France Trip—Itinerary
This trip has been cancelled.
We enjoyed France so much in Summer 2007 that we're going back in Summer 2008. Here's a breakdown of the activities for each day.
For cost, contact information and other details, see the main France 2008 page.
Thursday, June 19 — Depart the US
- Each traveler is responsible for his own flight arrangements.
Friday, June 20 — Loire Valley
- Arrive in Paris mid-morning
- Board tour bus bound for the Loire Valley
- Parc Floral de la Source, a landscape garden around the headspring of the river Loiret.
Saturday, June 21 — Chateaux tour/Vouvray
- Chateau de Chenonceau, the chateau and gardens shaped by women
- The owner of Chateau de Valmer will personally give a tour of the Italianate flower and vegetable gardens
- Enjoy the distinct white wines of the caves of Vouvray, praised by Scottish novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott
Sunday, June 22 — Doue-la-Fontiane
- Enjoy Les Chemins de la Rose near the city of Doue-la-Fontaine, the rose capital of France
- We'll visit the Troglodyte Village Museum and see quaint homes carved into the area's soft limestone
Monday, June 23 — Chateau de Rivau/Villandry
- Tour the "fairytale gardens" of Chateau de Rivau, a historic castle in the Loire valley
- Visit the stunning formal gardens, “love” garden, kitchen garden of Villandry, one of the last chateaus built in the Valley.
Tuesday, June 24 — Chartres/Seine Cruise
- Walk the 13th-century labyrinth and marvel at the world-renowned stained glass of the medieval Chartres Cathedral.
- Return to Paris for a cruise on the Seine River
Wednesday, June 25 — Paris
- Morning visit to Marche aux Fleurs, principal outdoor flower market in Paris
- Guided bus tour of Paris with stops at:
- Luxembourg Gardens, once a royal palace, now a public park
- Cathedral de Notre Dame, the most recognized building in Paris
- Lunch at a sidewalk café
- Boulevard de Champs-Elysees, including 1855 World’s Fair Gardens
Thursday, June 26 — Painters Tour/Eiffel Tower
- Excursion by bus to Monet’s house and garden at Giverny
- Auvers-sur-Oise: the town where Van Gogh painted 70 pictures in 70 days
- Starlight visit to the Eiffel Tower
Friday, June 27 — Paris
- A day to explore Paris on your own, with suggested stops for museum lovers, shoppers, and history buffs.
Saturday, June 28 — Rose Garden/Night of Candles
- L’Hay des Roses, the world’s oldest existing garden devoted exclusively to roses
- Enjoy a magical candlelight evening at the Vaux-le-Vicomte chateau and garden
Sunday, June 29 — Versailles
- Versailles is France’s ultimate royal palace, an opulent monument to the super-ego of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Visit the lavish royal apartments and majestic formal gardens.
Monday, June 30 — Return
- Travel back to Florida
