FRANCE
Mahjong in Paris
with Marci Sneen
September 5 - 10, 2027
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Paris
France
Join us in the City of Lights for five unforgettable nights where Mahjong meets fashion, food, culture, and unmistakable Parisian joie de vivre.
Together, we’ll settle into a beautiful boutique hotel and experience Paris the Duende way: thoughtfully, stylishly, and with plenty of time to enjoy the moments in between. From lingering lunches and iconic fashion houses to neighborhood markets, Montmartre streets, and evenings along the Seine, this is a journey designed to let you experience the city rather than simply see it.
And, of course, there will be Mahjong!
Enchanting Mahjong Retreat in France:
Charming Cafés; Cuisine, Fashion & Friendship
Throughout the retreat, Marci will bring our group together for relaxed daily games in quintessentially Parisian settings — including the cafés that make the city so endlessly charming. Mahjong tiles will be provided and generously sponsored by Bam Bird Boutique. Whether you come for the tiles, the food, the fashion, the friendships, or all four, expect a playful and beautifully curated escape in one of the world’s most enchanting cities.
The Experience
Sip, Play, Paris:
The Experience
Paris is a city made for lingering — over lunch, over coffee (or champagne!), a beautiful view and, in our case, over a Mahjong table.
Between curated cultural experiences, we’ll embrace the slower rituals that make Paris so irresistible. Settle into a café, order something delicious, shuffle the tiles, and watch the city move around you. These relaxed Mahjong sessions are as much about connection and conversation as they are about the game itself.
It’s Mahjong with a decidedly Parisian twist.
✦ A chef-led market tour and hands-on cooking class in one of Paris’ charming neighborhood markets
✦ A guided visit to the Dior Museum, exploring the artistry and legacy of one of France’s most celebrated fashion houses
Highlights
✦ Mahjong in Parisian cafés, with daily opportunities to play, connect, and enjoy the rhythm of café life
✦ An unforgettable lunch overlooking the Eiffel Tower
The Experience
Fashion & French Elegance
Paris has shaped the language of style for generations, and we’ll step inside that world during a guided visit to the Dior Museum.
From couture craftsmanship and iconic silhouettes to the stories behind the house itself, our time here offers a glimpse into the extraordinary imagination and artistry woven through Parisian fashion.
Later, we’ll continue our immersion into the city’s creative world with an exceptional lunch at Louis Vuitton’s signature restaurant — a delicious meeting point of design, hospitality, and contemporary Paris.
The Experience
A Taste of Paris
One of the best ways to understand Paris is through its markets.
Led by a local chef, we’ll browse stalls brimming with seasonal produce, cheeses, breads, herbs, and other French essentials before turning our market finds into something delicious during a hands-on cooking experience.
It’s a morning designed around the things Duende loves most: meeting local people, discovering a neighborhood through its food, and gathering around a table afterward.
That focus on immersive, locally rooted experiences closely reflects Duende’s broader approach to travel.
The Experience
Montmartre & the Seine
We’ll discover another side of the city on a guided walk through Montmartre, wandering cobbled streets and tucked-away corners in one of Paris’ most atmospheric neighborhoods.
And because Paris deserves to be seen from the water, we’ll also take to the Seine for a river cruise, watching some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks unfold from an entirely different perspective.
The Accommodation
Boutique Elegance in Paris: Five Nights of Style and Comfort
Make yourself at home for five nights in a 4-Star Superior Boutique Hotel*, selected for its style, comfort, and ideal base for exploring Paris.
As with Duende’s other journeys, the aim is for the logistics to feel effortless so you can concentrate on enjoying the experience, the company, and the city. Our accommodation approach as hand-picked boutique stays paired with carefully curated experiences rather than cookie-cutter itineraries. (For privacy and security reasons, the name and location of our hotel will be shared exclusively with fully paid guests.)
*Hotel subject to availability
Marci Sneen of Mahj with Marci
A brief bio
My Mahjong journey began as a personal hobby during breast cancer treatment and quickly became a lifelong passion. I am an American Mahjong instructor based in beautiful Austin, Texas, and the founder of Mahj with Marci. I love teaching players of all ages and backgrounds and making Mahjong approachable for everyone. My teaching style is warm, patient, and relaxed, making the game approachable, engaging, and, most importantly, fun.
For me, Mahjong is more than a game. It’s a way to keep your mind sharp, make new friends, and enjoy meaningful moments around the table. I believe anyone can learn and everyone can benefit from the JOY it brings. And now, I’m bringing that joy and connection to Paris!
Come learn, play, laugh, and make memories around the Mahjong table in one of the world’s most magical cities. Paris is always a good idea, so come join me on this adventure!
“Life is like Mahjong. We can't control what tiles we get, but we can control how skillfully we play the game”
— Anonymous
Inclusions
Prices are per person and include
A Curated Welcome Gift
A beautiful welcome gift, generously provided by our Mahjong tile sponsors, Bam Bird Boutique.
Please note: food and beverages ordered during Mahjong sessions are not included and will be paid for individually.
Shared rooms starting at
£5200 per person
FAQs
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For privacy and security reasons, the name and location of our hotel will be shared exclusively with fully paid guests.
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Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is serviced by direct flights from Austin, Texas with Delta Airlines.
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Yes, absolutely. Write to us at duende@duenderetreats.com and we'll help with a bespoke itinerary suited to exactly what you're looking for.
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This is an itinerary that would be enjoyable for anyone who likes to eat, laugh, walk, explore and play mahjong. (Children or anyone under 21 years of age not permitted.) You do not need to be from Austin or Texas — all are welcome!
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Yes. Once the trip is confirmed, you’ll automatically be added to a monthly payment plan with the final payment due 100 days prior to the start date of the trip. You can also opt out of the payment plan and pay in full 100 days prior to the trip start date.
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Deposits are nonrefundable unless there's a waiting list and someone would like to take your spot. In the case we are able to sell your spot, you will be refunded your deposit, less £250 admin / transaction fees.
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The full itinerary will be sent to you about a month prior to departure. If you have specific questions regarding the excursions, please do reach out to us.
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Participants should expect several hours of walking throughout the week, often on uneven cobblestones and hilly terrain. For this reason, we recommend that guests are in good health, comfortable walking daily, and able to navigate inclines with ease.
