Upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport your driver will meet you in the arrival hall and whisk you off to your home for the next 7 nights.
The Hotel Madison, is perfectly situated on the left bank in Saint Germain des pres. After check in, our group will meet in the lobby/bar for a welcome champagne reception, immediately followed by a lovely and very special dinner nearby.
This morning after Breakfast, our guide will meet us in the lobby as we embark on a foodies delight walking tour.
We’ll visit and stop at some of Julia and Ina’s favorite places such as E. Dehillerin, where Julia bought her copper pots, Poilane, for the best baguettes and breads, Barthelemy, a wonderland of cheese, and La Grand Epicerie de Paris, and Les Halles, the outdoor food market where Julia shopped with her chef teacher.
We’ll allow some free time for lunch before being picked up and driven back to our hotel. On the way back we will ask our driver to go by way of 81 Rue De L’ Universite’ Julia and Paul’s first apartment in Paris.
Evening is free.
This morning, after a delightful breakfast, we’ll depart with our private guide for a full-day excursion to the historic city of Rouen in Normandy. Known for its rich history, Rouen is home to breathtaking Gothic architecture, including the iconic Cathédrale Notre-Dame, as well as a variety of museums. As we stroll through the quaint, cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, our guide will introduce us to the many sights and stories that make this city on the Seine so special.
Rouen also holds a special place in culinary history as the site of Julia Child's first French meal. After her arrival in Le Havre, she and her husband, Paul, dined at La Couronne, a historic restaurant and inn dating back to 1345. We’ll follow in their footsteps and enjoy a meal at this legendary venue, raising a glass to Julia and her remarkable contributions to the culinary world.
If time permits, we’ll explore some local antique markets before returning to Paris in time to relax before dinner. The evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.
After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we’ll embark on a quintessential Parisian experience with a visit to the Louvre. Our private guide will lead us on a leisurely walk from the hotel to the museum, where we’ll dive into the fascinating stories behind some of the world's most renowned masterpieces. While the Mona Lisa awaits, there are countless other treasures to discover within these historic walls.
Following our art-filled morning, we'll indulge in a special lunch at the iconic Les Deux Magots, a favorite haunt of Julia and a beloved spot for Ina and her husband Jeffrey. Located just a few blocks from our hotel, this historic café offers the perfect setting to soak in the Parisian atmosphere. After lunch, the rest of the day is yours to explore or relax as you wish.
After breakfast, we'll set off on a full-day adventure, beginning with a visit to the majestic Palace of Versailles. Our private guide will lead us through the grandeur of this iconic landmark, unraveling its rich history as we explore the opulent halls and stunning gardens. From there, we’ll journey to the charming village of Giverny, where we’ll step into the world of Claude Monet at his beloved home and gardens.
Nestled nearby, we'll enjoy a delightful lunch at Les Nympheas Restaurant, surrounded by the very scenery that inspired some of Monet’s greatest works. As the afternoon wanes, we'll make our way back to Paris, allowing ample time to relax and recharge. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
This morning after Breakfast we will be “whisked” off to Le Cordon Bleu School at the Hotel Marine campus for a very special cooking class with master chef Eric Briffard and his brigade.
We will prepare a few seasonal specialties and then for the best part, will sit and sample our work! After which you can safely tell your friends that like Julia, you went to Le Cordon Bleu!
In the afternoon we will be transferred back to our hotel where we can enjoy the evening at leisure. We will ask the driver to drive by the Old Campus of Le Cordon Bleu to see where Julia trained.
Evening is free.
This morning, after breakfast, we’ll take a leisurely stroll from our hotel to the renowned Maison Fleuret Cooking School. Here, we'll dive into a delightful pastry class, mastering the art of crafting macarons and croissants, with the added joy of savoring our creations.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to indulge in some last-minute shopping or simply unwind before our grand farewell dinner. Tonight, we’ve arranged a truly special evening at Club 22, an exclusive venue with breathtaking views of the Palais. It’s a spot that Ina cherished, and I’m certain we will too. We’ll indulge in a seasonal menu, expertly prepared by the chef/owner, as we raise a glass to the incredible women who inspired our journey and to the new friendships we’ve formed.
To cap off the night, our driver will take us on a final, enchanting drive through the illuminated streets of Paris before returning to our hotel.
Epicurean Paris:
In the footsteps of Julia & Ina
A 7-night journey through Paris for culinary travel lovers, tracing the favorite places of Julia Child and Ina Garten, with exclusive dining experiences, market tours, and unforgettable day trips hosted by Patti Carter
FROM $6,445 pp| May 1, 2025
Savor Iconic Parisian Moments: From Market Tours to Cooking Classes
Explore iconic spots like E. Dehillerin, Poilâne, and Les Halles, walk in the footsteps of Julia and Ina, and even venture out to the picturesque city of Rouen, where Julia had her first French meal. From a private tour of the Louvre to a special cooking class at Le Cordon Bleu, this journey is a gourmet’s dream. The week culminates in a farewell dinner at a private venue, where we'll toast to the inspiration these culinary icons have given us
Walk the storied streets of Paris with us, in the footsteps of Julia Child and Ina Garten, as we savor iconic flavors and experiences —in a week of gourmet discovery.
Set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris, this 7-night journey from May 1-8, 2025, will take you through the beloved haunts of culinary legends Julia Child and Ina Garten. Begin your adventure with a warm welcome in the charming Saint Germain des Prés before diving into a week of culinary delights.
We recommend travel insurance to protect against unforeseen cancellations and disruptions due to covered reasons.
Spellbound Leisure x TripMatters
We’ve partnered with culinary tour specialist Patti Carter at TripMatters to bring you an exclusive one-of-a-kind hosted journey through Paris, designed for discerning food lovers. Join us for an unforgettable adventure crafted for travelers who crave extraordinary flavors, immersive cultural moments, and a taste of the Paris only only the pros know
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Meet Patti Carter
Patti Carter is a professional travel consultant 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.
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.
We don't do touristy, mediocre or cookie-cutter and you won't be able to browse every hotel or travel product out there. But if it's here, it's been handpicked for being awesome, because we're hell-bent on revealing the most enchanting travel experiences in the world to those who seek them.
PRICE FROM:
$6,445 per person (double occupancy)
$7,995 per person (single occupancy)
* Includes hotel and land arrangements as shown on the itinerary.
* EXCLUSIONS: Airfare, Travel Insurance, Services and Meals not outlined in itinerary
* Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure