Paris, France
Paris is always a good idea. -Audrey Hepburn
THE GETAWAY
There's no denying Paris emanates a distinct kind of mystique. Muse for centuries to artists of all kinds: writers, painters, poets and the everyday reveller, there are treasures to behold everywhere in the City of Lights. On this getaway you'll float over the city's glittering boulevards and idyllic cobblestone alleyways, searching, discovering, scratching, sniffing and tasting all things Paris. Peruse the fabulous markets with a private shopper -- flea, flower and food -- and visit ateliers, gleaning inspiration from traditional craftspeople and their craft.
THE ITINERARY
Each day will hold something new: strolling through the flea market Marche' aux Puce de Saint-Ouen, a visit to the flower market, wandering through the mouth-watering food stalls at Rue Montorgueil, or a trip to the iconic Père Lachaise Cemetery, make your way through Paris, delighting in the details as you go. This trip is more about enjoyment, less about touring. It's more about what Paris is made of, and who makes it (and who has made it over the centuries), less about sight-seeing (although we'll do some of that, too).
After your outings you might do as the Parisians do and sit down for a warm cafe au lait or traditional meal at a charming neighborhood bistrot or brasserie.
Your itinerary will be well-balanced with just enough on the schedule to ignite your imagination and spark your creative whimsy while also leaving you with time to visit famous museums and monuments on your own should they strike your fancy.
ACCOMMODATION
Stay in a designer boutique hotel a short stroll away from the Grand Boulevards. Styled by a French interior-designer, the hotel's decor boasts chocolate-box beautiful patterns and prints, eclectic works of art as well as covetable flea-market finds.
The hotel has a beautiful lounge; mini gym; honesty bar; free WiFi throughout. Each room comes equipped with a TV, desk, blackout blinds, bluetooth speakers, bathrobes, slippers and Fragonard bath products. Every day between 4pm and 6pm, the hotel hosts a free tea time, serving pastries, savoury nibbles along with hot and cold drinks.
Subject to availability.
“And how astonishing to feel this sheer bliss, for here she was, not doing and not going to do a single unselfish thing, not going to do a thing she didn't want to do."
- Elizabeth von Arnim, The Enchanted April
“There’s only one very good life, and that’s the life that you know you want, and you make it yourself.”
- Diana Vreeland