An Exclusive Week in Paris with Mystery Writer Cara Black

Please note that we may change this itinerary depending on changes in time or availability of some of our destinations. We’ll also adjust in case of weather or other unforeseen events.

Saturday, October 5
Depart from your home city for overnight travel to Paris. (Airfare not included in trip price.)

Sunday, October 6

Arrive in Paris and go by taxi or private car to the Hotel Relais Monceau described in Murder in Clichy, in the 8th arrondissement. The hotel is located in a typically charming Paris neighborhood with a delightful bakery across the street and lots of good restaurants and cafés. The Parc Monceau, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris, is just down the street.

Since people will be arriving at different times, the afternoon is free. There are plenty of sites to see in the neighborhood and if you wish to venture further, we have two metro lines near the hotel to whisk you away.

6 pm. Group joins Cara and Donna for wine and hors d’oeuvres in the hotel salon.

The price of the trip is $4,450 based on single occupancy. There are no single supplements to pay.

Here’s what’s included:

• Seven nights at the Hotel Relais Monceau in the 8th arrondissement
• Hot breakfast every morning, including bacon and eggs, with fresh squeezed orange juice
• Paris Navigo pass for Metro and buses
• Six-day museum pass
• Daily tours of Paris, four led by Cara
• Wine socials every evening with the Donna and Cara
• Paris par Arrondissement mapbook
• Four days with guided tours by Cara with Donna accompanying.  Other days are on your own or you can choose to do the activities proposed on the itinerary with Donna.
• Directions for how to get to all the significant places on the trip by Metro or bus from the hotel, and how to return – plus guidance on what to see and where to eat
• Restaurant reservations made for you if you like. We’ll provide you with a list nearby restaurants as well a some away from the hotel
• Personal consultations with Donna to help you plan your days
• What’s not included: lunches and dinners, transport to and from the airport, tickets to museums and attractions not covered by the museum pass, your flight to Paris and back home and anything else not listed under “What’s included.”

How to Register for the Trip
Our friend Sheila Campbell, of Wild Blue Yonder Trips, handles the accounting for our trip. You can reserve your place with a $600 deposit, payable by check, made out to Wild Blue Yonder (Wild Blue Yonder, 1001 Spring Street, Suite 623, Silver Spring, MD 20910). If you’d rather pay with a credit card via PayPal (there’s a 3% surcharge), let us know (email Sheila at scampbell@wildblueyonder.biz and we’ll send you a PayPal invoice. Click here for the registration form.

Physical Requirements for This Trip
Please note that we travel around the city exclusively by Paris bus and Metro – and there almost no escalators or elevators in the Paris Metro system. Even the Louvre is short of easy access. Plus, of course, we’ll be taking several long walking tours. So you’ll need to be able to walk several long blocks at a time without a rest stop, and navigate flights of stairs.

Make sure to read all the Frequently Asked Questions and Terms and Conditions.

If you have more questions, you can contact:

Donna Morris
Best Friend in Paris
donna@bestfriendinparis.com

Here’s what a few of our previous guests have had to say about their week in Paris with Cara and Donna:

“Traveling to France alone was way outside my comfort zone but I am glad I did. I enjoyed the people I met and the hotel was nice. So much of what Cara describes in her stories was the way I imagined. Thank you for a great trip.” Sue

“When I first heard of this Paris trip I thought it would give me a new view of a place I had visited many times. The trip did that and also let me meet some wonderful people. Thanks to Cara I got to see how someone else formed a picture and a story. It was fascinating!” Martina

“Just adding my thanks for a splendid trip, well prepared and orchestrated, with excellent company all around. Cara, you are a brilliant weaver of fact and place and fiction. Donna, you are a savvy saint as well as a true best friend in Paris. And kind.” Rebecca

“Donna, you are amazing! The best part of what you provided was you. You are so much fun, have a delightful personality, and you made it a great experience. Your flexibility made the trip a richer experience than had you kept to a rigid schedule. You really listened to everyone’s individual wants and needs, and made it happen for each person.” Vicki

“I was such a delight to walk the streets of Paris with you and Cara. Glimpsing into Cara’s mind as she showed us where Aimée and Morbier lived, the schools, cafes and of course Deluc Detective Agency, revealed the level of detail she draws from her research. As a result, the high quality books we have come to love!!” Linda

“What a treat. There were so many things to remember about our trip. I especially enjoyed Cara’s and your guidance throughout. I’ll treasure the many hours of conversation.” Bill

"Highly recommend. I went in October 2018 (and met super-nice people, some of whom are now friends and get together regularly). We had lovely weather, and saw many off-the-beaten path sights, and Donna shared insider tips to popular places. Plus, sufficient free time to use the transportation and museum passes". Cathy

Who should come on this trip?
This is the perfect trip to take by yourself; you’ll make new friends and will always have people to do things with if you like. Or come with a friend or spouse or partner. You can spend time with each other and also have time to pursue your separate interests. The trip is also perfect for any small group that wants to travel together but doesn’t want the hassle of planning it all in advance.

Do note, though, that we travel primarily by Paris Metro – and there are very few escalators and virtually no elevators in the Metro system. Sometimes there are long walks even in the Metro when changing stations. You should be able to negotiate stairs and walk for some time on uneven pavement. Please see our Terms and Conditions – Health and Medical Issues for more detailed description.

How much does it cost?
The price of the trip is $4,450 based on single occupancy. There are no single supplements to pay.

Do I have to pay a single supplement?
No. This trip is priced based on each person having his or her own hotel room.

I’m coming with a spouse or partner and we want to share a room. Do we both have to pay the full rate?
For people who share a room, we offer a discount of $150 each. We’ve priced the trip primarily for people to have their own rooms, because French hotel rooms just aren’t as large as those in the U.S. But of course you can share a room if you prefer.

How many people will be on the trip?
The minimum number is 7 and the maximum number of people is 10.

When is the trip?
The trip begins on Sunday, October 6, and ends on Sunday, October 13. Since most flights to Paris are overnight, you’ll fly out from your home city on Saturday, October 5 to arrive Sunday morning, October 6 in Paris. Do note that if you arrive on one of the very early morning flights, your hotel room may not be ready for several hours. The hotel will store your luggage so you can set off to explore on your own.

Why do you call this a “trip” and not a “tour”?
We’ve included the things we like best about group travel, including the convenience of having someone plan daily itineraries. But there are lots of things we dislike about tours, so here’s how this trip is different:

• You’ll see Paris through the eyes of Cara Black and her fictional detective Aimée Leduc, visiting places most tourists have never been – maybe even never heard of.
• You’ll never board a tour bus (a city bus on your own, yes, but never a tour bus).
• You won’t follow a tour guide, trying to keep up through crowded museums, listening to canned lectures.
• You won’t be seated at long tables for big group meals at “We accept bus tours” restaurants.
• You won’t have early morning calls to leave the hotel.
• On several days, you have a choice of activity with Donna or you can take the day for your own interests.
• You’ll pay only for the things you actually do. You won’t be dragged to places you don’t care about.
• You only unpack and pack once – we’re not touring, but staying in Paris to really get to know it well.

Tell me about the trip leaders.
Cara Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 19 books in the Private Investigator Aimée Leduc series, which is set in Paris. Cara has received multiple nominations for the Anthony and Macavity Awards, a Washington Post Book World Book of the Year citation, the Médaille de la Ville de Paris—the Paris City Medal, which is awarded in recognition of contribution to international culture, among many honors. She spends lots of time in Paris and loves to introduce the city to others.

Donna Morris has lived in Paris for the last eleven years. She will become your best friend while you’re here. She created her company, Best Friend in Paris, in 2009 and spends her days exploring the city and sharing the treasures she’s discovered with her newfound friends. She speaks fluent French and has a passion for the food and wine of France.

What is the Hotel Relais Monceau like?
Most Americans, when they come to Paris, stay on the Left Bank. We love that area…except that it’s full of Americans. So we’ve chosen instead a typically French 4-star hotel in the 8th arrondissement, on the Right Bank. It’s in a beautiful, chic neighborhood where there are few other hotels – but within a block or two are a street market, an artisanal bakery, delightful cafés, Jacquemart André and Nissim de Camondo mansions and the Parc Monceau.

When you walk through the front doors of the hotel, there are quiet salons for you to relax in on either side, plus a small bar where they’ll open a bottle of wine for you and put your name on it for the next day if you like.

The bedrooms are simply furnished, but of a nice size by European standards. Windows open to the air, with classic French shutters to close at night for privacy and quiet. The bathrooms have double basins, plus a tub and shower and wooden floors. There’s a small dressing room area that can be closed off from both the bedroom and the hall, and most rooms have a hair dryer and mini-fridge.

We usually see few Americans at the hotel; most of the clientele are French or European. But the hotel staff speak English and are terrifically friendly and helpful.

What’s included in the breakfast?
Like many French hotels, the Relais Monceau offers a wide selection of croissants, rolls and pastries, cheeses, cold cuts, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, cereal, French yogurt and so on. But – unlike many continental hotels — they also have scrambled eggs and bacon or sausage and fresh-squeezed orange juice every day. And, of course, coffee, tea, other juices, still or sparkling water and milk.

Is there internet access at the hotel?
Yes, free WIFI comes with your room.

What will the weather be like?
Fall in Paris is typically cool. It may rain lightly on some days, but we don’t expect hard rain. Because of its latitude, Paris starts getting dark in the late afternoon – but then all the lights make the city sparkle. Paris weather can vary wildly from year to year, so our advice is to come prepared for just about anything. Bring clothes suited for cool weather, an umbrella, a jacket and – most important of all – very comfortable walking shoes.

What to wear?
Like most cities these days, people wear just about anything during the day in Paris. Jeans are fine. At night, if you’re eating in neighborhood restaurants, you don’t need to dress up – jeans or casual slacks or skirts are fine.

Why aren’t lunches and dinners included in the price?
Restaurants that accept tour groups are usually the last places we want to eat. And there are just so many delicious choices for meals in Paris that we want everyone to be free to eat where and when they want. One day you might eat a sandwich for lunch, looking out toward the Eiffel Tower; or you might choose to browse the food stalls at one of the many street markets. Alternatively, we often make lunch the biggest meal of the day, maybe even eating at a restaurant that would be too pricey at night. You’ll choose where you’ll eat, and with whom, and how much you want to spend.

I don’t speak French. Can you help me figure out what to eat?
Absolutely. We’ll provide a list of common menu terms, and let you know how to do things like ask for the check.

Is it safe to walk around by myself at night?
As in any city, it makes sense to be aware of your surroundings after dark. But in Paris it’s usually quite safe to be out on your own or with a friend in the evenings. What you do have to watch out for in Paris is pickpockets in the areas where there are lots of tourists. They’re wily, so we recommend that you leave most of your money, credit cards and passport in the safe in your room, just taking with you what you need for one day. A handbag that you can sling over your shoulder and tuck high under your arm (with a good zipper) works better than bags with long straps that dangle below your waist.

I’d love to come on this trip, but I already have a favorite hotel in Paris. Can I stay there?
Because we’ll be doing so much coordination from the Relais Monceau, and all our walking and transportation directions start there, we don’t think it’s practical to stay in another hotel. Plus, staying elsewhere would make getting to the evening wine and planning meetings difficult. Of course you can stay somewhere else, but the price of the trip wouldn’t change, so it wouldn’t be a good value.

Some friends are going to be in Paris while I’m there. Can they come along with us?
Because we want to keep our groups small, we can’t invite your friends to come with us on our daily excursions. But you can bring them to our evening get-togethers. Please give us a day’s notice, and there’s a €10 per person charge for the wine and snacks.

Do you require us to buy travel insurance?
We strongly encourage it. Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully to see our cancellation policy. Please be aware that trip insurance companies are very strict about what they will and won’t reimburse you for, so read their policies closely as well.

What are the physical requirements of the trip?
We travel around the city almost exclusively by city bus and Metro – and there are almost no escalators or elevators in the Paris Metro system. Even the Louvre is short of easy access. Plus, of course, we’ll be taking several walking tours. So you’ll need to be able to walk several long blocks at a time without a rest stop, and navigate flights of stairs.

If I want to stay longer than six days, can you arrange that?
Yes. There’s so much to do in Paris that you could easily stay another three or four days. You can stay on at the hotel if rooms are available and we can arrange this for you. Just let us know. You can also arrive early, but we may not be available to assist you with your days as we’ll be busy getting ready for arrivals.

Ready to pack your bags? Register here.

Please read this information carefully, as payment of a deposit represents your acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions.

Trip Prices
Trip prices include hotel accommodations on a single or double occupancy basis, breakfast at the hotel, daily public transportation passes, 6-day museum pass, Paris city maps, evening social events to plan the next day’s activities, and the services of the trip leaders as outlined in the trip description.

Not included in the trip price are entrance fees to museums and other attractions not included in the museum pass; public transportation costs outside of Paris Metro Zones 1 – 5; airfare and airline baggage fees; lunches and dinners; hotel, restaurant or airport tips; costs of passports and visas; personal expenses such as beverages, laundry or room service; internet wifi except as established in the trip description; airport transfers or any other services not specified in the trip description.

Registration and Payment

A deposit of $600 per person confirms your reservation. Deposits may be paid by check made out to Wild Blue Yonder, Inc., or credit card via PayPal. There is a 3% surcharge for PayPal.

Your deposit is refundable for two weeks from the date it is received by Wild Blue Yonder. Two weeks after the receipt of the deposit by Wild Blue Yonder, deposits are not refundable for any reason and will be forfeited if you cancel your trip reservation. Cancellations must be made in writing by either letter to Wild Blue Yonder or email to scampbell@wildblueyonder.biz. Cancellations become effective on the date they are received by Wild Blue Yonder.

Once your reservation deposit has been paid, you will receive a confirmation email and further information to help you plan your trip.

We reserve the right to cancel any reservations that are not paid in full at any time after the final payment is due. If you make your reservation after the final payment due date, payment in full will be required immediately.

Full final payment is due August 18, 2019. You may contact Donna Morris to see if the trip is sold out however if you are thinking of registering.

Cancellations and Refunds

For any cancellations made before August 4, 2019, you will forfeit your deposit but will be refunded any other other payments you have made. If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your notification, which must be made in writing either by email or letter. No refunds are possible after August 18, as we will have paid our hotel and vendors at this point. Again, we stress: Please buy trip cancellation insurance when you pay your deposit for this trip.

Changes to Your Reservation

If you would like to stay on for longer than the official days of the trip, we will make reservations for you at the hotel. Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy, you will be charged the single occupancy rate.

Travel Documents

You are responsible for securing your own passport, valid for at least six months after the completion of your trip. Please make sure there are at least two blank pages for visa stamps at Passport Control.

Health and Medical Issues

We welcome all travelers, but you must be in good health to participate in our trips. This trip requires a reasonable amount of walking – up to a mile, possibly uphill or on uneven pavements or cobblestone streets and streets without curb cuts. You must be able to climb several flights of stairs and board buses on your own. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance if you require the use of a wheelchair or have other personal needs; in such cases you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you, and you will have to incur the costs of taxis or other special transport.

If you are unable to navigate this amount of walking, you will not be able to participate fully in the trip, and we suggest you choose another type of trip. We cannot provide individual alternatives to the planned group activities. If your fitness level does not allow you to keep up with the group and/or travel on public transportation, you will be responsible for planning your own activities and for any additional costs incurred (for instance, but not limited to, personal taxis, train tickets and entrance fees).

Trip Insurance

We strongly recommend that you purchase both trip cancellation insurance and traveler’s medical and evacuation insurance for your trip. Please note: Medicare is not valid outside of the United States. Should you have to cancel your trip at the last minute, we cannot offer refunds because we will already paid the costs of your trip to our vendors.

Arrival and Departure Dates

It is your responsibility to make sure you arrive on the specified trip start date. We cannot refund part of your trip if you arrive late or leave early, unless you have notified us of your different start or end date by August 18.

Responsibility

The liability of Wild Blue Yonder and Best Friend in Paris, individually or jointly (referred to hereafter as Trip Planners), is strictly limited. In no event will the Trip Planners be liable for amounts in excess of the amounts payable to the Trip Planners in accordance with the terms hereunder, nor will Trip Planners be liable for any consequential indirect or incidental damages arising from this agreement. Trip Planners purchase accommodations, transportation and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing trip arrangements, and therefore will not accept responsibility and liability for wrongful, negligent or arbitrary acts or omissions of these independent contractors, their employees, agents or representatives.

Trip Planners are not liable for injury, damage, death, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by events not within our control, including but not limited to, without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, defects of any vehicle, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters or the negligence or default of any third party, nor for personal accidents.

In consideration of, and as part payment for, the right to participate in the trip, the undersigned, on behalf of himself, his dependents, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, agrees to release Best Friend in Paris, Cara Black, Wild Blue Yonder and their officers, employees, representatives or agents, and the tour operator and its officers, employees and agents, from liability for personal injury, death, property damage or loss suffered by any person in connection with this tour, even if caused by the negligence (but not the reckless, willful, or fraudulent conduct) of tour staff or other related persons or entities. In addition, by registering for this trip, the applicant certifies that he or she is mentally and physically capable of full participation in this tour. By registering for this trip, the participant agrees to all of the Terms and Conditions herein.

Trip Planners reserve the right to correct errors in advertised prices. We reserve the right to cancel an advertised trip, decline to accept a reservation or remove a person from a trip if it is determined by us to be in the best interests of the health, safety or general well-being of other trip participants. Should you be removed, you will not be entitled to any refund for unused or missed services or costs incurred as a result of termination of your travel arrangements, including, without limitation, return travel, accommodations, meals and incidentals.

We will make every effort to conduct our trip as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary and other changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will make every effort to select alternative accommodations of the same quality. The forgoing terms and conditions and all aspects of the relationship between Trip Planners and you shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland.