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Hello all — Welcome back dear readers!

I hope you have had a wonderful summer (or winter if you are my cherished readers from Down Under).

Are you ready for an exciting fall season reading my blog and perhaps traveling to Paris!

I am always looking for fun new things to experience in Paris and its environs.

So here are Three Activities that I personally plan to do this fall!

 

The Hop-On-Hop Off Boat Tour

 

  1. Hop-On-Hop Off Seine Boat Tour

You have likely heard of a Hop-On-Hop Off Bus Tour. Almost every city offers them as fun and inexpensive ways to get a quick feel for their city.

However, I can’t wait to try this because instead of a bus, this tour takes you by boat along the Seine. It stops at eight different locations, passing by major landmarks, while allowing you to get off and sightsee then get back on when you want.

You can purchase a one-day or two-day ticket. I  plan to make a whole day of it, getting on board early and exploring each stop. I am hoping to time the last boat at twilight to go by the Eiffel Tower when it is lit up.

One Day Pass Approx. $26 CAD/$20 USD Two Day Pass $28 CAD/$21 USD*

Link to purchase — Hop-On-Hop Off Seine Boat Tour

 

Chateau de Chambord

 

  1. Loire Valley Castles Tour 

Lots of people ask me if there are any one day trips that I think are worth exploring outside of Paris, especially for those visitors on a short holiday. This one I have yet to try myself but will be doing so in September.  It is a full day trip to visit the spectacular Loire Valley.

 

Cycling in the Loire. Also on my list.

 

“This part of France is dotted with magnificent castles that once housed the country’s nobility and on this expertly crafted tour, you’ll get to live like one of them! Enjoy a three-course lunch, wine tastings, and the chance to wander the halls of astounding châteaux such as ; Château de Chambord, Château de Nitray, Château de Chenonceau, which features gardens cultivated by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici.”

$225 CAD/$170 USD*

Link to purchase — Loire Valley Castles Tour 

 

Cooking Class with A Parisian Chef

 

  1. Lunch Cooking Class

I have written about how to enjoy a home-cooked meal with a French family through Mamaz Social Food, which is my preferred way to eat out with locals.

But a Cooking Class is another great way to meet new people while learning to cook a few French specialties from a Parisian chef.  This one comes highly recommended and I hoping to try it.

“Treat yourself to some great French dishes in this unique cooking adventure. Join an energetic, Parisian-led cooking class, and try out new cuisine.”

 

Le Marais Market Photos

 

“Shop at the local market, and transform your market selections into superb dishes as you cook together. Dine and learn about French food culture.”

$185 CAD/$140 USD*

Link to purchase — Lunch Cooking Class

I am in! Keep Ya Posted.

*All prices are rounded out and subject to fluctuate slightly due to changing currency rates.

These offerings are all provided by Viator.com 

 

See more of my blogs at  www.womanofacertainageinparis.com

Disclosure Policy: This site uses affiliate links which may generate small commissions based on clicks and purchases. Any products that I giveaway are personally purchased by me unless otherwise specified. I also write all content on my site unless otherwise specified. And I respect the privacy of my subscribers and do not share their information with any other party or organization.

28 Comments

  1. ChristineCamm on August 25, 2019 at 7:58 am

    Spot on!!!!
    You always come up with great ideas!

    • Diana Bishop on August 25, 2019 at 8:48 am

      You are too kind Christine. I hear that you are in Canada! I hope you are enjoying yourself. Diana

  2. Luci Rizzo on August 25, 2019 at 8:33 am

    The castle tour sounds fantastic. The on off bateau bus thats another must do! Next year we will have a full list if things to do. Thanks Diana!

    • Diana Bishop on August 25, 2019 at 8:48 am

      Always great to hear from you Luci — a few mistakes in this blog this week. I am rusty being back from a few weeks
      hiatus. But I have corrected them on the website.

      I am really excited about the Loire tour! Thank you for your comment. Diana

  3. Chris Keiser on August 25, 2019 at 9:20 am

    Every one of these ideas sounds exciting. Can’t wait to hear all about your adventures in Paris.

    • Diana Bishop on August 25, 2019 at 10:45 am

      Hi Chris,
      Always love hearing from you. Yes, I am certainly looking forward to these tours
      and writing about them in my blog. Best to you, Diana

  4. Lea on August 25, 2019 at 10:12 am

    Castle tours are fun. Many of the castles also have their own vineyards. I did white wines in Loire Valley and rosés in St. Emilion region.

    • Diana Bishop on August 25, 2019 at 10:44 am

      Thanks Lea,

      I am really looking forward to that tour. Yes, there is a vineyard visit at one of the castles and
      lots of wine to taste. Diana

  5. Shardie Stevenson on August 25, 2019 at 10:39 am

    Oh La la Diana! The Loire Castle tour and the cooking class sound absolutely wonderful! And an evening cruise on the Seine …. lovely!!
    I so wish I were travelling tParis again this fall with you! ? I’ll be there in spirit ❤️

    • Diana Bishop on August 25, 2019 at 10:43 am

      Me too! But there will lots of opportunities for you to visit with me!
      Diana

  6. Tamara Thompson on August 25, 2019 at 11:00 am

    Glad to have you back Diana! Missed reading about Paris and all of the wonderful adventures. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into this formidable destination. Looking forward to Women of a Certain Age in Paris this FALL!!! -Tamara

    • Diana Bishop on August 26, 2019 at 11:05 am

      Tamara, I am so glad to hear that you missed my blog! Thank you. I am very excited about starting another year at this process. It has brought me such joy and so glad that people are enjoying my journey. I hope to see you in Paris one of these days. Diana

  7. Trudy Van Buskirk on August 25, 2019 at 2:52 pm

    Unfortunately I had a debilitating stroke in 2005 when I was only 55 and can’t travel now so I enjoy looking at your pictures. I went to Aix en Provence then Paris in the summer of 1971 when I was 21. I recently looked at some old photo albums and saw the photo of the Eiffel Tower I took then!!! Keep writing about Paris … and I’ll keep reading your posts 🙂

    • Diana Bishop on August 26, 2019 at 11:03 am

      Trudy,
      I am so glad you are reading my blog — and will keep writing. Thank you for this comment. Diana

  8. Catherine Willis-O'Connor on August 25, 2019 at 9:24 pm

    Excellent selection of things to do. Paris and its surrounding chateaus are simply breathtaking – so enjoy!
    Twink

    • Diana Bishop on August 26, 2019 at 11:02 am

      Lots of write about in the City of Light! Thanks Twink! Keep your comments coming. Diana

  9. mary lu toms on August 26, 2019 at 9:45 am

    sounds like an amazing trip. i will look forward to your posts!

    • Diana Bishop on August 26, 2019 at 11:01 am

      Thanks Mary Lu — hope you can join me in Paris one of these days!

  10. Cathy on August 27, 2019 at 11:44 am

    I was so excited to see this blog as we have just booked to go to Paris in November, then we will head to Germany for the Christmas Markets. The HopOn HopOff is something we did plan to do. We did both boat and bus Hop on Hop off in Amsterdam earlier this year and it was a great way to see the sights and travel, rather than worrying about other transportation. Thanks Diana for the other suggestions.

    • Diana Bishop on August 27, 2019 at 5:27 pm

      Cathy, Welcome to my blog! Delighted to have you as a subscriber. Exciting about your upcoming trip to Paris. Another service that is FREE that you might enjoy during your stay is PARIS GREETERS..here is the link to my blog about that —-https://womanofacertainageinparis.com/travel-stories/visit-paris-with-a-parisian/
      Keep me posted. Diana

  11. Monika on September 1, 2019 at 11:56 am

    I love your posts! The hop on hop off boat is a lovely thing to do in Paris & it’s so relaxing! I loved it when I went with my daughter! ??❤️

    • Diana Bishop on September 1, 2019 at 5:08 pm

      Hi Monika,
      I am so glad to hear that I have been meaning to do this for sometime!
      Thank you for reading my blog! Diana

  12. Mary on September 2, 2019 at 1:09 pm

    Will be in Paris in a few weeks and plan to make use of the hop on hop off boat tour. Traveling with my MiL. While I would walk everywhere I could (though I’m no spring chicken), I think the boat might be an easier way to get her around to see places in the time we have there before we head off on the rest of our trip. Thanks for the link.

    • Diana Bishop on September 2, 2019 at 8:49 pm

      Love getting your comments Mary! I hope you enjoy the Seine “bus”!
      And remember to book it through my blog! Many thanks, Diana

      • Mary on October 7, 2019 at 8:18 am

        Just returned from overseas…as it turned out, my MiL could not handle all the steps quay-side, so we weren’t able to use the hop-on hop-off boat and ended up having to give the taxis of Paris an economic boost during our visit. Sigh. It turned out to be a good thing that I had held off booking tickets (was going to go through your site) because she seems a bit too “unsteady on her pins” in the days before we left for the trip. However, I hope that others may avail themselves of the service through your link.

        • Diana Bishop on October 8, 2019 at 10:21 am

          Hi Mary,
          Yes, I did not think to mention that. To get down to the boat there are steps and not easy for everyone.
          I will be writing about my experience with the Hop-On-Hop Off Seine Boat in an upcoming post and will mention
          the steps. Thank you for mentioning it. Thanks so much for your comment. Diana

  13. Mary A Lapointe on September 8, 2019 at 9:44 am

    Hi Diana,
    I have been traveling to France (along with many other countries) since the early ’70’s, often as a single woman. I enjoy reading your blog and comments.
    Your information and suggestions regarding Paris are especially apt.
    I have taken the boats along the Seine so many times that my last trip was with grandchildren!
    It never gets old. Being able to get off to explore different areas keeps everyone interested . My only suggestion is to bring hats and sunscreen.

    I have heard many people complain that the French are unfriendly. Not so, as you know.
    Would you please write a simple list of courtesies that the French appreciate when shopping, first meeting and greeting?

    I am planning my next foray to France now. So many places, it’s like a box of candy!
    Looking forward to your next issue.
    Boston Mary

    • Diana Bishop on March 8, 2020 at 7:41 pm

      Mary — I cannot believe that I didn’t see this email before this. Did you get to Paris?

      And you are on point. I am building a membership program for my blog and I will be including
      French lessons about key phrases to use when you visit France. I will keep you posted!
      People love to read the comments on my blog so please keep them coming. Diana

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