PARIS

Paris - Luxury Travel Magazine

Money Can’t Buy Paris

By: Rob McFarland and Susannah Singh, Issue 41 – Summer 2010

(Paris, France)

WHILE PARIS CAN BE ENJOYED FROM THE BANKS OF THE SEINE OR A WANDER DOWN THE CHAMPS ELYSEES, ROB MCFARLAND AND SUSANNAH SINGH UNCOVER A PARIS THAT’S AVAILABLE ONLY TO A PRIVILEGED FEW.

It is impossible to visit Paris and not get swept away by its cultural heritage. History bears down on you as you stroll along its wide, imposing boulevards, past the boutiques of legendary designers and through museums and galleries brimming with iconic treasures. But for those in the know, a handful of operators can arrange exclusive once-in-a-lifetime Parisian experiences and encounters in areas ranging from art to fashion to gastronomy.

One tour company, Paris Prive specialises in “private visits to memorable places”, but there are a number of others who can provide intriguing insights into Paris’ rich cultural heritage. As the largest and most visited museum in the world, the Louvre is a must-see during any visit to the capital and Paris Prive can arrange a private after-hours guided tour with an art historian so you can appreciate the masterpieces free from the crowds with expert guidance. A similar tour can be arranged for the Musee D’Orsay, home to France’s national collection of impressionist, post-impressionist and art nouveau works.

To see the next generation of Paris’ budding young artists, Purple Beam Tours has secured access to the Paris School of Fine Arts (L’Ecole de Beaux Arts), founded in 1648 and renowned for its collection of paintings and sculptures as well outstanding architectural features such as the Napoleon Courtyard and the stunning 17thcentury Chapel of the Petits Augustins.

For architectural wow factor, it’s hard to beat the opulence and aristocratic splendour of the Palace of Versailles. Paris Prive can arrange a private guided evening visit or exclusive access for the entire day so you can wander at will through this World Heritage-listed building, have lunch overlooking the Grand Canal and savour its world-class art collection and spectacular gardens. Get better acquainted with Marie-Antoinette by joining a curator arranged by another high-end specialist tour company, French Links Tours, and explore parts of Versailles forbidden to the general public. French Links Tours can also arrange for you to visit where the opulent queen purchased her textiles, chocolates and even her candles.

If your interests lie more in haute couture than history, there are a plethora of options for exploring a city that leads the world when it comes to fashion and design. Paris Prive can arrange a private guided visit to the Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation, home to 5,000 haute couture garments, 15,000 accessories and archives of sketches and photos by the legendary French designer. A private guided tour of Coco Chanel’s ornately furnished private apartments and Karl Lagerfield’s private salon can be arranged as well.

To watch some of Paris’ outstanding artisans in action, visits can be arranged to the workshops of craftsmen such as Monsieur Légeron, creator of handmade hat and dress accessories for Dior and Givenchy, or third generation Chanel master boot maker Raymond Massaro who has designed pieces for Christian Lacroix and Coco Chanel.

If you’d like to walk in Chanel’s footsteps, French Links Tours can organise an appointment to have custom-made shoes with the man who designed Chanel’s bi-colour pump and made shoes for the icon herself. Or take a private tour of the Hermes custom-order workrooms where you can place a special order for a bag, horse saddle or whatever else you might like.

You can also explore the new kids on the block with another specialist shopping tour provider French for a Day. They can arrange personalised visits to both up-and-coming designers and to established names such as Sonia Rykiel, Marc Jacobs and Isabel Marant.

While anyone can visit the stores of high-end jewelers Chaumet and Boucheron, Paris Prive has secured exclusive access to their private museums and workshops where you can see first-hand how an initial design is turned into a piece of jewellery. Similarly a private visit can be arranged to visit Givenchy House to meet one of the only female perfume experts, Madame Françoise Donche, who is responsible for many of Givenchy’s most successful fragrances. The ultimate privilege must surely be having your own fragrance designed for you by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, inventor of international successes for Christian Dior and Giorgio Armani.

When it’s time to be refreshed French Links Tours Rachel Kaplan can organise for you to be rejuvenated at Spa Payot on Rue Pierre Charon. The company can also arrange an appointment with Carla Bruni-Sarkozy’s personal hairdresser, Madeleine Cofano who Kaplan described as “absolutely sensational”.

For anyone with even a passing interest in gastronomy, Paris Prive has secured a range of offerings including cooking classes with some of the country’s leading chefs. Imagine being tutored in a private cooking class at the Four Seasons Hotel George V by three-Michelin starred chef Philippe Legendre. Or enjoying a private cheese tasting with award-winning cheese house owner Marie-Anne Cantin. Or savouring a dinner and wine tasting in the private cave of a former winner of world’s best sommelier, Philippe Faure-Brac.

If you’d prefer to work up an appetite and discover Paris’ gourmet delights on foot, the charming old quarters of Montmartre and St-Germain-des-Pres are both great places to explore. Hidden away among their chaotic web of tree-lined streets and alleyways are some of Paris’ finest bakeries, patisseries and chocolatiers. Private tour company Paris Sweet Paris offers a range of private gastronomic walking tours which include visits to one of the few female specialist cheese agers in France, the bakery that produced the best baguette in Paris in 2007 and the chocolate shop of Monsieur Lahrer – winner of best patissier in France.

When you want to explore the gastronomic giants French Links Tours can take you on a private tour with Paris’ greatest epiceries, Fauchon and Hediard. Afterwards you can purchase the makings of an impromptu picnic to be enjoyed in one of the city’s parks.

Feel like a little history with your soufflé? For a quirkier gastronomic experience have dinner in a palais and relive Paris’ decadent past.Waiters dressed in 18th century attire will attend to you while trained opera singers serenade you and your guests.

“I think it is important to bring the glorious past of France alive, even if only for a single evening!” said Kaplan.

For those who are passionate about cycling or just like first-class seats to premier sporting events, Bikestyle Tours is the VIP official operator of the Tour de France in Australia. Take a seat at the finish line or enjoy cocktails and a buffet lunch while you watch the final stretch from the special Triomphe marquee on the Champs Elysees. Whatever you choose you will be guaranteed first class views and action.

When it’s time to get away from Paris (but not too far away) escape to Fontainebleau with France Montgolfiéres and ride in a hot air balloon. Fly over the old hunting grounds of the French Kings and get a unique view of the deep green forests that captivated the Impressionists.

Details:

Paris Prive (the website only provides a limited overview. Make contact at contact@parisprive.com for more detailed descriptions of each tour)

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