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Intergenerational in the City of Lights: À la Découverte de Paris

Program Number: 17424RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/28/2012 - 8/5/2012; 6/29/2013 - 7/7/2013; 6/30/2013 - 7/8/2013; 7/6/2013 - 7/14/2013; 7/9/2013 - 7/17/2013; 7/13/2013 - 7/21/2013; 7/16/2013 - 7/24/2013; 7/20/2013 - 7/28/2013; 7/27/2013 - 8/4/2013; 6/28/2014 - 7/6/2014; 7/5/2014 - 7/13/2014; 7/12/2014 - 7/20/2014; 7/19/2014 - 7/27/2014;
Duration: 8 nights
Location: France
Price starting at: $2,549.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational
Intergenerational 		Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 18; 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 14 - 17 years of age.

Bienvenue! The avenues of Paris are open to you and a grandchild as you discover the art, culture and cuisine for which the city is famous. Converse with Parisians in their own language, admire the greatest artworks ever created, go underground beneath the Eiffel Tower and hear the story of Quasimodo at Notre Dame Cathedral. All this and more packs an unforgettable week of adventure in Europe’s most exciting city.




Highlights

• With an experienced teacher, learn the basics of the French language, then practice over dinner with a Parisian family.
• Explore the Eiffel Tower’s original machine room, underground bunker and first-floor control room.
• After visiting the Musée d’Orsay, have a portrait of you and your grandchild painted by an artist in Montmartre.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day indoors and out; cobblestone streets, stairs, occasional uneven terrain; standing in museums and other sites indoors and out. Extensive use of Paris Metro.



Pease see date specific information for intergenerational program ages. One youth per adult in shared accommodations. Triple rooms are not available for this program. Participants wishing to enroll with two adults and one youth should enroll one adult and one child in a double room with the second adult in a single room. (rooms will be adjoining).




Date Specific Information

7-28-2012

This program date is for adults and youth age 14-17.



6-29-2013, 7-6-2013

This program is for adults and youth age 10-13.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



6-30-2013, 7-16-2013

This program date is for adults and youth age 14-17.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



7-9-2013, 7-20-2013

This program is for adults and youth age 14-17.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



7-13-2013

This program date is for adults and youth age 10-13. Enjoy a fantastic Bastille Day fireworks display on 14 July!
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



7-27-2013

This program date is for adults and youth age 10-13.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



6-28-2014, 7-5-2014, 7-12-2014, 7-19-2014

This program date is designed for grandchildren ages 14 -17. Triples are not available, but side by side rooms are possible
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Paris, 7 nights; departure.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Paris
7 nights
Departure

To really experience Paris, you’ll need to know some French. An experienced teacher will introduce you to French language, culture, and history during your time in the City of Lights. On Ile de la Cité, where the city of Paris was started, explore Notre Dame Cathedral to hear tales of gargoyles and Quasimodo. Visit the Eiffel Tower, learn about the Impressionists at the Musée d’Orsay and have a portrait of you and your grandchild painted by an artist in Montmartre. Discuss Parisian culture, schooling and daily life over dinner with a Parisian family and discover the many works of art on display in the Louvre. Spend an evening at the theater to experience firsthand the dramatic and artistic atmosphere of the City of Lights. Enjoy some time in Monet’s home and garden in Giverny.




France

The epicurious and the curious find much to admire in Western Europe’s largest nation, whose agricultural riches and terrain of beaches, mountains and fertile fields have drawn residents for thousands of years. The northern region hosts the nation’s Parisian capital, as well as unique Breton culture, while the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast sports the chic beach-goers and the terraced vineyards of the interior.
Accommodations
Four-star hotel in the heart of historic Paris.
Meals and Lodgings
   Villa Montparnasse
  Paris, France 7 nights
 Villa Montparnasse
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Villa Montparnasse is a quaint hotel found on the left bank of the Seine. The colonial style residence is located in the 19th century intellectual elite neighborhood opposite the famed Montparnasse Cemetery and next to the apartment where Simone de Beauvoir lived. This hotel is both charming and very comfortable and is one block from a pedestrian street featuring restaurants and shops. It is within walking distance of the Cartier Foundation and two different metro lines both with direct access to the main monuments.
  Contact info: 2, rue Boulard
Paris,  75014 France
phone: +33 (0)1 56 80 34 34
web: villamontparnasse.parishotels.it
  Room amenities: In each room there is satellite TV, air conditioning, a mini-bar and a safe.
  Facility amenities: 24-hour front desk with English-speaking staff, Bar/ lounge, Room service, Laundry service, Smoke-free environment. Wifi is available in the lobby. Participants should be aware that hotel rooms in Paris are often considerably smaller than hotel rooms in the United States.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: See next Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services for details.
  Check in time: 2:00 PM
  Additional nights after: See next Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services for details.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program starts with orientation at 5pm at the hotel in Paris. Hotel check-in begins at 2pm. You will be staying at Villa Montparnasse that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast at hotel in Paris. Hotel check-out is at 12pm. You will be staying at Villa Montparnasse the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
N/A
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Buses and taxis are available.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Paris
  Nearest highway: A6
  Nearest airport:  Charles de Gaulle Airport
  Transportation to site: Independent travelers may take a taxi from the airport to the hotel. The cost is between 60 and 80 euros, and can take anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic. You may also take one of the Air France buses from the airport. One way fare is 16.50 € or you can purchase a round trip ticket for 27 € (tickets can be purchased by anyone regardless of airline). Travel time is about one hour but this varies depending on traffic conditions. Buses depart approximately every 30 minutes from four different places at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Paris Shuttle, a third party service, offers discounted shared shuttle and private transfer rates to Road Scholar participants. The rate they offer is about 10% discount off their published rate. By using the web link below, you can take advantage of these rates and book your transfer for arrival in Paris. You will need to pay in advance with a credit card to confirm reservations and print your own voucher. www.parishuttle.com/index.php?partner=P60WEN
  From End of Program
  Location: Paris
  Transportation from site: Independent travelers can take a taxi from the hotel to the airport or can ask the hotel for assistance in arranging a shuttle transfer. Paris Shuttle, a third party service, offers discounted shared shuttle and private transfer rates to Road Scholar participants. The rate they offer is about 10% discount off their published rate. By using the web link below, you can take advantage of these rates and book your transfer for departure in Paris. You will need to pay in advance with a credit card to confirm reservations and print your own voucher. www.parishuttle.com/index.php?partner=P60WEN
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Depart from USA for Paris
(Saturday, July 28)
   
 Depart From: Departures from the USA for Paris

Day 2: Arrival and Orientation
(Sunday, July 29)
   
 Arrive To: After your arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport you will transfer to your program hotel in Paris.
 Afternoon: Check in at your hotel and take time to settle in, then meet with your group for introductions and an orientation session.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant near the hotel
   
Accommodations: Villa Montparnasse
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Introduction to the French Language
(Monday, July 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel
 Morning: The first lesson in a new country is to familiarize yourself with the language. Your local expert will give you a brief overview of the language and pronunciation and then focus on useful vocabulary and common phrases.
 Lunch: After transfering to Montmartre, you will receive money for lunch. Your challenge is to read the menu and order in French.
 Afternoon: After lunch continue to use your French skills - and bargaining skills! - as you find an artist to paint or draw your portrait in the Place du Tertre. Once you have mastered the French language (or at least learned how to order pommes frites!) you will then embark on an in-depth discovery of Montmartre. The area is famous for its many artists as well as for the white-domed Basilique du Sacre-Coeur that rests at the summit of the city's highest hill.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant
   
Accommodations: Villa Montparnasse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: The Founding and History of Paris
(Tuesday, July 31)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel
 Morning: This morning you will learn about French history during an on-site lecture and field trip to the very island where Paris was founded, the Ile de la Cite. You will discover the world's most famous cathedral, Notre Dame, as well as the Sainte Chapelle with its stunning stained glass windows. Also explore the Conciergerie, a former royal palace that was used as a prison during the French Revolution.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Take some time to explore Paris at your own pace. Your local expert will give you some suggestions and directions if needed.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant
 Evening: Attend an evening performance at the Sainte Chapelle to experience firsthand the dramatic and artistic atmosphere of the City of Lights.
   
Accommodations: Villa Montparnasse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: The Louvre and the River Seine
(Wednesday, August 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel
 Morning: Learn about the rich history of art in France and the remarkable development of Impressionism in Paris. Enjoy a unique discovery of the Louvre, one of the most important collections of art in the world. You will divide into teams and be given a list of masterpieces to find. This treasure hunt is both an adventure and an opportunity to learn about many different periods and styles of art.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: This afternoon, admire the monuments and architecture of the City of Lights by river cruise.
 Dinner: Tonight you will dine with Parisian residents and hear firsthand about life in the city and growing up in France. Take some time to ask questions and have an in-depth discussion about the differences between your cultures.
   
Accommodations: Villa Montparnasse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Impressionism: Monet's Gardens and the Musee d'Orsay
(Thursday, August 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel
 Morning: This morning you will travel by bus to Giverny, where Claude Monet created and painted his incredible gardens. You will feel as if you have stepped right into one of the artist's famous water lily paintings.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: At the Musee d'Orsay you will discover one of the greatest collections of Impressionist masterpieces in the world. As your local expert leads you through the galleries you will marvel at the bold brushstrokes and colors of works by Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, and many others.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant
   
Accommodations: Villa Montparnasse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Modern Paris and French Baking
(Friday, August 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel
 Morning: Explore the iconic symbol of modern Paris, the famous Tour d'Eiffel. The tower was built between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance arch for the Exposition Universelle, a World's Fair marking the centennial celebration of the French Revolution. You will discover the original machine room, tour the first floor control room and - bien sur! - enjoy a fantastic view of the city.
 Lunch: Lunch on the Eiffel Tower, at a nearby cafe of your choice or picnic on the Champs des Mars.
 Afternoon: Take the opportunity to see how REAL French bread is made and practice your baking skills as you create your own mouth-watering brioche. Take notes on making this delicious bread so that you can amaze your family and friends back home!
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore local cuisine.
   
Accommodations: Villa Montparnasse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Market Visit and Farewell to Paris
(Saturday, August 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel
 Morning: Visit one of the city's many open-air markets where you can browse the stalls and mingle with Parisians doing their morning shopping. Experience the sights, smells and delicious treats of the marche!
 Lunch: Lunch on your own at a local cafe or restaurant.
 Afternoon: This afternoon enjoy some free time to explore Paris at your own pace or join your expert instructor for an optional walking exploration of Pere Lachaise. This world-famous cemetery is the final resting place for legendary figures such as Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison as well as many great French politicians, writers and performers such as Moliere, Edith Piaf and Marcel Marceau. A unique setting for a final French history lesson, to be sure!
 Dinner: Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
 Evening: Tonight you bid farewell to Paris from the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
   
Accommodations: Villa Montparnasse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Departures from Paris
(Sunday, August 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at hotel
 Morning: Morning transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport for return flights to the USA
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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