Welcome Message
I am so excited to invite you to join me in Paris, a city that has captured my heart time and again.
Together, we’ll follow in the footsteps of Julia Child and Ina Garten, wandering through food markets, savoring cooking classes, and dining in the cafés and restaurants they once cherished.
From our home in Saint-Germain, we’ll step into the kitchens of Le Cordon Bleu, visit Monet’s gardens at Giverny, and spend a day in Rouen, where Julia enjoyed her very first French meal.
Evenings will bring the glow of the City of Lights, shared meals, and friendships that make the journey unforgettable.
This week in Paris is a complete journey in itself, filled with flavors, history, and beauty that stand alone as an extraordinary experience.
And for those who wish to extend the adventure, you’ll also have the option to continue on with me into Italy, where Florence, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast await.
With warmth,
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Patti Carter
Day by Day Itinerary
Bienvenue à Paris!
Upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, your driver will greet you in the arrivals hall and whisk you to your elegant home for the week — the Bourgogne & Montana Hotel, ideally set in the heart of the Left Bank near the Seine and the city’s most charming neighborhoods. After settling in, our group will gather in the lobby for a festive champagne welcome, followed by our first shared meal together — a leisurely Parisian dinner at the beloved Brasserie des Prés, where the flavors of the city begin to weave their spell.
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Breakfast & Dinner included
September 12 – A Taste of Paris
After breakfast, our guide will lead us on a half-day foodlover’s walking tour, tracing the steps (and tastes) of Julia Child and Ina Garten. We’ll wander through storied culinary landmarks — E. Dehillerin for gleaming copper pots, Poilâne for the warm scent of fresh bread, Barthelemy for artisanal cheeses, and the open-air stalls of Les Halles. We’ll pause for our own discoveries before returning to the hotel, taking the scenic route past 81 Rue de l’Université — Julia and Paul’s first Paris apartment. The evening is yours to explore or rest.
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Breakfast included
September 13 – A Day of Choices
Today will be a day of choices and exploration. Provided will be your choice of tickets and reservations at either The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, or Musée Dior. This allows you to customize your day and enjoy a glorious Sunday in Paris just as you wish. You may also choose to head off with Patti to visit one of the many markets and brocantes to stroll the stalls, with all manner of delicious things and perhaps even find a treasure or two.
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Breakfast included
September 14 – Monet in Giverny
Today’s journey takes us into the French countryside, beginning at Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny — a living painting where lilies float and willows sway. We’ll enjoy lunch at Les Nymphéas, just steps from the garden gate, before returning to Paris. We are spending extra time at Giverny with time for shopping in the village.
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Breakfast & Lunch included
September 15 – Le Cordon Bleu
This morning, we step into the storied kitchens of Le Cordon Bleu housed inside the Hôtel de la Marine for a private cooking class with master chef Eric Briffard and his team. Surrounded by the aromas of fresh herbs, butter, and simmering sauces, we’ll prepare seasonal specialties and then savor our creations over a celebratory toast to our talented instructors. The Hôtel de la Marine, an architectural jewel on the Place de la Concorde. Once the headquarters of France’s naval administration, this stately 18th-century palace now houses a fascinating museum. Walking through its gilded salons and opulent reception rooms; meticulously restored with the furnishings, tapestries, and fine art once stored here.
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​Breakfast & Lunch included
September 16 – Rouen
With our private guide, we’ll journey to the historic city of Rouen, its cobblestoned lanes lined with half-timbered houses and crowned by the gothic splendor of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Here, Julia savored her very first French meal at La Couronne — and so shall we, enjoying the same menu she and Paul shared. Time permitting, we may explore antique markets before returning to Paris.
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​Breakfast & Lunch included
September 17 – Maison Fleuret & Farewell
Our final day begins at Maison Fleuret, where we’ll split into two groups for an intimate French pastry class — making either French macarons or croissants with expert guidance from their charming and accomplished instructors. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping or relaxing before our farewell dinner at Le Grand Véfour. Afterward, our driver will take us on one last illuminated drive through the City of Lights.
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Breakfast & Dinner included
Meet Your Guide
September 18 – Au Revoir
After breakfast, we bid Paris a fond farewell, taking with us not only treasures and photographs, but the flavors, stories, and shared moments of a week in the heart of France.
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Breakfast included
About Patti Carter
Patti Carter is a travel expert and advisor with over 40 years of experience in planning, creating, and escorting both groups as well as individual travelers. Her long-time clients appreciate working with an expert who understands their needs, and that can customize arrangements to suit all travel styles. She does it all from luxury cruises to African safaris, and family adventures.
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Being Italian born, Patti specializes in Europe and Italy in particular. She came from a family of chefs and restauranteurs, so she naturally has a passion for cooking, food and wine. When she is not traveling, or planning amazing trips, Patti can be found at home with her husband and pups, firing up their wood fired oven, and entertaining dear family and friends.
Meet Your Guide
Cancellation Schedule
Pricing From
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Cancellation More Than 90 Days Before Departure: You will receive a full refund minus a $500 per person admin fee
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Cancellation 60-89 Days Before Departure: A penalty of 30% of the booking price will be charged.
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Cancellation 30-59 Days Before Departure: A penalty of 50% of the booking price will be charged.
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Cancellation Less Than 30 Days Before Departure: No refund will be provided, and 100% of the program price will be charged as the penalty.
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$6,445 per person (double occupancy)
$8,255 per person (single occupancy) -
Includes hotel and land arrangements as shown on the itinerary.
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EXCLUSIONS: Airfare, Travel Insurance, Services and Meals not outlined in itinerary
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Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure