We are guests at the Victoria Palace Hotel, a landmark since 1913 in the heart of Paris' Left Bank. Situated just off the lively rue de Rennes, it captures the spirit of a neighborhood renowned for its artistic vitality and sheer enjoyment of life. The tastefully appointed rooms with their Louis XVI décor are designed with every modern amenity.

Sunday

We spend our day in Normandy. Our first visit is to the Château de Victot, a splendid estate for horses in the Pays d'Auge. Pierre Aumont, a former owner, was the General Purveyor of horses to Napoléon's Grande Armée. For roughly two centuries, the finest horses have been bred here. The château's extraordinary roof with rare scalloped tiles is a summary of the evolution of the art of polychrome architecture between the Middle Ages and the Classical Period. Then, nearby, we are guests at a 16th century Colombage-style manor house under restoration. The cider press built in 1749 is particularly noteworthy. The owners share the story of their labor of love. Our next stop is a traditional fromagerie where we enjoy a dégustation of Norman cheeses along with Calvados, the region's famous apple brandy. En route back to Paris, we stop at the 17th century Champ de Bataille, Jacques Garcia's shamelessly sumptuous château. His resplendent collection of rare and royal objets d'art is a showcase of French taste at its height. The evening in Paris is free.

Monday

We travel to Reims, famous for the world's finest champagne. We are privileged guests at the historic Champagne House of Veuve Clicquot. The dynamic Madame Clicquot had as her motto "only one quality...the finest". She was a perfectionist who presented her champagne to all the great courts at a time when Europe was torn by war. We indulge in the Veuve Clicquot style, dominated by the grands crus of Pinot Noir and faithful to blends from the last century. Before returning to Paris, we visit the famous Gothic Cathedral where the coronation of Charles V took place and then spend free time in the city. We enjoy dinner at a fun-spirited restaurant in Paris known for its fabulous soufflés.

Tuesday

Our last day is spent in Paris discovering exceptional luxuries. We begin our day with a private visit to the Jacquemart-André Museum. Often compared to the Frick Collection, this palatial residence houses the many masterpieces carefully accumulated by a husband and wife who shared a love affair with art. We then have lunch at the Viaduc des Arts known for its fascinating workshops dedicated to the time-honored decorative arts. In the afternoon, we visit the Atelier Le Tallec where hand-painted porcelains are painstakingly crafted according to strict rules dating back centuries. The studio's elegant Directrice, Laurence de la Grange, explains this opulent art, and in particular, how the founder's collection of antique porcelains and enamels have inspired even the most original contemporary designs. Next we stop at Cartier for a rare visit to the inner sanctum where we try on spectacular jewelry removed from the vaults. And finally, we end our luxury visits with a stop at Hermès, renowned for its perfectly designed leather goods. Once again, we enjoy a special entrée to the private museum located above the boutique. Dinner is at L'Orangerie, one of Paris' most romantic restaurants in the heart of the Ile Saint Louis. The wood beams, exceptional floral arrangements and intimate candle lighting set the stage for the classical cuisine.