Making Friends in Paris

I went out for a walk on Rue Passy, near the Trocadero in the 16th Arrondisement. An area mostly  populated by very chic, wealthy families with beautiful 19th century luxury apartment buildings and elegant cafes.  I found a little Bretagne creperie with cafe tables on the sidewalk with blue and white striped table clothes.  There was a gentleman just finishing his meal and I took a place just one table down from  him. 

Noticing that I wasn't from around those parts, he asked me where I was from and what brings me to Paris.  He was a retired pilot for Air France and before that the Air Force, he was about 60, very refined, he traveled the world and hasn't found anywhere to be nearly as charming as France.  Each region is unique and has so much to offer. He is originally from Bordeaux but has lived in Paris for 30 years and summers in his house in Antibes.  

We talked about France and flying until another couple sat at the table between us so I turned to my brut cidre and he finished his crepe sucre.   After he paid his bill, he came over to my table extending his hand to wish me a bonnes vacances.  "I am Jacques" he handed me his calling card.  He has a lady friend who speaks English and perhaps I would like to join them tomorrow for dinner.  "Delighted", I said,  I didn't remember the number for my French cell phone so I said I would email him my number. 

The next day I received a call from a lady who said she is a friend of Jacques whom I met at the cafe  yesterday and would I like to join them for drinks at his place.   I accepted, but I was a little precautious to go to his place, but she was very nice on the phone too, so I  thought, why not.  Jacqueline warned me they could be like Dominique Strauss-Kahn and recruiting but I wasn't worried, I trusted there are still kind, sincere people left in this world.   Luckily, earlier that day I picked up 4 chocolate eclaires on Rue Montorgueil, rated the best in Paris, so I was prepared with my host gift.

I arrived at the apartment on Rue Passy and met Sarah, a lovely lady who spoke good English, she was waiting for me on the sidewalk.  I feel she was waiting for me on the sidewalk to to put me at ease, which I was but, still,  I thought it was very considerate.  We walked up to Jacques' apartment which was a small but charming and quintessentially French apartment, very tidy and beautifully furnished with antiques and typical blues and yellows.  He showed me all the rooms and his little office upstairs and he also owned the apartment next door, perfect for guests who could have their own space and privacy.   He seemed very proud as he himself built many of the cabinets and had furniture made to order.  Another lady arrived,  who I think was Jacques girlfriend.   Her name is Claire.  We were about the same age, a very sweet Parisian, she lived in Switzerland and spoke very good English because she works at a Swiss bank.  She told me Jacques lost his wife a couple years ago and its been very hard on him.  I think they are very good friends.    

We drank a toast of very good champagne in crystal flutes to new friendships.  Sarah was an air stewardess and knew Jacques for 30 years.  Another Parisian, she is charming and witty and so friendly.  Whoever says Parisians aren't friendly doesn't know Parisians the way I do.  I know my experience is exceptional, probably not every American gets invited into the home of a French person for champagne.  It was really special.  We laughed and joked and talked about France and how the French language is deteriorating.  Jacques is very funny and charming, he tries to speak a little English but the ladies make fun of him.  Its getting late, but the sky is still light, we finish the bottle of champagne and the eclaires.  Jacques proposes we go out for sushi.   We started with champagne and dessert and then took a walk down the street to a wonderful little sushi bar.   It was a lovely evening.  Jacques and Claire are going to the French Riviera next week but they will be back the following week.  We decided we will get together again when they return.   

I just love making wonderful friends in Paris. 

Tout Pour la Femme - Tour of Paris

Pamper and indulge your every whim....The sumptuous sights and sounds of Paris, everywhere you look there is something to tease and tantalize your senses.  The energy is intoxicating here from the buttery smell of freshly baked croissants on your morning walk to the pungent odors of decadent cheese as you walk past a fromagerie (cheese store).  Awaken your senses and feel so alive!  ...and don't forget the chocolates and pastries and fresh fruits and vegetables and every specialty food you can imagine!  We know where to find the best of the best, its hard to go wrong in Paris but once you've tasted artisinal delicacies from the terrior believe me, there is no turning back.    Imagine the most amazing butter, hand made, the old fashioned way from cows who eat the sweetest organic grass.

I have designed a very unique Parisian tour to awaken your spirit.  For the savvy, passionate traveler who demands exclusivity.  Every day is well thought out and created with the support of my ‘French Connections’ including Jacqueline, lifestyle consultant from La Mode Le Club. Jacqueline is passionate about fashion and style and will coax your authentic beauty to shine.  We will meet her personal hair stylist and esthetician for a beauty treatment to transform you into the raving beauty that you are with a Parisian chic flair.  

I have included some unstructured days for you to explore on your own and take time for yourself or I will be delighted to offer some suggestions to custom design these days just for you.

 
For hundreds of years Paris has been considered the headquarters for seduction and culture.  I therefore offer you the experience of discovering Paris through your senses.  Take time for time and attune to the local rhythm and energy of the city by walking the boulevards, lounging in cafes and indulging in the tastes and textures that surround you.

 

When you are not out and about you can relax in comfort and style as the hotels I have chosen are some of my favorites when it comes to meeting high standards for privacy, relaxation, service and pampering.

 
Lose yourself in Paris and Find Your Self.  September 23-29, 2013

For more information and to book, please contact me at info@FindYourSelfinFrance.com

DISCOVER PARIS, DISCOVER YOURSELF!

Dare To Indulge, Tease, Liberate And Awaken The Feminine Spirit

'Tout Pour la Femme' (All for the woman) TOUR to PARIS
offered by Find Your Self in France  

To join us please call Alecia at 805-218-1277 or email info@FindYourSelfInFrance.com

September 23 – September 29, 2013 (6 Nights/7 Days)

Pamper and indulge your every whim.  This unique Parisian tour is designed to tease your senses and awaken your spirit.  It is for the savvy, passionate traveler who demands exclusivity.  Every day is well thought out and created with the support of my ‘French Connections’ including Jacqueline, lifestyle consultant from La Mode Le Club. I have included some unstructured days for you to explore on your own and take time for you or allow me to custom design these days just for you.

 
For hundreds of years Paris has been considered the headquarters for seduction and culture.  I therefore offer you the experience of discovering Paris through your senses.  Take time for time and attune to the local rhythm and energy of the city by walking the boulevards, lounging in cafes and indulging in the tastes and textures that surround you.
 

When you are not out and about you can relax in comfort and style as the hotels I have chosen are some of my favorites when it comes to meeting high standards for privacy, relaxation, service and pampering.

 
Lose yourself in Paris and Find Your Self.

HIGHLIGHTS:

·         Sip champagne and rediscover your femininity with a passionate designer in the boudoir of her Parisian Couture House

·         Update your wardrobe fashionably on a shopping tour

·         Ou la la a night on the town at the Crazy Horse and a favorite trendy night club

·         Indulge your pallet while dining at some of the best Parisian restaurants

·         Pamper and unwind at our favorite spa

·         Experience the tastes and beauty of Paris

·         Engage in lively conversation and l’art de vivre in the salon of a chic Paris apartment

·         Gaze at the City of Light monuments from a gourmet dinner cruise down the River Seine

 
INCLUDED:
Note that for the first 4 days, most things on the tour are included, the last 3 days you are independent however, your hotel accommodations, breakfasts, metro tickets and museum pass will be included.  

·         Everything listed above in the highlights including: Spa visit (not including treatments, walking tours, Crazy Horse show, Personal Shopper/Lifestyle consultant, Seine dinner cruise and all guides.

·         (6) Nights at a quiet but centrally located, comfortable Parisian style hotel (3 Star minimum)

·         Transfers to and from the airport and select excursions

·         Transportation daily (Metro Pass)

·         All meals – Days 1 thru breakfast on Day 5 (6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners) (Please let me know of any diet restrictions, I will do my best to accommodate)

·         Complimentary custom design your 2 independent days

·         Tips: All hotel, driver and guide tips included

 What’s not included:

·         Airfare to Paris is not included

·         Shopping Items (including any purchases at boutiques, souvenirs, snacks, etc.)

·         Hair and makeup appointments

·         Alcohol, except where wine is included with dinner

·         Any additional options that we may suggest to you.

·         All expenses on your independent days (Day 5-7) besides your hotel room and breakfasts, metro and museum passes which are included.

NOTE ABOUT GUIDES/ESCORTS:  In Paris we engage the knowledge of sight experts who are well prepared, knowledgeable, friendly and multilingual.

Itinerary 

Day 1 -  Pamper and Glow

Our charming and professional driver will welcome you at the Charles de Gaulle airport and escort you to your centrally located hotel where I will be waiting to help you settle in.  I have arranged for the perfect antidote to jet lag, the ultimate pampering luxury of a spa, enjoy an anti- jet lag massage or a fabulous foot massage (treatment not included) Now that you are feeling very girly, we will stroll around Paris, taking in the sights and sounds of this magical city.  Get lost amongst the art galleries on the quaint streets in the Left Bank’s St. Germain Des Pres, the quintessential literary hangout where writers and philosophers used to gather in its cafes. 

Explore the beautiful abbey St. Sulpice and the bouquinistes (booksellers) along the quais of the River Seine. Sip tea at the famous Deux Magots tea salon where philosophers discussed events of the day.  This is the perfect way to relive what it was like to be around during the days of Chanel, Hemmingway Picasso, Sartre and Simone de Beavoir.  We’ll have a view of Paris from the top of the Eiffel tower followed by a welcome dinner while gazing at Monsieur Eiffel’s shimmering tower.

Day 2 – Find Your Unique Style

After breakfast, you will be introduced to your private fashion & lifestyle consultant, Jacqueline, who will help you to define your style profile and escort you on an extensive personal fashion and shopping excursion to the most stylish places in her address book. Our beauty professionals will create the perfect look for you. We’ll set you up with one of the hottest hair stylists in Paris and have a make-up session by a professional make-up artist. "The most beautiful makeup on a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy"      -YSL. (Hair/makeup by appointment only and for an additional charge)

Over an elegant aperitif we will have a glimpse into the hidden life of the aristocracy and understand some of their secret codes for l’art de vivre, the art of living the good life and learn to bring more joie de vivre into your life. 

Paris is one of the most exciting cities with a fabulous selection of boutiques and shops, be it for luxury brands, vintage classics, leather goods, accessories, jewelry or fashionable gifts. Visit shops and boutiques that inspire the French woman and all aspects of her wardrobe. The afternoon is dedicated to unraveling the locations of these secret places.  Visit an up and coming designer and shop to your heart’s content in the very chic boutiques for clothing and accessories for you and your home.

As night falls, the city of light delights, illuminated in all her grandeur, from a dinner cruise on the Seine river as we admire this beautiful city of light and seduction.

Day 3 – Sex and the City

Kick up your heels in Montmartre, the artsy city on the hill. Browse the windy streets up to the Sacre Coeur Cathedral, the views are magnificent...so are the pastries along the way.  Pose for a portrait at the lively Place du Tertre (made famous by Toulouse-Lautrec and Picasso), or do some drawing on your own.   Lunch at an elegant tea salon all ladies love.

Enjoy the afternoon to indulge in chocolates, pastries and French cheeses or perhaps visit the impressionist paintings at the D’Orsay Museum.   Back to the hotel to change for a glamourous evening beginning with a romantic dinner while enjoying magnificent views of Paris. After dinner, you will be enchanted by the sumptuous sets and the brilliant choreography at the famous Crazy Horse, while sipping champagne. Ou la la! 

Day 4 – Discover Paris, Discover Yourself

Stroll the unspoiled historic Marais district and enjoy the 17^th century architecture of the Place des Vogues, a feminine square where Madame de Sevigne started the first salons in the 18^th century now lined with charming boutiques and art galleries. Take your time to admire the medieval villages and small cobblestone streets reminiscent of chivalrous times on the islands of St. Louis and La Cite, originally named Lutetia from ancient Gallo-Roman days, currently lined with chic boutiques and art galleries. Stand in awe of the billowing buttresses of Notre Dame. We'll linger in a cafe to taste the best ice cream in the world at Berthillon. 

A very special evening is planned tonight.  We will prepare by shopping at the lively, bustling farmers’  markets in Montparnasse, meet a famous butcher and taste some more…our host has invited us to partake in a farewell dinner in the intimate setting of her home, with cooking demonstrations, we will each participate in preparing a healthy yet very satisfying meal  as a special way to celebrate life.

 
Day 5 – Day 6 

Your time to explore the City of Light on your own or with a new friend.  I will offer to custom design your independent days or allow yourself to lose yourself and find yourself a changed woman. 

Day 7 - Farewell to the City of Light

Take time for yourself this morning to sleep in, go to the spa or explore on your own and make some last minute purchases, reminiscing about your time in Paris and dreaming about the next time.  You will be picked up at your hotel and escorted to the airport.

To join us please call Alecia at 805-218-1277 or email info@FindYourSelfInFrance.com

Want more?...join us for an invitation only Taste of France excursion through fairy tale Burgundy

*Please note I reserve the right to make itinerary changes when necessary, but will never deviate from the theme or quality of the tour.

© All rights reserved 2011-Find Your Self in France

Wine, Knives and Chocolate, oh my!

Last week I took the train from Saumur, in the Loire Valley, to Paris, only a 1.5 hour ride.  I rented a car, an automatic, which is double the cost because I still haven't learned to drive a stick, and drove another hour and a half to Vezelay in Burgundy,  through lush countryside, cow pastures and picturesque villages to visit my very good friend Maria Cuny at her farmhouse and vineyards.  I just fall in love with this region every time I drive here, it makes me so happy. 

The family came out of their farmhouse to greet me.  Its so nice to be here, their daughter,  Justine was making an apricot tarte.  She lived in New York so her English is excellent; but neither of her parents speak English to well so its always such a comedy of errors trying to understand each other.  I think they are asking me how my meal is and I answer very good, only to find out through hysterical laughter, they were asking what time Yves was going to go the vineyard. 

I am staying the week to help prepare a budget and financial projections for a renovation of the stonehouse adjacent to their property for a bed and breakfast project.  

Since I am trying to stay in France through the fall,  I also have some ideas to try to  make a living while I am in France.  Yves, Maria's husband, sells knives to chefs in restaurants throughout Paris but he doesn't have the time to do this now because he is working in the vines.  So... on my drive over here, my mind was working non-stop coming up with grand ideas to sell knives to all the English speaking chefs,  there are many American, British and Australian chefs in Paris.  I saw myself developing relationships with new restauranteurs, bringing my groups of ladies to their restaurants or home for something special and also selling them knives, introducing them to Maria's wines and organizing tours of the region.    As soon as I was bold enough to present my ideas, Yves said the chefs in France only buy knives made in Japan, which are more expensive but they think the quality is better.   I have used these knives for a year, and while I'm not a professional, I like them very much!  One would think that knives made in France would be preferred to imported knives,  but I guess not.   

So I came up with another idea....but of course!  I was in Chablis the other day, to pick up some organic fertilizer for the vines.   I walked around this very pretty town, with its quaint little brook that runs through the center and lovely old buildings with lots of wine tasting boutiques.   I stopped by a charcuterie store and bought some pate and then I went to a fruit store and bought some apricots, then to a boulangerie to buy a baguette, and I had a picnic in a park by the brook it was just so nice.  Then I found a chocolate store.  I bought a small package of 9 pieces of chocolate for 7 Euros, about 10 dollars and I was inspired to make chocolate truffles with Maria's pinot noir!  

I was so excited, I told Maria's daughter, Justine, who also thought it was a very good idea, I could be like Juliette Binoche in the movie Chocolat, which was actually filmed in a nearby village in Burgundy.  There is no one selling good chocolates in Vezelay, there is a honey store, lots of wine and cheese and boulangeries and other specialties of the country, but no chocolate....mais, this is France!  So, I bought some chocolate and came back to the farm to make chocolate truffles for desert.  The family loved them and I was pleased, the wine taste was very subtle but it went very well together,  everyone preferred my chocolates the ones from Chablis!  

Tonight, 15 people from Paris are coming to the vineyard for a wine tasting.  Yves asked me to make some chocolates and sell them at the event.  I agreed to make a batch and test it out to see if people like them, then I'll see about making more to sell at the Maria store in Vezelay.  Maria asked me to introduce myself and my tours and chocolates, in French, to the group of 15 Parisians!  Yikes!!     I'll let you know how it all goes.   On va voir.