April in Paris: Jazzy Nights in the City of Lights

April 1 - 10th, 2011

A week long trip during which participants will walk in the footsteps of some of jazz music's greatest artists and Paris's most renowned African-American expats. For 7 days and 8 nights, spend the evenings hearing jot jazz in cool spots and neighborhood clubs. Through the day visit historic sites, museums and landmarks and trek to the very places where Sidney Bechet, James Baldwin, Josephine Baker, Richard Wright, Paul Robeson, Ada 'Brick Top' Smith, and many others passed their time and made history. This unique perspective offers a fascinating twist on a famously fabulous tourist destination.

Highlights Include:

• Tour of African American intellectual, artistic and musical heritage of Paris

• Guided tour of Musée Dapper

• Book signing / meet and greet with contemporary African American author living in Paris

• Live jazz show with dinner, including panel discussion and Q&A with expat jazz musicians

• Additional Jazz soirées

• Meals at popular Antillaise or African Restaurants

• Salon Soirée hosted by African American expatriate

• Scene river open top boat tour of major Paris attractions

• Afternoon of shopping at major Paris flea markets and department stores

• Walking tour of La Goutte D’or/ “Little Africa” 18eme arrondissement

For the detailed program contact Peri Frances at 404-898-1227 or communication@afatl.com

For an overview of the trip, download the brochure.

Cost: $2000, does not include airfare.

Testimonials from April in Paris 2006:

"Peri and Obse:

I had a wonderful time! I'll always remember my first time here in Paris! Can't wait til the next time."

- Beryl Barnes, Turner Broadcasting, Marietta GA

"I had a wonderful 1st visit in Paris! You are great at what you do. Thanks, Nicole"

- Nicole Lewis, CARE, Duluth GA

"This tour was simply magnificent. It was extremely well planned, touching on some very unique points of interest. Count me in on future tours. Thanks for a great experience."

- Lynn Fowler, Fulton County Gov., Decatur GA

"This trip has been a very nice experience, unique, informative. Looking forward to the next one- I'm already working on my French!"

- Barbara Hubbard, City of Atlanta Gov., Mabelton GA

"This trip / tour has been unsurpassably wonderful. I am still 'recovering' from our amazing, exhilarating and exhausting tour of Jazz Paris! Obse I would like to say again that you and Peri did an outstanding job of putting together a really unique and personalized tour. You have been an excellent guide. Merci mille Fois. Thank you both for such a great job as tour planners and guides. Even the quirky things---a la the 'bus lady' made this tour very special. I had a great time."
- Valerie Henry, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, Atlanta GA

"Notre voyage à Paris a été magnifique. J'espere que nous irons de nouvelle."

- Dittany Felker, AF member

"This trip to Paris was AWESOME! Really, the trip was indescribable! There's no way that I could have had this experience at any other time. I thank you for knowledge, your experience, your kindness...last, but not least, your patience. You were always there for us and for that I'll always be grateful!"

- Wynnette Blathers, Atlanta

View Pictures of April in Paris 2006

September 2010 – Lyon – Beaujolais region and Avignon trip

Join us as we discover the beautiful city of Lyon!

September 4th- 12th 2010

Lyon is a city at the crossroads of the North and the South of France, with a strong Mediterranean influence. It is also the capital of the French gastronomy.

You’ll discover a 2000 year-old city with its Roman Theater.

Your hotel will be in a quiet pedestrian street downtown Lyon. You’ll be in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities of France; you’ll live just like the French, with walking and shopping all within walking distance!

We will spend one day visiting the Beaujolais area, and one day in Avignon, the old city of the Popes.

The discovery includes lodging, breakfast, dinners, several museum visits, both trips to Beaujolais and Avignon, a dinner on the Rhone River, and all the tastings of the famous food specialties & wines of Lyon!

Click here for a detailed schedule

Cost: $1775 does not include airfare or mid day meals

$300 deposit due by August 4th

The Loire Valley and Its Treasures

this trip is not being offered in 2011, please contact Helene for information on future trips.

Discover the Loire’s world-famous castles and immerse yourself in countryside life. A true cultural experience! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to practice your French and spend time with a French family as well as discover the beauty of the Loire Valley area.

Highlights include:

For the detailed program contact Hélène Courault at helene@afatl.com or 404.875.1211

For an overview of the trip, download the brochure.

Cost: $1700, does not include airfare. 

Trip limited to 10 participants

Testimonials from Loire Valley participants:

"Traveling through lovely rural areas, visiting castles rich in history, strolling through medieval towns, combined with exposure to daily living in a  farm area (weekly market, cheese production) provides a lovely way to visit  the Loire Valley.  What makes this particular trip extra special is the  personal attention received and the welcoming accommodations at Galmer. The  warmth and attention of the Courault family was something that could not be  duplicated on a "normal" tour.  It made everything so special."

- Virginia Ubik

"The trip surpassed my expectations in many ways.The hospitality and kindness of your family were the best part of the trip. Your concern and help when my suitcase was left behind on the platform of the TGV station was reassuring. This trip was a unique opportunity to live with a  French family and to enjoy a rural experience as well as all the great  excursions that were so

carefully planned. The group was small enough to get to know everyone. They were all interesting and we shared a love of French culture."

- Roberta Griffin

"I did enjoy the whole trip.  I thought the pace and the variety were very good. Everything was well-planned and organized.  I enjoyed the whole group of travelers, as well as the French people we met." 

- Diane Nistler