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Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Activity note: Hotel check-in 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon: Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Along with the Group Leader, we will be accompanied by a local instructor who will attend scheduled field trips to provide expert commentary. In addition to expert led lectures and field trips, this program includes the Paris Visite Pass (5 Day Metro Pass) and Paris Museum Pass (Entry to Participating Museums for 2 Consecutive Days). They will make your free time and personal independent exploration easier and more rewarding. For further information on the Museum Pass, please visit: http://en.parismuseumpass.com/ Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. This is a Road Scholar INDEPENDENT program. It is designed for participants who want high-level Road Scholar instruction, a few group activities, and who are capable and comfortable setting out on their own for a significant part of the day/night. There will be several hours each day of educational content, a number of meals on your own (excluded from the program cost) to enjoy what you like, and substantial free time for personal independent exploration. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In addition to free time suggestions from the Group Leader, you can find information on local events by visiting: https://en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/major-events/what-to-do-in-paris.
Dinner: At a restaurant near the hotel, enjoy a 3-course plated and served meal featuring traditional French food, plus a glass of wine; other beverages available for purchase. In France, meals are accompanied by complimentary bread (“pain”) and water (“eau” or “l’eau”), so you need not ask for them.
Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; afternoon field trip via Paris Métro, accessed by walking up and down flights of stairs; elevators/escalators not available in most stations; be prepared to stand on metro is no seats are available; walking up to 3 miles throughout the days on cobblestone streets; standing for up to 2 hours; crowds expected at all monuments.
Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers cold and hot choices including eggs, breads and pastries, juice, coffee, and tea.
Morning: We will hear a lecture by our local instructor (who is also a licensed Guide) on the origins of Paris from Roman development through the Middle Ages. Archaeologists estimate that the area has been inhabited for about 9,000 years. What eventually became Paris began in the 3rd Century BCE when members of the Parisii tribe settled on an island in the Seine River. We will board a motorcoach for a panoramic view of some of the most famous monuments and Paris sites as our Paris expert instructor continues to present aspects of the city's history and architecture through the ages. We will also stop for photos as permitted in approved areas. Our motorcoach exploration concludes on the Île de la Cité in the vicinity of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon: After eating lunch independently we will regroup and go to the Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame. Construction on the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris began in 1163 and was not completed until 1345. Damaged and restored a number of times, it remains one of the largest and finest examples of Gothic architecture anywhere.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you would like.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Use of Paris metro; must be prepared to go up/down stairs and possibly stand while on metro; walking up to 3 miles in the Morning on uneven ground. The exact time of the Seine cruise is subject to change based on museum availability. If scheduling conflicts arise, the Seine cruise may be moved to another time or day in the itinerary.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: At the hotel we will hear an expert lecture presented by our local instructor on the Paris during the Renaissance period into the 18th century. We will head out on foot with the local instructor, to experience the Latin Quarter like a student. The University of Paris and its core college, the Sorbonne, were founded on the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) about 1257, one of the first universities in the world. This quickly became the intellectual heart of the city, called the Latin Quarter as Latin was the language of the educated classes. Over succeeding eras, it attracted artists, writers, and bohemians. Among the highlights we will see are the Sorbonne, Cluny Museum, and Boulevard St Michel.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. There are many options to choose from in the Latin Quarter.
Afternoon: Free Time. This would be a good opportunity to spend more time in the Rive Gauche neighborhood known as St. Germain des Prés. Once a gritty haven for artists, philosopher, and writers, many of whom frequented the famed Café Les Deux Magots or the Café de Flore, it has become an upscale neighborhood that still retains much of its historic ambience. It is also the home of Café Le Procope, the oldest café-restaurant in France (1686) that was a favorite — at different times! — of Voltaire, Danton, Hugo, Balzac, Rousseau, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson.
Dinner: On your own.
Evening: Depending on the time of year, enjoy either a late afternoon or evening cruise along the Seine to view the magnificent monuments lining the river.
Activity note: Use of Paris metro; walking up to 3 miles in the Morning; expect crowds at market.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: With the Group Leader, we will enjoy a market visit. We will head out on foot and via metro to experience the sights, sounds, and scents of a traditional open-air market and experience Paris like a Parisian.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. You might want to create a picnic lunch from specialties at the market or dine at a nearby café. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Afternoon: We will meet our expert instructor to discover the Marais District. This area, known as the Jewish Quarter, was once the most populous Jewish community in Europe. Perhaps the most famous feature is the superb Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, built by King Henri IV in the early 1600s.
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Use of Paris Metro; going up/down stairs; walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; standing for up to 2 hours during visits. There will be large crowds at the Louvre which may make it difficult to see the most popular works.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: At the hotel, our expert Instructor will speak to us about the masterpieces found at the Louvre Museum. We will take the metro to the Palais-Royal. This “village in the city” that faces the Louvre was a seat of power and high position for centuries. It was built by Cardinal Richelieu in 1629 and bequeathed to King Louis XIII. It went through a series of royal owners and became the focal point of a lively social scene with notable theaters, restaurants, and promenades that attracted many visitors. The Palais-Royal was also a center of free speech in the period leading up to the Revolution. We will explore some of the covered passageways, hidden courtyards, and learn about its history through the centuries.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: After lunch we will head over to the Musée du Louvre for a visit with our expert instructor. The largest museum in the world; the Louvre's unrivaled collection includes the “Mona Lisa,” and the “Venus de Milo” as well as thousands of other masterpieces.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening: We will come together at a designated time and place to go enjoy a performance together. The performance offered varies by date, and will be confirmed in the Final Information Packet.
Activity note: Use of Paris Metro; going up/down stairs; walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; standing for up to 2 hours during visits.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We will head out via metro to the Musée d'Orsay. Led by our Instructor, we will explore the world's largest collection of Impressionist paintings at the Orsay Museum on the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) of the Seine. The first work of art is the building itself, the former Gare d’Orsay railway station, built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900. The collections of painting, sculpture, and decorative objects show the tremendous diversity of artistic creation in the western world from 1848-1914, showcasing many of the most remarkable works of the early modern era including the Impressionist, post-Impressionist, and Art Nouveau movements.
Lunch: On your own. The museum has three options for dining, or you might like to eat at a nearby brasserie.
Afternoon: Free Time. The Group Leader is available to bring you over via Métro to the church of Les Invalides in the Musée de l’Armée with the extraordinary Tomb of Napoleon or the Rodin Museum and sculpture garden for independent exploration.
Dinner: On your own.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Use of Paris Metro; going up/down stairs; walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; inclined terrain at Montmartre; standing for up to 2 hours during visits.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: At the hotel, our expert instructor will give a lecture on Paris in the 20th century. Led by the instructor, we will take a field trip to explore the collections of the Musée de l'Orangerie and view Monet's magnificent Nymphéas (Water Lilies). Situated in the heart of Paris at the corner of the Tuileries Gardens, the museum was constructed in 1852 as an actual orangery (shelter for orange trees), with a variety of uses in subsequent eras. When it was repurposed and refurbished after 1921, the great Impressionist artist Claude Monet began work on eight huge panels of “Les Nymphéas” (Water Lilies) — regarded as the ultimate expression of his artistic ideas — that were installed after his death. The museum also contains works by Cézanne, Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso, Renoir, and other great artists of Impressionism and Modern Classicism.
Lunch: On your own. For those interested, the Group Leader is available to accompany participants via metro to Montmartre for lunch and free time.
Afternoon: Free time. The Group Leader will be available to accompany participants via métro up to the “village” of Montmartre, home of many artists during Impressionist and post-Impressionist periods. This is an opportunity to explore popular Place du Tertre (Artist Square), Sacré Coeur Basilica, or simply to meander through the neighborhood and see streets that inspired so many artists.
Dinner: Our congenial farewell dinner in a nearby restaurant features a 3-course meal with choice of entrée and wine; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: At leisure. Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends and prepare for departure in the morning. If you need assistance with transfer arrangements for travel tomorrow, please consult with the Group Leader.
Activity note: Hotel check out 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Great Trip. Guides were excellent and helpful, they complimented each other. Despite the Nationwide strike we missed nothing. The guides did a great job, seamless, you would not have known there was a strike in place. Paris was wonderful and beyond expectations.
This program was excellent. It was my third trip to Paris, but the first that I felt like I really got to know it. The walking tours and the museum tours were great! And the leaders were both excellent.
I did not get a review form for this trip. It was outstanding in all respects. Max is an outstanding teacher, well prepared leader, and pleasantly interesting personality. He filled in important details which had been omitted by two of the presenters, and kept continuity of the extensive history of Paris. It helped a great deal that the activites focused sequentially with Paris history. The activity level was high, but very satisfying. The only frustration was the first day bus tour that ran long due to traffic.
Had a sensational time. James and RJ gave us the tools to strike out on our own and be truly "Independent". Highly recommend!
The Independent Paris Road Scholar program was outstanding on all levels, from the impressive expertise and skills of the two tour guides and the design of the instructor led-field trips to the size of the group and the quality of the accommodations.
A perfectly paced trip with outstanding group leaders and a charming boutique hotel in a safe and pretty location walkable to much and within proximity to an easy-to-use Metro station which took us to those areas and places that we wanted to see.
Independent Paris in April 2019 was our first Road Scholar trip. There will be others. We had a wonderful time. The trip exceeded our expectations in every respect.
Great web site!
This week-long Road Scholar trip will give participants a feel for Paris: the tourist highlights and cafe and Metro life of Parisians.
The program Independent Paris was excellent in all aspects including hotel accommodations, food, program content and especially our group leaders, Pauline and James who were experts and most helpful. We recommend this program without reservation.
Outstanding experience - our guides Pauline and James were delightful, humorous and made every day an adventure. There is nothing James does not know about French history, art, and culture, and nothing Pauline doesn't know about the French people, food, wine,current events and how to navigate le Metro! Many special touches and surprises every day - just a wonderful week all around! Highly recommend this high energy trip with just the right amount of group time and independent time.
If you like walking, history, museums, churches and exploring a different culture - then this is the tour for you. Walking and Standing are a big part of what is required, but it's well worth it!
Another excellent adventure with Road Scholar! As the beginning of the trip neared, we were hearing a lot about the Gillet Jaune protests, which was a small concern, but Brigitte and James were up to the task. We were only affected one day, and the change in schedule was beyond expectations! A trip out of Paris to see the little town of Senlis, as well as the Chantille (estate) In addition, our experts managed to fit in everything on the original schedule, working around the change! This was shown as "independent" and there were several folks who ventured off on their own throughout the week, but there were many of us who took advantage of the expertise of our fearless leaders - and were not disappointed. The beauty of Paris as the holidays approached was amazing. To see the Eiffel Tower light up from a boat on the Seine was a rare treat. And speaking of treats, the sweets were delicious. The people were very friendly and kind. James and Brigitte did a wonderful job imparting information about the history of Paris, the current events, the architecture of the city and -thankfully- the metro system.
I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is looking for a nice walking tour with a few lectures and excellent historical overviews of Paris. We had just the right amount of guided tours and free time for personal exploration. The group leader was excellent and took fabulous care of us through out the trip. Our instruction was amazing as he imparted just the right amount of history to us without being overwhelming. I could not have asked for a better tour and I am hooked on Road Scholar!
This program is absolutely super. It won't be long enough. So you might go early or stay on a few days. Paris has so much to do this trip will get you ready for your next visit.
This tour is a great way to visit Paris. Our group leader Brigitte and guide Jennifer enhanced our days and nights in Paris.
This program is great! I had been in Paris before and I thoroughly enjoyed it, more than I expected, including a live play (with English subtitles projected on the curtain). Jenny provided excellent commentary on the art we viewed. Bravo!
This program is an excellent way for those of us who have not done a great deal of traveling to learn about Paris's culture and history, and to learn to navigate public transportation. I highly recommend it!
This tour was fantastic. From Group Leader to the Tour instructor - everything I would have planned for if I had to have planned this trip. Could not have been better. Want to go back to learn and see more.
This was our first Road Scholar experience and it was fantastic. The program was everything it purports to be and more. We could not have had a better sampling of the major highlights of Paris. We could not have had a better trip. If you have never been to Paris, or even if you have, I highly recommend this program. You will not get a better taste of Paris than this one.
I was quite disappointed in my Road Scholar experience. I had problems from the very start, first with my travel reservations, then with my request for electronic communications only, which RS ignored completely despite repeated requests. I found it incredibly inappropriate that each time I contacted Road Scholar a rep tried to solicit the contact information of my friends and family for marketing purposes. Our group was lovely and the group leader was very pleasant and attentive, but our tour guide gave strange, stream-of-consciousness tours that hopscotched among centuries and topics with no unifying narrative and generally left me feeling confused and disoriented. The lectures were boring and held in a cramped hot room, especially unpleasant when there was a spacious conference room directly across from us. Our guide seemed particularly unqualified to talk about art and I would've gotten much more out of the audio tour provided by each museum. The hotel room was fine, but I couldn't believe that they didn't clean our room all week and the breakfast room was a traffic jam every day. I feel like communication could've been handled better using simple technology- an emailed agenda for each day including Metro directions would have been helpful and simple to create. And we wasted a lot of time in the metro because of issues with our paper tickets. Why not use the durable weekly Navigo passes accepted at all turnstiles? Lastly, the included dinners were really sad. What our tour leader called fois gras was actually a (partial) fois gras pate, the Coq a Vin was dry and underseasoned, and the Beef Borguinon was undercooked, full of visible connective tissue, and fairly inedible. It must be possible to find French restaurants that can prepare basic French dishes properly. Though I enjoyed spending time with our interesting, diverse group, and Paris was delightful, I don’t plan to travel with Road Scholar again.
Our road scholar program (Independent Paris) was wonderful. We learned so much and having the metro and museum pass was invaluable. Our guide and instructor made the trip so special and we will definitely try another program in the future.
I enjoyed my time in Paris and appreciated the museum pass and Metro pass. The lectures were interesting and the museums visited were all wonderful. The hotel where we stayed was adequate but not great. We were not as independent as anticipated; our guide was overly concerned with keeping us all together and this frustrated me. I did choose to leave some of the group activities as I wanted more independence than some others did.
Wonderful introduction to Paris. I would advise staying a few days extra as by the end of the tour you are very comfortable getting around Paris by metro. It is a joy to revisit the sites from the tour and to just sit and enjoy Paris, especially with a wine and a pastry.
This is a great tour, Julian and Charlotte are the best.
It works, well.
This program was amazing, so well organized and an incredible value for the time spent and all that we did. I highly recommend Road Scholars!
Invest in a good pair of walking shoes and do it!
This was the best week of my life. Jennifer and Brigitte were amazing guides and the schedule was perfect. It didn't hurt that the weather was also perfect but the wine, lectures, wine, food, wine, tours were wonderful...did I mention the wine? It was so much fun and educational. I cannot imagine that doing any trip alone or on your own could even come close to what we saw, experienced and learned with the RS trip. Amazing!
This was a wonderful program, which was made even better by two superb guides, Pauline and James.
What a wonderful trip! We went the first week of June and the weather was perfect. There's a nice mix of art, architecture, and history.
This was the trip of a lifetime for me! It's always been my dream to go to Paris and this program provided me the structure of a group with the independent time that I wanted as well. The instructors and the field trips were terrific.
We enjoyed this tour enormously! The group leader was so well organized, her planning was exceptional and carefully thought through. The education we received was also exceptional, the person delivering the knowledge was so good, such a good presenter that we were delighted. There's just the right amount of the educational part of the tour, too. The literature indicates that there can be days when you're walking 5 miles so pay attention to those types of descriptions because they were accurate. I would do this over again and would recommend this tour. The other guests were friendly, we had plenty of free time, we enjoyed the food and the city!
What a perfect way to spend a week in Paris! There was time to sit on a park bench and people watch, great food, beautiful things to see and do. I would do this again.
Our guides Pauline and Jenny were warm, delightful and knowledgeable. We were steeped in a multi Faceted experience of Paris with enthusiasm and joy.
I was concerned about the cost at first, but I came to realize how much value I was getting for my money. The program really exceeded my expectations and the facilitators were very learned and engaging. I hope I have an opportunity to take other Road Scholar programs in the near future!
This trip provided everything I wanted for my specific wishes that included Road Scholar itinerary plus a little family time during free time. It worked out perfectly. The hotel staff was gracious. Leaders were undeniably educated and accomplished. Participants were exceptionally friendly and endearing. Overall, a great experience! If I were to include anything on the downside, I would suggest that leaders familiarize with the suggested reading list so that more satisfying discussions might occur between leaders and participants. Otherwise, I highly recommend this trip to all loving Francophiles who desire good companionship with a little independence. And, please note that required abilities to walk up to 5 miles daily and negotiate many stairs at the Metro and museums are not exaggerated.
The Independent Paris program was, by far, the best travel experience of my life! For those who want to learn about the city which they are visiting, and gain insights into how the place, the people, the architecture and the art interact, this program delivers!
Independent Paris was our first trip. It was a great introduction to Paris and all that it offers to the curious traveler. Great food, great art, wonderful and engaging!
Thomas and Julian are tops in leading this tour. Incredible experience.