Autumn in Paris: Impressions and New Discoveries

Tuesday, October 3–Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Price: $5250 per persoN DOUBLE OCCUPANcy

Delve into famous works by the Impressionists in historic and elegant museums. Learn about the latest art ideas through Art Encounter discussions of exhibitions and collections at exciting new museums, themselves architectural gems. Meet local artists in their studios to get an inside view of the Parisian art world and visit top international galleries. Enjoy a private behind-the-scenes tour of one of the city’s most famous and luxurious department stores. Spend a day in the french countryside visiting Monet’s home and garden as well as the Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny. Savor France’s renowned cuisine throughout the trip and relax in our four-star cozy hotel, Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers, situated in the artsy Marais District and in walking distance to the Centre Pompidou, art galleries, clothing stores, and other museums.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Art Encounter discussions at the gorgeous Fondation Louis Vuitton, designed by Frank Gehry

• Welcome to Paris dinner cruise on the Seine

• The latest art ideas at the new Pinault Museum in the beautifully remodeled Bourse de Commerce

• Discussion of the roots of modern art at the elegant Musée D’Orsay

• Exploration of the Musée Marmottan, a historic former residence featuring the largest collection of Monet works, including his famous Impression Sunrise and more

• Behind the scenes tour of the famous Printemps department store

• Visits with local artists in their private studios

• Highlights at the Centre Pompidou, including its Brancusi studio

• Monet’s home and the Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny

COST DETAILS

Price: $5250 per person double occupancy, Single Room Supplement: $1425

Cost includes: seven nights hotel accommodations, seven breakfasts, three lunches, four dinners, transportation to selected programs, expert guides, all museum entrance fees and special tours; does not include airfare, transfers to/from airport, trip insurance, porter tips, alcohol, or incidental room charges.

You must be a current member of Art Encounter to participate.

Trip is limited to 16 participants. We recommend that you are up-to-date with all covid and flu vaccinations.

A $700 deposit is required to reserve your spot. Deposit must be paid prior to March 31, 2023.

Please do NOT purchase airfare until notified that the trip is confirmed by Art Encounter. A minimum of 12 participants is required.

Day 1: Tuesday, October 3

We will begin by checking into our lovely hotel, the Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers. This feat of modern architecture is hidden behind a classic Haussmannian facade and situated in the trendy Haut Marais neighborhood. After settling in, we will gather in the hotel lobby for introductions with fellow travelers and an overview of our art adventure before taking an orientating walking tour of the neighborhood with a stop for coffee or tea (goûte). We will spend our evening enjoying a welcome dinner on a beautiful river cruise along the Seine.

Day 3: Thursday, October 5

Day three will start with a visit to the iconic Centre Pompidou for a discussion of 20th century masterpieces, including work by Chagall, Matisse, Picasso, Delaunay, Miró, Kandinsky, and Dubuffet. After enjoying lunch on your own at the Pompidou restaurant or a nearby café, we’ll enter an exhibition of sculptor Brancusi’s studio outside of the Pompidou. Then, we’ll visit several major international art galleries in the neighborhood. The rest of the afternoon and evening will be open for you to spend as you wish, whether shopping in the area, returning to the hotel, or visiting other nearby museums (most of which are open until 7:00 pm).

Day 4: Friday, October 6

After breakfast, we’ll head to the Bois de Boulogne and step back in time to visit the enchanting Musée Marmottan Monet. There, we’ll view the artist’s famous Impression Sunrise from 1872, which is credited as the beginning of the Impressionist movement. In addition to having the largest collection of work by Claude Monet and Berthe Morisot, the museum‘s collection also includes work dating back to the Middle Ages, with Empire era furnishings. Next, we’ll head to the Fondation Louis Vuitton. This architecturally extraordinary museum designed by Frank Gehry combines contemporary and modern art concentrating in four areas: contemplative, pop, expressionist, and sound/music. Enjoy lunch on your own in the museum’s lovely restaurant Le Frank, overlooking the beautiful greenery of the Bois de Boulogne, with time to explore more on your own. We’ll conclude the day by returning to the hotel, then having dinner independently.

Day 5: Saturday, October 7

We’ll begin the day by exploring one of Paris’s famous flea markets, where you’ll get an inside view of Parisian life while you browse through vintage clothing, jewelry, and books–and perhaps find a unique treasure to take home! Next, we’ll board the bus to visit the Pinault Collection in the remodeled Bourse de Commerce and view cutting-edge works from this renowned collector. After dining independently for lunch on your own at the Halle aux Grains in the Bourse, the afternoon will be open to spend as you choose. We are happy to assist with booking tickets for the Louvre or one of the many museums in the Marais, such as Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme (Jewish art and history) or Le Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (hunting and nature). That evening, we’ll depart the hotel together for a visit to a local artist’s studio before enjoying a convivial, family style French Moroccan meal at Le 404.

Day 6: Sunday, October 8

Sunday will be spent on a day trip to Giverny in the French countryside! First, we’ll see Monet’s home and expansive garden, still beautiful even in October. We’ll also visit and discuss the collection at the Giverny Musée des Impressionnismes, then enjoy lunch together at a restaurant in the village before returning to Paris, where the group will be free to spend the afternoon and evening as they choose.

Day 7: Monday, October 9

Our last full day in Paris will focus on exploring the local art scene. First, we’ll take a walking tour of Paris’ street art led by a local artist. After lunch, we’ll spend the afternoon visiting private local artists’ studios and discussing their work. After a few hours of free time, we’ll come together for our farewell dinner as a group.

Day 8: Tuesday, October 10

Enjoy one last breakfast buffet at the Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers before we depart.