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Intergenerational France: The Best of Paris, Normandy and Brittany

Program Number: 18370RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/6/2013 - 7/17/2013; 7/27/2013 - 8/7/2013; 6/28/2014 - 7/9/2014; 7/26/2014 - 8/6/2014;
Duration: 11 nights
Location: France
Price starting at: $3,575.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational
Intergenerational
Meals: 21; 10 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 12 - 14 years of age.

Inspire another generation of Francophiles as you immerse yourselves in the history, art, food, landscapes and “joie de vivre” of three regions of France. From the Impressionist masterpieces housed at the Louvre in Paris to the Camembert of Normandy to the Corsairs of Brittany, experience a rare and very special close-up of France and its people with your grandchildren.




Highlights

• Discover the Corsair city of Saint Malo, its medieval ramparts and proud Celtic heritage.
• Encounter history at its most moving — at the D-Day beaches of Normandy and the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont Saint Michel.
• See the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo at the Louvre Museum, and explore Montmartre through an enriching and fun treasure hunt.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles over generally even terrain. Considerable standing. Extensive use of Paris Metro.



One youth per adult in shared accommodations. Adult is responsible for supervision of child at all times. Limit one child per adult. Limited number of triple bed rooms. If triples are unavailable, the second adult in the family will be paired with another adult. If you choose not to be in a double, you may pay the single room upgrade.




Date Specific Information

7-6-2013, 7-27-2013, 6-28-2014, 7-26-2014

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Paris, 4 nights; coach to Caen, 3 nights; coach to St. Malo, 3 nights; coach to Rennes for departure.



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

Learn about Notre Dame Cathedral and its archaeological crypt, as well as the Louvre Museum with a focus on its French paintings. Discover Montmartre through a mysterious and fun treasure hunt, have lunch at local restaurant famous as a meeting point of artists like Pissarro, Sisley, Cézanne, Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Monet, Zola and Van Gogh. Visit Versailles Castle and learn about the “Sun King” and the French Monarchy. Embark on a boat ride on the Seine to encounter the history of the bridges of Paris.



Coach to Caen
3 nights

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont Saint Michel, as well as the incredible collection of WW II history at the Battlefield Museum in Sainte-Mere Eglise and Omaha Beach. Visit a typical Norman farm, taste local products and learn about Camembert cheese. Enjoy a conversation with French families during an evening in their homes. At Giverny, walk through the house and gardens of Claude Monet.



Coach to St. Malo
3 nights
Coach to Rennes
Departure

St. Malo is famous for its rocky beaches, Celtic culture, medieval ramparts and gallant seaman. Learn about the privateers known as the Corsairs as well as ancient legends and Celtic heritage. Attend traditional Celtic music and dance performances and visit the fishing harbor of Cancale. Learn about maritime life at the oyster museum, discover the secrets of Breton crepes and explore the beautiful landscapes of the inland region.




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
Paris: Centrally located hotel near the Opera quarter. Caen: Comfortable hotel near the city center, port and castle. St. Malo: Comfortable hotel close to the famous ramparts and sailing marina.
Meals and Lodgings
   Villa Montparnasse
  PARIS, France 4 nights
   Hotel Moderne
  CAEN, France 3 nights
   Hotel du Louvre
  SAINT MALO, France 3 nights
 Villa Montparnasse
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Villa Montparnasse is a quaint hotel 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 comfortable and is one block from a pedestrian street featuring restaurants and shops. It is within walking distance of two different metro lines both with direct access to the main monuments of Paris.
  Contact info: 2, rue Boulard
Paris,  75014 France
phone: +33 (0)1 56 80 34 34
web: http://www.villa-montparnasse.com/Villa_Montparnasse/Accueil.html
  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, 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: TBD Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services for details.
  Check in time: 2:00 PM

 Hotel Moderne
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: The Best Western Hotel Moderne has a combination of charm, comfort and tradition. You will appreciate the excellent services including a lounge bar, a sauna and a conference room. The hotel is ideally situated less than 2 minutes from the Caen's historic centre and the harbour. Explore William the Conqueror's city at your own pace : the Abbey of St. Etienne (Men's Abbey) and William's grave, the ladies' Abbey and Mathilde's grave. Departing from the hotel you can take a leisurely stroll around the pedestrian streets in the town centre where you can find the department stores (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps...), the theatre and the cinema. Nearby, the picturesque district of Le Vaugueux and its numerous restaurants, invites you in a small greedy escape in the Norman flavors.
  Contact info: 116, boulevard du Maréchal-Leclerc
Caen,  14000 France
phone: +33 (0)2 31 86 04 23
web: http://en.bestwestern-moderne-caen.com/
  Room amenities: Telephone, Free wifi access, Flatscreen television with satellite channels, Minibar, Safety deposit box, Bathroom with bath, hairdryer, separate toilet.
  Facility amenities: Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Elevator, Safe, Baggage Storage, All Spaces Non-Smoking (Public and Private), Air Conditioning, Sauna, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Fax/Photocopying, Concierge Service, Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hotel du Louvre
Type: Hotel
  Description: Located within the walled city at the heart of Saint-Malo, this hotel offers modern rooms with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. It provides a ticket service at the 24-hour front desk. A buffet breakfast is served every morning in the dining room at Hotel du Louvre. Guests can enjoy a drink in the bar while reading the newspapers provided. The harbor is just a 2-minute walk from hotel Louvre and the beach is just 1800 ft away.
  Contact info: 2 rue des Marins
Saint Malo,  35400 France
phone: +33 (0)2 99 40 86 62
web: http://www.hoteldulouvre-saintmalo.com/en/home-p0-C1.html
  Room amenities: The soundproofed guest rooms feature extra long beds and interconnecting rooms are available. Each room has a private bathroom with a hairdryer and amenities. All rooms are serviced by an elevator.
  Facility amenities: Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Elevator, Safe, Soundproof Rooms, Heating, Baggage Storage, All Spaces Non-Smoking (Public and Private), Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Business Center, Currency Exchange, Bicycle Rental, Fax/Photocopying, Free Wi-Fi is available in the hotel rooms.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Check out time: 11:30 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
The program begins at Orientation at 5:00 p.m. at the program hotel. You will be staying at Villa Montparnasse that night.
  End of Program:
The program ends after breakfast at the program hotel. You will be staying at Hotel du Louvre the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
n/a
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  PARIS
  Nearest city or town:  PARIS
  Nearest highway: A1
  Nearest airport:  PARIS CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT
  Transportation to site: A group arrival transfer is organized for all participants who purchased an air-inclusive program and arrive on the group date. Independent travelers may join the group transfer or take a taxi directly to the hotel or take one of the Air France buses. Tickets can be purchased by anyone regardless of airline. 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 or departure from 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:  SAINT MALO
  Nearest city or town:  RENNES
  Nearest highway: N137
  Nearest airport:  RENNES AIRPORT
  Transportation from site: Independent travelers may join the group transfer. Other options are to take a taxi from Saint Malo to Rennes airport (for approximately 170 euros) or take the train to Rennes and then take bus line 57 to Rennes airport.
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: Travel to France
(Saturday, July 6)
   
 In Transit: Overnight in transit

Day 2: Arrival in Paris
(Sunday, July 7)
   
 Morning: Arrivals at Charles de Gaulle airport and independent transfers to the program hotel in Paris. Please note that rooms are not generally available until early to mid-afternoon, so you should plan to drop off your luggage at the hotel and then take some time to explore Paris or relax and have a leisurely lunch (on your own). There are Paris maps available at the hotel, and your Group Leader and hotel staff will be present to provide recommendations and directions.
 Afternoon: Check in at your hotel and take the afternoon to unpack and relax. In the late afternoon you will meet with your group at the hotel for introductions, a review of the program itinerary and site orientation.
 Dinner: Welcome dinner at a local restaurant
   
Accommodations: Villa Montparnasse
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Overview of Paris / Louvre Museum / Eiffel Tower
(Monday, July 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Enjoy an overview of Paris by coach. This excursion will bring you to the Opera, Place Vendôme, the Bouvelard des Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Invalides, the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and more. Afterward visit the Louvre museum to discover one of the biggest museums in the world holding great masterpieces such as Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, and the Mona Lisa.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Walk through the Tuileries Garden which was created by Catherine de Medici in the 16th century. It became a public park after the French Revolution. Next take the metro to the Eiffel Tower and learn about the life and works of Gustave Eiffel in an on-site lecture.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to sample local cuisine
   
Accommodations: Villa Montparnasse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Notre Dame Cathedral / Montmartre
(Tuesday, July 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: In a guided walk tour explore the Ile de la Cité, the medieval center of Paris. See the famous cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris and visit its archeological crypt. Continue by metro to Montmartre, a place haunted by impressionist painters in the 19th century. Take the funicular to go up the hill and visit the Sacred Heart Basilica, built from 1875 to 1919, and admire its stunning mosaic ceiling, marble sculptures, and stained-glass windows.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Montmartre
 Afternoon: Discover Montmartre while doing a treasure hunt. In order to find the “treasure," you will have to solve enigmas scattered in different places on the hill (small teams will be made out of the group).
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to sample local cuisine
   
Accommodations: Villa Montparnasse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Versailles
(Wednesday, July 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Travel by coach to the palace of Versailles. In an en route lecture learn about Louis XIV and the French Monarchy. Explore the state apartments of the royal palace and learn about the daily life in the time of Sun King. Wander the formal gardens designed by Le Nôtre.
 Lunch: On your own at the chateau
 Afternoon: Return to Paris and embark on a boat cruise on the river Seine and discover the many different bridges of Paris and their history.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant
   
Accommodations: Villa Montparnasse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Giverny / Caen
(Thursday, July 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Departure by coach to Giverny to visit Claude Monet's house and gardens. The house is pink stucco, just like when Claude Monet lived there (1883-1926). The gardens are a rectangular “Clos Normand” offering, from spring to autumn, a palette of varying colors of the painter-gardener who was ecstatic about flowers. Walk through a tunnel to the site of the Water Lilies, a water garden with the famous Japanese bridge, wisteria, azaleas and pond which inspired the pictorial universe of the water lilies. Learn about Monet and the Impressionists in an on-site lecture. Then test your knowledge with a quiz on Monet for the grandchildren.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Continue by coach to Caen. Once there enjoy a journey on board of a little train for an overview of Caen.
 Dinner: On your own to explore local restaurants
   
Accommodations: Hotel Moderne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Camembert and Agriculture in Normandy
(Friday, July 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Travel by coach to a nearby farm. In an en route lecture learn about an Introduction to the region of Normandy.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local farm tasting locally produced food.
 Afternoon: Continue by coach to the village of Camembert. Visit a cheese farm and learn about how camembert is made.
 Dinner: This evening visit the homes of French familes and eat dinner with them.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Moderne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Caen Memorial / WWII Landing Beaches
(Saturday, July 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: This morning we visit the Memorial of Caen and learn about World War II in Normandy with a local expert.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Caen Memorial
 Afternoon: Travel by coach to the World War II landing beaches. Field trip to the Battlefield Museum at Saint-Mère l’Eglise. Discover the story of the 82nd and 101st American Airborne Division which made this place the first town liberated in France. Field trip continues to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to sample local cuisine
   
Accommodations: Hotel Moderne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Mont Saint Michel / Saint Malo
(Sunday, July 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Travel by coach to Mont Saint Michel. Discover the Benedictine Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, one of the most remarkable examples of mediaeval religious and military architecture. It was one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites from the 8th to the 18th century and is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about the unique character of Mont Saint-Michel's abbey and surrounding bay in an onsite lecture.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own at Mont Saint Michel
 Afternoon: Continue on by coach to Saint Malo. The town was originally built as a walled citadel guarding the mouth of the Rance river and was the home of pirates for centuries. With your expert guide, visit the ramparts and the old town of Saint Malo, including Saint Vincent Cathedral, the burial place of Jacques Cartier. In an on-site lecture learn about “Famous characters from Saint Malo: Surcouf, the corsair; Jacques Cartier, who discovered Canada; and Chateaubriand, the French writer.”
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant
 Evening: Enjoy a performance of traditional Celtic music and dance
   
Accommodations: Hotel du Louvre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Paimpol to Pontrieux to Bréhat
(Monday, July 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Travel by coach to Paimpol on the north coast of Brittany. In an en route lecture learn about "Celtic heritage in the Breton culture: language, traditional costume, music, and legends." Continue by coach to Arcouet harbor and take a boat to the island of Brehat.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own to explore local cuisine
 Afternoon: Learn about preservation of the local environment in an on site lecture. Walk across the island. Then enjoy free time and optional swimming in the sea. Take the boat back to Arcouest then continue by coach back to Saint Malo.
 Dinner: For dinner first enjoy a demonstration of how to make Breton crepes and galettes and then enjoy partaking of them, both sweet and savory.
   
Accommodations: Hotel du Louvre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Cancale Oysters
(Tuesday, July 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Travel by coach to Cancale, a typical fishing harbor, and visit a marine farm. Discover the “savoir-faire” and maritime history of the region. Learn about oyster breeding and the local tradition and taste them fresh from the sea.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own to explore local cuisine
 Afternoon: This afternoon enjoy free time to explore Saint Malo.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at local restaurant
   
Accommodations: Hotel du Louvre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Departure
(Wednesday, July 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Transfer from St Malo to Rennes airport
   
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.

Suggested Reading List


1066, The Year of the Conquest


Author: David Howarth


Description: A crack medievalist and storyteller, Howarth brings to life the momentous events of 1066 in rich, anecdotal history -- a classic portrait of the Norman invasion and conquest of England.



A Traveller's History of France


Author: Robert Cole


Description: This fast-moving survey covers the conquests of ancient Gaul through the heady days of revolution to modern times.



Battle of Normandy 1944 Map


Author: Michelin Travel Publications


Description: A reproduction of a 1947 map of Normandy showing the main sites of the summer 1944 battle.



Cathedral, The Story of its Construction


Author: David MacAulay


Description: In this illuminating book for middle readers, master draughtsman MacAulay presents text and innovative drawings that detail the planning and construction of a 13th-century Gothic cathedral. It's a masterpiece.



Cathedrals and Castles, The Cathedral Builders of the Middle Ages


Author: Alain Erlande-Brandenburg


Description: This pocket-size encyclopedia of the art, architecture and culture of the Middle Ages features hundreds of drawings, color illustrations and a brief chronology.



D-Day


Author: Antony Beevor


Description: A new account invasion by the bestselling author of Stalingrad and The Fall of Berlin 1945.



D-Day June 6, 1944, The Climactic Battle of World War II


Author: Stephen Ambrose


Description: Written by the best-selling historian Stephen Ambrose, this well researched book draws together interviews and government documents to tell the gripping tale of D-Day. This comprehensive account contains 32 pages of photos and eight maps.



Eyewitness Guide France


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: This superb guide to all of France features color photography, dozens of excellent local maps and a region-by-region synopsis of the country's attractions. Handsome, convenient and up-to-date, this is the guide to carry.



Fodor's Paris' 25 Best


Author: Fodor's


Description: This shirt-pocket map and guide includes essential information on the city's history, highlights and sightseeing, ideal for a short visit to the City of Light.



France Map


Author: Michelin


Description: A colorful, accurate and up-to-date map of France at a scale of 1:1,000,000.



Into a Paris Quartier, Reine Margot's Chapel and other Haunts of St. Germain


Author: Diane Johnson


Description: Novelist Diane Johnson (Le Divorce) writes with insight, verve and wit in this affectionate, personal portrait of St Germain-des-Prés, her neighborhood on the Left Bank.



Joan of Arc


Author: Mary Gordon


Description: In elegant, insightful prose, novelist Gordon meditates on the courageous and complex young girl and the iconic status she has acquired.



Lonely Planet French Phrasebook


Author: Marie-Helene Girard, Anny Monet


Description: This handy phrasebook focuses on pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.



Monet, the Ultimate Impressionist


Author: Sylvie Patin


Description: A colorful pocket-size reference to Monet's life, paintings and contemporaries, perfect for those visiting Giverny.



Mont Saint Michel and Chartres


Author: Henry Brooks Adams


Description: First published at the turn of the century, this classic work is a meditation on the Medieval world as reflected through its most famous religious structures.



Normandy, A Graphic Adaptation of D-Day, the Allied Invasion of Hitler's Fortress Europe


Author: Wayne Vansant


Description: The dramatic story of the planning and execution of the Allied invasion of Europe is told here in a graphic format (AKA comic book style) from the perspective of both the Allied and Axis forces, beginning with the invasion of the five D-Day beaches and continuing through the liberation of Paris.



Paris Map


Author: Borch Maps


Description: A sturdy laminated map of the city center at a scale of 1:12,000 and all of Paris at a scale of 1:15,000.



Rough Guide Brittany & Normandy


Author: Greg Ward


Description: An informative, detailed guide to Brittany and Normandy with a good overview of history and culture



The Oysters of Locmariaquer


Author: Eleanor Clark


Description: Winner of the 1965 National Book Award, this paper edition of Clark's pleasurable portrait of the hardy oystermen and byways of coastal Brittany is introduced by Mark Kurlansky.



The Portrait


Author: Iain Pears


Description: On a remote island off of Brittany, an art critic sits completely still and silent as his old friend paints his portrait and tells him the story of his long and tortured life in this eerie mystery.



The Secret Life of the Seine


Author: Mort Rosenblum


Description: After losing his Paris apartment, Rosenblum, a born storyteller, takes to a houseboat moored on the Seine. The result is this entertaining tour of the places and people he encounters during his explorations along the river.



The Sun King


Author: Nancy Mitford


Description: An opulent, celebrated biography of Louis XIV. Gracefully written in a witty, conversational style, Mitford's book brings Versailles to vibrant life.





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