CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN FRANCE
December 18 - 24, 2010 $1989 + air
When I think of outdoor markets, I immediately conjure up the mental image of weekly market day in the south of France. These moving markets roll into one town on Monday then depart on a circuit of the area towns throughout the week. When the market comes to town I love to wander, to look, to smell and to experience the local flavor! I always end up buying something… a new musical instrument, a pastry, fresh vegetables for dinner, olive oil, cheese, local art and even cheap touristy stuff.
Christmas Markets (Marché Nöel) are like the traditional market day infused with Christmas spirit and cheer. These markets are popular in many French towns but none can compare to the beauty, variety and seasonal ambience of those in Paris and Strasbourg. Here you’ll find everything from unique French Christmas decorations, beautiful handcrafted arts and endless opportunities to feast on sumptuous French food. All this combined with chilly weather, Christmas carolers, millions of lights and festive decorations is assured to supercharge the traditional tour experience.
Friday, December 17, 2010: Overnight flight to Paris, France.
Please arrange your own flight to Paris.
Saturday, December 18: Arrival at Paris’ Charles DeGaulle International Airport.— Meet at our hotel at 1:00 p.m. for introductions and welcoming remarks. Today, we will focus our exploring around Paris' historical center. On our walking tour, you will discover the wonder and history of the Notre Dame Cathedral and take a stroll on the nearby Ille de la Cité. Later, we'll wander the cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter experiencing a bit of Paris' medieval history. We’ll cap off the day with a cruise along the River Seine followed by a traditional bistro dinner.
Sleep 4 nights in Paris at the IBIS Hotel Bercy Village. Today's tour program includes: 1) Walking tour of Paris' historic city center including the Ille de la Cité, Ille Saint Louis, Latin Quarter and Notre Dame entrance; 2) One hour sightseeing cruise on the Seine River; 3) Dinner at a neighborhood restaurant; and 4) Metro transportation to and from sights and hotel.
Sunday, December 19: Treasures and the Spoils of Battle. - Today, visit the Louvre museum to experience what some consider the world's best collection of art. Armed with Exploring Europe’s "Concise Guide to the Louvre," you will have several hours to explore the art, history and wonder of this magnificent museum. Following the tour, enjoy a stroll through the adjacent gardens ending on the famous Champs Elysées. Enjoy some time here on this famous shopping street to rub elbows with the rich and famous. Tonight, enjoy dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in central Paris.
Today's tour program includes: 1) Métro transportation to and from hotel and touring neighborhoods; 2) Paid entrance into the Lourve Museum; 3) David's pictorial guide to the Louvre's greatest sights; 3) Walking tour tracing the route from the Louvre to the Champs Elysées; 4) Group dinner.
Monday, December 20: Fashion Center of the World - We'll begin today by visiting the Opéra neighborhood loaded with chic clothiers, popular stores and the Opéra (of "hunchback" fame). Following lunch, visit the once Bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre on a high hill overlooking Paris. At the turn of the century, Montmartre provided "cheap-sleeps" for the colorful artists exploring their newfound style called Impressionism. Later, we'll meet for dinner and a trip up the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris.
Today's tour program includes: 1) Métro transportation to and from the hotel and our touring neighborhoods; 2) Opera neighborhood orientation; 3) Walking tour of the Montmartre neighborhood and the Sacre Cour Church; 4) Dinner; 5) Eiffel Tower entrance.
Tuesday, December 21: Home of the Kings - Enjoy a short RER train ride to the town of Versailles for a look at the grand palace of Louis XIV, XV, XVI. Following a tour through the most important rooms, you'll be free to explore more of the palace and gardens on your own. You'll have the remainder of the day to further explore Versailles or return to Paris on your own. We'll meet tonight for a grand farewell to Paris dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Today's tour program includes: 1) Roundtrip RER Train to Versailles; 2) Paid Chateau Versailles entrance; 3) Dinner.
Wednesday, December 22: Strasbourg— After breakfast, travel by either TGV high-speed train or private bus to Strasbourg. After checking into your centrally located hotel, enjoy a guided walking tour of Strasbourg’s major sights. Strasbourg is a charming medieval town with easy access to our hotel and the major sights. Enjoy dinner tonight at our hotel.
Sleep in Strasbourg for 2 nights at the Mercure Strasbourg Gare. Today's tour program includes: 1) Walking tour of Strasbourg and its Christmas markets; 2) Dinner.
Thursday, December 23: Strasbourg— Today, enjoy the village charm of Strasbourg. The narrow cobbled lanes and half-timbered buildings all decked out for the holidays will surely give you some Christmas cheer. This is one of the largest Christmas markets in France. The setting in front of Strasbourg Cathedral is breathtaking. In its 431st year, this market in Alsace is the oldest Christmas market in France. Be sure to visit La Petite France, a cozy neighborhood of timbered fairytale buildings with Christmas shops and a gingerbread bakery. Perhaps enjoy a progressive dinner tonight among the many Christmas market food vendors.
Your Exploring Europe guide will be available to help plan your activites in Strasbourg.
Friday, December 24— Rise and shine! Transfer to Zurich, Switzerland by private bus. Please arrange your flight home from ZHR (Zurich airport) departing at 9:00 a.m. or later.
