FRENCH DECOR HERITAGE
Our expert starts the day with a brief presentation on the background and development of “French Style” décor. This is followed by a full day visiting the best Paris museum collections containing complete decorated rooms from various periods, ranging from the bed chamber of a 15th century gentleman through to the stunning boudoir of designer Jeanne Lanvin. The day finishes at the Louvre with the magnificent Napoleon III apartments and the collection of furniture from the salon and bedroom of her apartment in the Abbaye-au-Bois.
THE PRIVATE DOMAINS OF THE EMPRESS AND THE QUEEN
The morning is devoted to Josephine’s favorite residence, her private château at Malmaison. The château contains an amazing range of the furniture and personal objects owned by Napoleon and Josephine. Her bedroom has been restored to its original splendour and you will see Josephine’sspectacular bed with its gold swans (her symbol). The afternoon is spent at Versailles in the Domain of Marie-Antoinette, her private world away from the imposing Château of Versailles. This charming residence reflects her taste, with its pastel colours and floral motifs, set in the garden as it was when she created it in the 18th century.
PARIS MANSIONS
Visit three mansions owned by fabulously wealthy Parisians from three different centuries. The first was built at the end of the 18th century, is still a private residence and regarded as the best example of Directory Style. The second gives us an insight into the fabulous social life in the late 19th century. The third is the exquisite home of Moise de Camondo, overlooking the beautiful Parc Monceau.
We will enjoy a private visit of the mansion which was bequeathed intact to the Museum of Decorative Arts.
FAMOUS PEOPLE
The contrast of these four private residences in Montfort d’Amaury is astounding. Surrounding this picturesque village, we find the little cottage where Maurice Ravel composed “Bolero”, the surprisingly unpretentious family home where Jean Monnet, “father” of the EEC welcomed world leaders and the modern architecture of the home Alvar Aalto designed in 1959 for the gallery owner and collector Louis Carré. After a stroll through the superb gardens of Chateau de Groussay, we visit the private residence with its fabulous décor, including a spectacular theatre that will take your breath away and the library which so impressed Cecil Beaton that he used it as is the model for Henry Higgins’ library in My Fair Lady.
THE JOURNÉE JACQUES GARCIA
Around Paris there are many examples of interiors by Jacques Garcia. We can design a special day with breakfast, lunch and dinner surrounded by the decor he has created in a series of restaurants (and maybe afternoon tea and cocktails if you are really keen!). Or for the ultimate “Interiors” experience, we will arrange for a private visit of his private château in Normandy. This visual feast is guaranteed to be the highlight of your trip. The opulent style of the château’s truly amazing collection will delight you. In true royal style, the magnificant gardens will take your breath away. We’re convinced that if Louis XIV were alive today, this is where he would be living! More info…