|
Land Package: 19 nights — Provence, Burgundy Alsace & Champagne
Sunday, May 13 to Friday, June 1, 2012
Land package: $6,445 Cdn. Land & Air (out of Vancouver) $7,845 Cdn. Single Supplement $1,035 Cdn.
Optional Paris add-on: $500 Cdn, Single Supplement $225.
France is basically a rural country with very few large cities. Outside
of Paris, only Lyons and Marseilles have populations of more than one
million. It is also a country built primarily of stone, and each area (called a
department) is very diverse. Observe the differences in architecture and
different colours of the stonework in each area, and enjoy the
specialities of cooking in each part of the country.
Unlike my previous tours, all dinners are not
included. Apparently, it is unusual to include most dinners on tours of
France, as there is so much choice in menus that clients prefer not to be
confined to certain items.
The tour is led by Margaret Rodgers.
RECOMMENDED:
- Taking enough euros with you as it is often difficult to find banks or ATM's in smaller places.
- Whenever possible, we will pick up a drink,
baguette and cheese or pate for lunch, as lunches are relatively expensive and service is very slow.
- Taking an extra digital card for your digital
camera, and the correct battery re-charger. Or if you are still using
film, make sure to take enough with you — film is much more expensive in Europe.
- Souvenirs are often specific to each area, so we
suggest that if you see something you really desire, buy it there, as you may not see it again.
Included in the price:
- Airport transfers for those arriving and leaving with the group
- Accommodation and transportation
- Transfer to Paris train station & train to Avignon
- Porterage in and out of hotels - one bag only
- All breakfasts and dinners where specified
- Admission to all attractions as specified in the Itinerary (not suggestions for free time)
- Local guides at specialised attractions, where specified
- English speaking tour leader for 18 days
- Coach with driver changes
Not included:
- Some dinners where specified
- Personal requirements, eg. Laundry
- Airfare and all related taxes
- All insurance
- Gratuities for driver and tour leader - if you wish
*Paris Package (Dep. Wed May 9: Paris: Thu/Fri/Sat, May 10/11/12)
Due to the popular request to offer three additional nights in Paris (as we did for the Western
France Tour), we have decided that this option makes more sense at the beginning of the tour, rather than at the
end. Leaving your home town on Wednesday, May 09, you arrive in Paris early Thursday morning, May 10. You will be met by coach to take you straight to the hotel for an evening meal, and will then be on your own for the next three days, staying at the same hotel as the rest of the group who will arrive on Sunday evening, May 13.
*Please contact Margaret initially if you are interested in these optional three days in Paris prior to the
beginning of the tour. On the last tour nearly everyone wished to do this, and the price quoted is for a minimum
number of 15 persons for the 3 additional nights plus transfers from the airport. We can still do it for a lesser
number but the price will be slightly higher. If you want fewer than three nights, also contact Margaret initially
for the price per night without transfers from the airport.
*Optional Paris Package (Dep. North America Wed May 9: Paris: May 10-12 inclusive)
Wed May 9
Depart West coast of North America
Thu May 10
Arrive Paris approx. 7:05 a.m. Charles de Gaulle Airport
08:00 approx: Transfer coach pick-up for tour of Paris with English/French speaking guide en route for hotel
(far too early to check in)
Approx. 1:00pm Drop-off at hotel, check into hotel not far from Montmartre
Hotel Carlton's, 55 Boulevard Rochechouart, 75000 Paris
First of three additional nights. Breakfast
Fri May 11
B&B at hotel, rest of time on own to enjoy Paris.
Breakfast
Sat May 12
B&B at hotel, rest of time on your own to enjoy Paris
Breakfast
Sun May 13
Free day. Join rest of tour group for a Welcome Dinner at the hotel
Breakfast & Dinner
Start of Eastern France Tour
Because it is a lengthy journey to Avignon, after a long overnight flight for most of us, the tour will start
with the first night in Paris to allow everyone to get over the jet lag. Next morning we will all transfer to the
Gare Lyon to catch the 'superfast' TVG train to Avignon, which is included with the tour.
Day 1/2 (Sat/Sun, May 12/13)
Fly overnight to arrive in Paris at approx. 07:05am for transfer to your hotel, in
an excellent location within walking distance of Montmartre. En route for the hotel will be a coach tour
of Paris prior to the time for check-in at the hotel.
Later, we will be joined by those on the Paris Package for a Welcome Dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Carlton's, Paris. Dinner
Day 3 (Mon 14)
After breakfast we transfer to the Gare Lyon to catch one of France’s famous high-speed trains (TVG) to
Avignon, arriving early afternoon. After checking into our hotel there should be plenty of time
to explore.
Hotel Bristol, Avignon
First of 6 nights in Avignon — Dinner in hotel. Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4 (Tue 15)
We start the day with an English tour of the Palais du Papes,
and to see the Pont St.-Benezet. Avignon is nestled in the
fertile Rhône Valley in Provence, with a rich history dating from its
period as the capital of Christendom. Due to violence in Italy in 1309,
French-born Pope Clement moved the papacy from Rome to Avignon, and thus
the magnificent Palais des Papes was created to serve as the papal
residence until 1377 when the seventh pope, Gregory XI returned to Rome.
During that time, nine popes held court here. The bridge, Pont St.-Benezet,
famed through the song "Sur le pont d'Avignon," was the
first to span the river Rhône. Destroyed several times by innumerable
floods, now all that remains of it are four of the original arches.
We then depart for the Pont du Gard Acqueduct, an amazing three-tier structure with its magnificent
arches and stones weighing up to six tons each. In 19 BC, this 161-ft. high bridge was built by the Romans, using
no mortar, over the deep Gordon Valley to transfer fresh water from a spring to the people of Nîmes 20 km away.
It is the greatest surviving stretch of a 50 km.-long aqueduct, an amazing achievement with only a seventeen-metre
difference in altitude between start and finish, running as it does over hill and dale, through a tunnel, along
the top of a wall, cut into trenches, and over rivers.
After lunch at Pont de Gard we continue to Les Baux de Provence,
a tiny village wedged on the side of an enormous granite rock, on top of
which are the medieval ruins of a citadel from the days when it housed
6,000 residents. The "modern" village is a delightful maze of
Renaissance houses, with hidden courtyards and colourful gardens. You have
free time to explore the village, and the ruins of the
castle at the top of the hill, from which there are wonderful views of the
valley full of olive groves.
We return to Avignon, via the charming market town of St.
Remy de Province, where you are free to choose one of the many
restaurants.
2nd of 6 nights in Avignon — Dinner on own in St. Remy. Breakfast
Day 5 (Wed 6)
Today we visit the fascinating, completely square, walled town of Aigues-Mortes,
a surprising remnant of medieval times completely surrounded by massive
ramparts and towers, set in the middle of the marshland area of the Rhône
delta known as the Carmargue, a haven for wildlife, especially
white horses.
Our next stop is Arles, once a major port to rival Marseilles.
The first inhabitants were Greek, but the Romans left a greater mark in
that Arles competes with Nîmes for the title "Rome of France"
with its magnificent 2nd-century amphitheatre (arenes). Begun as a
place for gladiator duels, it was turned into a fortress, a medieval
housing development, and again as an amphitheatre holding up to 20,000
spectators, and is still used for bullfights, concerts and a myriad of
performances each summer. We visit the Amphitheatre after lunch, after
which there is free time to explore before we return to
Avignon where we will be dropped by the square which is full of outdoor
restaurants, full of the ambiance of Avignon.
3rd of 6 nights: Avignon — Dinner on own. Breakfast
Day 6 (Thu 17)
An early departure to Aix-en-Provence which, throughout the
centuries, has flourished as the cultural and political capital of
Provence. It is known for its elegant architecture, its luxurious
fountains which grace every square, especially the famous Fountaine des
Quatre Dauphins, and for its old town of cobbled streets and mixture
of ancient buildings.
After visiting the Atalier Paul Cezanne we have a guided walking
tour of the beautiful Old Town, then you are free to enjoy
Aix until 2:00 pm when we begin our drive through the prettiest villages
of the southern edge of the Luberon valley — Loumarin and Bonnieux.
The rugged mountains of the Luberon, at the southern end of the Vaucluse
plateau, with its lovely valley full of vineyards, form the classic
Provençal landscape which so captivated such painters as Van Gogh,
Cézanne and Picasso, and continues to enthral writers and painters from
all over the world.
We continue to enjoy the atmosphere of these delightful villages, most
having a ruined castle perched at the top of them, and overlooking the
vineyards, before we stop for dinner, possibly at Menerbes.
4th of 6 nights in Avignon — Dinner in restaurant on own.
Breakfast
Day 7 (Fri 18)
Today we tour the most famous Provençal villages at the northern edge
of the Luberon. First is Fontaine de Vaucluse, its key feature
being the river literally gushing up out of the ground. We continue to see
the Abbaye de Senanque in which the monks still produce honey and
especially lavender essence. Gordes, a white stone village perched
on a hillside, with cobbled streets, quaint houses overflowing with
flowers, and a delightful church, was made world-famous as a result of
Peter Mayle's book A Year in Provence.
Nearby Roussillon is just about as different as it could be from
the white stones of Gordes, built from the dramatic red sandstone cliffs
which seem isolated to this very small area, and looking more like a
colourful village you would expect to find on the Côte d'Azur or the
Italian Riviera. Roussillon, along with Gordes, is classified as another
of France's most beautiful villages
5th of 6 nights in Avignon - Dinner in hotel. Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8 (Sat 19)
Free day in Avignon. (driver's rest day)
(Suggestions: there is a special small train to tour Avignon, leaving from the tourist office every 40
minutes. Definitely walk on the half bridge! See rue Joseph Vernet, adjacent to the Calvet museum, and the Requien
Museum. The city center can be visited in a pleasant walking tour. Part of the 4.3 km city walls at Porte de
l'Oulle are entirely conserved. Don't miss the Antiquaire quarter, the Place de l'Horloge or the Chemin de Ronde
which will take you to the Rocher des Doms. From the top of the ramparts you can understand why the site was chosen
for a fort.)
Last of 6 nights in Avignon — Dinner on own. Breakfast
Day 9 (Sun 20)
We leave Provence to drive north, stopping en route at Chambery
to see the intriguing Fountain of Elephants, built around 1838 in honor of
the Earl of Boigne (1751-1830) on his return from India, after a
wandering life in the service of an Indian prince.
We continue to our hotel in Aix-les-Bains, a town perched on the edge
of the Lac du Bourget, France's largest freshwater lake which boasts
beautiful sandy beaches, and which was a favourite holiday destination of
Queen Victoria who visited the town for its thermal baths. We should
arrive in time to explore some of the town after checking into our hotel.
Hotel Adelphia, Aix-les-Bains
Overnight in Aix-les-Bains — Dinner in hotel. Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 (Mon 21)
Some free time in Aix-les-Bains before we leave for Annecy,
one of the most beautiful and popular resort towns of the
French Alps just south of Lac Geneva. After checking into our hotel, the
rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy Annecy.
Hotel Best Western International d'Annecy, Annecy
First of 2 nights in Annecy — Dinner in hotel. Breakfast &
Dinner
Day 11 (Tue 22)
We set off to visit the stunning Gorges du Fier. The Fier river is one of the most important rivers
of Haute-Savoie, its source at the foot of Mount Charvin at a height of 2019m creating "the Gorges du Fier", one
of the most grandiose phenomenon of erosion by any river. The Gorges du Fier are classed among the most attractive
curiosities of the French Alps. Since 1869, the Gorge at this point has been accessible to the public by a
footbridge suspended 27m above the torrent. When leaving the Gorge, the river threads through a labyrinth of
tormented-shaped rocks that have formed what is known as the "Sea of rocks," where you can read about the tragic
story of a page, a noble maiden and a knight!
The rest of the day is free to enjoy Annecy. As well as
enjoying the actual town, some might prefer to take advantage of some of
the touristy activities which are available, such as exploring around
lovely Lac Annecy. As well as boat tours, renting a bicycle is also
a great means of appreciating the lake. A forty-kilometre traffic-free
road follows the west shore of the lake — which is great for either
cycling or just walking as far as you wish.
Last of 2 nights in Annecy — Dinner on own. Breakfast
Day 12 (Wed 23)
We depart for Beaune in Burgundy. When people think of Burgundy
they first think of wine, but Burgundy has much more to offer. Its
countryside is remarkably varied, with delightful medieval villages and
attractive architecture.
After checking in at our hotel, we visit the Hotel Dieu,
Beaune's most famous building. This is a striking example of Flemish-Burgundian
architecture, with its medieval courtyard and colourfully patterned
ceramic roof tiles laid out in an intricate geometric pattern. It was
founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, the Chancellor and tax collector, who
hoped to get a ticket to heaven(!), to provide care and comfort for the
poor, sick and aged, and it functioned as a hospital until 1971. Its
attractions are the rows of red-blanketed hospital beds lined
back-to-back, the fascinating kitchen, and many works of art and
tapestries. Of special interest is the remarkable polyptych, The Last
Judgment, painted by the 15th-century Flemish artist Rogier van der
Weyden — a masterpiece of colour and detail and an excellent example of art
primitif, a style popular before the Renaissance.
After lunch we take the best deal in town, the ultimate in wine-tasting
experiences, at the Marché aux Vins, Beaune's wine smorgasbord,
which is housed in a 13th-century church across from the Hotel Dieu. This is
the best way to sample its impressive wines, and you get to keep the
wine-tasting cup. There is a labyrinth of candlelit caves holding 18
barrels, each offering a new tasting experience.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the
old town of Beaune, with its many caves for free tasting of the
wines. (French: A cave is a wine cellar; a grotte is a cave!)
Best Western Hotel Henry II, Beaune
First of 2 nights in Beaune — Dinner in hotel. Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13 (Thu 24)
We have a wonderful tour of the Burgundy wine villages starting south
of Dijon in the area known as the famed Côte d'Or (the Golden Slope). Our
first wine village is Gevrey-Chambertin, then we wind south along
the The Route des Grands Crus, through the vineyards and wine
villages of Morey-St.-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, and Vougeot.
South of Beaune, we pass through villages, some of the names of which
may make wine-lovers salivate! — Pommard, Volnay, Auxey Duresses,
and Le Rochepot, returning to Beaune via Puligny-Montrachet,
and Meursault, where there is a lovely tiled roof on the town hall,
in addition to the acres of lovely vineyards surrounding the village. En
route, we will visit one of the wine chateaux, Le Chateau du Clos de
Vougeot, where you get to see the mammoth thirteenth-century
winepresses installed by the Cistercian monks to whom these vineyards
belonged for nearly 700 years until the Revolution.
Last of 2 nights in Beaune — Dinner in hotel. Breakfast
& Dinner
Day 14 (Fri 25)
Today we leave for Alsace which lies between the Vosges
Mountains and the Rhine Valley, the hillsides of which are covered with
vineyards, orchards and fairytale villages, some of which seem straight
out of a Walt Disney movie. The "Wine Road" stretches 170 km between Thann and Marlenheim, and the many varieties of fruit
grown in this area are used to make the prized Alsatian eaux-de-vie
— some 25 different dry, colourless, fruit-flavoured alcohols — and the
grapes are turned into fresh, fruity, mostly white wines quite different
from those of Burgundy or elsewhere in France.
Alsace has been inhabited since prehistoric days: first by the Celts and then the Romans. In the 8th
century, under Charlemagne, it was near the centre of power while remaining an independent province. It was
officially annexed to France under the terms of the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, but was ceded to Germany after
the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. In fact, the area has changed hands between France and Germany about once a
century for the last 350 years. The desire to reclaim Alsace became part of growing French nationalism prior
to World War I, a dream became fact in 1918, only to lose it again from 1940-1945 when France was occupied by
Germany. Although Alsace is now most resolutely French, there is German influence everywhere —
in architecture, street names, and names of wines.
En route to Colmar we have a slight detour to stretch our legs
in Thann to see the superb Gothic church of St. Theobald
(1332-1515), the west doorway of which is surrounded by over 500 stone figures.
Colmar is unquestionably Alsace's most beautiful,
lovingly-restored, city, once the royal residence of Charlemagne. Since
the Middle Ages, it has been a favourite place for artists and artisans,
and its graceful streets and spectacular architecture reflect its past.
Its magical Old Town (vielle ville) has picturesque cobbled streets
lined with ramshackle, multi-coloured, half-timbered houses, overflowing
with flower boxes. After we check in at our hotel, the rest of the day is
free for you relax and explore this delightful Old Town, the
quarter of the town which is known as "Little Venice." The
"Unterdenlinden Museum" is one of the largest in France, and St.
Martin's minster (14th-15th-centuries) contains fine medieval statues and
stained glass windows.
First of 4 nights in Colmar — Dinner in hotel.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 15 (Sat 26)
Driver's rest day. Free day in Colmar.
2nd of 4 nights in Colmar — Dinner on own. Breakfast
Day 16 (Sun 27)
We set off for our first fairytale wine village. Eguisheim is
regarded by historians as the cradle of viticulture (the science,
production and study of grapes) in Alsace. It has three ruined
castles, and 12th-century walls still surround this delightful little town
of winding lanes and quaint half-timbered houses whose doorways frequently
display a date and a coat of arms.
We continue to Munster where the special Munster farmhouse
cheese is still manufactured by hand, and then into the lovely Vosges
mountains over the Col de la Schlucht — which seems to excite many
authors to describe car chases through the area in thrilling novels! —
over the spectacular Route des Crete, to Kaysersburg, another
storybook village, birthplace of Albert Schweitzer in 1875, and scene of
intense fighting during World War II. It is dotted with memorials and
gravesites, and its fortified bridge that dates from 1511 has a minuscule
chapel built into it.
3rd of 4 nights in Colmar — Dinner in hotel.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 17 (Mon 28)
We now go a little north on the “Wine Road” with photo stops en route as applicable. Our first full stop
is Ribeauvillé which has two towers remaining from its original ancient fortifications, now topped
with storks' nests. The Wheat Market, a 16th-century Gothic building with two arches, leads to tiny Rue des
Tanneurs, bordered by lovely houses. Opposite the picturesque town hall is the Église des Augustins with a
multicoloured tile roof. The attractions are endless.
After lunch, the rest of the afternoon to free for you to explore Riquewihr which a guidebook
describes as “almost too much: this picture postcard town resembles a stage set!”
The entire village is an historical monument. The Musée des Postes and Télécommunications
explains the mail system created by the Roman Emperor Augustus to transmit his orders throughout the Roman Empire,
which included Alsace. There are beautiful wrought-iron signs, old wagons, a 13th-century guard tower set into the
city walls, extraordinary houses, etc. — a positive haven for photographers. Plus there are some excellent
short walks into the countryside around the town.
Last of 4 nights in Colmar — Dinner on own. Breakfast
Day 18 (Tue 29)
Our first destination today is Obernai, a beautiful, completely
preserved village at the northern end of the Route du Vin. The ramparts
and towers date from the Middle Ages, the town hall and belfry from the
Renaissance. A passageway lined with galleries starts from the town hall.
Pastry shops in the square are a good place to try the local kugelhopf,
the buttery circular cake that is so popular in this region.
We continue for the rest of the day in Strasbourg, where a local guide will show us around this
capital of Alsace and one of the most bustling cities outside of Paris. The back-and-forth changing between France
and Germany over 350 years has left its mark on the city — the very French cafés and the German half-timbered
houses with geranium-filled flower boxes.
After lunch, probably in one of the pubs for which Strasbourg is well
known, we take a guided tour of the city which includes the Cathédrale
Notre-Dame (the "pink angel of Strasbourg") in the heart of
the city and one of Europe's most striking examples of Gothic
architecture; the Palais Rohan known as the "Versailles of
Alsace;" and the most picturesque quarter of Strasbourg known as le Petite
France. It is full of postcard-perfect scenes of 16th and 17th-century
houses mirrored in the waters of the River, with small boats and barges
and gliding swans. And we will see the Ponts Couverts (covered
bridges) — three bridges and four towers at the dividing point of the
River Ill which are vestiges of the city's 14th-century fortifications.
From the Barrage Vauban (Vauban Dam) the view includes all
the bridges and towers of the Ponts Couverts, the Petite France quarter,
and the cathedral.
Tonight we are in Saverne, the northern gateway to Alsace.
Hotel Aux Trois Roses, Saverne
Overnight in Saverne — Dinner in hotel. Breakfast & Dinner
Day 19 (Wed 30)
Depart for Verdun to visit the World Centre for Peace
which opened in 1995 in Verdun's relatively untouched medieval centre,
where a poignant exhibit deals mostly with the destruction and recovery
after World War I.
The Battle of Verdun was launched in 1916 over the possession of
a few hilltops. It lasted for 18 months during which time more than
700,000 were killed. The main purpose was not to win but to decimate the
French troops. Two years later the arrival of 450,000 American troops,
under the command of General Pershing, finally helped defeat the Germans,
but left nine villages completely wiped out and a countryside which is too
full of mines ever to be cultivated or built on again. The Treaty of
Versailles was signed in 1918, ending the war in France. Now hilltops are
overgrown with forests in which are the graves of 130,000 unidentified
soldiers.
We spend tonight in Troyes, an ancient town in the Champagne
area.
Hotel Mercure Troyes Centre, Troyes
Overnight in Troyes — Dinner in nearby restaurant. Breakfast & Dinner
Day 20 (Thu 31)
Free time to explore Troyes until we have to leave for
Paris. Troyes is a gem noted for its varied architecture. With its high,
narrow streets of restored, half-timbered houses, its old town looks like
a film set for a Tudor period drama. We spend our last night in France as close to Charles de
Gaulle Airport, Paris, as possible.
Hotel Mercure Compeigne Sud, Compeigne
Overnight in Compeigne — Dinner in hotel. Breakfast & Dinner
Day 21 (Fri Jun 1)
END OF TOUR
Depart approx. 6:30 am for the Airport.
Breakfast
Top
|
