Midnight in Paris (2023)

Depart the United States on an overnight flight to Paris

Arrive in Paris late afternoon
Check into hotel
Welcome to Paris Dinner

We will wake early this morning after grabbing the quintessential French croissant from a bakery near our hotel, we will head to the most famous of all Paris monuments – the Eiffel Tower. Today we will skip the line and go all the way up to the summit of the Eiffel tower, marveling at the amazing views of Paris below.

After we have enjoyed the Eiffel Tower, we will visit the Musée Rodin. Here we can see some of Rodin’s most famous works, including The Thinker. The museum also displays works of Rodin’s mistress, Camille Claudel.

Later this afternoon we will head to one of the most fashionable districts in Paris – the Marais.

This morning we will visit Notre Dame Cathedral. We will have a chance to hear about the cathedral’s history as well as what was saved from the fire in 2019. You will have a chance to also enter the archeological crypt beneath Notre Dame. After our visit to Notre Dame, we will stop to see Sainte-Chapelle.

Next, we will head to the Opera Garnier. The opera house was used as the inspiration for the book The Phantom of the Opera and is a beautiful sight to behold.

This afternoon, you will have the chance to explore the area of Montmartre. Our first stop, we be the Sacré Coeur Basilica. Marvel at the beautiful views of the city from here and take a rest on the steps outside, like a true Parisian. We will then enjoy a wonderful food and walking tour of Montmartre, where you will get a true feel for this bohemian neighborhood. You will have a chance to try some Paris specialties like wine, cheese, pastries and chocolate. You will also see famous sites along the way including the Moulin Rouge and walk in the footsteps of Picasso.

We will leave early in the morning to head to Château de Versailles, the palace that Louis XIV, XV, and XVI called home. Here we will have a guided tour of the palace including the Hall of Mirrors. Afterwards, you will have a chance to visit the gardens surrounding the palace.

We will stop for lunch on the banks of the Epte River.

Next, we will travel to Monet’s Impressionist Garden at Giverny where you can wander around the garden at the artist’s residence, which served as inspiration for his Nymphéas (Water Lilies) series.

This morning we will start our day at Palais Royal to see Les Colonnes de Bure, a courtyard with beautiful black and white striped columns. This is a popular location for photos. Next, we will head to the most famous museum in Paris – the Louvre. We will be at the Louvre when it opens and enter through its iconic glass pyramid. You will see some of the Louvre’s most famous works including the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory and Venus de Milo.

After you have explored the Louvre we will walk through the Jardin de Tuileries, possibly stopping at a nearby grocery store to purchase items for a picnic lunch in the garden. After our lunch we will stop by Angelina’s and try their famous Hot Chocolate.

We will then head to Place de la Concorde. This was the most famous guillotine site during the French revolution and marks an important time in French history. After hearing more about this famous area, we will then head further down the Champs Elysées, which is largely considered to be one of the most famous boulevards in the world. We will then explore the Arc de Triomphe, which was commissioned by Napoleon to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. We will climb to the top for amazing views of the city.

Today will be one to remember! We will visit the only place in the world that grows and produces Champagne on a full-day trip from Paris.

We will take a guided tour of the House of Moët and Chandon and enjoy tasting opportunities and the chance to discover Reims Cathedral during the day.

You will also learn more about Dom Perignon, the father of Champagne, when we stop at the chapel of the Abbey at Hautvillers, which is also his gravesite. You then will have a chance to meet with a local producer to hear about the wine growing process.

Before heading back to Paris we will visit the Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame, one of the defining models of Gothic art, and have free time to see the area where 25 French Kings were crowned.

On our last day in Paris, we will spend the morning touring the Orsay Museum, home to the world’s greatest collection of Impressionist art with works from Monet and Degas to Cézanne and Gauguin and beyond.

You will have some “free” time this afternoon to shop for more souvenirs, take in a last Paris café, perhaps visit the Shakespeare and Company Bookstore or just wander as you wish.

Tonight, we will celebrate our trip with a Farewell Dinner and Seine River Cruise – enjoy dinner on the Seine and see some of Paris’ most famous landmarks by night – Notre Dame, the Lourve and the Eiffel Tower in her sparking glory!

Afterward, enjoy a night walk and maybe a ride on the famous carousel next to the Eiffel Tower.

Today we say au revoir to Paris, counting the days until we come back again!