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Art Nouveau is a new conception in art that will spread out in Europe between the 1880's up till the First World War, not only in architecture, but also in design and furniture. If many countries will develop their own version, a few architects will in France sign several buildings emblematic and prestigious up to our times. Two routes are proposed to experience the best of Art Nouveau in Paris. -
The enchanting abbey of Chaalis offers a fantastic trip back into the history ot one of the greatest and renown abbeys in the country. The domain includes a large park, the ruins of the old abbey church, a superb chapel, fantastic 14th century frescoes, a beautiful rose garden and the Jacquemart André museum installed in the 18th century abbey church, which brings together works from different eras, with invaluable art works. -
The tour will walk the streets of Maintenon city to discover, first the local church, before heading for the chateau. It is mostly dedicated to the memory of Madame de Maintenon, Louis the 14th second wife, with furniture, portraits and unique artefacts from that period. Other parts of the chateau were built and decored in the 18th and 19th century, including a splendid gallery, offering more beautiful doscoveries. The superb garden at the back surrounded with water, allows a privileged view over the impressive aqueduct at the back. -
The route then heads for the heights of Nogent, where the town center is located. A number of unexpectedly charming suburban houses and a lovely park lie along the way. The main street in the center is interesting on several levels. First and foremost, its ancient heritage is impressive. What's more, teeming with shops and restaurants of all kinds, the town center is one of the busiest in eastern Paris. Through its squares and monuments, the tour will explore the history of this town, which at the beginning of the 20th century was home to one of the largest Italian communities in the Paris region. Finally, the walk ends in front of the Royal Palace cinema, a landmark of Nogent sur Marne built in the early 1920s and a Mecca of the Parisian music hall of that era. -
Vincennes is a city which now touches Paris to the east but was long enough far from the capital for King Charles V to decide to build a castle there in complete safety. A former prison now a museum, the vast fortified complex contains the highest keep in Europe as well as a superb Sainte Chapelle. The Château Royal borders on one side the Bois de Vincennes and the lush Parc Floral, on the other the upscale city, with its lively center and interesting heritage. -
Just under an hour by train from Paris, Chartres is a great and convenient getaway for a day out of Paris. The cathedral, celebrated by many writers and artists, is one of the most fundamental in medieval Gothic art. The town, with its medieval and lively center, offers multiple attractions for strolling and shopping. Finally, the tour will end with the discovery of the famous flower market (3 days a week). -
Discover the landing beaches and understand the historical, geographical and human circumstances of the fighting started on June the 6th 1944. By private transport from Paris or train and then rented car in Caen, the excursion offers to browse countless memory locations, with amongst them the famous beaches, the American cemetery, German bunkers part of the Atlantic wall, museums and coastal towns. Lunch will be proposed in one of the most beautiful cities of Normandy, spared by the dramatic fightings. -
Welcome to "the true home of the Kings," said Napoleon of Fontainebleau Palace, a magical place to discover! You’ll arrive near the Chateau’s incredible gardens, and then proceed to visit the Palace, taking in all its treasured nooks and famous anecdotes. Our minibus will then take us to have lunch in the forest of Fontainebleau, whose enchanting rocks hold numerous legends. The day will continue with the visit to Barbizon, a village known for Impressionist painters who lived there. Finally, before returning to Paris, discover a truly extraordinary treasure: a sea of sand within the forest of Fontainebleau. -
This whole day in the Loire valley is aimed at combining 3 great features of the area: typical villages and small cities, wine tastings and top class chateaux. 2 beautiful chateaux and local wine sampling (red, white and rosé) in two different venues, including a troglodyte cellar are on today's program! Leaving some time for strolls in the local town and villages as well as personal shopping! -
Spend a whole, virtually private day with Napoleon visiting some of its most intimate and lesser known houses. West of Paris, the first one on the itinerary is way off the tourist track and exudes style and history. The chateau has also a strong link to Napoleon's personal life, as his first wife, Empress Joséphine lived and died there. The second palace will take you to the countryside, where rooms have recently been refurbished to exhibit some of the most beautiful decors from the French Emperor's days. Finally, this very special day will uncover a very secret place, where the biggest private collection of Napoleon's objects can be seen in the heart of Paris! Option: fly over Napoleon's palace in a helicopter! -
The capital of (German) Lorraine has a lot to offer! From Pompidou brand new modern art cener to the city's history museum, where an amazing Medieval objects are presented in rare and unusual buildings. The stroll through the city will show the river banks, but also towers and walls, reminding the great military role as well as the Imperial quarter, dating the German domination up till 1918. Surprising and unusual houses are also on the way around the medieval district surrounding the beautiful Cathedral (with windows by Chagall), to more traditional French style streets. -
Spend a day in Champagne following one of two different routes and have a fabulous experience. This northeast region of France is noteworthy for its long history of winemaking and stories of resilience throughout the First World War. One itinerary will prioritise the Champagne countryside with typical villages and tastings at small wine growers. The other will start in Reims, the capital of Champagne, on the trail of its long historical and architectural heritage before visiting some of the most famous Champagne houses.
