I have been making this journey since 2002, guiding newbie francophiles on the joys of all things French. As an art historian and designer, I began these voyages as a grad student snooping for primary evidence related to French art. My passions inevitably found the flea markets and the rest is history. It has always been an unwavering hunt for the next great "find" in the most magical place on earth. France never disappoints. After 20 years— and hundreds of visits, there is always a new discovery. I curate memorable lux trips tailored to small groups of intrepid seekers. From the venerated haunts of Paris to the romance of Provence and beyond, I create experiences with a point of view based on years of practical & logistical experience. My goal is to share what I have learned and in the process, create a new friend.
Reach out and join this or an upcoming journey: jeff@jeffmbarnes.com
Explore original articles about our upcoming journey.
As the voyage grows closer, stay tuned to this spot —as I will post new content here regularly.
General notes at the nexus of state of the art interior design.
Visit the schedule to stay updated on our journey
There only a few word to describe the beauty of
La Mirande
It's was early—but look what I found!
An old friend welcomes with a warm embrase and ageless ambiance.
COMING SOON
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BOOKING
A 50% non-refundable deposit is due per person at registration. No reservation will be confirmed until the deposit is received. Final payment is due 90 days prior to the trip start date. For reservations made within 90 days of departure, the entire trip cost must be paid at the time of booking. We accept payment by American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and personal check. Trip prices are in US dollars.
COSTS
Costs include all business class airfare, accommodations, meals in Paris, group transportation and admission fees to any group cultural events. and local transfers to and from the airport. Any personal transportation outside of group activities is not included.
PRICE: 8,995.00 Per person
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We can't stress enough how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected. Because our deposits are non-refundable, please protect yourself by buying travel insurance at the time of booking in the event you must cancel your accommodation and forfeit funds. We recommend Travelex or American Express. If you decide not to purchase travel insurance, you agree to indemnify us against any charges that might otherwise be covered by your insurance. You further agree that we are not responsible for any costs of cancellation by you.
CANCELLATION
Our refund policy is firm: If you initiate the cancellation 60 days or more prior to the departure date, we will reimburse any funds paid, less the non-refundable deposit. If you initiate the cancellation less than 60 days prior to departure, we cannot refund any monies paid for the trip. By authorizing payment to Martin Driskill Group, you acknowledge that once you submit a deposit to us, we have financial obligations related to your participation that must be fulfilled. You understand that the 50% deposit for this trip is non-refundable and that you have been advised to purchase travel insurance. If you have chosen not to purchase adequate travel insurance, you accept full responsibility for non-refundable payments if you choose to cancel or change your reservations. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if fewer than 6 participants have signed up, within 8 weeks prior to the scheduled trip dates. If Martin Driskill Group initiates the cancellation, we will refund all deposits and payments due to guests.
ITENINARY
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Arrive in Newark New Jersey to board our flight to Paris
Depart Newark on La Compagnie airline at 7:05 PM From Terminal 4
Fly La Compagnie business class to Orly, Paris
Thursday, September 1, 2022
Arrive at Orly in Paris at 8:45 AM Travel by Van to our beautiful Apt in Paris
Remainder of day to get settled in and ready for our first dinner in Paris
Friday, September 2, 2022
Early to rise and after breakfast off to the Paris Flea Markets
The market closes at 12:00 pm
After lunch the afternoon is free to shop and site see
Saturday, September 3,2022
Early to the Port de Vanves sidewalk sale. It starts at 7 and ends at 2
Back to our apt to rest and freshen up for dinner.
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Our last day at the flea markets
Meeting with shipper to turn in our purchases
Back to our apt to ready for dinner
Monday, September 5, 2022
Visit to the Musee Louvre
Afternoon Tea at Mirage Freres
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Visit the Musee d'Orsay
Lunch Laudree
Back to the apt to ready for Dinner
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Transfer by Van to Orly for our flight home
We have stayed at very expensive hotels and tourist grade cubby holes. Rather than a traditional hotel we have found that a luxury apartment offers superior value and experience. Our apartment accommodates a larger group and gives a feeling of being a local, if only for a few days. The apartment we selected is located close to the city center- Saint Germain des Pres, Marais, Les Halles/Chatlet. This time we are staying at a gem on the Les Halles area on the right bank.
Clos Jolie
Chatlet Les Halles
Things to See & Do
The Louvre (8 mins Walking)--A trip to Paris isn't complete without a visit to the world-famous Louvre museum. See the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and other famous artworks
.
Centre Pompidou (10 mins Walking)
The National Museum of Modern Art with a striking tubular exterior.
Ile de la Cité (12 mins Walking)
Island in the middle of the Seine where you'll find Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, the charming Place Dauphine and the Palais de Justice
.
Tuileries (12 mins Walking)
Beautiful public garden located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde in the 1st arrondissement of Paris
Picasso Museum (18 mins Walking)
Features more than 5000 works by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso
Notre Dame Cathedral (20 mins Walking)
One of the world's most famous churches and a must-see if you're visiting Paris. Marvel at the incredible French gothic architecture | Notre Dame is currently under restoration after the fire of 2019 so it is not possible to see the interior.
Place de la Concorde (20 mins Walking)
Admire the beautiful fountains and the ancient Egyptian Luxor Obelisk
Musée d'Orsay (22 mins Walking)
Located in an old train station, this museum is home to the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world.
Shopping & Eating
Rue Montorgueil (3 mins Walking)
A long pedestrian street filled with fantastic food shops
Rue de Rivoli (5 mins Walking)
Affordable fashion shopping street
Galerie Vivienne (8 mins Walking)
Charming array of clothing shops and a few restaurants including a great tea café & bistro
Les Halles (9 mins Walking) Large underground mall with a wide range of stores for all budgets.
The métro station is connected to the mall so it's very easy to get to if you're not within walking distance
Public Transport
Métro (5 mins Walking)
Les Halles (Line 4)
RER (6 mins Walking)
Châtelet-Les Halles (A, B, D)
Métro (13 mins Walking)
Châtelet (Lines 1, 4, 7, 11, 14)
Join us on our next sojourn to the winter Paris Design Week/Maison et Object.
New year and new ideas abound.
I have always enjoyed Paris in the winter, It is less crowded, and I will argue, more romantic.
Contact us: jeff@jeffmbarnes.com
