French Style

A FUN LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Travelling to France gives us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the various aspects of “French style”.

Becoming a connoisseur starts with understanding WHY France has a reputation in each of these categories, HOW it developed through time and WHERE you can find the best examples in Paris today.

Combine the pleasure of a luxury holiday with the bonus of a chic new concept – a “French Finishing School” for the 21st century.  The program has been designed to cover the most popular themes, on a beautiful “journée” – full day experience – accompanied by an expert in the individual facets of French Style.  Each day begins with a brief overview of the subject, equipping you with the knowledge a connoisseur needs.  Our expert then continues the day out and about in Paris.  

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER

These itineraries are ideal for an unforgettable tour for mothers and daughters. The “French Style” tour makes the ultimate graduation gift.

TREAT YOURSELF

Sometimes you need to get away on your own to recharge your batteries and give your self-confidence a boost. This is a holiday experience guaranteed to inspire you.

FUN WITH FRIENDS

A memorable experience with your friends.  Put together your own group and we’ll tailor-make your perfect itinerary.

JOURNÉE DE LA MODE

Long before the Fashion magazines, the fashion icons and style setters were the Queens and Favorites of the French Kings.  In the French court, knowing just the right outfit for the occasion was essential and the French fashion was exported to all the other courts of Europe.  After the Revolution, the designers emerged, starting with Leroy, who designed Josephine’s outfit for Napoleon’s coronation.  Worth, designer for the Empress Eugenie in the 1850s, introduced the “fashion parade” – for the first time presenting his designs on live mannequins.  Since then, Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, YSL …the list goes on.  Our special day explores the practical and the fabulous, the tried and true labels and the hot newcomers.  We help you create your own list of favorite Paris boutiques.

JOURNÉE DE LA BEAUTÉ

French women had their secret recipes for skin care and fashionable women kept up with the latest looks in make up, even when it was not such a good thing. The King’s favourite’s were often role models.  Learn how Diane de Poitiers managed to keep her looks and the interest of the king who was 20 years younger.  Our Beauty day starts with a luxurious facial at a prestige spa.  You’ll enjoy a private lesson with a professional make up artist.  You’ll not only look great, but you’ll learn the tips so you can recreate the look yourself every day.  We finish this glamorous day with the perfect hairstyle.

JOURNÉE DU DÉCOR FRANÇAIS

This is a day of highlights from our Paris Interiors itinerary.  We start the day in the atelier of a local interior designer, followed by an inspirational series of visits of collections containing decorated rooms from various periods, including the furniture from the apartment of the beautiful Juliette Récamier, after whom the famous chaise-longue was named.  Both the Left Bank and Right Bank have streets where there is a concentration of boutiques which fans of French Style interior design will love and we spend the rest of the day checking out the best of these.  We’ll give you a map so you can mark your favorites to follow up.

JOURNÉE DE LA CUISINE

One of the great delights of travelling to France is the fabulous food.  With its world famous restaurants and cooking schools, the amazing range of choice in the patisseries, boulangeries, fromageries, chocolatiers ….the list is endless!   In November 2010,  “le repas gastronomique des Français” (French cuisine) has now been officially added to UNESCO’S World Heritage list.  We start the day where the chefs are trained then head out to explore the markets, traiteurs, epiceries where the finest ingredients are sold.  We also visit the places the professionals buy their equipment and some of the typical  “rues commerçantes” where the locals shop for food.   Naturally along the way we enjoy a number of tastings!  We can organize classes for those who would like to hone their skills.

ARTS DE LA TABLE

Beautiful tableware became an art form in its own right and understanding a strict code of “etiquette” was essential for social success.  People who love entertaining, will appreciatethis unique “journée” where we discover the French style in terms of table settings, porcelain, crystal, silver ware, table linen and decoration.  We see the iconic brands and learn the differences in dining and entertaining in France.  We also learn the finer points of French etiquette, just in case you find yourself dining with the aristocracy!

STYLESETTERS OF FRENCH HISTORY

Over the centuries, there were many fabulous women in French history.  Style icons in their time, their influence is still felt today.  The French President lives in one of Madame de Pompadour’s former residences.  The private living spaces of Marie-Antoinette (the last Queen of France) and the Empress Josephine (Napoleon’s first wife) provide an extraordinary insight into the personalities of these women.  Both were trend setters whose impact was felt on more than just fashion, make up and hair styles (although their influence was paramount).  Their taste was reflected in all aspects of lifestyle and is particularly interesting in terms of décor and garden design.  During this “journée” we visit Josephine and Marie-Antoinette in their favorite homes.

“French style” is not just limited to these categories.  Other themes offered for specialist tours include –

ANTIQUES, ARCHITECTURE, ART, CHAMPAGNE, CHOCOLATE, GARDEN DESIGN, FLORAL ART, JEWELLERY, PERFUME, PHOTOGRAPHY, WINE…

Contact French Travel Boutique for itineraries and pricing.