September in Paris: Treasures, Flowers, and New Friendships
Parisian Serendipity
Every time I bring a group to Paris, I’m reminded of why I love sharing this city so much.
Paris has been part of my life since my early twenties, and even after all these years, there’s always something new to discover. Seeing it through the eyes of our guests brings a different kind of joy: a place I’ve walked past so many times, a favorite shop, or a familiar neighborhood suddenly feels new again. Their excitement takes me back to my own experience when I first arrived years ago.
A September Tour in Paris
This September, Robin and I welcomed another lovely group for a week of antiques, flowers, and adventures together. From our first day treasure hunting at Chatou to our final stroll through my neighborhood, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, there was so much to enjoy and so many memories to bring home.
Scroll down to get a glimpse of our tour in the video below!
Treasure Hunting at Chatou
Our visit to the Foire de Chatou was such a wonderful way to begin our time together. There’s something about walking into a French antique fair that makes you want to explore every corner. You never know what you might find!
It was so much fun watching everyone discover pieces they loved, get to know the dealers, and imagining where their treasures would go at home. Of course, we made time for a French lunch amidst all the shopping. The French know how to make a day of antiquing even better!
Discovering French Artisan Brands
One of the joys of these tours is introducing guests to some of my favorite artisan ateliers.
The tour guests always love having the chance to slow down, getting to know the people behind the beauty. Hearing the stories about the pieces and the craft while taking the time to choose something special makes these visits all the more memorable.
Baking in Versailles
After touring the magnificent gardents in Versailles, we joined my dear friend Molly J. Wilk for a baking demonstration. It’s always such a treat to spend time with Molly and share her love of French baking with our guests. Because our visit fell on my birthday, Molly graciously made me a birthday cake! It was such a thoughtful gesture and made the day feel extra special. Being in France, surrounded by friends and our lovely group, made for a birthday I’ll always remember.
Flowering at L’Arrosoir
Our floral workshop at my dear friend Adrienne Ryser’s shop, L’Arrosoir, was a favorite moment of the week for all.
Surrounded by flowers, the guests learned to make a French hand-tied bouquet. I loved watching everyone choose their stems and create something a little different. Seeing the whole group together proudly holding their finished bouquets made me so happy!
“It was flowers that first made me feel truly connected to Paris all those years ago. Sharing that part of my life with our guests means so much.”
The Moments in Between
As much as I love the places we visit, it’s often the moments in between that stay with me: conversations over a meal, laughter along the way, and a stroll through the neighborhood I call my second home.
Each group brings something different to the week. People arrive from different places, often knowing very little about one another, and leave with new friendships and plans to see each other again. Watching those connections form is one of my favorite parts of hosting these tours.
II came home feeling grateful for our guests, for the friends who welcomed us, and for the chance to share a place I love so dearly. And somehow, after all these years, I came home loving Paris a little more.
If you’d like to join us, stay tuned! We’ll be announcing next year’s tour dates very soon. Visit our French Tours page to learn more, and sign up for our email list to be the first to know.
À bientôt,
Sandra
