Every trip is different, the exhibitions change with the seasons and there are always new shops and restaurants to explore. We love to explore new areas and share our expertise and love of Paris with our groups.
At one time our tours had a slant toward women who sew, and while we've had participants who did NOT sew, we've had others tell us they did not come because they don't sew or want to come with a non-sewing friend. So while this trip is definitely friendly for people who sew, there are 2 of us, so one takes the sew-ists to the fabric shops and merceries while the other takes the non-sewists to another attraction. Another factor: the demise of some of our favorite Parisian fabric stores. And, we love to share our favorite (and always changing), Paris sources and resources.
The focus is on design, seeing Paris with a designer's eye, which broadens the scope for everyone, no matter what you do, as Paris is one of the primary centers for all aspects of design.
As we find new experiences and discoveries the tour changes. Recently we've added a hands on perfume making workshop! On another trip, a participant discovered what has become a favorite new neighborhood restaurant where we'll have our celebration dinner. We have a fashion lecture with a charming Parisian fashion maven. Our small Left Bank hotel is in the midst of fabulous restaurants, cafes and world class shopping.
The hotel extends the group rate if you want to add extra days at either end of the tour. You'll make these arrangements through Katherine and she passes this information on to the hotel. You will pay the hotel directly for the extra nights. When you check in you give the hotel your credit card info and the hotel will charge you when you check out for the extra nights and any incidentals.
One of the wonderful things about these trips is the people who come are so much fun to be with. We bond. We become a little community, so there is always someone to have a meal with, take a walk, visit a museum, do a bit of shopping.
We go out and about together each day, then when there is free time, Katherine and I make sure that everyone is taken care of. You can go off on your own, hang out with me and/or Katherine, and we make plans for the end of the day, usually meeting back at the hotel in the little bar to recount the day, for show and tell, and to see if people want to have company for dinner.
The double occupancy option is available for 2 people traveling together. We no longer pair up people on a random basis. If you are traveling alone, we offer two levels of single occupancy, a Standard room which is smaller (but very comfortable, we each love our cozy Standard room), and a Superior room which is larger.
Yes, there is a spouse option. This includes the hotel (double room for the 2 of you), daily breakfast, welcome lunch, farewell dinner, metro pass, transportation to and from airport. The spouse is on their own during the day while we are off on our adventures, but can meet you for dinner in the evening.
Always a question when coming to Paris, and a topic of discussion in our e-mails with the group. In an nutshell: one color scheme, layers, a raincoat that packs flat. Fewer is better, the old saying 'bring half the clothes and twice the money' applies!
SHOPPING is literally everywhere in Paris, and we window shop (the French call it 'leche vitrine', literally window licking). French women sew, knit, embroider and if they don't they have a dressmaker, and they rely on the quintessential French vendeuse (sales associate) to help make the best clothing choices. We'll take you to our favorite clothing and sewing related shops. As a designer and maker, I am delighted by looking at the innovations in design and construction in Paris clothes, in museums, on the street, window shopping and virtual shopping.
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