides a backdrop for a discussion about Paris in the 1920s and 30s. You will be joined by author Edith de Belleville, author of Belles & Rebelles, to discuss Paris in the Roaring 20s from the storied Closierie de Lilas bar, a favorite of Ernest Hemingway.
Included meal: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hôtel Royal St. Honoré
Day 4
Tuesday, November 12: Taste and Smell
Perhaps more than any of the senses, gastronomy pervades French identity. Begin your day at a private cooking class, learning how to make the most famous French cookie, the macaron. The afternoon is yours at leisure to visit the Marais, learn to make perfume (workshop for a supplement), or relax at the hotel. Gather this evening for an exclusive discussion with writer and food critic Lindsey Tramuta, author of The New Paris, 2020 as she discusses the changing food scene in Paris and how immigrant populations help to inform the food landscape of a city. Dine at Kubri, a Levantine restaurant, where you will also be joined by Chef Rita Higgins.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Hôtel Royal St. Honoré
Day 5
Wednesday, November 13: Sound
No visit to Paris would be complete without capturing the pulse and rhythms of the city. Beginning with street sounds of the 19th century, visit the Musée des Arts Forains (subject to confirmation) evoking leisure culture of circus, theme park, and culture of play. After lunch, immerse yourself in Cinématique, located in a Frank Gehry building, to learn about the history of cinema in France as you trace the curiosity of two French brothers to the worldwide sensation that is French film culture and the undeniable soundscape that accompanies it. Return to your hotel for some time to freshen up. With all senses awakened, celebrate your Parisian journey with a farewell dinner followed by live jazz at an iconic club.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hôtel Royal St. Honoré
Day 6
Thursday, November 14: Au revoir
At your leisure, transfer independently to the airport for individual flights home, or extend your stay to discover more of the sensory wonders of Paris.
Included meal: Breakfast