Travel with Columbus Museum of Art

Explore the world both near and far through our Art Escapes travel program.

Giverny image by Júlia Barbon via Wikimedia Commons

Springtime in Paris: Art, Cuisine and Culture in the City of Light

May 11–May 19, 2024

Travel with us to this beautiful city for eight magical days and nights filled with some of the most special and exclusive experiences Paris has to offer. CMA’s new Executive Director and CEO, Brooke Minto, will be joined by consulting curator Ann Dumas, curator at the Royal Academy in London, to lead us through a variety of private museum visits, day trips outside the city, and culinary experiences.

We’ve scheduled this trip in advance of the busy Paris travel season which will increase toward the end of May with the French Open and preparation for the Summer Olympics. The time is right so reserve your spot now!

We’ll stay in a 5-star boutique hotel in the emblematic district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the heart of the Left Bank. Saint-Germain-des-Prés has a vibrant and cosmopolitan yet village-like feel. With its mix of culture and heritage, everything is at your doorstep – cafés, brasseries, luxury boutiques, art galleries, street markets and the beautiful and cherished Luxembourg Gardens. Our schedule will allow you time to do some exploring, eating, and shopping on your own in this charming neighborhood.

Some highlights of this magnificent trip will include:

8 nights at a 5-star avant-garde hotel featuring bold and innovative art installations and state of the art fitness center, sauna and spa. Daily breakfast included.
Private tours by Ann Dumas of some of Paris’ iconic museums on days when they are closed to the public.
Daily fine dining as a group for either lunch or dinner, in Paris and other cities we visit.
Transportation daily and to and from the airport in Mercedes Sprinters with English-speaking drivers.
Private morning hands-on cooking class in English; then we’ll enjoy the 3-course lunch we’ve created…with wine, of course!
Guided tour and private dinner in the Orangery of the Château de Vaux le Vicomte, a stunning 17th-century French castle and meticulously manicured French gardens with geometric layouts and impressive water features.
Private guided tour of the Louis Vuitton Foundation…an iceberg in the middle of Paris, a glass cloud floating above the Bois de Boulogne… designed by the architect Frank Gehry and comprising 11 galleries on three floors, this glass ship promises to take you on a voyage through contemporary and modern art.
Unique, private, guided backstage, public spaces and sewing workshops tour at Opera Garnier.
Guided tour of the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum. An essential place of culture in Paris, it is recognizable for its famous green wall designed by botanist Patrick Blanc.
Private guided walk-through of Claude Monet’s home and garden in Giverny where we will realize why these places inspired the master of Impressionism. We will see the famous Japanese bridge, stroll around the water lily pond and blooming flower garden, then tour the house which looks exactly as it did in Monet’s times.
Guided visit of the Porcelain of Sèvres manufactory and museum, highlighting the intricate designs, delicate craftsmanship, and historical significance of the remarkable collection of Sèvres porcelain.
Enjoy a last evening together with a stunning cruise on the Seine River with a 3-course dinner.

Special notes:

Your trip guides will be Brooke Minto, CMA’s Executive Director and CEO; Ann Dumas, CMA’s consulting curator of European art, and Lucy Ackley, CMA’s Executive Deputy Director of Advancement.

You should plan to take an overnight flight, leaving on Friday, May 10, arriving on Saturday, May 11.  Our trip prices and planning do not include your airfare – you’ll need to make those arrangements yourself. (Lucy will be happy to advise.)

Check out from our hotel is Sunday, May 19.

This Art Escapes trip is only open to CMA Members.

Please contact Lucy (contact info below) to find out the flight that she and Brooke will take so you may try to be on that flight if you wish.

Cost of the trip:

Double Occupancy: $11,500 per person

You and your spouse/partner; or you and a roommate – some of you may be interested in rooming with another traveler and Lucy will happily try to facilitate that connection.

Single Occupancy: $13,500 person

One person – private room

50% trip deposit ($5,750 double occupancy; $6,750 single occupancy) due at the time you register. The remainder is due by March 8. All payments are non-refundable.

Please email or call Lucy Ackley, lucy.ackley@cmaohio.org or 614.629.0351 with questions.

Travel with Columbus Museum of Art