France

The Art & History of France: A Barge Voyage on the Yonne & Seine

Program No. 24422RJ
Bonjour! Join us for a riverboat voyage along the Seine to explore Paris, enjoy field trips to the homes of famous artists, walk in the gardens of the Palace of Fontainbleau and more.

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At a Glance

Board a charmingly authentic barge for a voyage along the Seine on a journey that leads through the artworks and history of France. Begin your learning adventure by spending one night in Paris, an opportunity that allows for a field trip to the Champagne region to explore the home of Auguste Renoir in Essoyes. Then, embark your riverboat on the Seine to thrill in the French countryside and make stops that allow you to explore the gothic cathedral of Sens, the Palace of Fontainebleau renowned for its magnificent gardens and the village of Barbizon that gave life to its own school of painting. Marvel in the architecture of the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, enjoy expert-led field trips at the Musee d’Orsay and Basilica of Saint Denis, and be transported back in time as you explore the homes of Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to three miles; cobblestones; standing up to one hour at a time.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Journey by motorcoach to Essoyes in the champagne region to explore the home and studio of Auguste Renoir.
  • Enjoy a field trip to the village of Barbizon to learn about artists like Theodore Rousseau and Jean-Francois Millet who became members of the Barbizon School of painting.
  • Thrill in an exploration of the home and gardens of Claude Monet at his home in Giverny, and journey to Auvers-sur-Olise to see the home and final resting place of Vincent Van Gogh.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Jennifer Burdon
Born and raised in York, England, Jennifer Burdon has been living in Paris for many years. She holds a master’s degree from Durham University where she specialized in 19th-century French literature and art history. Jennifer leads excursions in Paris, specializing in Impressionism, the French Revolution, the experiences of African-Americans in Paris and Ernest Hemingway. She has also written for a small British paper focused on the Parisian art scene. Jennifer enjoys sharing her knowledge of the city with charm and a subtle British wit.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Jennifer Burdon
Jennifer Burdon View biography
Born and raised in York, England, Jennifer Burdon has been living in Paris for many years. She holds a master’s degree from Durham University where she specialized in 19th-century French literature and art history. Jennifer leads excursions in Paris, specializing in Impressionism, the French Revolution, the experiences of African-Americans in Paris and Ernest Hemingway. She has also written for a small British paper focused on the Parisian art scene. Jennifer enjoys sharing her knowledge of the city with charm and a subtle British wit.
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