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Ardèche Region, France |
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Experience this picturesque area of Ardèche via Le
Mastrou, a nostalgic narrow gauge steam locomotive
through a lush countryside of fruit trees, vines and
chestnuts, dotted with 16th century castles and
Roman ruins. |
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Vincent van Gogh was inspired by Arles, where he
painted some of his most vibrant works. Known as the
“Little Rome of Gaul,” Arles is a treasure trove of
antiquity, boasting Roman and Medieval monuments. |
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Enclosed by Medieval walls, this great “City of the
Popes” contains a number of splendid museums,
churches and palaces. Avignon was the center of the
Catholic Church in the 14th century, when its
“Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s
Vatican. |
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Beaune is the commercial center of Burgundy’s wine
trade. Best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay,
some of the world’s most distinguished grand crus
are made here. The city’s architectural highlight is
the 15th century Hospices de Beaune, famous for its
multicolor pattern-tiled roof. |
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Caudebec is distinguished by a fine Gothic church
that Henry IV of France believed to be the most
beautiful in his kingdom. Beyond the town are the
highly romantic ruins of Jumièges Abbey, consecrated
in 1067 in the presence of William the Conqueror. |
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Drink in the history of this picturesque town,
literally. In 1863, a prominent Fecamp wine dealer
and art collector discovered the ancient liqueur
recipe of a Benedictine monk. After much
experimentation with different herbs and spices, he
developed what is now known as “Benedictine”
liqueur. You’ll tour the historic Benedictine
Palace, with its art gallery and museum, and have a
chance to taste the famous liqueur. |
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Giverny was the beloved home of the impressionist
painter Claude Monet. From 1883 until his death in
1926, he lived and worked in these sublime
surroundings. See the stone farmhouse, beautiful
gardens and the lily pond he captured so brilliantly
on canvas. |
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This seaport is where Impressionism began, in the
soft light of the Seine Estuary. The scenic harbor
is a painter’s delight with its slate-hung houses
and Medieval buildings. Numerous memorials
throughout the town commemorate its famous
residents. |
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Explore the dramatic ruins of the great Norman abbey
of Jumièges. |
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This beautiful town lies in one of the loveliest
settings on the Seine, below the massive ruins of
the famous Château Gaillard. The huge fortress was
built in 1196 by Richard the Lionhearted, King of
England and Duke of Normandy. |
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Les Baux is situated in the heart of the Alpilles on
a rocky plateau, with a brilliant view of Arles, the
Camargue and the Alpilles. The village is officially
classified and labeled as "one of the most beautiful
villages in France". Its cultural heritage is
exceptionally rich, with 22 architectural treasures
classified as "Historic Monuments" (including the
church, château, town-hall, hospital, chapels,
houses, doorways). The village has been
painstakingly restored and is now one of the most
popular attractions in the region. The village can
only be visited by foot, and you will admire the
ancient houses that have been carefully restored,
beautiful Renaissance façades and several
magnificent "hôtels particuliers" which today serve
as art galleries or museums. |
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Lyon is the city in France where north meets south.
Comparable in architecture to Rome and Venice, Lyon
surpasses them both with its reputation as the
gastronomic capital of France. A sightseeing tour
leads you to Fourvière Hill, where you can survey
the city in all its glory. |
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If you enjoy Pouilly-Fuisse wine, you know Mâcon. A
stroll along the quays of this sunny city reveals
the natural beauty of the Sâone River. Wine
connoisseurs may journey to Maconnais for a wine
tasting at a local winery. |
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Known as the “City of Light,” Paris lies on the
Seine River, and is the largest city in France.
Among its oldest monuments are the Cathedral of
Notre Dame and the Louvre. Newer highlights include
the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the
Champs-Elysées. |
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Once capital of Normandy, the ancient city of Rouen
boasts an elaborate Gothic cathedral and superb
half-timbered houses. A dazzling church and a
monument to Joan of Arc can be seen in the old
marketplace where she met her death in 1431. |
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Saint Remy de Provence is an historic village built
on one of the oldest archeological sites in Europe.
Situated in the heart of the Alpilles, Saint Rémy is
surrounded by lush green perfumed valleys, and its
ancient streets are lined with beautifully restored
old houses. There is a long succession of "hôtels
particuliers" (often converted into museums or art
galleries), convents, chapels, and ornate houses
from the 17th and 18th century. The beauty of the
countryside and the quality of light has inspired
many artists, writers and painters. Without a doubt,
the most famous was Vincent van Gogh who produced
more than150 paintings of the countryside
surrounding Saint Rémy de Provence. Visitors can
observe the remains of the "Comptoir de Glanum"
which was founded in the 3rd century BC, before
control passed to the Romans under Julius Cesar. Two
important monuments are visible next to the site :
l'Arc de Triomphe and the Mausolée des Antiques.
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Tournon lies at the heart of the Ardèche region, a
lush countryside of fruit trees, vines and olives
dotted with 16th century castles and Roman ruins.
Experience this picturesque area of Provence via Le
Mastrou, a nostalgic narrow gauge steam locomotive. |
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Vernon boasts picturesque 17th century architecture,
and is an attractive gateway for visiting Giverny,
which lies across the river. Here, glimpses of 500
year-old houses flicker through the trees, and
heavily wooded isles dot the river. |
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Chateau de Versailles is the most famous royal
palace in the world. It was built in the 17th
century by Sun King Louis XIV, on the grounds of his
father’s hunting lodge. On completion it became the
official residence of the Court of France. Most
notable of the many ornately decorated rooms, halls
and ballrooms are the King’s Bedchamber, the
magnificent State Apartments and the Hall of
Mirrors. The formal gardens boast many fine
sculptures, fountains and the "miniature" palaces
built around the estate. |
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Beautiful Vienne’s old town is rich in Roman and
Medieval buildings. Important sights include St.
Pierre Church, the Roman Temple of Augustus and
Livia, St. Maurice Cathedral and the Lapidary
Museum. |
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