Food & History in Paris - 9 Days

Day 1: Welcome to the City of Lights!

As the capital of fashion, art, gastronomy, culture, and romance, there is no city in the world quite like Paris. Upon arrival to the City of Lights, a driver will pick you up and take you to your accommodation.

For your first day, we recommend taking a scenic cruise on the Seine.  Along the way, you'll sip champagne and catch glimpses of some of Paris' most iconic monuments and landmarks, like the Grand Palais, Musée d’Orsay, and the the Eiffel Tower. You will also sail around the city's islands, Île de la Cité and Île Saint Louis, passing by beautiful Notre-Dame. 

At night, walk along the banks of the Seine, and see how the city lights reflect on the water.

Day 2: Gourmet Food Tour

After breakfast, you will meet your guide in Saint-Germain-des-Prés for a walking "Pastry & Chocolate Tour of Paris." Delight your palate as you discover the latest trends in sweets created by exceptional chef confectioners and chocolate makers. You will sample various delicacies and walk around this historic neighborhood.

You will then enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend visiting Père Lachaise Cemetery to see the graves of Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Marcel Proust, Chopin, Molière, and countless other icons of western culture.

Day 3: Opéra Garnier Tour/Wine & Cheese Tasting

Begin the day with a tour of the fascinating Opéra Garnier. One of the most beautiful monuments in the capital, the opera is opulently adorned with lavish marble, glass, and golden decor dating from the 19th century. Although ballets, operas, and other theater productions are the main function of this house of culture, its grandiose interior is well-worth seeing on its own. 

After visiting this gem, your guide will take you to the nearby covered passages. These passages are old shopping arcades dating back to the 19th century, and still house charming boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and cafés. 

As you have some free time until the afternoon, you can stop by a brasserie and people-watch while enjoying a glass of wine. You could also head to Montmartre and explore the famously bohemian neighborhood, passing by Sacre Coeur to get a panoramic view of Paris. 

In the late afternoon, you'll meet back up with your guide to do a wine and cheese tasting with a private oenologist. You will learn how to pair wine with different varieties of cheese, and learn the secrets of discerning the most flavor from each glass.

Day 4: Free Day in Paris

There is so much to see and do in Paris, that you'll probably have a hard time deciding how to spend your free day.

We recommend hitting some of the city highlights that are not included on this tour, like the Louvre, one of the most best museums in the entire world. There is also the acclaimed Musée d'Orsay—which counts with one of the best collections of impressionist art— and the innovative Centre Pompidou, acclaimed for its contemporary art pieces and interactive displays. 

Those looking for a more relaxed day can enjoy picnicking at one of the several gorgeous parks around the city. Stop by a pattisserie to get bread and pastries (and don't forget to pick up a bottle of good wine!) and head to Parc Monceau, the Jardin du Luxembourg, or—if you want to go off-the-beaten-path—to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. If you'd like to spend the entire day at the park, you can head to the peripheries of the city. In the east, you will find Bois de Vincennes, and on the west, Bois de Boulogne. Both are incredibly beautiful and expansive, offering numerous activities like bike riding and paddling on a lake. 

Of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without a stop at the Eiffel Tower, the city's most recognized landmark. We would recommend skipping the line to go up the tower and, instead, heading over to the Arc de Triumph when the sun sets. At the top of the arc, overlooking the "star" that marks its intersection, is what may be the best view of the city.

Day 5: Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Chateaus

This morning, your guide will take you on a day trip to the sumptuous Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte chateaus.

Your first stop is Château de Fontainebleau, the only royal chateau to remain inhabited for seven consecutive centuries. This immense castle, with its 1,500 rooms surrounded by hundreds of acres of parkland and gardens, offers a unique perspective into French history, architecture and art.  

After a delicious lunch break, you will head to Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, whose designed inspired Versailles! This landmark is home to one of the first Jardins à la Française, or French gardens, which swept Europe in the 17th century. At the end of your visit, enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the grounds from the lantern overlooking the central dome.

Once back in Paris, you will have the evening free to explore on your own.

Day 6: St. Ouen Antiques Market

For an alternative day in Paris, your guide will take you to the biggest marché aux puces (flea market) in France!

The St. Ouen Market is filled with random trinkets and antiques, making it the perfect place to find unique souvenirs that don't play into tired clichés. The market is divided into smaller sections by theme, which makes it easier to browse for things you are actually interested in. 

After the tour, you have a free afternoon in the city. If you wish to continue on a less traditional path, go to the Canal St. Martin. This often-neglected part of the city counts with a picturesque canal that passes through residential streets where you won't find tour groups overcrowding the streets.

Day 7: Bread-Making Workshop & Tour of the Catacombs

Start the morning by making your own bread—literally! You will meet our Chef baker in his boulangerie for a hands-on bread-making workshop. You will learn how to create French baguettes and croissants, so you will always be able to carry a bit of Paris wherever you go.

The Chef will explain the step-by-step processes of baguettes and croissants and help you as you make your own. At the end of the workshop, you'll get to taste the delicious fruits of your labor.

After learning a new skill and filling yourself up on bread, you will head to a less appetizing part of the city: the Catacombs of Paris. This underground labyrinth has aroused curiosity since it opened to the public in the 18th century, and holds about six million skeletons in its tunnels. You will walk through the catacombs, admiring the intricate ossuary that has now become a city landmark.

At night, take the opportunity to dine and wine yourself in Paris.

Day 8: Free Day in Paris

With another free day to discover Paris on your own, you can explore more of the city's surroundings. 

We recommend doing a day trip to beautiful Giverny, where famous Impressionist Claude Monet lived for the last 43 years of his life.

The town itself is idyllic, and the way to it from Paris takes you through quiet scenes of the French countryside. Of course, the biggest draw is Monet's house, where you can see the water lily ponds and the Japanese bridge that are almost synonymous to the artist.

Once you have finished basking in the peacefulness of the gardens and the pond, you can tour the artist's house and learn a bit more about his life.

Day 9: Au revoir, Paris!

Your time in Paris has come to an end. Enjoy a last pain au chocolat and café au lait before heading to the airport to catch your flight back home.