Day 1 :
Depart U.S. for France
- Flight to France:
Relax and enjoy our scheduled flight from North America.
Day 2 :
Arrive Paris - Honfleur - Caen/Normandy Area
- Honfluer:
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.
- Erik Satie:
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:
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.
Day 3 :
Day Trip to Normandy Beaches - Concert Performance
- Normandy:
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.
- Omaha Beach:
View the coast at Omaha Beach, where you can still see war wreckage.
- Utah Beach Museum:
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.
- Normandy American Cemetery:
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.
- First Performance:
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.
Day 4 :
Normandy - Paris
- Travel to Paris:
We continue on our journey from Caen to Paris.
- Eiffel Tower:
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.)
- Notre-Dame Cathedral:
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.
- Dinner:
This evening, dinner will be provided in a local restaurant.
- Seine River Cruise:
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.
Day 5 :
Paris - Master Class - Concert Performance
- Musee de Musique:
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.
- Philharmonie de Paris:
Attend a Masterclass with a member of the Philharmonie de Paris.
(Subject to schedule confirmation after time of booking.)
- Second Concert Performance:
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.
- Dinner:
This evening, dinner will be provided in a local restaurant.
Day 6 :
Paris - Versailles - Chartres Area
- Travel to Chartres:
Today we will journey from Paris to Chartres. En route, explore Versailles.
- Free time:
Take some time to explore or shop at your leisure.
- Versailles:
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.
- Musical Performance:
Enjoy a performance at Versailles by the Centre de Musique Baroque.
(Subject to schedule confirmation after time of booking.)
- Chartres:
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.
Day 7 :
Chartres - Concert Performance
- Vieux Quartier:
Enjoy a Walking Tour through the Vieux Quartier (Old Town) exquisitely representing
Medieval France with its cobblestone streets, graceful bridges and gabled houses.
- Chartres Cathedral:
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.
- Third Concert Performance:
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.
Day 8 :
Depart Paris for U.S.
- Flight home:
Our rewarding and enjoyable tour comes to an end as our Tour Director accompanies us to
the airport on our final day.
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