Trip Overview

 

This 8-day trip will focus on the historical period between 1870 and World War 1. This time period is best known for its cultural contributions to France and to the world. Impressionism, Art Nouveau, Post-Impressionism, and Symbolism all flourished during this era,We will see art, visit incredible villages and cities, and taste delicious regional treats.

 

We will begin in Paris. You will be picked up at the airport by our transportation service and brought directly to our hotel. You will have the afternoon for rest or exploration, and we will all meet for a delightful Welcome Dinner.

 

The next day, we will enjoy the treasures of the City of Lights. Visits will include the Musée D'Orsay, which holds an incredible collection of Impressionist art held in a gorgeous converted train station, and a walking tour of Art Nouveau in the city. You will have the afternoon free to explore Paris on your own, and we will meet at night for a romantic evening cruise down the Siene, reveling in the lights of the city. 

 

From Paris, we will take a leisurely tour in the comfort of our mini-van toward Nancy, the berceau (cradle) of Art Nouveau. On our way, we will stop in Reims to sample some bubbly in Champagne. We will also take the time to stop in Metz, where we will see the Cathedral which holds gorgeous stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. When we get to Nancy, we will dine together in Place Stanislaus, next to  the opulently gilded gates that lead to hidden treasures in this fascinating city.

 

Nancy will show us the delicacy, wonder, and beauty of Art Nouveau. We will have a full day of museum visits and walking tours and the opprotunity to taste some of the regional delicacies of the Alsace-Lorraine region. Our first visit will be to the Musee de l'Ecole de Nancy, which focuses solely on Art Nouveau and houses some of the most pristine and fundamental pieces of this school of art. Our next stop will be the Musee des Beaux Arts which holds a fine collection of Daum glass pieces. A walk through the city park and lunch in Old Town will complete our busy afternoon, and you'll be on your own to enjoy the evening.

 

From Nancy, we will drive toward the stunning city of Strasbourg. In Strasbourg, we will find a romantic city with German roots and a cosmopolitan focus. We'll take a guided walking tour of old town and other neighbohoods to search and discover fabulous works of Art Nouveau buildings and embellishments.

 

After a lunch together at a quaint vinstub  (Alsace-style wine bar), we'll take a boat tour which will lead us through the canals of Strasbourg, going through La Petite France and around the European Parliament buildings. Your afternoon and evening will be free to explore this magical city, perhaps stopping for a night visit of the cathedral, or a decadent dessert at one of the many German-Austrian inspired tea rooms. 

 

The next day will find us exploring the Route des Vins (Wine Road) of Alsace. This 170 Km route takes us through some of the most picturesque and authentic villages in France. Nestled amongst vineyards and forests, we will become enchanted with various towns and their sublime wines. Our day will be filled with wine tastings and quaint villages, and will culminate with an evening spent at the Fete de Vignerons (Wine Makers Festival) in _____________. We will spend the night in Mulhouse, at the end of the route.

 

Our driver will take us back to Paris, with a possible stop in Dijon's famous Old Town. Back in Paris, you will have a free day to play and we will meet in the evening for our Farewell Dinner. Our driver will take you back to the airport or train station on your departure day.