The Louvre museum, Eiffel Tower, and Chateau de Versailles are well-known landmarks in Paris that often top tourist itineraries in the French capital. But, unbeknownst to many, the city has a handful of under-the-radar museums and palaces whose riveting histories are only revealed through exclusive private tours with their owners or historians.
These extraordinary sites, often shrouded in mystery, have started collaborating with luxury travel curators who recognise the appeal of an exclusive experience that goes beyond the ordinary tourist attractions.
One such curator is Singapore-based bespoke travel designer Intriq Journey who was about to take me on a whirlwind tour that would reveal the captivating histories and artistic treasures of Paris in an entirely new light.
A REFUGE FOR AN EMPRESS
We start with Chateau de la Petite Malmaison, a 19th century residence belonging to the first wife of Emperor Napoleon, Empress Josephine Bonaparte. It was her special place for hosting friends and indulging in her love for botany and animals.
As I stepped through the steel gates, another world unfurled. The urban sprawl of Paris faded away, and in its place was a foliage-filled wonderland, dressed in rich shades of green after a spring shower, framed by grey skies overhead. Through the trees peeked the white walls of the chateau, and at the top of a flight of stone steps stood a smiling Stefan Czarnecki, the amiable gentleman who owns and lives in the mansion.
Located in the town of RueilMalmaison — a 30-minute drive from Paris — the mansion was bought by Czarnecki’s father in 1947. Czarnecki now dedicates his time to making this hidden gem’s history come alive through concerts by young musicians, soirees, and guided tours like mine.
This story is from the August 2023 edition of The PEAK Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2023 edition of The PEAK Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Sophisticated Bachelor Pad
In this two-storey apartment belonging to a finance in professional, designer Jerry Tan of Joey Khu ID created distinct arez ork and play.
Fringe Modalities
Poet, frontwoman, and shamanic healer ArunDitha Emmanuel returns to Singapore with renewed vigour to push the state-enforced boundaries of art.
Taking On Decolonisation
The annual Per°Form Open Academy of Arts and Activations by T:> Works this year tackles the complex subject of decolonisation with a line-up of artists from the global south.
Japan at Half-speed
A walking tour through the Kunisaki Peninsula in Kyushu is an invitation to appreciate thé country’s beauty ata snail's pace.
Truffle Sabotage
In the heart of Chianti, dark tales of the truffle trade, bacchanalian feasts, and sun salutations await at Christina Ong's COMO Castello del Nero in Tuscany.
Is Barolo the Next Burgundy?
With Burgundy prices reaching starry heights, we find out why Barolo is the next frontier for oenophiles.
Hungry for Hansik
Hansik, or Korean food, is becoming more popular worldwide due to the proliferation of Korean pop culture. We explore two of the cuisine's stalwart elements.
Maxed Out
We explore the intricacies of high-performance tyre development inside Continental’s top-tier test facility in Germany and put its new MaxContact MC7 tyres to the test.
India Rising
From a culture whose glorious traditions have greatly influenced luxury jewellery today, young designers like Renu Oberoi are rewriting the narrative.
A Life Less Ordinary
Street culture pioneer-entrepreneur Feroze McLeod defies convention, even in his watch collection.
