FRANCE TRIP

Normandy and Paris

OCTOBER 2011

CRUISING THE RIVER SEINE; HONFLEUR TO PARIS

The M/S Bizet river boat has a passenger capacity of 120 w/outside cabins & English-speaking staff. Cabins feature flat-screen tv w/CNN & movies, heat/A/C, twin beds, private bath/shower. Traveling from Honfleur, France to Paris, we visited charming villages that inspired the Impressionists of the 19th/20th Centuries We explored the landscapes and areas that so enchanted Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, et al, and also visited the town where Joan of Arc was imprisoned and burned at the stake….Rouen. We cruised through the heartland of France, spending a day in the Normandy section to visit the beaches of WWII and the military museum/cemetery. We explored monuments, churches/ bldgs., stopped at interesting sites and villages along the way. There were optional tours to explore or free time or remain on the boat. The boat cruise was slow, enjoyable and calm while traveling…no ocean waves, just an easy style….only 120 passengers. The crew were accommodating, and the tour guides were exceptional.

The post-trip to Paris was fantastic! The historic and cultural influences of Paris remain unmatched. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Coeur Basilica. the Monet museums; they are all gems….and there is so much more! A stroll along the banks and quays of the Seine is for many the most memorable walk in Paris. The Seine is called the loveliest avenue in Paris. Walk past flower vendors, pet shops, sellers of caged birds, souvenirs, books, etc….just lovely!

On June 6, 1944, 7,000 boats carrying soldiers from the US, Great Britain, Canada and other Allied nations hit the beaches of Normandy to carry out Gen. Eisenhower’s order of Full Victory in German-occupied France. These D-DAY landings marked the beginning of the Allied push to free Europe from German oppression and to end WWII. They were the largest military operations in history. The American Cemetery holds the graves of 9,378 soldiers.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a town surrounding a beautiful little 17th-century harbor in Normandy. It is active as a fishing port and marina. The town has preserved many historic and traditional buildings and houses some interesting museums, churches and monuments. Visitors delight in walking around the harbor where the fishing fleet unloads fresh fish and shellfish daily. Along the quayside relax, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many café terraces. The inner harbour has craft shops to browse in and many places to eat. Stroll around the harbour and admire all kinds of yachts and brightly coloured fishing boats.

Benedictine Abbey

We visited the Benedictine Abbey of Fecamp in Normandy where the famous liquor is made. The family eventually sold the company to Martini&Rossi, which in turn was sold to Bacardi. titlehough the recipe is a closely guarded trade secret known to few, many have tried to reproduce it, so the company maintains on its grounds in Fecamp a Hall of Counterfeits. The bottle and label have been imitated, as has the name Benedictine.

Étretat

Etretat is best known for its cliffs, including 3 natural arches and the pointed "needle". These cliffs and the associated resort beach attracted artists including Claude Monet and other impressionist painters.

Rouen

Rouen is the city with the most enigmatic, natural light in the world (so it is said). Thus, Rouen became an inspiration for the masters of Impressionism (Monet et al). The changing light of this Normandy capital was transposed onto the canvases of these artists, but this is not the only claim to fame here. It was here that Joan of Arc was imprisoned, tried for heresy, and burned at stake. The 14th Century abbey where she was sentenced to death and the place where she was executed are all worth visiting. And, the incredible Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral cannot be missed. Joan of Arc was a young farm girl of 14 when she said she heard voices from God telling her to liberate the city of Orleans from the English. She helped to do so and continued to hear voices telling her to rid English domination in her country of France. Her attempts ended in failure, and she was taken prisoner by the French, sold to the English and brought to Rouen where she was tried and executed.

Les Andelys

Les Andelys lies in one of the loveliest settings along the Seine River. It is dominated by the impressive ruins of Chateau-Gaillard….which dates back to 1196. The Chateau is a massive fortress built on the cliff by Richard the Lion-Hearted, King of England and Duke of Normandy to prevent the King of France from reaching Rouen along the Seine Valley.

Giverny

Claude Monet, the most famous Impressionist painter, discovered Giverny in the late 19th Century. He bought a farmhouse with an orchard which later became his famous flower garden. He painted the surrounding countryside and the lovely water garden that he created. He also had a pond dug and planted his infamous water lilies, over which he placed a Japanese bridge. Behind his museum lies a field full of poppies, cornflowers and daisies for which the Impressionists delighted in painting.

Conflans-Sainte Honorine

Conflans-Saint Honorine an important river town, is named after the confluence of the Seine and Oise Rivers and a 3rd century martyr named Saint-Honorine. Today it is the chief town of the barge business. It became a place of pilgrimage, as monks travelled there to protect the relics of Sainte-Honorine from invaders. An old castle of that era remains. Conflans became a technical port with an important trading activity. The barge chapel, dating from 1919 was designed to carry coal. Today it is a chapel seating 100 people and it is an active renowned charity institution. It operates to serve the homeless and abused people, managing 400 meals per week.

Vernon

The old mill, a half-timbered construction, still lies straddling two piers of the ancient bridge over the Seine River. It has been represented thousands of times by painters, also by Claude Monet. The collegiate church Notre Dame dates back to the Roman period. The Archives Tower is a 12th century remain of the ancient Vernon castle.

Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh for whom color was the chief symbol of expression, was born in Holland in 1853. Studying art in Belgium, he later went to Paris to join his brother Théo. There he met artists painting in the Impressionist style. His nervous temperament made him a difficult companion, and his hetitleh became a problem. He decided to go south to Arles where he hoped his friends would join him, but more problems existed and he ended up cutting a portion of his own ear lobe off. He then began to titleernate between fits of madness and lucidity, being sent to an asylum for treatment. In 1890, he seemed better and went to live in Auvers-sur-Oise under the watchful eye of a doctor. Two months later he was dead, having shot himself "for the good of all." During his brief career he had sold one painting. Van Gogh's finest works were produced in less than three years.

Versailles

Versailles 14 mi. SW of Paris. Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, ascended the throne in 1643; he was 5 years old, holding the crown until 1715. During his reign, the national treasury went bankrupt. His most important legacy is the Versailles Palace outside Paris. All the French monarchs lived here, and Louis showered them with lavish constant entertainment and banquets. The excesses of latter kings, Louis XV and Louis XVI and his capricious queen, Marie-Antoinette led to an uprising of the Parisians on July 14, 1789 and the storming of La Bastille jail. The French people were starving and King Louis and Marie were spending lavishly at Versailles…extravagant parties, outrageous spending on castle/surroundings, clothing, food. The Revolution gave way to The Reign of Terror, and the guillotine was used to slice 17,000 heads, including Marie-Antoinette and King Louis XVI. Years later in 1919, the treaty ending WWI was signed in the corridor of The Hall of Mirrors.

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame

The Cathedral of Notre Dame was built around 1163, ranking as one of the greatest achievements of Gothic architecture. It dominates the Seine and the Ile de la Cite which is the heart of Paris. There are 387 steps leading to the top of the towers; the 13 ton bell is housed there. The massive church interior can accommodate 6000 worshipers. Sainte Chapelle…built by Louis IX as a repository for the Crown of Thorns and with stained glass in lieu of walls…a striking Gothic structure with two chapels, one on top of each other.

Eiffel Tower

It was originally built as a temporary structure to add flair to the World’s Fair of 1889, but it became the soaring symbol of Paris. At its completion, it was the tallest human-built structure in the world.

Arc de Triomphe

It was commissioned by Napoleon in honor of the Grand Army and its 128 victorious battles.

Musee D’Orsay

A fabulous turn-of-century museum created from an old train station, housing the world’s most comprehensive Impressionist art of the 19th century.

Musee Rodin

Auguste Rodin’s masterpieces of sculpture: The Thinker, The Kiss, The Age of iron, The Gates of Hell et al. Don’t miss walking in the gardens for more.

Musee L'orangerie

Monet’s lilies in panorama view. Benches are provided so you can sit and ponder his reflections.

Hotel des Invalides

An architectural masterpiece built by Louis XIV as a hospital and home for veterans. Today it also serves for departments of the French armed forces. But most visitors come to see the Tomb of Napoleon (under the golden dome). After he died on the island of St. Helena where he was sent in exile, following his defeat at Waterloo, in 1840 his remains were transferred here.

The Louvre

One of the greatest museums in the world. It has been estimated that if you were to spend five minutes looking at each object in its collection from opening to closing, it would take almost a decade to see it all. Famous masterpieces to see: The Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo.

Place De La Concorde

This octagonal space designed under Louis XV soon became the Place de la Revolution. The guillotine was installed here, and among the severed heads were those of Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Robespierre, et al. After the Terror, it was named Place de la Concorde. It leads into the Jardin d’Tuilleries and places to lunch or walk and is located near The Louvre. The Egyptian obelisk was a gift from Egypt in 1829.

Montmartre

Montmartre is one of the most colorful neighborhoods in Paris so it's no surprise that this area is a favorite among tourists. It’s the artists’ colony/home, and Sacre-Coeur Basilica sits atop in all its beauty. It’s best to explore on foot for it’s the highest point in the city, titlehough there is a miniature train that goes along the steep streets.. Place du Tertre is the old town square with countless cafes, art galleries and shops. Moulin Rouge, a famous nightclub, sits at the bottom of the hill, near Place Pigalle, the Red-Light area. It was the notorious Pig Alley of WWII. There is a funicular to take you up to Sacre Coeur and Place du Tertre. Make certain you include Montmartre in your visit!

La Nouvelle Eve

A famous nightclub with dinner and show in Montmartre; it was worth the expense….great show and good dinner.