One of the highlights of working as a Virtuoso Travel Advisor is the ability to curate unique, custom experiences for my clients based on their passions and interests. I had the pleasure of doing this for my own family recently. My son, Luke, attends a music conservatory high school and is an aspiring jazz drummer. Last year, we introduced him to New Orleans where jazz was born, and enjoyed a concert at iconic Preservation Hall. Virtuoso hotel Windsor Court provided the perfect accommodation for our visit.
When planning Luke’s spring break this year, we sought out another city rich in jazz history - Paris. The city of light boasts a robust history and current scene, and we wanted to immerse ourselves in it. Virtuoso hotel Park Hyatt Vendome was a lovely place for us to call home, and the staff was exceptional. Their seasoned concierge team helped us with many requests, including a wonderful table for dinner at Chez Papa. This restaurant/venue in the 6th arrondissement delights locals and tourists alike with live jazz and excellent cuisine.
Another highlight was a private tour with local jazz singer Liv Monaghan. Liv educated us on Parisian jazz from the past to present day, and brought us to hear a live band at La Rhumerie on the left bank. She also walked us through Rue du Lombard in the 3rd arrondissement, an area concentrated with many vibrant clubs. The history she shared with us was fascinating. Including, during the Nazi occupation of Paris in World War II, jazz was outlawed as it was considered “degenerate music“ . So in an act of defiance, musicians created underground caves to play where the music could not be heard from the street. We saw this first hand at a club called 38Riv. In their cozy basement, we watched a concert followed by an open jam session where Luke was able to participate.
The next day we met our guide Ellen, an ex-pat living in Paris for 36 years. She gave us a solid lesson on how Jazz came to Europe during World War I. The U.S. brought African-American soldiers over to fight in France, and they assembled a band known as the “Harlem Hellfighters.” Their music gained tremendous popularity, and continued to expand.
Ellen also toured us through the Pigalle neighborhood, which in the 1920’s was home to a club owned by world renowned singer/dancer and civil rights activist Josephine Baker. Baker was born in the U.S, but fled to Paris to escape extreme racism back home. She was quoted as saying that Paris liberated her, and she thrilled audiences with her risque costumes and dancing, while promoting jazz and black culture to primarily white audiences. Later becoming a French citizen, Baker even worked as a spy for the French military by passing on secrets she heard from Nazis during her shows. Virtuoso hotel Lutetia pays homage to Baker in their stunning Bar Josephine
where you can enjoy live jazz while sipping a beautiful cocktail. If you really want to splurge, stay in the Lutetia’s Josephine Baker suite and enjoy a modern art deco-themed space with a lovely terrace and Eiffel Tower views.
While our trip to Paris was focused around the jazz scene, we still had time to fit in some other highlights including:
- A night tuk tuk tour to see the key monuments under the lights via alternative transportation
- A visit inside the newly-renovated Notre Dame Cathedral
- A private sunset boat cruise on the Seine
Our trip to Paris is just the beginning of what McCabe World Travel’s experienced travel advisors can create for you. Contact us today and let’s start planning!
Written by Pam Hegner, PH Luxe Travel
