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Visit with your guide
the State apartments including the chapel where Marie-Antoinette married
Louis XVI and its famous Hall of the Mirrors: once the capital of
France, this palace was built up by the famous Sun King Louis XIV.
Later it became the residence of Louis XVI then Louis XV before being
abandoned under the French revolution. Enjoy a stroll in the gardens
to admire the fountains (on week-end only): the park was designed
by Lenotre and was covering 24000 acres. It is itself a museum dedicated
to the XVIIth century French sculpture. |
| Fontainebleau
or Vaux le Vicomte (5 hours) |
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Fontainebleau is a wonderful chateau decorated in a Renaissance
style and was once the residence of the emperor Napoleon Ist. The
rooms inside has very well furbished and the François 1er
gallery is unique.
As an option your Tour Guide could show you the outstanding Château
de Vaux le Vicomte, built for Louis XIV's treasurer in 1661, which
later influenced the construction of Versailles: the gardens are
absolutely splendid…
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| Giverny or Chartres
(5 hours) |
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The former house of Claude Monet was
opened in the early 80's. This visit will bring you back to Monet's
time and you will have the impression of meeting the master behind
some roses or any corner of his home. The house has been wonderfully
restored and you will admire the gardens that Monet planted in order
to paint his famous Lilies. The museum was donated to the French Institute
which commissioned its restoration. |
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If you choose to go to Chartres, your
journey will be the opportunity to drive through the beautiful Beauce
region. The cathedral is well-known for its wonderful stained-glass
window collection and Chartres was a very important glass production
center during the Middle ages. Enjoy understanding the windows and
the stories represented thanks to your knowledgeable guide. |
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Chantilly
& Senlis (6 hours)
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Built during the French
Renaissance for François 1st High Constable Anne de Montmorency,
it later became the residence of the Great Condé, Louis XIV's
cousin. The Duc d'Aumale who inherited the chateau in the XIXth century
spent his life collecting masterpieces of Art during his life and
made of his chateau de Chantilly a wonderful museum. Among the collection
is a fabulous serie of Portraits made by Clouet and the worldwide
famous Book of the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, illuminated
during the 15th century. The gardens as well as Versailles were designed
by the landscaper Lenôtre. Later in the day enjoy lunch in the
quaint medieval town of Senlis and stroll in its narrow streets… |
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