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.......Then Join
TERC's Loire, Normandy Impressionism, Chateaux plus Paris
Tour/
We start our tour in Normandy,
a land o contrasts, filled with rich pastures, long coastline of sand
and cliffs, plus shingle roofed cottages so loved by
Impressionist Artists. Normandy has a violent history from Viking times
to the Hundred Years War and trial of Joan of Arc to the D-Day lands of 1944.
And normandy is one of the few regions in France that doesn't't produce wine.
In stead we will sip her popular fermented apple juice as well as the
"real" Camembert" cheese, savor rich omelets, fresh seafood and apple
deserts! From Normandy we wander into the land of opulent architecture and
gardens to the Loire. The fertile Loire valley is rich both in produce and
in history, and home to some the France's finest white wines. We will travel
through her chateaux, from forbidding Medieval fortresses to glorious Renaissance
stately homes. You'll end your experience of France in Paris--the City
of Light and Contrast. You'll wander her tiny lanes and alleyways as
well as her grand boulevards; explore her elegant old museums, palaces,
and cathedrals along side her modern counter parts; and savor her cuisine
on the street in addition to her romantic cafes. For all the exciting
places you will visit, see detailed Itinerary below. (limit 8
persons)
Chateau & Impressionism Country plus Paris:
Here is a daily schedule to help you plan for each day. It lists your
daily sightseeing plan, where you'll sleep each night, the amount of
free time you'll likely have, and an estimation of time needed to accomplish
the basic sightseeing plan.
Day 1: Arrive in Paris & Train to Giverny — You will
meet your tour in in Giverny, the birthplace of Impressionism & Claude
Monet's home village--about an hour out of Paris. Once you arrive, you can
leisurely enjoy the ambiance till dinner where you will meet your
tour group before going to bed for a deep quiet sleep. . (3 nights)
Day 2: Monet's Garden + Artist Walk — Take a peak of Monet's
home and gardens from your B&B window. After a typical Norman
breakfast, pack lots of film and your sketch pad! You will spend the morning
exploring Monet's property and famous gardens. After lunch, joint your
guide on a leisurely stroll of surrounding hills painted by Monet. Dinner
in Giverny.
Day 3: Impressionest Art , more Walks or Free Time! — Today we
start with a visit of the American Museum of Impressionest Art in Giverny.
After lunch you can have free time or join tour guide on a leisurely
3 mile artesian walk to Vernon to discover the "play of light on the Seine
River" that drew him here originally. (you can also take local bus to
Vernon) In Vernon browse this bustling village of half-timbered
houses with elaborate plaster facades which reflect her Norman origins. Visit
Vernon's many 12th century ruins, Notre-Dame, & Art Museum. (your
choice) Dinner on your own here or in Giverny. Bus back home.
Day 4: Ancient Wars & Picturesque Seaside — Pack
your bags, because we depart this morning to Honfleur with a lunch stop in
Rouen on our way. Did you know that Monet rented rooms in Rouen opposite
the Cathedral for two consecutive winters? Ahhh, but that is not why
we are stopping here. Rouen, Frances 2nd largest city during Gothic times,
is the beginning of our experience of Normandy's War history. Wm. the Conqueror
made his home here 900 years ago and Joan of Arc was burned at
the Stake 300 years later! You will do a walking tour of Rouen's significant
sights and savor her cuisine--great sea food. After noon you will continue
on to the Impressionist's favorite village--picturesque Honfleur where the
Seine meets the English Channel. Dinner here. (2 nights)
Day 5: Explore Honfleur — When Monet was
16 years old, he met Eugène Boudin from Honfleur who was already well
established as a painter. Jongkind was also staying in the same area and
worked with them. During his studies in Paris, Monet got to know the "unruly
children" of painting: Courbet, Corot, Sisley, Pissarro, Renoir and he brought
them to Honfleur to the Saint-Simeon Farm where we will have lunch. Most
of the day will be spent enjoying the charm of bygone days of the port
of Honfleur. On our list to visit is Eglise Ste. Catherine--the largest
wooden church in France, built in 15th century by naval architects. We
will visit Eugene Boudin Museum which includes Impressionist Art and Costumes
and take a Boat Excursion of Honfleur Harbor to Normandie Bridge--the longest
cable-stayed bridge in the western world. Fresh Seafood is on the menu
tonight!
Day 6: Market Day in Honfleur — After breakfast you can have
free time or join your guide at Honfleur's colorful Sat. market. Here
we will buy a picnic lunch we will take with us on our way to Bayeux. Once
settled into our new lodging, we will explore Bayeux including her Tapestry,
Cathedral, and Museums. (2 nights)
Day 7: D-Day Beaches — Today you will tour the 1944 D-Day beaches
& museums of Normandy by mini van . Tour will include American Cemetery
at St Laurent, Pointe du Hoc, Longuessur-Mer, and Arromanches. This will
take most of the day.Dinner is in Bayeux.
Day 8: Off to Mont St Michel— We'll leisurely drive through cute
little villages to this Gothic island-abby and original home of the Bayeux
Tapestry. We will explore what ever interests us along the way. How about
a visit to a cheese factory? We don't want to arrive before 3 pm when
her streets start to empty. Catch the 5 o'clock tour of the Abby .
By now the hoards of tourists should be gone and the Island is ours
for one beautiful flood lit night. (1 night)
Day 9: A Taste of Brittany— We will spend the morning enjoying
Mont St. Michel until the crowds force us out (about 10:30 am) Then
we will drive to Fougeres which has one of Europe's Largest Medieval Castles
and an interesting garden. The town was established by the Breton Duchy to
defend its frontiers. We will have lunch here, plus spend afternoon
and evening here. (1 night)
Day 10: Loire & Château Country — From Fougeres we
will drive though Saumur, one of the loveliest stretches of the Loire.
We'll see the troglodyte dwelling carved out of cliffs, vineyards,
sun flowers and windmills. Late afternoon we will arrive at our own Castle.
(3 nights)
Day 11: Châteaux Chanonceau & Chinon — In the morning
we'll learn more about Joan of Arc at her museum at Château Chinon.
Day 12: Châteaux Chambourd & Wine Caves —
Tod
Day 13: Arrive in Paris: Once settled in your room, Let's take
a walk of our Eiffel Tower neighborhood. You will receive your 3 day Musee
Pass that will give you the "run of Paris" (stick with the following Paris
itinerary or take off on your own for the next few days--Your Choice).
How about slipping into the nearby sensuous sculpture museum--the Rodin--before
dinner? Lets enjoy a Parisian dinner, then stroll the Champ E to Arch
de Triumph.
Day 14: Historic Paris — Let's begin where Paris did, the Ile
de la Cité, and visit Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle. After lunch
together, we'll take a walking tour of the Latin Quarter and then the medieval
Marais neighborhood. We will end at Samaritine Department Store for
tea and a breathtaking roof top view of Paris. The rest of your afternoon
is free to spend in the Louvre or wherever you choose — perhaps
at the that "mecca for moderns," the Pompidou Center . Tonight dinner
is on your own.
Day 15: Château de Versailles — Today is
devoted to exploring the elaborate palace that Louis XIV, XV, and XVI called
home. We'll pack a royal picnic which we'll savor in Marie Antoinette's favorite
residence garden--the Petit Trianon. We'll then tour key rooms of the palace
together after which you'll have free time to wander on your own or return
to Paris via the frequent 30 minute trains. Group Au revoir
Dinner.
Day 16: Tour over — Your tour is over after breakfast. Weather
you are staying longer or headed home, your guide will be happy to send
you off in the right direction and help with any trip planning needs.
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