Want to see Paris without a lot of crowds?  Then consider visiting in August when most Parisians leave the city for their vacation.  This is especially advantageous if you are driving as traffic is much lighter.  Public transportation is also less crowded.  You may have to contend with some smaller stores being closed, but there is still an endless number of things to see and do.  Paris can have warms days in August, so make sure you reserve a hotel with air conditioning.  Evening weather is quite lovely and with the extended daylight hours (light until about 9:30 pm), you can enjoy Paris late into the evening.

Having just spent 10 days in Paris leading a private tour, I found that getting around Paris was much easier than normal.  We were only disappointed by a few shop or restaurant closures, but Paris is full of lots of other choices.  We took advantage of the long days with pleasant evenings and scheduled some of our activities late in the day to make sure we covered everything we planned.  From visiting museums and beautiful cathedrals, cruising on the Seine River, enjoying the Moulin Rouge, fine dining, exploring the flea market, and delighting in delicious bakeries, tea houses, and chocolate shops, we experienced a generous slice of what Paris has to offer.

Be prepared for lots of walking as Paris is best explored on foot (or bicycle), even though public transportation is readily available and reasonably priced.   Concentrating on one area per day will reduce the amount of walking required, however, and allow you to explore an area in-depth. Paris has recently introduced a wonderful system of inexpensive bike rentals throughout the city where you pick up at one location and drop off at a different location.  Outdoor cafés are easily found throughout Paris in summer and are an inviting place to watch the world go by while sipping a delicious espresso or relaxing glass of wine.  Even with all the architectural beauty and rich history that Paris exudes, enjoying a few relaxing moments in a neighborhood bistro or park remains one of my favorite ways to embrace Paris and experience la belle vie!

Effective June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens entering the United States by land or sea (in addition to entry by air) must present a valid passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. Other photo ID (such as a drivers license) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) will no longer be allowed. Children under the age of 16 who are U.S. citizens, however, will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card. You can obtain more information at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

October 5 – 12, 2008, Women-only Tour to Tuscany! Jan Acorn, owner of Gateway Destinations, had the pleasure of leading a small group of ladies into the heart of Tuscany, Italy for eight days in October. We began with a guided walking tour of Florence, a delicious welcome dinner at a local trattoria to get to know each other, and spent the next morning exploring on our own before venturing into the countryside for the rest of the week. Our countryside adventure began in the Chianti region during the bustling grape harvest season and included cooking classes, wine tasting, an introduction to olive oil,  market visit, tour of Meleto Castle and much more! Our journey continued further south where we shopped and explored Siena and numerous charming villages, picked chestnuts and wild porcini mushrooms, enjoyed lunch in an authentic country kitchen, and picnicked in picturesque Pienza – all while residing at a luxurious thermal spa resort.  Read more about some of the highlights of this women’s journey.

Two delicious evenings were spent in authentic country kitchens as our guests learned to cook treasured Italian family recipes with the Tuscan Mamas. Located in the heart of Tuscany, this cooking school resides in the beautiful forested hills of the Chianti region. From stuffed zucchini flowers, risotto with local fresh mushrooms, to gelato with fresh citrus and limoncello liqueur to name some of the dishes, our dinners were heavenly and fun to prepare. Join us in 2009 as we return for more cooking in this beautiful region of Italy!

Thermal Spa Indulgence in Italy

Our 8-day escorted women’s tour to Italy in October was rounded out by spending several relaxing days at Adler Thermae, a beautiful 5-star natural thermal spa resort in southern Tuscany. Overlooking an expansive valley filled with Cyprus trees, vineyards and olive orchards and located on a picturesque hillside in the tiny village of Bagno Vignoni, this resort has it all. It is blessed with non-odorous thermal water and unbelievable views. The rooms are spacious, well-appointed and all have views of the outdoor pools and valley below. The food and service are great, and the spa includes an array of fitness classes, exercise equipment and a wide variety of spa treatments. There are even bicycles available to tour the countryside.

Local Life in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia

Aah…the simple pleasures of life lived as a local under the Tuscan sun! Our guide introduced our small group of ladies to authentic country life in this region. We started the morning by picking and sorting chestnuts as well as harvesting wild porcini mushrooms (a rare find), then visited the home of his mother in Castledelpiano. We enjoyed homemade polenta made with chestnut flour, our fresh mushrooms and other tasty regional food, while enjoying young wine made by his brother that morning. All in all, a perfect expression of la dolce vita!