FROM FASHION TO FOOTBALL- INTRODUCING THE PENINSULA ACADEMY AT THE PENINSULA PARIS

By: Christian Stan

Immersing guests in the heart of each destination, the Peninsula Academy, launched in 1997 by The Peninsula Hotels, enriches the travel experience through art, history, culture, gastronomy or style. Today, the group’s most recent addition, The Peninsula Paris, launches its own collection of exclusive activities featuring the charm and romance of the City of Light.

With eight carefully curated programmes, renewed every season, the Peninsula Academy enables guests to explore Paris with chic and elegance like never before. Guests can choose cultural encounters in the most legendary and exclusive venues in and around Paris which are usually inaccessible to the general public, as discover the legendary Napoleonic Dynasty and this monumental legacy in the City of Light through a unique imperial excursion programme, while sports lovers of all ages will be thrilled by the exciting match and off-pitch encounter with the Paris Saint-Germain football team – not only an exceptional way to watch a game but also to meet the iconic players of this world-class club in their changing room for a private chat, plus a surprise on departure.

“In the footsteps of the Napoleonic Dynasty”: this full-day programme is available on request and subject to availability from Monday to Friday, with a minimum age of eight years old. Price: starting from €3,600 for one or two guests.

“The Dream Team: a football fan’s fantasy”: this half-day programme is available on request and subject to availability based on match schedule, with a minimum age of eight years old. Five business-days’ notice is required. Price: starting from €20,150 for one adult and one child.

For a romantic escapade, board The Peninsula’s unique 1934 Vintage Rolls-Royce Phantom to tour the beautiful Château de Versailles and open secret doors to Marie-Antoinette’s private rooms on a “Royal Journey”, or enjoy a day at the opera with an intimate tour of the famous Opéra Garnier, to explore the most restricted and exclusive backstage areas.

“A Royal Journey”: this half-day programme, is available on request and subject to availability, from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00am to 5:30pm (not available on Mondays or public holidays), for a minimum of two and a maximum of four guests with a minimum age of eight years old. Price starting from €4,823 for two guests.

“Palais Garnier: A Day at the Opéra”: this half-day programme is available on request, depending on the availability of the Opera. It is available for a minimum of two and maximum of four guests, with a minimum age of ten year old. Price starting from €1,755 for three guests.

Two Peninsula Academy sessions are set to appeal to gourmands: a fun culinary experience to share with junior family members in the company of World Pastry Award Chef Julien Alvarez for a chocolate class, in his very own gastronomic laboratory to learn his secrets to make the best dessert; or a unique, wine-tasting trip to the Champagne region, including an exclusive visit to the village of Aÿ, to the cellars of Maison Deutz, one of France’s oldest Champagne houses and the long-term partner of The Peninsula Hotels for over 25 years.

“Fun with Chocolate” with Pastry Chef Julien Alvarez: this three hours programme is offered daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm, available on request and depending on the arability of the Chef, minimum of one child and maximum of six children with a minimum age of six years old. Price: €270 for the first child including Afternoon Tea, €80 for each additional child.

“Grape Expectations, Visiting the Vines”: this full-day programme is offered from Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Four business-days’ advance notice is required, with a minimum of two guests and a maximum of eight guests. Guests under 18 will not be permitted to consume Champagne. The price depends on the means of transport selected: starting from €3,120 for two guests via BMW, €4,355 for two guests via Rolls-Royce, €9,945 for two guests (maximum) via helicopter.

And finally, Paris is also synonymous with fashion and luxury. Fashionistas can choose a day of shopping in the most luxurious Parisian boutiques, with access to their private VIP rooms and secrets, while being chauffeured in style in a MINI Cooper S Clubman. Luxury brands include Hermès, the discreet couture house Elsa Schiaparelli, the delicate Serge Lutens perfumes and Marie-Helène de Taillac’s precious gemstones unveil their secrets. Or, learn about the history of this luxury industry and the intimate connection between Paris’ tradition of haute couture fashion and haute joaillerie, or high jewellery, by exploring the ateliers of Paris’ individual créateurs, or designers, who craft unique pieces with priceless materials and time-honoured techniques, on this bespoke visit.

“La Vie en Rose, the ultimate Parisian lifestyle experience”: this full-day programme is available on request from Monday to Friday (not available on weekends or public holidays) and subject to availability. The programme is available for a minimum of two guests, with a minimum age requirement of 16 years old. Price: starting from €3,900 for two guests. A personal shopper can be arranged on request. Additional guest pricing upon request.

“Introduction to the World of High Fashion Jewellery in Paris”: this full-day programme is available on request and subject to availability from Monday to Friday (not available on weekends or public holidays), for a minimum of two guests and maximum of six guests, with a minimum age requirement of height years old. Price: starting from €3,600 for two guests.