Tour
the Paris of Courtesans
with Susan Griffin
Spend a memorable week in Paris
on a tour inspired by Susan Griffin’s
“The Book of the Courtesans, A
Catalogue of Their Virtues October 17th to October
23rd, 2010
Follow in the steps of famous courtesans:
Marie Duplessis, Ninon de Lenclos, Madame de Pompadour, Mogador, Jeanne Duval, Coco Channel and others!
Explore with Susan Griffin and hear her stories about
§ Neighborhoods and houses where they once lived
§ Paintings that depict them
§ Stories, novels and films about them
§ Theaters where they performed
§ Cafés and restaurants they frequented
§ Salons they attended
SUSAN GRIFFIN, poet, essayist, play and screenwriter will accompany our group to Paris this October. Her “Book of the Courtesans, A Catalogue of Their Virtues” adds a new dimension to our shared understanding not only of sexuality and women’s history but of the evolution of Western art and literature, the effects of beauty, the meaning of seduction and the mysteries of the erotic energy at the heart of both charm and power. “Often born to poverty, these women rose to unimaginable heights, gaining great personal wealth and fame. Unlike most upper class women, courtesans were allowed to mingle freely with men, attend salons, frequent cafés and artists’ studios, speak openly about forbidden subjects and hence were privy to an education rare for their gender. Many became accomplished as poets, novelists, philosophers, wits, painters and performers. Courtesans invented the Can-Can at the Moulin Rouge and presented celebrated acts at the Folies-Bergère.” Explore the ways they helped to influence and shape the sensibility of modern literature, painting and fashion. Please visit Susan's site at http://www.susangriffin.com
Ninon de Lenclos, whose opinion was so valued in 17th century Paris that when making a decision Louis the XIV frequently asked his courtiers, “What does Ninon think?”
Madame de Pompadour, a commoner elevated to the aristocracy by Louis XV when he made her his official mistress and patron of the arts.
Marie Duplessis, the famous courtesan who inspired Camille and La Traviata, who was impoverished and illiterate before she rose to be known as the best dressed and among the most cultivated women in Paris, only to die of tuberculosis at the age of 23.
Mogador also born to poverty, famous for dancing the Polka, who married a Count, supporting them both by writing novels.
Jeanne Duval, Baudelaire’s Haitian mistress who inspired many of the poems in Les Fleurs du Mal.
Coco Chanel, who once said, ” I was able to start a high fashion line of couture because two gentlemen were outbidding each other over my hot little body."
“Parisian Courtesan Haunts” with Susan Griffin!
RASA TRAVEL’s “Parisian Courtesan Haunts” tour with respected scholar and author SUSAN GRIFFIN is a unique opportunity to experience a side Paris rarely explored in the past. Susan will lead you to destinations where famous courtesans “made history” and influenced art, music and literature and along the way share her stories and insights.
WHY THIS TOUR? Each individual may have a very specific reason for joining us. No matter why you decide to go with us we will do our best to meet your expectations. Here are a few reasons why we think you will enjoy this unique trip:
1. You want to know more about the women who influenced art, literature and music of the 19th and 20th century Paris.
2. You are a fan of Susan Griffin and would love to spend time with her learning about this unique history of Paris.
3. You like personalized approach to travel in a small group of 12-15 interesting participants.
4. You like the convenience of having everything planned and pre-scheduled for you, so you will be able to focus on learning about this most interesting topic and have free time for rest and optional explorations.
5. You want to see the places “off the beaten” path of usual tourist attractions in Paris.
6. You prefer to have a clear picture of how much this trip will cost.
7. You have always wanted to go to France, but felt like you couldn’t do it on your own.
THE FOCUS OF THIS TRIP is to visit the places where famous courtesans “made history”. SUSAN GRIFFIN, respected American writer has many interesting stories to share with you and will illuminate a whole new side of Paris for you! We will visit the sites mentioned in her book “The Book of the Courtesans, A Catalogue of Their Virtues”. Susan is a “walking encyclopedia” of French history, literature and art. She will be available to you during the week to answer questions and shine a light on a part of history rarely discussed in the past.
Accommodations: We will be staying in Hotel Therese in Paris on Rue Thérèse 75001 Paris, France. For more information please go to www.hoteltherese.com
We encourage our group members to stay in a room with 2 beds/double to reduce the costs. If you don’t have a partner or a friend to travel with, but would like to stay in a double room, we will try to pair you up with another person from our group. However RASA TRAVEL cannot assume responsibility for incompatibility or other situations, which may arise or for unavailability of a roommate. If you choose to go on a share-basis, we only accept reservations from participants who are “good sports” and who can share their room graciously. There is a limited availability of the rooms with 1 bed/single; they are provided on the first-come, first-served basis. Please note that in European hotels single rooms are often quite small and tour participants should not assume that a single room is “better” than a share-room; it often may be smaller and/or in a less desirable location in the property. The single room only guarantees your sole occupancy. Please let us know at the time of enrollment about your accommodation preferences.
Upon Arrival: This tour is a LAND only package, which means it doesn’t include the airfare. Because you are buying a package in a group tour it is not possible to purchase only a segment of the itinerary. The first 2 days are mostly free of planned activities, so that you can take your time to smoothly adjust to time change. You will be given the map of Paris and a guide to basic French phrases to help you explore on you own when you wish to do so. Yes, there will be sufficient time for you to wander at your own pace and see things of your interest, perhaps just people watching or shopping…
Meals: We’ll be stopping each day to taste fine French food and other cuisines of local native Parisians in historical courtesan haunts spots. We will provide a list of restaurants for optional stops for meals that range in prices.
Opening reception
During your first full day in Paris we will provide complementary snacks and wine in the evening where we will first meet at the Hotel Therese.
Breakfast
Continental breakfast is included in this package and provided each day from 8 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Hotel Therese. Continental breakfast will usually include: hot beverage such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate with a croissant or pastry. After the breakfast we will meet in the hotel’s lobby to review the itinerary, answer questions, etc. followed by limited free time to prepare for the day, use of the restroom before we leave the hotel for the day.
Lunch
Included Monday-Thursday at various places in Paris. Please refer to daily itinerary for more information.
Dinner
We will provide a very special closing dinner the last night. We will give you a suggested list of local restaurants for the rest of the week for your evening meals.
~ Once registered, you will receive the pass to get into the itinerary page. ~
Questions?
(510) 704-0379
