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La Belle France 2009 14 Days • $3,389* |
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Thursday,
June 18 • Depart We depart on our transatlantic flight and fly overnight to Geneva, Switzerland. Our in flight services include dinner, complimentary beverages, and a movie. In flight D Friday, June 19 • Annecy Upon our arrival in Geneva, we meet our tour leader and transfer to Annecy, a beautiful city in the heart of the French Alps. Our leader acquaints us with this lovely city and we enjoy time to explore on our own before dinner. In flight B/D Saturday, June 20 • Annecy In the morning we travel to Chamonix. Situated at the foot of Mont Blanc (the highest mountain in the Alps), Chamonix is considered the home of Alpine skiing, and was the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924. The highlight of the day is a téléphérique to one of the highest points in the area, affording breathtaking views of the Alpine area. There is ample time to see the town of Chamonix before returning to Annecy. B/D Sunday, June 21 • Nice We take the long, but scenic drive to Nice and the fabulous “Côte d'Azur!” Time permitting we visit a candy maker. After checking in at our hostel, there is time at leisure to take in this breathtakingly beautiful area, and perhaps, enjoy some beach time! B/D Monday, June 22 • Nîmes This morning our first stop is at a perfumery where we learn the art of making perfume. We then continue on to Aix-en–Provence where we visit a santonnier and those who wish have the opportunity to take a group-fencing lesson. Finally, we continue our journey to Nîmes, arriving in time for dinner. B/D Tuesday, June 23 • Souillac We visit the Roman ruins of the arena and Maison Caré in Nîmes this morning. After our time in Nîmes, we travel to see the Pont du Gard, an aqueduct built by the Romans in the 1st Century. We then continue on to Souillac for our overnight. B/D |
Wednesday,
June 24 • Tours Our first stop this morning is an unforgettable experience as we visit to the remains of Oradour Sur Glane, a village west of Limoges. On June 10, 1944, the Nazi SS murdered all the inhabitants and burned the village. Upon viewing the demolished village, Charles de Gaulle decreed that it must remain forever unchanged in order to bear witness to the rest of the world. We continue on to Tours, in the heart of the Loire Valley in the afternoon. B/D Thursday, June 25 • Tours Tours is situated in the verdant Loire Valley, known as “France's playground.” The valley was so peaceful and lush that many of the country's monarchs decided to retreat from the heat of Paris and build “summer homes.” The term is in quotes, because to refer to these magnificent châteaux as “summer homes” is rather an understatement. Our schedule today is a busy one, as we enjoy a self-guided tour of Château Chenonceau, a lunch stop at Chambord and as an added treat, a tour of a bread bakery in Tours, where we learn about the art of French baking! B/D Friday, June 26 • Bayeux This morning we drive to the area of St. Malo to visit the Mont St. Michel, the fortified abbey built off the coast, and until recent years, was only accessible at low tide. One of France’s most enchanting sights, it soars proudly above the island of Mont-Tomb, and is considered one of Europe’s greatest attractions. After our visit, we drive on to the Bayeux area for our overnight. B/D Saturday, June 27 • Bayeux Our focus today is on the sites of the D-Day invasion - the greatest amphibious assault ever attempted, and the beginning of the end for Hitler’s Third Reich. Our morning starts off with a visit to the Peace Memorial in Caen. The rest of the morning is devoted to Arromanches to see the area where all the men and equipment was off-loaded and also take some time for lunch. We then continue to Omaha Beach, the site of the American invasion, and also pay our respects at the American Cemetery. Finally, we continue to Point du Hoc, the site of the Rangers’ heroic assault on a German position. The entire area is pockmarked from the tremendous shelling that took place prior to the invasion. B/D |
Sunday, June 28 • Paris Departing Normandy, we stop at Giverny to visit Monet’s house and gardens. There is time to have lunch before continuing on to Paris where we drop our luggage off at the hotel and then use the metro to visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle. After dinner a special treat awaits – a “Bateaux Parisiens” cruise on the Seine to see the illuminated sights of this great city! B/D Monday, June 29 • Paris First on our agenda today is a visit to the Louvre, the world’s foremost art gallery. We only have a half-day to explore its treasure trove of masters, including, the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. After lunch it’s a ride up to the top of the city’s best-known landmark - the Tour Eiffel, followed by a visit to the Arc de Triomphe and Napoleon’s tomb. The remainder of the day is at leisure. B/D Tuesday, June 30 • Paris We enjoy the day free for individual sightseeing and exploring. Our final evening finds us in Montmartre, where we visit the lovely white Basillique du Sacré Coeur. There is ample time to watch the artists at the Place de Tertre and, perhaps bring home a portrait. On our last evening in “la belle France,” we have the opportunity to dine on our own at one of the charming restaurants in Montmartre! B Wednesday, July 1 • Return Regretfully, it is time to bid la belle France “adieu” and transfer to Charles de Gaulle International Airport for our return flight. However, we bring with us memories of grand chateaux, magnificent landscapes, awe-inspiring mountain peaks, and a wealth of never-to-be forgotten experiences. “Bienvenue maison!” B/In flight D |
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