Join me in Paris (March 2015)

Who doesn’t love Paris in the springtime (or anytime for that matter)? Well now you have the chance to join me in Paris, for seven days from March 8-15th 2015, to experience Paris differently – with the locals!

I am absolutely thrilled to be partnering with AYA LIFE on this project – those of you who have been following me for a while now will know how much I love Paris and I’m excited to be able to show off one of my favourite cities in conjunction with the people who know it best – those who live there. This tour includes hands-on cooking and baking classes, (culinary) walking tours with local experts, wine appreciation and even a little something to appeal to those of you with an artistic side! Locals will share some of the city’s best-kept secrets and you’ll have lots of free time to explore museums and galleries and, of course, we’ll leave you a little time for shopping!

Our hotel partner is the Hotel du Jeu de Paume – a charming four star hotel on the Île St Louis located in walking distance to some of the most well-known areas in Paris like le Marais and le Quartier Latin. Housed in a renovated former Royal tennis court, built under Louis XIII at the beginning of the 17th century the hotel features elegantly-decorated rooms with a full bathroom, minibar, flat screen LED TV, phones, and free WiFi access. The Jeu de Paume is a great base for exploring Paris.

Our week together will feature a number of cooking classes at La Cuisine Paris – croissant and pain au chocolat, macarons, Market tour and cooking class (with lunch) and an optional cheese and wine pairing workshop.

Your week will also include a number of tours and activities with locals - a “Secret Paris” walking tour with Bryan Pirolli, a “Sweet Side of Paris” walking tour with Jill Colonna, author of Mad about Macarons, a bag-making workshop with Kasia Dietz, a “Bellies on Foot” walking tour with La Cuisine Paris and a tour of some of Paris’ famous kitchenware stores!

The pricing includes three group dinners throughout the week, including a wine-tasting dinner at Ô Chateau where you will enjoy a gourmet three-course meal, paired with four French wines, one Champagne and a digestif led by a sommelier who will help you expand and refine your wine knowledge, teaching you how to taste wine properly, navigate a wine list, and how to choose wine at a restaurant. We’ll also enjoy a Champagne-tasting cruise on the Seine.

Ample free time has been built in throughout the week so you can shop till you drop, explore the museums and galleries or simply while away a lazy few hours people watching from a sidewalk café table. For your free evenings, you will be provided with a list of recommended restaurants and should you require bookings, we will be on hand to help with that.

What’s included?

• round trip transportation to and from Charles de Gaulle airport to hotel
• welcome package including maps, documents, transportation and museum information for you to plan your trip
• 7 nights’ accommodation in either a Standard or Superior Single room or a Standard Double room at the Hôtel du Jeu de Paume
• One Paris Visite transportation pass (access to the Métro and Paris buses for the week)
• Three group dinners including a wine pairing dinner
• One Champagne cruise on the Seine, tasting three different types of champagne with a sommelier
• Two baking classes at La Cuisine Paris (macarons and croissants)
• One market tour and cooking class (including lunch) at La Cuisine Paris
• One walking tour with La Cuisine Paris (Bellies on Foot in Les Halles)
• One designer bag making workshop (where you’ll make a souvenir bag)
• Two walking tours with locals (a sweet tour of Saint Germain des Prés and a tour of the upper Marais and the area around the Canal St Martin)

OPTIONAL (extra cost)

• Cheese and wine pairing workshop
• Tour of Paris’ kitchenware stores
• Upgrade to a Paris Museum Pass instead of Paris Visite (will give you entry to Paris museums)
• Flights options
• Travel Insurance options including Deluxe, Emergency Medical, Trip Cancellation
• Extended stays both pre/post trip itinerary

For more details and information on pricing and how to book, head on over to AYA LIFE.

Join me – won’t you?

How appropriate – Win a copy of Samantha Vérant’s Seven Letters from Paris (Canadian, US and French addresses only). Closes Wednesday October 16th 6pm EST. Details here.