MEET YOUR NEW FRIENDS IN PARIS!

Do you harbor a secret fantasy of living in Paris, strolling through charming neighborhoods, shopping at chic boutiques and local markets, acquiring a bit of that inimitable Parisian style? Would you love to meet women who live and work in this magical city, and discover great insider places? Here’s your chance to step behind the scenes and into life in the French capital, at least for a little while, with our friendly Paris hosts to welcome you.

InTouch with Paris – Woman 2 Woman

Our Paris hosts have many different interests and histories. What they share is a fascination with their city – its neighborhoods, its history, its many tastes and delights – and above all, its people. Through them you will touch the ‘real’ Paris – the city you’ve always wanted to visit.

You’ll enjoy the best of all worlds – a friendly welcome in a new city, knowledgeable friends to share their own insights and discoveries with you, plus enough free time to explore on your own. We’ve designed this program for mini-groups of 4-6 women traveling together, with three Parisian hosts to introduce you to life in the City of Light.

Bring your friends, your mother, your sisters - and meet your new friends in Paris!
Sample Itinerary
Day One

Arrive in Paris and make your way to your hotel.
This evening you’ll meet Sharon, one of your hosts, for a drink and a chance to find out a little about what it’s like to live in France. Sharon's field of study, in her native England, was modern languages, but she’s become an expert on the world of food and wine. She’ll be glad to suggest a place for a light meal this evening. You’ll meet her again in a couple of days.
Day Two

This morning you’ll meet Veronique, who lives just outside Paris. Véronique lived in the US on several occasions during her husband's military career. As she followed him on his global assignments, Véronique raised their four children, and found time for volunteer work with "Bienvenue en France" in Paris and "Welcome to Washington" in the US, as well as language exchange programs in French schools. Here’s Veronique’s suggestion for your first full day in Paris.

“Tuesday would be a good day for shopping as most of the museums in Paris are closed. So today we should visit the open market of the rue Clerc, in the 7th arrondissement, not far from the Invalides. It is a very colorful and animated street. There is a very famous cheese shop where they prepare special trays for appetizers, great when you only want to have friends for a wine & cheese evening. Of course, we'll stop for a petit café. Then I'll take you for a light lunch at Le Vauban, an elegant spot named after a famous 18th century military French architect, Vauban.
It has a view of the Invalides dome just across the square. There's a an exhibit at the
Invalides that's worth seeing, the Musée des plans reliefs, the only one of its kind in France: a collection of 17th & 19th centuries models representing fortified towns that architects built to show the kings so that they could estimate each town's ability to resist invaders. Afterwards we'll go the Ile de la Cite, and stroll through the marché aux fleurs, the flower market close to the Seine river. The scents are delicious, and you really want to go gardening right away! If you like old bookstores, there is the well-known Shakespeare & Company, where you night find a treasure. Also the much photographed bouquinistes along the river, who sell old and second hand books and antique prints. Do you like ice cream? I'll take you to Berthillon, who makes the most famous ice creams in Paris.”

Veronique might tell you about her friends Anne-Olivia and Gabriel, who are both artists, and experts in finding treasures at the Paris flea markets – perhaps you’ll get a chance to meet them if you’re interested in art and if they’re available.
Continue on to dinner with Veronique – she has a special spot in mind.
Day Three

This morning you’ll meet Sharon again, for an excursion into the world of ‘dégriffé’ – those secret places only Parisians know where you can find great designer clothes at knock-down prices. Sharon is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide to this side of Paris, and who knows what wonderful bargains you might find? And with Sharon, you’ll find a wonderful place for lunch with great Paris style.

After lunch you’re free to continue along in Sharon’s company or branch out on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask about your own special interests when planning your trip. Sharon knows lots of fascinating people in and around Paris – and she’s interested in so many things, from unusual boutiques (how about a visit to Paris’ only master perfumer) to a variety of tastings – cheese, olive oils, wines – or a visit to the kitchen of a prestigious hotel. You might even visit the beehives on the roof of the Opera house!
Dinner on your own this evening.
Day Four

Today you’re on your own to explore whatever pleases you in the city. You might opt for a bit of classic sightseeing or a museum visit –perhaps the Rodin museum with its wonderful garden, or the Musée Carnavalet, if you’re curious about the city’s history. Sharon and Véronique have probably given you plenty of ideas, but we are happy to suggest visits or excursions that match your interests. Depending on the time of year, there will be seasonal events and excursions as well. And by now, you’ve caught the idea that just to flaner – to stroll and explore – is part of every real Parisian’s ideal.
Day Five

This morning meet yet another Parisienne. Andrée will do more than tell you how sophisticated Parisians live, she will show you. "I don't give a damn about fashion, but I care passionately about style," she says.

Come with her to the elegant Batignolles neighborhood where she lives, push open the heavy wrought-iron door of her 18th century Haussmann-era stone building and step inside her flat. It will be just as you imagine: high ceilings, white plaster moldings, marble chimney mantelpieces, mirrors, 18th century furniture: it's not a grand museum, it's where she lives with her family of three bilingual, college-age daughters who wouldn't think of leaving home.

This morning she will introduce you to one of her favorite neighborhoods, perhaps the newly trendy area along the Canal Saint Martin, where ‘Monsieur Jean’ sells one of the best breads in Paris, followed by an elegant lunch where you’ll learn about food and wine pairing from the experts and then a visit with the artisans whose studios share the same historic setting. After a market stop (fresh vegetables according to the season, cheese from the fromager, wine chosen for today’s menu), head back to Andrée’s apartment, where she’ll show you how to prepare and serve a traditional French meal with flair – while she initiates you into the mysteries of dining ‘à la française.’
Day Six

Today is your last day in Paris, and you are free to indulge in whatever your favorite activities may be. By now you’ve come to feel a little bit Parisienne yourself, and you will enjoy the chance to explore a little on your own. You can explore a new neighborhood, sample some wonderful fruits from the nearest market, check out a gallery show or take an afternoon pause for tea and macaroons at La Durée.

This evening you’ll meet all your hosts – Sharon, Veronique and Andrée – for a delightful evening of dining and conversation. Gathered around the table, you will truly feel as though you’ve entered into the life of Paris – and made new friends as well.
Day Seven

Time to say goodbye to Paris and your new friends – at least for now.

Bon Voyage – and come back soon!

To book this trip online, please go to http://www.intouchtravel.com/traveler/questions.shtml

To book by phone, or for additional information, please call 1-866-396-5102 [toll-free within the US] or +1 425-396-5102 [international]. Or send an email to further@intouchtravel.com

InTouch with Paris – La Vie Parisienne is a joint venture of Latitudes Travel & Tours and InTouch Travel.