June Trip to Paris and Lyon

In June, members of the International Council and Chairman’s Circle went to Paris and Lyon for their annual summer trip. After special activities in Paris, members experienced the culinary and cultural heritage of Lyon, known as the capital of French gastronomy.

On June 13, members were welcomed at the Louvre on the day it is closed to the public. One of the highlights of their visit was an in-depth tour of an unprecedented exhibition of 60 masterpieces of Italian art from the Capodimonte Museum in Naples. On June 14, members spent the day in Paris exploring more of its exceptional cultural riches. That evening, they  returned to the Louvre, at the special invitation of Laurence des Cars, for an elegant dinner held in their honor.

On June 15, members went to Lyon. For two days, they explored this fascinating city, known as the gastronomical capital of France and famous for its World Heritage sites. The third largest city in France, Lyon was founded by the Romans in 43 BCE and over the centuries developed into a major business center, prospering during the Renaissance with the arrival of Italian merchant bankers and commercial fairs. By the 17th century, it was the silk manufacturing capital of Europe. Today, Lyon offers visitors the opportunity to discover its 2,000 year old history as well as to experience world class cuisine, drawn from the top quality produce of the region and the creative chefs following in the footsteps of native son, Paul Bocuse.