UNIQUE PARIS EXPERIENCES
1889 Experience is a Paris based creative travel agency that creates unique and extraordinary experiences for affluent individuals based around French excellence. Its journeys span across the luxury, arts, culture and gastronomy sectors. The company has extensive experience facilitating VVIPs, working with major luxury fashion designers during Fashion Week and Haute Couture visits. Its guides and ambassadors typically have 10 to 20 years of experience, and speak French, English, Mandarin, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. 1889 Experience has designed more than 250 unique and exclusive experiences. In this issue we take a look at Paris.
1. A DAY IN PARIS WITH A TRENDY TOP CHEF
Meet one of the trendiest young French chefs, Alexandre Giesbert, who will educate you on the new Parisian gastronomic scene. Le Figaro calls him “one of the most brilliant restauranteurs in Paris.” Giesbert is one of the leaders in a new generation of chefs who have jostled the codes of Parisian gastronomy. Today he runs three of the most sought-after restaurants in Paris, including Roca, Roco, Rococo and Daroco.
You will be at his for a day giving you an inside understanding of the profession. He will open doors and you will meet the best chefs and craftsmen in Paris. A trip to a classic French food market for on-the-go, gourmet tasting sessions is followed by lunch in a trendy Parisian restaurant. Afterwards, you have the chance to tour the kitchens and menu taste with the chefs. Finally, meet the mixologist of the moment, Thibault Méquignon, and, after the ‘apéro’ dine with Alexandre in one of his restaurants.
2. ENCOUNTER WITH A WORLD’S BEST SOMMELIER
A major player in the world of wine and gastronomy, Enrico Bernardo is believed by many to be the world’s best sommelier and was voted as such in 2004. He worked at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm, in restaurant Troisgros in Roanne, and at the Four Seasons George V in Paris, where he created a cellar of 60,000 bottles. According to Forbes, “Bernardo became the youngest world champion sommelier when he achieved the title in 2004 at the age of 27.”
For this excursion, you will go to Berardo’s wine cellar, where you will meet him personally and get the chance to taste some of his favorite bottles. After working your way through a tasting among Barolo, Jaboulet, Riesling, Damana, Côte de Nuits, Pinot Noir and Burgundy with him, enjoy lunch at his Michelin starred restaurant Il Vino, where as one would expect the food is paired perfectly with the wine.
3. LUNCH AND FRENCH ETIQUETTE LESSON
Featured in the likes of Vogue, Veranda and How to Spend It, and renowned throughout the world, French Etiquette is a way of life for Madame Marie Daâge, a delicate balance of elegance, beauty and some ever so subtle rules. A large portion of Etiquette can be perfectly illustrated by how you dress your table, she says. The Madame will guide you through the French do’s and don’t’s in the utmost, authentic way. Within the privacy of her typically, chic, Parisian apartment, Madame Daâge will educate you on French Etiquette. This will follow with a lesson in French table dressing and to finish an exquisite lunch prepared by a top chef for the occasion. Not to be missed, this journey will put you at ease and in good company when in high society!
4. THE WORLD OF BESPOKE MEN’S SHOES
Meet the master shoe makers at Corthya or Berluti. A member of the atelier will give you exclusive tour of the workshop where the entire purpose is making you the perfect boot. You will discover the creative process and unique skill-set of the boot maker. You will see his wooden molds that are tailor-made and get an explanation of he sources from the highest cuts of leathers. You will see an art the combines striking a delicate balance between purpose and aesthetics, you will learn that a shoe requires weeks of work and can be made of up to 250 components; From the upper, the vamp, the sole, the back, to the eyelets, every piece has been carefully considered and adapted to the wearer. The atmosphere in this spacious atelier is both woody and opulent, allowing you to live a real sensory experience as you marvel at the displays of leathers, ranging from calf, ostrich, elephant, python and crocodile skins. You can also have your own commission.
5. DISCOVER THE UNIVERSE OF ELSA SCHIAPARELLI
Elsa Schiaparelli was an Italian fashion designer. Along with Coco Chanel, her greatest rival, she is regarded as one of the most prominent figures in fashion between the two World Wars. In this case, visit this iconic French Maison, Place Vendôme. Accompanied by a brand ambassador, discover the world of Schiaparelli whose collaborations included Salvador Dalí, Leonor Fini, Méret Oppenheim, and Alberto Giacometti.
During the visit you will grasp the intricacy of the design process, tracing the creative work from sketch to signature Schiaparelli dress. After handling the materials and posing any questions you may have to the ambassador, enjoy a glass of Champagne in the Maison’s grand private salon with its breathtaking view over Place Vendôme.
