Decorative Arts & Gardens Tour of Paris

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Paris & environs

This private tour showcases the best of the decorative arts and gardens in and around Paris, one of the world's greatest cities for art, architecture, cuisine and fashion. During personalized private touring, experience the finest art collections, gardens, neighborhoods, iconic sites and lesser-known treasures.

Stay in Paris, the sophisticated capital of France, and enjoy private touring customized to your interests. We recommend the following: See iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Champs-Elysees. Walk among centuries-old mansions on exclusive Ile Saint-Louis, and stroll the banks of the Seine River (cruises can be booked upon request). See the remarkable stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle. Explore the backstreets of Montmartre, and climb the steps to the Sacre Coeur Basilica for panoramic views. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Le Marais, a historic neighborhood known for its medieval buildings, fashionable boutiques, elegant homes, vibrant bistros and Jewish history. Visit the Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris. Explore Parisian markets and gourmet food shops specializing in bread, cheese, pastries and other treats. See art treasures at Paris museums such as the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou, l'Orangerie and Fondation Louis Vuitton. Visit smaller specialty museums such as the Musee Jacquemart-Andre, Musee Nissim de Camondo, Rodin Museum, Hotel National des Invalides (tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte), Musee de Cluny, Bourse de Commerce — Pinault Collection and Hotel de la Marine. Perhaps explore the Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market and Parisian food markets and specialty food shops. Enjoy reservations at top restaurants. Walk through the Latin Quarter, and stroll through the Luxembourg and Tuileries gardens and other hidden gardens and parks in the city. Perhaps explore the Jardin des Plantes, the national botanical garden founded in 1626 as a medicinal herb garden for Louis XIII. Shop exclusive boutiques along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore and Rue Royale, or visit the Dior complex or department stores such as Samaritaine and Le Bon Marche. Take a break at Left Bank cafes made famous by poets and philosophers, and walk among the backstreets and boutiques of the Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to Versailles. Tour opulent Versailles Palace and its extensive gardens, as well as other highlights, such as Le Petit Trianon and Hameau de la Reine, the mock hamlet created for Marie-Antoinette. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange a visit to the Potager du Roi, Louis XIV's fruit and vegetable garden, and a tour of the historic covered market in the town of Versailles.

Another day, visit Giverny to tour the meticulously restored house and gardens of artist Claude Monet. Tour the house interiors, and see the famous Japanese bridge and waterlily pond that appeared in so many of Monet’s paintings. Monet lived at Giverny for decades and created (and painted) a wonderful world of flowers and greenery.

Other options for private excursions include Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a privately owned palace with ornate formal gardens that inspired Versailles, and the nearby Chateau de Fontainebleau, one of the most significant royal chateaux in France. Alternatively, spend the day touring wine estates in Champagne or chateaux in Chantilly or the Loire Valley.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange reservations at the best restaurants, tickets to operas (including a tour of the Palais Garnier opera house), private cooking classes, and personalized shopping for antiques, fashions, copperware, cooking utensils, perfume and more.