| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
LA BELLE FRANCE
From Lyon to the Alps
April 30 - May 8, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
On this unique tour, we are proud to introduce
you to the breathtaking beauty of southeastern France from the culinary
capital of Lyon to the magnificent Alps and a plethora of quaint villages
and cultural sights in between.
You will experience the authentic French life by meeting locals on market
day, by spending a day at our guide Valerie’s home, and by tasting
local products (Chartreuse liqueur, walnut oil, chocolate…). On
day trips, our other delightful guide, Jac, will escort you to encounter
the diversity of this lovely region, always returning to our comfortable
hotel in the spa town of Aix les Bains at the end of the day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Day 1: Welcome Champagne Reception
We will pick you up at the Aix Les Bains train station this afternoon.
Upon your arrival at our lovely Belle Epoque-period hotel in the center
of town you will relax and enjoy a champagne reception with authentic
local finger foods and drinks. In the evening, we enjoy our welcome dinner.
Meals: Welcome Dinner |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Day 2: Historical Lyon
This day will be dedicated to the discovery of magical Lyon, a World Heritage
city known as the Capital of Gourmet Cuisine. The Fourviere Basilica,
with its breathtaking view of the city, will be our first stop. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You will also explore the superb Roman
Theater built in 43 AD, and then on to the Renaissance quarter, the second
biggest Renaissance quarter in the world, listed as a World Heritage site
by UNESCO.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Day 3: The Spa Town
of Aix-les-Bains
After a wonderful breakfast that can be served in your room,
Jackie and Valerie will give you a walking tour of Aix where the spirit
of the flamboyant 1900s still prevails in the casino, the thermal baths,
and the palace hotels.
Free time in Aix this afternoon.
Aix-les-Bains is located on Lake Bourget, the biggest natural lake in
France.
The lake offers all types of water sports: sailing, wind surfing, water
skiing and underwater diving. You can admire monocoques, trimarans and
catamarans and listen to the clinking of their masts in a gentle breeze.
You can spend your time walking or biking by the lake surrounded by mountains.
Thermal baths: Enjoy and relax in the Aix thermal baths, located atop
the majestic hills of the town: naturally warm indoor and outdoor thermal
water pools, whirlpools, saunas and steam baths, gym and relaxation areas,
bar and patios, mud baths, massages, etc.
The Museum Faure houses a collection of paintings by Rembrandt, Corot,
Cezanne, Sisley, Pisarro, Degas, Bonnard and the Japanese impressionist,
Foujita. It contains about a hundred landscapes and nudes, mainly of the
Impressionist school, including sculptures by Degas and Rodin.
The Casino: With the addition of several drawing rooms, a romantic theatre,
and a restaurant as well as mosaic-covered ceilings this elegant building
dating from 1850 provides a beautiful backdrop for a game of roulette
or poker.
Meals: Breakfast |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Day 4: Breathtaking
Mont Blanc, the Heart of the Alps
We will be heading to the highest mountain in Europe. Breathtaking views
of the Mont Blanc await us at Chamonix, the capital city of the mountaineers. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
The Montenvers train will take us on
a journey through deep forests and splendid vistas overlooking the valley.
Traveling along impressive peaks, you will arrive at the unique Mer de
Glace ("Sea of Ice") glacier. You will have the thrill of exploring
the inside of this glacier through a tunnel carved in the ice and of viewing
its never-to-be-forgotten exhibit of ice sculptures.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Day 5:Annecy -- the
"Little Venice of the Alps"
Annecy is the French showpiece of lakes-and-mountain beauty. The canal
crossing Annecy brings Venice to mind as you stroll along its banks. We
will meander the medieval narrow streets to admire the Renaissance houses
along the canal as well as the famous old prison, one of the most photographed
monuments in France.
We will also have the opportunity to visit the local market in the old
town.
This afternoon, we will enjoy Annecy Lake, the cleanest lake in Europe,
surrounded by majestic mountains. Why not rent a motor- or paddle-boat?
If you prefer, there are beautiful trails by the lake.
Meals: Breakfast |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Day 6: Romantic Chanaz and Bourget
Lake
We will drive east along the Rhone River, through beautiful vineyards
and picturesque villages to the lovely village of Chanaz. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Walnut Oil Tasting
We will attend a walnut oil making demonstration in a 19th-century mill.
This is an unique opportunity that can't be missed since this mill is
the only one left in France listed historical monument. You will of course
have a chance to taste the delicious and organic walnut, hazelnut and
almond oils as well as the homemade jams. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We'll stop for lunch by the emerald Lac
le Bourget and the majestic cliffs of the Alps.
In the afternoon, we will visit the flamboyant gothic Abbey of Hautecombes.
This majestic 13th-century abbey is the burial place of the Dukes of Savoy
and the last king of Italy.
Meals: Breakfast |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Day 7: Pastoral La Cote St Andre
This day is designed to give you an authentic flavor of the French countryside
and village life. Valerie will open her own house for you. Be her guest
and feel at home.
We will experience the local market day and buy fresh food at La Halle,
a 13th-century covered market where the locals meet.
After a stop at one of the cafes to savor the local ambiance, you'll be
able to stroll in this authentic medieval and Renaissance town. You can
also visit the home of the famous French composer, Hector Berlioz, which
is now a museum dedicated to his work. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One of the fun highlights of our trip
will be shopping for our lunch provisions at the vibrant local market
in La Cote St Andre. After picking up everything we need and want, we
head back to Valerie's house and prepare a sumptuous lunch!
In the afternoon, we will visit a chocolate exhibit, the "Paradis
du Chocolat". Tasting the delicious cakes made by Pierre Jouvenal,
the famous chocolate maker of the Dauphine region will delight your palate.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Day 8: Magnificent Pre-Alps Cliffs
and Caves
We will be heading towards the breathtaking mountainous region of Vercors,
bordered by 300 Km of cliffs on the very edge of the Alps.
You will have the unique opportunity to take a memorable trip into the
heart of the earth when we'll explore the famous Choranche cave, with
its thousands of impressive tubular stalactites and its lake of emerald
green.
After lunch, you'll have free time to visit Pont-en-Royans, the picturesque
16th century village where the houses are actually suspended above the
river. Stroll though the maze of narrow streets or walk along the river.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Day 9: Departure
After our last breakfast together, we'll drive you to the Lyon airport
(where there is also a train station for the TGV trains) and say au
revoir until the next time. (You can also take a high-speed train
right from Aix-les-Bains to Paris.)
Meals: Breakfast |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accommodations
We will be staying the whole week in a magnificient hotel built in 1903.
This luxury establishment has preserved a style of architecture that is
unsurpassed.
It has the very best contemporary comforts combined with original, stylish
furniture. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Painstakingly and lovingly recreated
in the spirit of the Belle Epoque, the spacious lounges of the hotel are
a delight to behold. Such is the setting of the "Art Nouveau"
restaurant and its exquisitely classic cuisine.
The hotel has a fitness room where you will be able to work out: stationary
bike, step master, weights, rowing machine, etc…
Located in the center of the town of Aix les Bains, you will have easy
access to the night life: casino, cinema, cafes, etc... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dates
April 30 - May 8, 2008
Price
$3,195 per person, based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $350
Includes
Pick-up at Aix les Bains train station on Day 1
Transfer to Lyon airport (which also has a train station) on Day 9
A champagne and hors-d'oeuvres reception
8 nights' accommodation at a beautiful Belle Epoque-period hotel in the
center of Aix les Bains
All authentic French breakfasts
4 traditional gourmet dinners and 1 lunch
Transportation in a comfortable van
A personal bilingual chauffeur/guide throughout the week
Wine and local product tastings
Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
Excludes
Airfare
All lunches but one
Optional activities (those not described in the itinerary)
Personal expenses and tipping |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
