Paris

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and get early access to your room. In the afternoon, take a short walking tour in the neighborhood, then continue to a popular local brasserie for a casual welcome dinner.

Begin our day at the Musée des Arts-Decoratifs, where we explore the Fashion and Textiles wing—an exquisite collection traces the history of costume from the Regency period to the present-day. Admire the work of great designers such as Paul Poiret, Madeleine Vionnet, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Christian Dior. Continue to an atelier where we meet with an international artist and see their work. After lunch, embark on a gastronomic walking tour through the Saint-Germain des Prés district with a culinary expert, stopping to sample pastries, breads, chocolates, and cheeses in the shops of celebrated French artisans. Return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening and dinner at leisure.

Head outside the city to visit the 17th-century Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte in Maincy. Tour the estate and its elaborate gardens followed by lunch onsite. Continue to the village of Thomery for a stop at the 19th-century atelier of Rosa Bonheur, which has remained intact since her death in 1899. We drive through the picturesque Fontainebleau Forest to finish our day at a family-run fromagerie in Fontainebleau. Meet with the master cheesemaker who introduces his craft and guides us through a cheese tasting. Return to Paris for an evening at leisure.

Spend the day exploring the vast trove of art at Château de Chantilly, the second largest collection of antique paintings in France, after the Louvre Museum. Designed by the Duke of Aumale in the 19th century, the art galleries have remained unchanged, providing us with a look at the typical museography of the time. Tour the collections and enjoy lunch on the estate before returning to Paris for another evening at leisure.

This morning, visit the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, located in the Quai d’Orsay. Frequented by foreign dignitaries and French politicians, this impressive palace also hosted le Bal de l’X from 1884 until 1890. Continue to the UNESCO Headquarters, a six-building complex designed by some of the biggest names in 20th-century architecture. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to prepare for tonight’s gala. This year’s “le Bal de l’X” celebrates the École Polytechnique Alumni Association’s 150th anniversary. We depart for the Palais Garnier to spend an evening with French and foreign dignitaries, senior officials, and industrial leaders, enjoying a sumptuous dinner and mesmerizing performances.

The morning is at leisure to recuperate from last night’s festivities. Later this afternoon, drive to the Pinault Collection in the Bourse de Commerce, a landmark circular building in the district of Les Halles that was restored and transformed by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Set out in the early evening for the Frank Gehry-designed Fondation Louis Vuitton. Experience the spectacular architecture and unique environment as well as the site-specific installations from artists like Olafur Eliasson and Ellsworth Kelly. Then, bid au revoir to Paris over a resplendent, gourmet meal in a renowned restaurant in the Bois du Boulogne.

Following breakfast, transfer to the Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport for return flights.