Paris 2024

How We’ll Play in Paris1

September 18 – 24, 2024

 

Join us- experienced Paris devotees Deb Barrett and Susan Schultz- for a week of inspiration in September 2024. In our 10+ years of regularly visiting Paris, we’ve gathered an amazing list of resources–design ateliers, boutiques, restaurants, hidden museums, insider experiences and much more. From our base at a four-star hotel, you’ll have seven days to explore Paris. Of course, there will be free time to explore, and we’re here to help you make the most of your time in Paris!

How We’ll Play in Paris

This September, we’re focusing on the glorious, glamorous history of l’art de vivre, both historical and contemporary. Our schedule still has a few openings, (September’s cultural calendar hasn’t yet been set!) but scroll down to see what we already have planned. Private tours of historic châteaux, visits to not-your-typical museums, unique special events, and so, so, much more. Of course, there will be free time to explore, and we’re here to help you make the most of your time in Paris! 

Note: Itinerary subject to change based on issues and circumstances beyond the control of Decor Tours.

Wednesday, September 18

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’ll start our time in Paris together with a leisurely stroll through our wonderful home base of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, long a haven for artists, writers, intellectuals, and the businesses that supported them. Would you like to see where Marie-Antoinette purchased her chocolates? Where Oscar Wilde “dueled” his wallpaper? One of the oldest churches in Paris? We’ll also point out some of our favorites spots in what has long been Decor Tours’ neighborhood of choice while in Paris.

We’ll finish with cocktails and light bites at an iconic Left Bank destination, leaving your evening free.

Thursday, September 19

The often over-looked Musée de l’Orangerie will be our first stop, followed by a visit to one of the most interesting and appealing museums to open in Paris in recent years, the Hôtel de la Marine.

An exceptional gourmet lunch at Cafe Laperouse will follow.

 

Friday, September 20

If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of a true Paris atelier was like, today is your opportunity to see several different artisans working in unique materials and media. Our list of visits changes with every trip to Paris…we’re very excited for these special finds!

And, no, this image isn’t one of our stops, but it is highly recommended—Musée  Gustave Moreau—that staircase alone! 

 

Saturday, September 21

 

 

 

 

 

A long, but very inspiring day with customized guided tours of two magnificent châteaux.

Our first stop will be Château de Fontainebleau, the “family home” of the French monarchy for centuries. Our vetted guide will provide us with insights and opportunities that are typically not available.

After a break for gastronomic lunch (included) we’ll go to Vaux le Vicomte, considered to be the model for Versailles. Once again we have insider access as part of our exclusive guided tour. We’re planning to stay late at this beautiful estate to experience an incredible candlelit evening, complete with champagne, giving us the opportunity to see what the château may have looked like in the 18th century.

NOTE: Dinner is not included, but there is a snack bar on site. A private van will take us back to Paris

Sunday, September 22

 

 

This is your chance to:
• Visit the famous Paris Flea Market
• Shop-til-you-drop
• Spend the day exploring
•Discover a new-to-you museum
• Indulge yourself, whatever that may mean for you!

Let you know how you’d like to spend a un dimanche à Paris (a Sunday in Paris) and we’ll do our best to make it happen! 

Monday, September 23

Our first stop is Château de Malmaison, Joséphine Bonaparte’s work-of-a-lifetime. A fashion icon in her time, Joséphine’s work at Malmaison has profoundly influenced interior design throughout the decades, and it also offers a unique glimpse of the private lives of the Bonaparte-Beauharnais family. After a light “picnic” style lunch, we head to La Galerie Dior, which is more than just a single designer retrospective. It is an exceptional opportunity to truly see couture and gain a better understanding of what it means on many levels. 

Not Ready to Leave?

Neither are we! If you’re interested in another day of exploring why not join us for a day-long adventure to the Musée de la Toile de Jouy, lunch and then to the splendor of Versailles?

Private transportation with an English-speaking driver from our hotel to all destinations. Includes your extra night stay at the hotel, lunch, admission fees to Musee Toile de Jouy and Versailles and an exclusive-access guided tours at Versailles. The additional fees and details for this extra day are available on the registration form.   $1500

Note: Itinerary subject to change based on issues and circumstances beyond the control of Decor Tours.

paris neighborhood

The neighborhood is quintessential Paris.  The chic Left Bank district, home to posh boutiques, eateries and the 6th-century Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris’s oldest church. Sidewalk booksellers sell vintage titles on the banks of the Seine. Boulevard Saint-Germain draws tourists and literature fans to iconic cafes like Les Deux Magots and Flore, once favored by writers such as Hemingway and Camus. We are just a few steps away from the Louvre Museum, the Place de la Concorde, the Palais Royal and the Champs Elysées. T  Stroll the famous Rue de Buci food market and pick up a baguette, cheese or foie gras for a Sunday picnic. Rue de Bac finds some of the world’s best linen shops. See world class art between the Seine and St. Germain at  amazing art galleries. Don’t miss Laudree, in Madeleine Castaing’s apartment on the corner of Rue Bonaparte and Rue Jacob for macaroons and tea.  Oh, we could go on and on… you’ll just have to join us to get our must- see-and -do list !

Hotel

An historic four-star hotel in Saint-Germain, breakfast included. Shared double occupancy twin-bed rooms. Single occupancy available for an additional fee. Please contact us for details.

Transportation

Airfare is not included, but we’ve taken care of everything else. You’ll be picked up at Charles de Gaulle (or your arrival destination) and brought to the hotel. Paris destinations will be mostly by Metro, with a weekly unlimited pass, while most out-of-town trips will be with a private driver. At the end of our time together, we’ve arranged for your transportation back to your preferred departure destination.

How We’ll Play in Paris3

 7 days/6 nights in Paris includes:

Private Lifestyle experiences to explore the secrets of Parisian Chic

Six nights accommodations

A four-star hotel in Saint-Germain, breakfast and VIP amenities are included. Shared double occupancy twin-bed room. Single queen rooms available for an additional fee.

Local transportation in Paris

Transfers between your Paris arrival/departure destinations to the hotel, local transportation within Paris for all group events, and all transportation to/from group events held outside the city limits. (Taxi/car service for any independent activities not included.)

Additional meals as specified

On several days we’ve noted where lunch is included, and there is a four-course farewell dinner cruise on the River Seine included as well.

Entry fees and VIP passes

For all museums, monuments, and other paid entry visits, plus all guided tours.

Expertise

Our 20+ combined years of travel, specifically design-focused travel, to Paris and its environs. We’ve put together an amazing itinerary, and left room for you to tell us what you’d like to see and do as well. As-you-wish meet-ups for cocktails to review the day compare notes, share stories, etc. Pre-travel web session with Deb and Susan to preview locations, M&O planning, travel details, our Paris faves and more

Cost: $5995

This price is for double-occupancy, shared room; single occupancy options available.

Guarantee your reservation with a non refundable $1500.00 deposit.

As we get closer to our departure date, we’ll be sending you weekly email updates, tips and news as well as details to our Facebook Group and webinar.

How to Register for the Tour

1. Click on Register button below and fill out Registration form.

2. Download Paris Terms and Conditions from Registration form or Here

3. Read, sign and send signed Terms and Conditions to Deb at deb@debbarrett.com

4. Once, Deb receives your registration and T+C, she will send you a confirmation email with link to purchase the Paris deposit.

QUESTIONS? Email me 

faq red

Is my airfare included in the tour price?

No, air transportation to and from Paris is the responsibility of the participant. You will need to be in Paris from Wednesday, September 18, 2024 to Tuesday, September 24, 2024.  (Flying overnight Tuesday, September 17, 2024.) Please arrange your flights accordingly. Private transportation to and from Charles de Gaulle Airport is included. We will provide information on transfers from the airport to our hotel 10 days BEFORE tour departure.

Do I have to find a roommate?

No, our tour package is based on double occupancy, but we will assign roomies and introduce you prior to the trip. In the 10 years we have been doing this we have matched roomies well- with no issues. In fact, we have introduced many life long friends. If you prefer  a single room, please contact us for supplement up-charge.

Is there anything else not included?

Passport fees, visa (non-U.S. citizen), personal and/or baggage insurance, excess baggage, meals, tours and entrance fees not specified in the itinerary, all items of a personal nature such as laundry, cleaning, telephone, and beverages. Wine, liquor, soft drinks, tips to porters, drivers and local guides, and any other items not specifically mentioned as included above and listed here.

Also not included are the following:

  • Any meals except breakfast at the hotel as noted
  • Any admissions or fees except for the M&O show, events, and museum passes as noted
  • Any additional individual transportation fees outside of those listed above 
  • Optional activities, entries & transportation is on you.
  • Travel and cancellation insurance. But we recommend it.
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guides, hotel staff, taxis, etc.
  • All items of a personal nature, such as telephone calls, laundry, pay TV, hotel mini-bars, etc
  • All private excursions not specified in the itinerary
  • Any public transport, taxi, local bus, rail or flights not specified in the itinerary

What if I have to cancel ?

The deposit is non-refundable; 90 days prior to tour date – 50% non-refundable; 30 days prior to tour date – 100% non-refundable. Cancellation within 30 days or less will result in forfeiture of the entire cost of the tour. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised; medical insurance is required.

Is there a payment plan?

You can guarantee your reservation with a non refundable $1500.00 deposit .  Balance of the package price is due in two installments – $2500.00 on June 15, 2024; $1995.00 PLUS any additional services as per your registration form, on August 1, 2024. You may pay by check or credit card and we invoice you through PayPal.