Join Isabelle, our local Parisian Chef, as we follow in the footsteps of Julia Child, 75+ years after she first set foot in Paris and launched her famous career. Through her passion for cuisine and a strong desire to learn, Julia became one of the most beloved American Cooking Experts of the 20th century. On this journey, we retrace some of her most special moments in Paris. From her favorite Bistrot to her favorite markets, from cooking classes at the Cordon Bleu to the hotel she stayed at after landing in Paris, we will introduce our guests to French cuisine through Julia's eyes. You will stay on the left bank, Julia's favorite area of Paris, and, along the way, we will uncover some of Chef Isabelle's favorite eateries, markets, and even Versaille's farm and estate.
On arrival in the city of lights, you are whisked away to your property by our private driver. After lunch and an afternoon at leisure (our Guest Experience team would be delighted to arrange a private city tour), we regroup for a late afternoon Seine River private cruise with Champagne and passed hors d'oeuvres. We enjoy a 3-course traditional dinner (just the way Julia liked it) at Chez Denise, in the center of Les Halles district. It is paired with lovely French wines.
We start our day just as Julia would have: Breakfast at Les Deux Magots followed by a visit to the left bank bookstore "Shakespeare & Company" which she visited regularly searching for books on French cooking. We then make our way to a market on the right bank where Chef Fonzo introduces us to some of the fresh produces likely being used in our cooking class. That is where we head next. Le Cordon Bleu is where Julia spent 6 months learning about French cuisine. It is followed by Lunch of our guests' own making. The rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.
The morning is at leisure. For guests interested in sites such as the Louvre, our team would be delighted to arrange for tickets and/or a private visit. We regroup in time for lunch at Cafe de Flore, where Julia and her husband dined among rising and celebrated artists. One of the oldest coffee houses on the charming Boulevard Saint Germain, Café de Flore remains a popular hangout for celebrities and tourists even today. Our afternoon is not any less exciting with a classic French dessert cooking class with a local pastry Chef. We will focus on French eclairs, one of Julia's favorites. Tonight, we gather on the Great Iron Lady (the Eiffel Tower) for sunset, and a memorable dinner at Michelin-starred Jules Vernes.
After breakfast, we make our way to Versailles. There, our private guide takes us through the grand estate built by Louis XIV as well as the famous Domaine de Marie Antoinette, the farm of the estate. We enjoy lunch in the park of Versailles with a lovely picnic prepared by the team of Chef Gordon Ramsay at the neighboring Trianon Palace Hotel. Back in Paris, we enjoy a cheesemaking workshop before some time to relax at your hotel. Tonight's dinner experience is a two-part one: e start with Le Verjus, in the heart of the beautiful Palais Royal, built in 1633 for Cardinal Richelieu. Part two takes place at Brasserie Lipp, Julia's favorite place for desserts where we enjoy some local sweets.
On this last day in Paris, we start with a visit to the local markets before a cooking class is held. It is followed by lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Here, our guests will be able to enjoy some of the city's best-kept secrets, do some shopping or simply pay a visit to some of the left bank's pastry shops. Maybe take on Paris by bike (a great way to get rid of some of the pounds gained on this incredible adventure)? We regroup for cocktails at one of our favorites speakeasy before our grand Finale at Le Grand Véfour , Julia's monthly romantic "Rendez-Vous" with her husband, with a history dating back to 1784. We celebrate new friendships and conclude a memorable culinary experience by saying to all "BON APPETIT!"
This morning, you are privately transferred to the airport where you catch your international flight home. But should this really be the end? Join Chef Fonzo in Mykonos where he is headed next (and enjoy a 10% discount for booking both journeys - see "ADD-ONS" section below), or have our team put together an extension to one of France's neighboring regions (check out our "Add-ons" section for some inspiration).
I just returned from a small group trip to Paris and it was such an incredible experience! From a private boat tour on the Seine to a guided tour of Versailles, from dinner at the top of the Eiffel Tower to a cooking class at Le Cordon Bleu, the experiences were all amazing and the coordination of the trip logistics was flawless. Merci beaucoup!
I have just recently returned from my 3rd Art In Voyage curated tour, Cook Nice: On the Footsteps of Julia Childs. All I can say is that Mikael and his team are amazing! I was living a dream throughout my entire time in Paris. Never would I have imagined taking a cooking class at the Cordon Bleu or dining at Le Jules Verne Restaurant at La Tour Eiffel with its amazing views of Paris. From the moment I made the decision to go on this adventure, all of the planning details were prearranged and organized flawlessly. My only task was to arrive in Paris and begin experiencing all that Paris has to offer. From the champagne boat cruise on the Seine, the delectable food and wine tasting evenings, the pastry and cheese making classes not to forget beautiful Versailles and its gardens, these wonderful memories will last a lifetime. Our small group was fortunate to have Isabelle as our hostess for the 5 days in Paris. She is a kind, warm person and very knowledgeable in la gastronomy. Julia Childs would approve. We had an amazing time with her. Thank you AIV for making this trip a once in a lifetime experience.
I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Cook Nice Tour. From our accommodations, to our cooking classes, to the fabulous restaurants, everything was exceptional. We didn’t have to worry about a thing. I was so impressed with each activity and with the knowledge and care that our guide gave us. Thanks so much for a fabulous week!
Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges. In such rare instances, Art In Voyage guarantees delivery of the content of the itinerary yet, in a different order.
All listed retreats (hotels, villas, and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
Travel insurance, once purchased, goes into effect upon payment of the premium. You have 15 days from that date to cancel it (providing no claims have been filed or initiated during that period). Beyond 15 days, it becomes non-refundable/non-changeable/non-transferrable.
In case of a cancelation at more than 90 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $500 per person administrative fee.
In case of a cancelation within the penalty period: Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $500 per person administrative fee.