Dear Friends of French Affaires,
I so enjoyed hearing from many of you after the last Newsletter. I have had interest shown in trips presently on offer at our website. I have made contact with former participants at French Affaires, as well as new people excited to be in contact. Some others were unaware of Elizabeth’s sudden passing. As you know, she had so many friends and supporters of her, and those who have appreciated her wisdom, kindness, intelligence and love of things beautiful. Thank you for reaching out.
This has also enabled me to evaluate the present climate for travel and where the interest is, now and in future years. I welcome your input here, if you wish to communicate.
Covid has really threw a curve ball at the travel industry, and French Affaires has had to learn to duck or develop a better batter’s eye. I am sure that Elizabeth would be proud to know that in spite of it all, her investments in French Affaires remain sound and that trips have continued and been appreciated.
Unsurprisingly perhaps, the greatest interest shown from input I have received is in the popular “Paris at the Holidays” (1-8 December 2022). I would encourage you to look at the trip on the website if you are at all interested, as well as at the photos posted last year . It is a fun trip at a fun time of the years. All the major department stores (“les enseignes”) compete for the prize of best window displays. Maud Hacker, our guide, is the historian at La Samaritaine.
Above you see the Eiffel Tower, illuminated every hour until midnight. Last year our post-dinner tour by bus was magnificent. The guide has missed his calling as a stand-up comedian. It is a great time of year, not too crowded. (When asked about the most expensive hotel room in Paris, he said, “the Apartment at Cheval Blanc. 30,000 euros. And that’s not touching the mini-bar.”) That night we dine at the restaurant made famous by Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson, le Grand Colbert.
If you are wanting a good get-away to France, let me encourage you to consider the “Paris at the Holidays” trip. Our niche hotel Duc de Saint Simon awaits French Affaires as always.
Bien á vous
Chris