Must-See Paris, 2021
 

A week in magical Paris, what could be better? 

 

How about a week in Paris with a small group of fellow travelers and a Parisian guide to help you make the most of it!

 

From the charm of our family-owned hotel partner located on the chic left bank to the daily activities seeing Paris's must-see sites, this week is full of rich experiences and eye-popping beauty. Of course it is, it's Paris!

 

Each morning we'll meet up and set out on the day's structured outing. (Of course you may participate as much or as little as you like in our structured outings.) Then, after lunch, you'll be free to visit Paris on your own or with other travelers. We're here to give you guidance, if needed, around what you might want to do and how to do it. Whether it's the legendary French macaron you’re after, a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower, or a bit of chic Parisian fashion, we'll help you make it happen!

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Paris Personally group trips are small group travel at its best. And people who come on our trips say they feel like they're traveling with friends (making these great group trips for singles too!). Space is limited, so sign up today!

 

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Here's our planned itinerary* for this trip:

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Sunday - Arrival day. As people will be arriving at different times, you will take a taxi (your Uber application works here too) to our hotel in the chic 6th arrondissement, on the left bank.

 

Once you’re settled in to your room, you'll probably want to check out the neighborhood. You’ll find that you're right next door to the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, literally just around the corner from the hotel. In the other direction, there are charming cafés where you might decide to have a bite and do some people watching. And just a little further up, you can find Le Bon Marché, the most understatedly elegant of Paris’s large department stores. Although many stores and boutiques are closed on Sundays, Le Bon Marché will be open. 

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We will meet in the breakfast area of the hotel at 6:00pm for the apéro (cocktail hour) in order for everyone to meet and to discuss the next day’s activities. Afterward, Gina will give you some ideas for dinner close-by.

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Monday, 9:30am - We’ll start where Paris was born, right in the center, on the islands. On the Ile de la Cité, we’ll visit the Marché aux Fleurs, opened here in 1809, and from there we'll take a look at Notre Dame, although we won't be allowed in. Next we'll wander over to the beautiful Ile Saint-Louis, a lovely island covered with beautiful homes, charming boutiques, and elegant art galleries. You may want to make note of all of the little shops where you can find the famous Berthillon ice cream so you can come back after lunch!

 

Also after lunch, you may want to visit La Conciergerie, Gothic palace then revolutionary prison where Marie-Antoinette spent her last days and/or Sainte-Chapelle, with its stunning stained-glass windows, best seen on a sunny day.

 

The apéro, where we will share a glass of wine and discuss the next day’s activities before separating for dinner, will begin at 6:30 this evening.

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Tuesday, 9:30am - Today we visit the Musée d’Orsay, a beautiful former train station and current home to the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world. Cézanne, Caillebotte, Degas, Gaugin, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Seurat, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Van Gogh are just a few of the most recognizable names among the impressive collections you’ll see here.

 

Afterward, we’ll walk around the enchanting 7th arrondissement as the Eiffel Tower watches over us. A chic arrondissement, the 7th is full of jewels including Les Invalides where you can find Napoléon's tomb, rue Cler, a street well-loved by "foodies," and rue Saint Dominique which is filled with charming boutiques and delicious treats and which leads right to the Eiffel Tower. 

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After lunch, you may want to visit Les Invalides, the Eiffel Tower, or the Rodin Museum where you'll see Rodin's Kiss - a sculpture that has been known to move some of us to tears. 

 

Finally, we’ll meet at 6:30pm for the apéro and to discuss the next day’s activities.

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Wednesday, 9:30am - Today we'll visit l'Orangerie where you'll see Monet's water lilies, 8 painted panels stretching almost 2 meters high and inspired by his water garden at Giverny. Few people know that Monet gifted these paintings to France the day after the Armistice of 1918 as a symbol for peace. There are also over 100 works by other artists including Matisse, Cézanne, and Renoir. Afterward, take a walk through the beautiful Tuileries Garden. 

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And since l'Orangerie is a small museum, your after lunch plans may include a visit to the world's largest - The Louvre. Or maybe you'll want to take a stroll by the river, get in a little shopping, or just wander the city until something strikes your fancy.

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6:30pm – meet at 6:30pm for the apéro and to discuss the next day's activities.

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Thursday, 9:30am – Today is all about Montmartre. Montmartre still has a romantic, villagey feel to it, so we’ll wander a bit, visit the Sacré Coeur Basilica and check out the Place du Tertre – a great place to buy original art directly from the artists for yourself or as gifts.

 

After lunch, you may want to visit the Musée de Montmartre, probably the most charming of all Paris’s museum. Renoir and Utrillo were just two of the artists who lived and had their ateliers here. Be sure to visit the beautiful gardens and admire the view of the vineyard. And if you’re in need of a little sustenance, pause for a bit at the Café Renoir.

 

6:30pm – apéro and discussion of tomorrow’s activities

 

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Friday,  9:30am – Today we'll explore the Marais. One of the oldest parts of Paris and one of the most charming, the Marais is an area that many Parisians would like to keep for themselves. Here you'll find quaint museums, vintage shops, chic boutiques, hidden squares, delicious food, and more. 

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After lunch, you may want to visit Victor Hugo's home, the Picasso museum, or the Musée des Arts et Métiers, a fascinating museum of technological innovation. Or you might wander around the Bastille area. Wherever you want to spend the afternoon, you'll find it easy to get there from this central locale. 

 

6:30pm – We meet for our final apéro together and a discussion of the week’s events.

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Saturday - For those who are leaving, check-out is at 11:00.

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*We'll do our best to stick to this itinerary, but strikes and other unforeseen circumstances can happen. Don't worry though. There's always an equally enticing plan B if we need it. 

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For what's included, see the box just to the right of the itinerary above. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information, and if you don't find what you're looking for there, send an email to gina@paris-personally.com. And please be sure to read our Terms and Conditions.

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