Musical France

The former defensive port of Honfleur has grown into one of Normandy’s most appealing harbor towns. The 17th century heart of the city has drawn artists from around France for the last century, including Boudin, Renoir, Courbet, and Cezanne; painters are still often seen along the quayside.

Explore the home of Erik Satie, a French composer and pianist. His work was a precursor to later artistic movements such as minimalism, surrealism, repetitive music, and the Theatre of the Absurd. Walk a scenographic and musical trail that pays tribute to the musician and composer born here in 1866.

Caen became the favorite residence for William the Conqueror and Queen Matilda in the 11th century, and, despite extensive bombing in WWII, much of the city remains. While the war and subsequent reconstruction left the city without much of the traditional Normandy charm, it is still beautiful and full of historic interest.Our base for the next two nights will be Caen (area), where breakfast and dinner will be provided at the hotel.

The Normandy region of France comprises 360 miles of coastline bordering lush farmland and bustling market towns. Despite its natural beauty and gastronomic delights, the area is primarily known for its history: from William the Conqueror to WWII. It is perhaps this rich heritage, along with the verdant surroundings, that inspired the Impressionist movement, begun here in the 19th century.

View the coast at Omaha Beach, where you can still see war wreckage.

Visit the Utah Beach Museum, housed in an old German bunker. We will get an intimate look at how the D-Day landing took place through a short film and by seeing the personal items the soldiers carried.

Experience the solemn serenity of the Normandy American Cemetery. Overlooking Omaha Beach and the English Channel, the memorial grounds contain the graves of 9,387 soldiers, each marked by a white marble cross or Star of David.

Your performance is today. Venue options include the Église Saint-Patrice located in the city center. This historic church is renowned for its stunning stained glass and architecture as well as its association with the WWII D-Day landings. Nearby the L'Orpheon Center de Musique Vocale, a popular education association, offers various choral activities including the opportunity for workshops and joint performances. For groups in Bayeux at the weekend, the Saturday market held in St. Patrice Square is not to be missed. Or a performance at the American Military Cemetery can be arranged to honor the fallen.

We continue on our journey from Caen to Paris.

View Paris’ most recognizable landmark, the Eiffel Tower, built for the Universal Exhibition of 1889. The wrought-iron tower was not meant to be permanent, and the first permit was only for 20 years. It is now France’s most iconic symbol and has hosted more than 200 million visitors. (Those who choose may ascend the Tower at their own cost.)

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral. Work began in 1163 on a spot that had been a holy shrine since Roman times. Over the centuries, the cathedral has been the scene of some of France's most momentous occasions, including the coronation of Napoleon.

This evening, dinner will be provided in a local restaurant.

Experience the perfect introduction to the beauty of Paris on a Seine River Cruise. We will pass under many graceful bridges and view important landmarks on both banks during our trip.

Tour the Musee de Musique and the Philharmonie de Paris. Since its opening in 1997, the Museum of Music has become world renowned for its collection and presentation of musical instruments. The historical heritage within its walls spans centuries, from the 16th century to today, and is a testament to the wealth of musical invention in every culture in the world.

Attend a Masterclass with a member of the Philharmonie de Paris. (Subject to schedule confirmation after time of booking.)

Your performance is today. Venue options for suitably qualified choirs of high standing include the great Gothic masterpiece Notre Dame Cathedral. Henry VI of England was crowned King of France here in 1431, Mary Queen of Scots married the Dauphin (Francis II) here in 1558, and Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor here in 1804. Venue options for choral and instrumental groups includes the Église de la Madeleine, which is another of our most popular venues for attracting good audiences and has a clear acoustic. In addition the American Cathedral welcomes performances by visiting choral and instrumental groups, and has had strong musical tradition since its choir was founded in 1884. The 6th Century Église Saint- German-des-Prés also welcomes performances by visiting choral and instrumental groups. Situated on the left bank Saint-German-des-Prés is the oldest church in Paris and the burial place of René Descartes. Venues for Instrumental groups wishing to perform outside include the Champs de Mars Bandstand, which is in a marvelous setting close to the Eiffel Tower, and the Square Jean XXIII Bandstand directly behind Notre Dame Cathedral. All these locations are ideal for attracting large audiences. Venues for choirs and instrumental groups wishing to perform in the Paris area include Disneyland Paris, as part of the Disney Magic Music Days.

This evening, dinner will be provided in a local restaurant.

Today we will journey from Paris to Chartres. En route, explore Versailles.

Take some time to explore or shop at your leisure.

Experience the palace commissioned by Louis XIV around Louis XIII’s hunting lodge. In addition to viewing the spectacular Gardens, our visit includes the ornate State Apartments, highlighted by the magnificent Hall of Mirrors. Versailles set the standard for royal opulence in the 17th century; this over indulgence set the stage for outrage and the ensuing French Revolution 100 years later.

Enjoy a performance at Versailles by the Centre de Musique Baroque. (Subject to schedule confirmation after time of booking.)

Lying near the border of the Loire Valley, the city was one of the first urban conservation sites in France. With its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and stone bridges, the venture has successfully retained the town’s unique charms.

Enjoy a Walking Tour through the Vieux Quartier (Old Town) exquisitely representing Medieval France with its cobblestone streets, graceful bridges and gabled houses.

Visit the jewel in the crown of medieval churches in Europe. The stone church is a testimony to the religious fervor of the Middle Ages. Chartres boasts an unrivaled expanse of sculpture, as well as one of Europe's most impressive collections of stained glass windows.

Your performance will be today. Venue options for choral and instrumental groups includes the magnificent 13th century Chartres Cathedral, one of the most beautiful churches in all of Europe. Its Gothic architecture and original medieval stained glass provides an inspirational setting for worshippers and performers. We have arranged numerous concerts here for choirs and orchestras, all have found this cathedral to be the highlight of their performing tour experience.

Our rewarding and enjoyable tour comes to an end as our Tour Director accompanies us to the airport on our final day.