January 16 – 23, 2024
Join us- experienced Paris devotees Deb Barrett and Susan Schultz- for a week of inspiration in January 2024. In our 10+ years of regularly visiting Paris and the January trade shows, 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!
Below is an example of our itinerar
Our Paris Decor Tour itinerary doesn’t have your ordinary tourist stops (feel free to explore those on your own) we have curated excursions and destinations custom made for your creative eye. After all, Paris is where artists, writers and design creatives get their inspiration. We have crafted what we think is the perfect blend of Group time and Alone time. Not only will you explore Paris, but you’ll live the Parisian. Life. Style.
Note: Itinerary subject to change which may become necessary based on conditions outside of Decor Tours’ control.
Wednesday, September 6: Exploring Montmartre
We’ll meet in the hotel lobby before leaving for our first stop, an 1830 hôtel particulier at the foot of Montmartre. This intimate museum also has a lovely outdoor cafe for a light bite or something to drink before heading further into Montmarte. After the museum, for those who are interested, we are now up near Marché Saint Pierre, the largest collection of textile stores in Paris. We can head east to take and look and then make our way up to Sacré Coeur from there. Or, from the museum, we can take the Metro a few more stops and explore Montmarte from the less-touristy north side, a walk that includes views of the only vineyard in Paris, Clos Montmarte. From either direction, we’ll reach the top of Montmarte and the Basilica of Sacré Coeur. You can explore the basilica, and, if you wish, climb to the dome for an even-more-spectacular view over the city. Wander through this area, and particularly the Place du Tertre, known for its cafés, shops, artists, and restaurants. We’ll be back in Saint Germain in time for everyone to plan early-ish dinner, or just call it day, depending on your state of jet lag!
Thursday, September 7: From Royalty to Revolution to Restoration
A full day exploring some of the key monuments in Paris—from the Medieval era to the mid-19th c.—that highlight important turning points in the most tumultuous century in French History, all with a focus on the iconic Marie-Antoinette. This includes a visit to one of the most gorgeous new museums that recently opened in Paris, the Hôtel de la Marine. Lunch at Cafe Laperouse included.
Friday, September 8
Agenda TBD. We’re waiting for Paris Design Week and other culture schedules to be announced before we finalize plans for this day, because we want to make sure we take advantage of the best the city has to offer! Be prepared to be inspired by our exclusive showroom, atelier visits!
Saturday, September 9: In the Footsteps of Kings
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 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, giving us the opportunity to see what the château may have looked like in the 18th century. NOTE: Dinner is not included, but there are several options. See the registration form for more details. A private van will take us back to Paris.
Sunday, September 10: Time Out
Until fairly recently “le brunch” was not a French thing—and really, why should it be, when most of our favorite brunch treats are already French breakfast staples?! So this morning, we’ll head out to the Marais for breakfast and then give you some time off, so that you can spend the day as you wish. Shopping, museums, art galleries—just let us know what you have in mind and we’ll work up an custom itinerary for you.
Monday, September 11: Iconography
An exploration of key elements of l’art de vivre—design, art, fashion, and food—seen through the works of several French icons.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 lunch (included) 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. Our final event is a farewell dinner on the Seine, where you can enjoy an amazing view of Paris at night and watch the Eiffel tower sparkle and glow. All accompanied by a four-course dinner prepared under the guidance of the legendary chef Alain Ducasse. What better way to wrap up our time in Paris!
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 and then to the splendor of Versailles? The additional fees and details for this extra day are available on the registration form.
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 !
We’ll be staying at Hôtel des Saints Pères, once home to the maître d’hôtel of King Louis XIV, located in the fashionable center of Saint Germain-des-Prés. We are easy walking distance to the grand department store Bon Marché, the fashionable boutiques surrounding St. Sulplice, and the famous Boulangerie Poilâne (but you need to get there early!) Even better, we’re very conveniently located near several Metro lines for easy access around the city.
There are two pricing tiers—one for a shared double with two twin beds, and another for a single (or double) occupancy queen bedroom. There is one shared double twin room currently available, so if that is your preference, book soon!
Breakfast at the hotel is included, and there is limited room service available for dinner, but the area has dozens of good and several great restaurants to choose from, so we encourage you to explore.
Note: If you plan to extend your stay for personal travel either before or after our tour, please include that information when completing your registration, so that we can arrange a seamless stay in your hotel room.
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.
7 days/6 nights in Paris includes:
Private Lifestyle experiences to explore the secrets of Parisian Chic
Six nights at Hôtel Saint Peres
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.
Special “small producer” Champagne tasting
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, no additional options.
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.
DOWNLOAD the Paris Itinerary
DOWNLOAD Paris Tour Terms and Conditions
QUESTIONS? Email me
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 6, 2023 to Tuesday, September 12, 2023. (Flying overnight Tuesday, September 5, 2023.) 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, Deco Off 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 – $2000.00 on June 15, 2023; $1500.00 on July 15, 2023 and $995.00 on September 1, 2023. You may pay by check or credit card and we invoice you through Stripe.
