Bonjour Mes Amis!
Get ready for a whirlwind adventure in the "City of Lights"! You will stroll through charming Parisian neighborhoods, savoring croissants and café au laits at quaint sidewalk cafes, dive deep into the vibrant African American community that thrived in Paris between 1920 and 1950, uncovering the hidden gems and cultural landmarks that tell their stories.
You will explore Montmartre, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the Latin Quarter where African American legends captivated audiences with their talents. You will trace the footsteps of African American writers and artists who found inspiration and creative freedom in the City Of Lights.
You will explore the cafes and salons African Americans intellectual and artistic exchanges flourished, fostering a unique cultural renaissance. You will also uncover the struggles and triumphs of this community, gaining a deeper understanding of their contributions to Parisian and global culture while soaking up the joie de vivre that makes Paris so special.
Now hold onto your berets, mes amis! After you rest up from your flight, prepare to feast your eyes on the most iconic sights in Paris while indulging in a gourmet Parisian meal, sipping on fine wine as you cruise down the Seine River. Ooh la la... now this is Paris!
Day 2, you will explore one of the most picturesque areas in Paris, Montmartre. This charming hilltop neighborhood is known for its cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and stunning views of the city. You will wander through the Place du Tertre, where artists set up their easels to capture the essence of Montmartre, and explore the iconic Sacré-Coeur Basilica, a masterpiece of Roman-Byzantine architecture.
You will also discover the hidden corners of Montmartre. As you stroll through this enchanting neighborhood, you'll soak up the bohemian atmosphere and artistic spirit that have made Montmartre a beloved destination for generations and then go back in time to when Montmartre was referred to as the Harlem of Paris, to explore the history of Interwar Black Paris (Interwar is the period between World War I and World War II (1918-1939).
Day 3, be prepared to strut your stuff down one of the most famous avenues in the world, Champs-Élysées. Get ready to channel your inner Parisian chic and maybe even strike a pose or two. Afterwards, you will head to Saint Germain-des-Prés, and the Latin Quarter.
Saint Germain-des-Prés is a historic neighborhood in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, known for its intellectual, artistic, and literary heritage. It has been a hub of cultural activity since the 17th century, attracting writers, artists, philosophers, and musicians from around the world. In the 20th century, Saint-Germain-des-Prés became a focal point for the African American expatriate community, who played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the neighborhood.
The Latin Quarter is nestled on the Left Bank of the Seine, it's a captivating blend of history, intellectualism, and youthful energy. The Latin Quarter primarily occupies the 5th arrondissement, extending slightly into the 6th. The Latin Quarter has a more youthful, energetic vibe, largely due to the presence of the Sorbonne University and numerous student-frequented cafes and bars. It also tends to be slightly more affordable. The Latin Quarter is also well known for the Panthéon, and the Jardin du Luxembourg.
You will start your Black Paris Experience tour on this day at Café de Flore where Richard Wright & James Baldwin engaged in a significant and heated debates in the late 1940s centered around their differing perspectives on race, identity, and the role of literature in addressing social issues.
Day 4, you will visit Château de Versailles/The Palace Of Versailles one of the most iconic and grandiose royal residences in Europe, located in the town of Versailles, just outside of Paris. The main palace building at Versailles is a masterpiece of French Baroque architecture, featuring grand halls, lavish apartments, and intricately designed rooms adorned with gilded decorations, frescoes, and elaborate furnishings. The Hall of Mirrors, a highlight of the palace, is a stunning gallery lined with mirrors and windows overlooking the palace gardens, where grand ceremonies and diplomatic events were held. You may not believe it but you will learn some African American history about Château de Versailles.
The evening of day 4, you will partake in a night tour at the Louvre. The Louvre in Paris is one of the most iconic and important museums in the world, renowned for its vast collection of art and historical artifacts spanning thousands of years of human history. The Louvre is not just a museum; it is a cultural institution that embodies the artistic and intellectual achievements of humanity. Of course you will learn some little known black history.
Day 5, get dolled up because it's photo shoot time! After your Paris memories are captured, nothing will stop you as you go ALL THE WAY UP ascending to the pinnacle of Parisian elegance, the Eiffel Tower. At its summit, raise a toast, clink glasses filled with golden Champagne, and gaze out at the breathtaking panorama of Paris, you'll feel like you're on top of the world (because, well, you kind of are!). While the Eiffel Tower itself may not be directly linked to specific events in African American history, it symbolizes the broader relationship between African Americans and Paris. The tower stands as a reminder of the city's role as a place of refuge, artistic expression, and cultural exchange for generations of African Americans. The remaining of the day is YOURS. This is the time for you to do what you want before departing back to the US the next day.
As you can see, this tour is more than just a Paris sightseeing trip; it's a celebration of your rich heritage and the indelible mark your ancestors left on the City of Lights. Leaving this tour you can say you walked in the footsteps of legends, experience the magic of Paris, and created memories that will last a lifetime. This trip to Paris will be all that you've dreamed of and more!
The trip cost is $4676.00 per person double occupancy, and $4986.00 single occupancy. Reserving this trip requires a nonrefundable deposit of $500.00 per person. To proceed with your booking, click here to select your trip dates, the number of travelers and pay your deposit. Upon confirmation of your deposit, you will be provided with a secure payment link, along with a detailed schedule of payment due dates.
Trip Includes:
- 4 Star Hotel Accommodations
- Roundtrip Airport/Hotel Transfers
- African American History Tour W/Professional Tour Guide
- Photoshoot With Professional Photograher
- Seine River Dinner Cruise
- Paris Landmarks Site Seeing Excursion
- Palace Of Versailles Visit
- Louvre Museum Visit
- Summit Eiffel Tower Visit
Trip Excludes:
- International Flight
- Travel Protection Insurance (Highly Recommended)
- Passport/Visa Fees
- Tourist Tax
- Early Hotel Checkin or Late Checkout
- Personal Expenses
- Taxes, Additional Fees and Tips
- Additional Hotel Room Upgrades or Charges
Please be advised of our cancellation policy:
- Deposits are non-refundable.
- Cancellations made 31 days or more prior to departure may be eligible for a refund, less the non-refundable deposit and any applicable supplier fees.
- Cancellations made within 30 days of departure will result in the forfeiture of all payments.