Paris by Design: Homes & Gardens Trip: September 27 - October 3, 2024

Please note that enrollment for this trip is now closed. Feel free to come along on one of our other upcoming design trips, sign up for the trip contact list, and/or sign up for free travel/design/art inspiration sent to your inbox via Letters from Eva.

Enjoy the magic of being invited into the homes of local Parisian creatives and visiting gorgeous under-the-radar places such as an artisan atelier, a candlelit chateau, a painter’s studio, and more. Plus we’ll eat delicious food, make connections with locals and each other, and feel inspired in the City of Light. Join us!

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Be invited into the homes and studios of local artists. Truly an honor!
Enjoy a home-cooked, cozy brunch in the classic Parisian apartment of a local creative family.
Experience an enchanting candlelit chateau, complete with a candlelit dinner and fireworks among its gorgeous grounds.
See how luxurious tassels and other trims are made in a magical, old world atelier.
Hunt for treasure at one of Paris’ best flea markets.
Take a floral art workshop in the light filled apartment of a local creative duo.
Visit the sumptuous 19th century mansion of an avid art and design collector, along with the lush neighboring park.
Eat delicious food in thoughtfully chosen restaurants, charming cafés, and boulangeries.
Experience the thrill of hearing a concert inside a jewel box of a cathedral.
Stay in a beautiful boutique hotel with friendly staff located in a charming, classically Parisian neighborhood.
Stroll through one of the world’s most legendary gardens, while learning the history and soaking in the beauty.
Visit some of the most delightful local design shops.
Travel with an unusually small group, which makes the experience that much more intimate and special.
Feel the warmth and connection created when traveling with a group of diverse people who come together over their love of travel, art & design, kindness, and curiosity about the world.
Take advantage of the bespoke services of your trip leader, Eva Jorgensen, who absolutely loves finding delightful, lesser-known places to share with others, hunting for treasure at flea markets, small museums, and local shops, connecting around the dinner table with friends old and new, and taking care of her beloved travelers. (And in case you’re curious about other qualifications——she’s a 17 year design industry veteran with an MFA degree who has learned through hard-won experience how to take good care of her clients and deliver fantastic results. (Hear from past travelers themselves here and here.) Plus, she’s a lifelong Francophile who speaks French and is the author of Paris by Design: An Inspired Guide to the City’s Creative Side (Abrams NY). You can learn more about Eva here.)

In addition to extensive trip planning, trip leading, and priceless local knowledge and connections, all exclusive tours, activities, local creative host visits, museum entries, hotel lodging, and meals are included (except during free time, described in the below itinerary). Group size is limited to 8-9 participants. Admission by application only. Please note that this itinerary and the original Paris by Design itinerary are completely different (yet equally great!) so that you can go on both if you’re interested (a couple of travelers already have and are happy they did). See more details below and feel free to email hello@evajorgensen.com with questions.

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Photos on this page are by either Chaunté Vaughn or Jane Merritt, with iPhone snapshots by Eva Jorgensen & past travelers.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR TRIP LEADER:

This is SUCH a special trip. I’ve never come across anything like it. If you’re obsessed with interiors, design, and/or beautiful things——whether you’re a professional or just an avid fan——this itinerary is an enormous treat. And to have access to creative locals and their private homes and studios——to connect with them over their art, their decor, their stories… is truly a magical experience that’s not easily replicated.

So yes, it’s SO much fun exploring Paris together, seeking out fantastic interiors, architecture, and gardens. But it also goes deeper than that. We’ll come away feeling inspired and replenished for whatever comes next, having connected and created beautiful memories with fellow travelers and local creatives. What an opportunity to take a breather from our day to day lives and explore the incredible life-giving energy that the City of Light has to offer.

Let’s go to Paris, shall we? 😘 Let me take care of every little detail (so that you don’t have to).

Looking forward to chatting soon…

x Eva

p.s. You can learn more about me here, including how all of my previous experiences in life came together beautifully and serendipitously for the creation of this creative travel company. (It’s so interesting how life unfolds, isn’t it?)

Quick Links:

“This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. Every day we saw things, met someone, and had experiences that brought me to tears, blew my mind, made me think differently about my life and where I want to take it.”

— Heather C.

Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive in Paris and check into our sumptous boutique hotel that’s located in a charming, typically Parisian neighborhood. All of our rooms overlook the hotel’s pretty garden courtyard.

Next, we’ll get to know each other while we chat and sip drinks in that same pretty garden courtyard. (By the way, it’s amazing how quickly the group gels each time!)

Afterwards, we’ll visit an incredible mansion filled with 18th century art and antiques, along with a lush neighboring park.

We’ll eat dinner at a friendly restaurant that serves authentic Breton-style crepes and galettes. A crowd favorite!

DAY 2

After a divine breakfast downstairs——which will be waiting for us every morning——we’ll have free time to visit the local food market (one of the best in the city!), the flea market, a museum, or whatever our hearts’ desire.

Then we’ll meet up to visit the enchanting chateau that inspired Versailles. We’ll explore the meticulously designed interior and garden as the sun goes down. At dusk, thousands of real candles will be lit throughout the property.

Next, we’ll have a candlelit dinner of classic French food while we enjoy a view of the chateau. What a dream!

Finally, fireworks will fill the sky before we head back to Paris for a good night’s rest.

DAY 3

This morning it’s off to the Vanves flea market to hunt for treasure! Eva will share tips on how to haggle, where to find the ATM, how the flea market is laid out, and more, so that you’ll feel confident as you navigate the market.

After dropping off our purchases at the hotel and taking a moment to feel rested and refreshed, we’ll have a chance to eat a home-cooked, cozy lunch in the classic Parisian apartment of a local family.

We’ll linger after lunch for a delightful pressed flower art workshop——all skill levels welcome!

Be prepared to be dazzled as we experience the amazing acoustics and talent during a classical concert held in the most beautiful cathedral in Paris.

Dinner will be at a veg-forward restaurant with fresh, tasty dishes and stylish decor.

DAY 4

First off, we’ll visit some gorgeous design boutiques on the Left Bank. Feel free to stick with Eva or go at your own pace.

For lunch (or brunch, your choice), we’ll sit in a delightful cafe overlooking the Luxembourg Gardens and eat flavorful pancakes, salads, matcha lattes, or whatever is sounding good to you from their comforting menu.

Off to explore the Luxembourg Gardens as we make our way to the next visit…

This afternoon, we’ll meet an endearing mother/daughter duo. We’ll see the mother’s painting studio, which is in the historic Montparnasse district where countless artists have worked throughout the years. Then we’ll get to tour their effortlessly chic family apartment, which embodies their deep Parisian roots as well as their years living around the world.

To end the day, we’ll have time to rest and freshen up at the hotel before heading out for a delicious meal at a hip local pizza spot.

DAY 5

We’ll start the day with a visit to an immensely chic apartment that’s been decorated and filled with art by a top name in Parisian design.

Then we’ll eat at a fresh spot beloved by locals, tucked away from the touristy parts of the city. It’s run by two sisters who bring inspiration from their Filipino and French heritage.

From there, we’ll walk through the atmospheric Père Lachaise cemetary, stopping at the tombstones of a few legendary Parisians along the way.

Next, we’ll get to see how luxurious tassels and other trims are made in an old world atelier. This is truly a magical place.

On to visit a local artist and her interior architect! We’ll see how they beautifully renovated her classic Haussman-style apartment, learn about her fascinating ceramic process using volcanic stones, and get to shop her wares.

After returning to the hotel for a little R&R, we’ll have an easy dinner at a welcoming Mediterranean spot that’s one of Eva’s personal favorites.

DAY 6

Always a favorite activity on the itinerary——we’ll be shopping at a lovely interiors shop with goods that are designed in Paris and handmade by artisans in India. The owner will be there to share her inspiring story and about the craftsmanship that goes into each piece.

Then you’ll have free time to explore the amazing shops in the area (I have plenty of recommendations if you’re interested) while I gather supplies for our picnic lunch.

Meet me on the banks of the canal for a fun picnic, with everything sourced from the fantastic local food shops in the area (including my favorite boulangerie in Paris).

You’ll have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to to soak up Paris’ life-giving energy in whichever way suits you best. Now is the perfect time to return to that shop you spotted earlier in the week, meet up with old (or new!) friends, visit the exhibition you’ve been itching to check out, or whatever you’re in the mood for!

DAY 7

As with every other morning of our trip, a beautiful breakfast spread will be waiting in the hotel atrium. We’ll come away feeling inspired and replenished for whatever comes next!

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Eva Jorgensen reserves the right to change the itinerary because of local schedules, weather, or if something new and delightful becomes available.

If you have any food allergies, please let us know as soon as you apply so we can make arrangements to accommodate you as best we can. Reach out to hello@evajorgensen.com with any questions.

Still wondering if this trip is for you? Ask yourself these questions. Are you?

Open minded and curious about other people and cultures?
Interested in art and design (especially interiors)?
Excited about the itinerary and the idea of connecting with local creatives?
Prepared to be on your feet, possibly walking on cobblestones, climbing stairs, and navigating narrow sidewalks for most of the day? (Approximately 12,000 - 20,000 steps per day.)*
Kind, respectful, and conscientious to others around you, in spite of any differences that may exist?
A Francophile—or open to the idea of becoming one? 😉
Willing to go with the flow——even if something unexpected comes up——which is often the case while traveling, of course?
Someone who appreciates traveling with a guide——the time and worry this kind of experience saves you, the expertise it brings to your fingertips, and the doors it opens?
Looking forward to connecting with a small group of fellow design-loving, kind-hearted, adventurous travelers——during long, leisurely dinners, while walking or riding from place to place, during workshops together, etc?
Able to get around on your own and/or with a buddy during free time. (Don’t worry, we’re always happy to help with recommendations of places to visit, and will help orient you and show you how to get around before setting you loose.)

If you found yourself nodding yes to each of these questions, then it sounds like this trip is for you! But feel free to reach out to Eva personally if you have any additional questions: hello@evajorgensen.com.

Please note that this itinerary and the original Paris by Design itinerary are completely different (yet equally great!) so that you can go on both if you’re interested (a couple of travelers already have and are happy they did).

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“Eva was so welcoming and easy to connect with. I loved the dynamics and easy friendships that were made amongst my fellow travelers. I loved the uniqueness of this trip—that we got to meet artists and designers living and working in Paris and hear their inspirational journeys. I loved the food and all the incredible restaurants. Each day was a treat and packed full of wonderful inspiring moments that I will never forget.”

— Corrie S.

Paris by Design: Home & Garden Trip Application: September 27 - October 3, 2024

Paris by Design: Home & Garden Trip Application

Name

First Name

Last Name

Phone

(###)

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Mailing Address

Instagram Handle (and/or other social media platforms)

How did you learn about this trip?

Why do you want to go on the Paris by Design: Home & Garden Trip?

Are you applying to go with one or more friends? (If yes, please state their name(s). Also, please be aware that each person must submit a separate application.):

Have you read through everything on the current Paris by Design Trip Page and are in agreement with everything there? (If you have any questions, feel free to ask!):

FAQ

WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING FREE TIME?

We’re happy to help give you personalized recommendations so that you can make the most of your free time in each spot! If you email us leading up to the trip, we can provide written recommendations based on your interests and preferences, or feel free to chat with Eva during a meal, a metro ride, etc. during the course of the trip.
There will also be some curated suggestions of what to do, see, eat, etc. in the detailed itinerary you’ll receive leading up to the trip. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of delightful options!

WILL I GEL WITH THE GROUP?

Short answer, yes! If you’ve read through this entire trip info page and it feels like a great fit for you, then you’ll be a great fit for the group, too. Looking forward to meeting you. ♥️
For these trips, we welcome a diverse group of travelers——age, race, background, occupation, sexual orientation, gender, location, etc. (More on this below.) This makes our experience more rich as we each bring different skills, experience, knowledge, and more to the table. That said, because we’re all drawn to this kind of trip, we all share a love of travel, beautiful things, artists, creativity, under-the-radar gems, as well as an openness, kindness, and curiosity about the world. So in that sense, we end up finding out that we have much more in common than not. It’s a beautiful thing to see unfold and honestly, you’ll probably be surprised at how quickly the group gels and how much our bonds with our fellow travelers enrich our overall experience. In fact, this always seems to end up being one of our travelers favorite aspects of the trip.
One of our past travelers described our trips as “group travel for people who don’t like group travel”, and we think that’s pretty accurate, ha! There isn’t a typical guide with a microphone and a red umbrella, no tour bus, no pat explanations or memorized speeches you have to sit through. We focus on lesser known (yet utterly delightful) places, connect with locals, and keep the group size small. Of course there are also people who come on our trips who love the more typical group travel experience, too.
From a practical standpoint, we’ll arrange to have a Zoom call and start a group text thread in the weeks leading up to the trip. This helps to break the ice before our travels even start, so that we’ll be greeted by friendly faces when we arrive.

WHAT IF I’VE ALREADY BEEN ON THE PARIS BY DESIGN TRIP?

That’s great! We’ve designed the Paris by Design: Home & Garden trip and the original Paris by Design trip to be completely different from each other yet equally wonderful. So you can go on both and have a fantastic time experiencing different inspiring people, places, etc. on each. In fact, two previous Paris by Design travelers came on the first Paris by Design: Home & Garden trip in September 2023, and they loved it and are glad they did both.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICING?

A trip leader (Eva) who is fluent in French, has an MFA in fine art, 17 years experience in the design world, is the author of Paris by Design, and has priceless local knowledge, connections, and experience.
A trip planner (also Eva 😘) who is passionate about doing extremely thorough research and on the ground scouting to put together a transformative experience for everyone involved.
A VERY small group size. Most guided trips have at least 20——if not 50!——people in the group. We keep our Paris trip group size to 9 participants at most, in order to move around the city in a more nimble fashion and have a more intimate experience.
All classes, exclusive visits, and tours as listed in the itinerary. These are incredibly unique and valuable experiences with local creatives that most travelers wouldn’t be able to have on their own——often relationships Eva has nurtured for years.
A group of vetted, fellow travelers who are generous in spirit, up for adventure, appreciative of design, and looking forward to traveling and bonding with each other.
A room with private bathroom in a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Paris. Either double or single occupancy, based on availability and which option you sign up for.
All meals and snacks, as mentioned in the itinerary.
All museum entries, as mentioned in the itinerary.
Tips for servers, guides, and local creative hosts.
All transportation within the city while we are together as a group.
6 nights / 5 full days / 2 partial days.

WHAT IS THE TRIP PRICING?

6395€ per person for single occupancy or 5595€ for double occupancy.

Note the price is listed in euros, as we price trips according to the currency of our destination. Conversion rates may vary, depending on when you pay.
Once your application is accepted, you will be asked to pay a 50% deposit. The remainder will be due approximately 60 days before departure. We also offer payment plans upon request.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICING?

Airfare to/from Paris along with airport transfer to/from Paris.
Any food and drink, transportation, activities, etc. you do during free time.
Any personal souvenirs and other shopping purchases.
Travel insurance and trip medical coverage (both highly recommended). You can find more information about this here.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Because of all the up-front costs and labor incurred from planning a highly curated trip like this, we cannot give refunds if you change your mind, become afraid to travel, or if something else comes up. Trip cancellation insurance with a Cancel for Any Reason rider, as well as medical and evacuation coverage is highly recommended for everyone.
However, if we have someone on our waitlist who would like to take your spot, and/or if you are able to find someone to fill your spot, you may transfer your spot to them, pending our approval and the standard application procedure.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THERE ARE RENEWED COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS OR A TRAVEL BAN?

In the event of renewed Covid-19 travel-related restrictions or travel bans imposed by the relevant authorities in the US or in France that make it impossible to travel or to do the majority of the planned activities, we will postpone the trip to a later date, making our best efforts to choose new dates that work for everyone, so that you do not lose your deposit and we all still get to go on the trip.
If you are unable to make the new dates work, and if we do not have someone on the wait list to take your spot, you may find someone to fill your spot, pending our approval.

WHAT ARE YOUR VALUES?

We are committed to cultivating a culture of kindness and connectedness on this trip for all, and ask that all participants do the same.
We believe in the transformative nature of travel, especially through connections made with people, whether they’re locals or fellow travelers.
We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse group of travelers. In recruiting for this trip, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, gender expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, size, beliefs, etc.
Supporting, celebrating, and gathering inspiration from independent artists, makers, designers, artisans, shopkeepers, chefs, etc. is a critical part of everything we do, including these trips & retreats, the Paris by Design book, Letters from Eva, etc.
We know that giving back is important to many of you, and it’s an essential part of our ethos, too. A percentage of proceeds from each guided trip is donated to vetted non-profits doing crucial work. Non-profits we’ve donated to include our local food pantry, World Central Kitchen, First Peoples’ Fund, Give Kids the World Village, Active Minds, The United Way, The Trevor Project, International Rescue Committee, and more.