Paris: Treasures Renewed

a Trip with Politics & Prose

September 13 - 21, 2026

If you haven’t been to Paris in the last several years, there’s so much new and revived in the city that we’ve designed a whole trip around it. Notre Dame has re-opened to rave reviews. New museums have been created; old ones revamped and remodeled. Naturally, we’ll spend quite a bit of time exploring the recently restored magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral. On another day, we’ll visit the Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis, the very first Gothic cathedral ever built, and the traditional burial place of the kings and queens of France.

We’ll enjoy the spectacular architecture and art at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, designed by American architect Frank Gehry. In fashion, we’ll see the new museum La Galerie Dior, a glimpse into French haute couture and a celebration of Christian Dior’s designs and those of his successors.

The Musée Carnavalet has re-opened after years of renovation with its intriguing galleries showcasing the history of the city. Nearby on the Place des Vosges, called the most beautiful square in Paris, are the restored apartments of Victor Hugo, who wrote The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

And all Paris is talking about the fabulous apartments on view at the historic Hotel de la Marine on Place de la Concorde.

We’ll also travel outside the city to the historic chateau of Chantilly. Our visit includes a tour of the impressive public rooms, including its art museum whose collection is said to be second only to that of the Louvre. We’ll also have our own guided tour of the luxurious private apartments.

We’ll move through the Paris by Metro and bus; you’ll have your own Paris Navigo pass. Our boutique hotel is located in the stylish 8th arrondissement near the Parc Monceau, said by many to be the most beautiful park in Paris. The hotel serves a full breakfast with eggs, meats, breads, pastries and fruit. Very nearby is the rue de Lévis, a market street full of cafés, patisseries, boulangeries, fruitiers, chocolatiers and boutique stores.

Most evenings, we’ll meet in a hotel salon to sample French wines and discuss the days’ events. For dinner, we’ll break into small groups to enjoy the panoply of restaurants nearby.

Monday, September 21, 2026

Depart for home or on to your next adventure.

The price for the trip is $5875. You’ll have your own room without paying an additional single supplement. To reserve your space, register here: www.wildblueyondertrips.com/trip-registration.

Before signing up, be sure to read all the Frequently Asked Questions and Terms and Conditions. If you have more questions, contact trip leader:

Sheila Campbell

scampbell@wildblueyonder.biz

301 587-4555

To secure your space, mail your deposit check, made out to Wild Blue Yonder in the amount of $640, to Sheila Campbell, Wild Blue Yonder, 1001 Spring Street, Suite 623, Silver Spring, MD 20910. If you’d prefer to pay by credit card (there’s a 3% surcharge), email contact Sheila at scampbell@wildblueyonder.biz and she’ll send you a Paypal invoice.

What’s Different about Traveling with Politics & Prose

Our trips never require you to pay a single supplement if traveling solo. Nor do we move from hotel to hotel every few days; you’ll unpack only once for the trip. You’ll choose where you prefer to eat lunch and dinner rather than have limited choices on large group meals. We generally leave the hotel each day around 10am, so you don’t have to wake up uncomfortably early. And our maximum group size is 18 people.

- Two trip leaders every day to help you enjoy your time in Paris

- A representative from Politics & Prose bookstore to enhance our reading

- All nights at the four-star Relais Monceau Hotel in the lovely 8th arrondissement

- Full hot breakfast every morning

- Admissions to every museum or other site mentioned in the itinerary

- Navigo pass for the Paris Metro, buses and regional trains

- Restaurant recommendations for lunches and dinners

- Wine and conversation socials with the trip leaders on most evenings

What’s not included: lunches and dinners, tickets to museums and attractions not listed on the itinerary, your flight to Paris and back home or anything else not listed under “What’s included.”

A Few Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I’ve actually never been to Paris. Should I come on this trip?

What we’re not visiting on the trip are some of the most iconic places in Paris: the Louvre Museum, the Musée D’Orsay, or the Eiffel Tower, for instance. But you will have time to go there on your own if you like (with guidance from the trip leaders). You can also choose which of the “official” activities you might like to skip to go off on your own or with a friend.

Q. 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 who want to travel together but don’t want the hassle of planning it all in advance.

Do note 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 must be able to negotiate several flights of stairs and walking on uneven pavement.

Q. Can I come early or stay on for some extra days?

Absolutely. If you let us know the exact dates you plan to arrive and depart, we’ll can alert the hotel to expect you for those extra nights. You’ll pay for them directly to the hotel when you get get there.

Q. Do I need a visa to visit France?

You probably will. The EU has announced that they’ll start a visa program sometime in the next few months. We’re monitoring the situation closely, and as soon as the visa program opens, we’ll send you directions on how to apply. (If it’s like the recent UK visa program, it will be not too expensive and easy to manage.)

Q. 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.

Q. How many people will be on the trip?

The maximum number of people is 18, so you won’t feel like you’re part of a huge group – especially since there are two trip leaders to break us up into smaller sections.

Q. 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 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

- You only unpack and pack once – we’re not touring, but staying in Paris to really get to know it well.

- If you’re traveling alone, we make sure you get to know the other people on the trip in our evening get-togethers. Because this is a trip sponsored by a bookstore, we always have the most interesting people with us – people who read!

Q. Tell me about the trip leaders.

Sheila Campbell of Wild Blue Yonder has been organizing informal groups of travelers for years – often on hiking trips in France, England, Italy and Spain. In her day-to-day work, she was a group retreat leader who understands how to ensure everyone is involved and having a memorable experience. She and Donna Morris have been designing and leading trips for P&P for twelve years – to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco and England. Sheila lives in Washington, DC, where she has been a volunteer at the National Gallery of Art for many years.

Donna Morris, an American originally from North Carolina, has lived in France since 2006. With Sheila, she’s one of the founders of the Politics & Prose travel program. She’s fluent in French, travels frequently all over Europe and is an expert navigator of European cities and sites. Plus she REALLY knows Paris!

Q. 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 neighborhood where there are few other hotels – but within a block or two are a street market, an artisanal bakery, delightful cafés, the 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.

Q. 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.

Q. Is there internet access at the hotel?

Yes, free wifi comes with your room.

Q. What will the weather be like?

It’s hard to predict these days. Usually September in Paris is much like Washington’s weather. Our advice is to come prepared for just about anything. Bring an umbrella, a light jacket and – most important of all – very comfortable walking shoes.

Q. What to wear?

Like most cities these days, people wear just about anything during the day in Paris. Jeans are fine; shorts tend to be seen mostly on the young. At night, if you’re eating in neighborhood restaurants, you don’t need to dress up–casual slacks or skirts are fine. Of course, for any place where you need a reservation, you’ll want to dress appropriately. And even the French are often now choosing comfort over style for shoes.

Q. 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, sitting in the Tuileries gardens looking over the Seine; 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.

Q. 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.

Q. 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. One reason we chose the Relais Monceau is that we love the neighborhood – and it feels like a real neighborhood. Within a block or two are artisanal bakeries, little bistros and cafés, a street market, and a Metro stop – plus the jewel of Paris parks, the Parc Monceau.

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. And remember not to sling your handbag over the back of a chair in a café; that makes it a very tempting target.

Q. 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.

Q. 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 euro per person charge for the wine and snacks.

Q. When do I need to sign up by?

The sooner you put down your deposit, the better. The Relais Monceau is a small hotel, and the rooms go quickly. We’re limiting the size of the group, so it’s best to reserve as soon as you think you’d like to come.

Q. I understand that Donna and Sheila will always be available by phone, but what if I don’t have an international cell phone?

Check with your cell provider to see if you can buy an international calling package for the time you’re here. Of course, you’re not required to have a phone while in Paris; that’s up to you. If you bring a laptop, smartphone or iPad, you can always use What’s App over wifi; that’s one of the least expensive ways to reach people.

Q. Do you require us to buy travel insurance?

We very strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance. Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully to see our cancellation policy. Be aware that trip insurance companies are very strict about what they will and won’t reimburse you for, so read their policies closely. If you’re on Medicare, remember that it doesn’t cover medical treatment outside of the U.S., so you’ll definitely want healthcare coverage.

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 transportation as mentioned in the itinerary, entrance fees to museums if with the group as listed in the itinerary, evening socials 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 expressly included; taxis or other forms of city transportation; 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.

Please note that we cannot guarantee any special requests for hotel rooms.

Registration and Payment

The payment of your deposit 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, except for deposits made less than 60 days before a trip departs; those deposits are completely nonrefundable. 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 in writing by either letter to Wild Blue Yonder or email to scampbell@wildblueyonder.biz. Cancellations become effective on the date they are receiveed by Wild Blue Yonder.

Please note that, should a covid pandemic recur after trip deposits have been paid, no refunds will be possible (the funds will now be in France), but we will reschedule the trip as soon as possible with no change in price.

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 June 1, 2026.

Cancellations and Refunds

For any cancellations made before June 1, 2026, you will forfeit your deposit but will be refunded any 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 June 1, 2026.

We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance when you pay your deposit for this trip.

Travel Documents

You are responsible for securing your own passport, valid for at least six months after the completion of the trip.

Health and Medical Issues

We welcome all travelers, but you must be in good health to participate in our trips. Our trips require a reasonable amount of walking, possibly several hours a day, uphill or on uneven streets or streets without curb cuts. You must be able to climb stairs and board trains and buses on your own.

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).

We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance if you require the use of a wheelchair or have other individual needs. Because we travel on Metro and city buses, you would not be able to fully participate in this trip.

Trip Insurance

We strongly recommend that you purchase both trip cancellation insurance and traveler’s medical and evacuation insurance for your trip. Should you have to cancel your trip after you have paid in full, we cannot offer refunds other than specified above, because we will have 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.

Responsibility

The liability of Wild Blue Yonder and Politics & Prose, 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, 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.

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. 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.

We love to read about the places we’re visiting, and we suspect you do too. Here are some books meant to enhance your travel experience. Although there may be some discussion of books in our evening salons, this is NOT required reading.

Nonfiction

Paris in Ruins: Love, War and the Birth of Impressionism by Sebastian Smee. A great read on the impact of the Franco-Prussian War and how Impressionism began – plus a love story.

L’Appart: The Delights and Disasters of Making Paris My Home, by David Lebowitz. Let’s just say it’s not easy to move to Paris.

Americans in Paris: Life and Death under Nazi Occupation by Charles Glass. The story of famous and not-so-famous Americans who elected to stay in Paris through the occupation.

The Seine: The River That Made Paris by Elaine Sciolino. The author, longtime Paris bureau chief for the New York Times, describes the impact of the iconic river on the lives and activities of the French.

The House of Fragile Things: Jewish Art Collectors and the Fall of France by James McAuley. A heart-breaking description of the great Jewish families who donated their art collections and houses to France.

The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough

Letters to Camondo and The Hare with the Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal

Parisians: an Adventure History of Paris by Graham Robb. A series of true stories about important people in Paris’s history – with details you’ve never heard before.

The Hemingses of Monticello: an American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed. Although this book is primarily about Thomas Jefferson’s relationship to Sally Hemings and her family, much of it is set in Paris.

Fiction

The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer. A WWII novel about a Hungarian-Jewish architecture student; much of the book is set in Paris.

Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. A contemporary woman discovers a tragic story of the Holocaust linked to her Paris apartment.

Paris: The Novel by Edward Rutherford. This long novel traces linked families through the history of Paris; the descriptions of the building of the Eiffel Tower are particularly interesting.

Murder in the Marais by Cara Black. This the first in her series of contemporary mysteries set in Paris.

Abundance: a Novel of Marie Antoinette by Sena Jeter Naslund. Versailles was only a few miles outside of Paris, and this historical fiction is beautifully imagined.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley in the 20s.