Workshop: Paris ~ May 18-21, 2008
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Day 1: Sunday May 18
We’ll take the high-speed train to Paris this morning and check into our hotel by noon. Then it’s out to explore this marvelous paradise—with a classic Sunday stroll of the Latin Quarter (La Sorbonne, Cluny, Boulevard St-Michel) lunch in a restaurant typique overlooking the Seine. Afterwards we’ll visit the Marais district, the historic aristocratic quarter with its beautifully restored hôtels particuliers and its lively multicultural ambiance. We’ll end our day with a glass of champagne and a relaxing ride on a bateau-mouche on the Seine River. Lunch
Day 2: Monday May 19
After breakfast, we’ll venture up to the highest part of the city: Montmartre, the renowned artist's colony where can-can originated and Toulouse-Lautrec portrayed wicked women on canvas. The Butte has some of Paris’ last secret alleys and picturesque streets to stroll, reminiscent of the days when Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir and a hoard of other artists lived and painted here. After lunch in an elegant 4-star restaurant on the quiet side of the Butte, we’ll visit the whitewashed icon symbolizing Montmarte: Le Sacré Coeur and the intrepid travelers in the group can climb the steps to the bell tower for a magnificent view of the city. On the way back to our hotel, we’ll stop off for a look at the Charles Garnier Opera House, recently restored and breathtakingly beautiful. Lunch Optional evening dinner and show at the Moulin Rouge.
May 3: Tuesday May 20
A bright and early private visit to the outstanding Musée d’Orsay, the former train station turned impressionist museum, will begin our day. Lunch at your leisure in their magnificent Belle-Epoque restaurant, if you choose, or in the surrounding area before we wander over to the Luxembourg Gardens and palace. We’ll finish with an aperitif in a classic Paris café in Montparnasse, one of the trendiest spots in Paris. The legacy of writers such as Sartre, Hemingway, Simone de Beauvoir who gathered here to debate passionately and give fiery speeches lingers on today to inspire others. Apéritif
Day 4: Wednesday May 21
Departure at your leisure after breakfast.