Paris
Paris is a city that greets you with poetry at every turn, and my recent journey with the Gilbert family was a perfect blend of iconic sights, hidden gems, and delicious indulgences. Over a week, we traced the city’s art, history, and flavors, creating memories that felt straight from a movie.
A Warm Parisian Welcome
After a smooth overnight flight and a VIP airport meet-and-greet that whisked us through customs, we settled into the chic Hotel Bel Ami, right in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Stepping outside felt like walking into a painting: café terraces spilling onto cobbled streets, bookshops lining the Seine, and the bells of nearby churches chiming in the morning air.
Time to Wander & Wonder
Our first day was devoted to getting lost in Paris, in the best way. We strolled through the Latin Quarter, watched street musicians near Notre Dame, and sipped chocolat chaud in cozy cafés. By evening, we checked into the elegant Hotel Montalembert, our home for the next five nights, where interconnecting suites gave our family space to spread out and savor the Left Bank lifestyle.
Unlocking the Louvre’s Secrets
A private guide met us under the equestrian statue at the Louvre, where we embarked on a curated tour of the world’s most famous museum. We marveled at the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile, traced ancient Greek myths through marble sculptures, and discovered lesser-known treasures tucked into grand galleries. The kids were entertained by the stories, and I loved seeing the museum come alive through our guide’s passion.
Le Marais: Hidden Culinary Delights
Paris’s culinary heart beats in Le Marais, and our private food tour revealed every delicious secret. With a local expert leading the way, we tasted silky foie gras, fresh-baked baguettes still warm from the oven, and sweet macarons in every color of the rainbow. The bustling Marché des Enfants Rouges offered a feast for the senses, from fragrant cheeses to delicate pastries. Each bite told a story of Paris’s vibrant food culture.
Versailles by Bike: A Royal Day Out
No Parisian adventure is complete without a day at Versailles, but instead of a typical tour, we explored the palace gardens by bike. Riding past the Grand Canal and tree-lined alleys, we imagined Marie Antoinette’s lavish parties. We browsed the local market to gather treats for a lakeside picnic, then wandered through the Grand and Petit Trianons, where gilded halls and secret gardens whispered of royal intrigue.
Impressionist Inspiration & Île de la Cité Charm
A morning at the Musée d’Orsay immersed us in the brushstrokes of Monet, Degas, and Renoir. Our guide helped us see how these masterpieces changed art forever, and standing before Van Gogh’s self-portraits felt electric. From there, we crossed to the Île de la Cité, where medieval streets led us to Notre-Dame. Although the cathedral remains under restoration, its spires and stained glass continue to inspire awe.
Leisurely Afternoons & Sweet Goodbyes
Afternoons were ours to savor: shopping in chic boutiques, reading along the Seine, and climbing Montmartre’s hills for sweeping city views. Evenings glowed with memories of candlelit dinners, late-night crêpes, and watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle from Pont Alexandre III.
Paris isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling. If you’re dreaming of mornings in art-filled museums, afternoons wandering hidden quarters, and evenings with the city lights reflected in your wine glass, let me make your Parisian fantasy a reality.