Finding the perfect getaway for a group of girls is no easy task. It can challenge even the best planner's creativity and patience while testing friendships to the nth degree. Priscilla Pilon's equation for the perfect girls' trip starts in Paris. In the following post, Priscilla tells us how she does it:
Paris is the perfect destination for our group of gals (affectionately referred to as The Gal Pals) whose interests vary greatly -- History, Art, Fine Dining, Wine and Fashion. Paris boasts incredible amounts of opportunities for each gal to pursue their interests which ensures that all members in our quad (Gal Pal Rules say that four is the optimum number for easy travel and dinner reservations) arrive back home fulfilled. As important as the number of travelers, the right mix of gal pals is essential. Like a cocktail -- the mix must be one part flexibility with two parts of humor perfectly blended and shaken, not stirred, for a fabulous time!
One's mind, while in Paris, must be open and allowed to breathe like a fine bottle of wine. So, a week is the suggested amount of time to be slowly and properly introduced to the most stylish city in Europe. I also suggest taking a sneak peak outside the city for a two-night jaunt to Reims, Dijon, Bordeaux or Normandy. If you don't have time for an overnight side-trip, I recommend taking a day tour to Reims. On one trip, we toured the castle Le Chateau de Conde, tasted and learned how champagne is made at Vadin-Plateau, toured the caves and tasted more champagne at the house of G.H. Mumm, and visited the Cathedral of Notre Dame. History and wine buffs in the group were completely satisfied, and we were back in Paris in time for a late supper!
While in Paris, we always tour at least one museum and/or church. Among our favorites is the Church of St. Denis with its amazing display of sarcophagi and the final resting places of many of the French Monarchy. Another "must-see" is the Musee Marmottan Monet in the 16th arrondissement. It hosts an enormous collection of Monet's Water Lily's presented in an old mansion allowing you to view it in a very intimate way.
What's left on the list for our quest for a perfect Paris trip now that we have art, history, and wine covered? Well, that leaves food and shopping! Regular Gal Pal favorite restaurants include L'Epi Dupin, Le Procope, La Tour D'Argent, BoFinger and Bouillon des Colonies. Our favorite cafes to perch for serious people-watching (where we get our fashion cues for our power shopping) are Cafe Marly, Cafe de Flore and Cafe de Deux Magots. We balance the prices, menus and geographic locations to suit the pocketbooks and personal tastes of the gals traveling and always add a new place to review on each trip so repeat Gal Pals never get bored!
A girls' trip is only successful if it involves great shopping. Fortunately for us, there is no shortage of chic boutiques in Paris. Women in Paris can afford to dress well (regardless of their income). There is a plethora of great labels sold in quaint, reasonably-priced boutiques that use yummy fabrics for their designs, emulating the best fashion designers in the world. When in the "zone," Gal Pals can hit 50 shops in one day! Favorite boutiques include Nina Kendosa, Maje, RB Boutique, Sandro, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Caroll and Gerard Darel.
Souvenirs in hand, new chic clothing packed in our luggage and memories to last a lifetime, the Gal Pals leave Paris wanting more and vowing to return the next year for another perfect girls' Paris getaway!
Priscilla Pilon, a true Francophile and writer of Weekend in Paris, travels to Paris every year. Her goal is to one day turn her high school-level French into a fluent conversation. Priscilla insists this will require many, many, many more trips to Paris to conquer! :)
