France - Great Gardens & Candlelit Chateau
Some of the most enchanting French chateaux and finest gardens ever created by man
Some of the most enchanting French chateaux and finest gardens ever created by man
There was a time long ago when the French nobility tended to collect Chateaux like others collected stamps. Everyone wanted a piece of the “Palace Pie” and as a consequence there are over 40,000 of them sprinkled through the country. Of course, not all chateau are created equal - some are manor houses, others are grand palaces, other still are romantic castle ruins. During this holiday we shall visit two of the most chic of French chateaux, one of which will be enhanced by candlelight at night. We go on to discover some of the finest gardens ever created by man – not least the artist Monet’s Garden at Giverney – truly his greatest work of art.
ITINERARY
Thursday - Early morning departure from Dorset via channel crossing to Calais and through the French countryside to Velizy near Paris. On arrival porterage of the bags is included. After settling in enjoy dinner with wine.
Friday - Drive to the impressionist painter Monet's country retreat in Giverney with time to discover his pink house and iconic gardens complete with famous Japanese bridge and lily pond. Afterwards spend some time in the town of Vernon with its ancient half-timbered buildings, narrow alleyways and cobbled streets.
Saturday - Morning at leisure - the hotel is situated adjacent to the new Westfield centre which offers a tres-grand shopping experience. Lunch is included at the hotel instead of dinner today. This afternoon we shall drive to Chateau de Vaux-le-Vitcomte and spend the evening exploring this magical estate by the light of 2,000 flickering candles with a light show to end the night! A dreamlike and unique experience - wonderful architecture, sumptuous paintings, romantic gardens and magical fireworks. Return to hotel late that night.
Sunday - After a later breakfast we shall visit the ultimate French Chateau - The Palace and Gardens of Versailles are considered to be the pinnacle of 18th century French architectural design. You will be transported back to the golden age of French history and walk in the footsteps of French royalty. Explore the palaces many ornate rooms and their treasures then step outside to gaze upon sublime gardens with statuary, water features, geometric parterres and rich plantings. The town of Versailles itself is a real gem with historical buildings, grand avenues, markets and gourmet foods.
Monday - We bid our French hosts adieu and drive through the centre of Paris catching sight of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe then back to Calais. Afternoon channel crossing and return to Dorset by that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Mercure Hotel Paris Velizy
Situated on the outskirts of Paris and conveniently just 15 mins drive from the Palace of Versailles, this modern 4 star hotel provides a high standard of comfort and extensive facilities. All of the stylish bedrooms offer private bathroom with free toiletries, hairdryer, TV with movie channels, phone, safe, tea tray, minbar, air-com and free wifi. A generous hot/cold buffet breakfast is provided in the morning, and a 3 course dinner with wine is served in the restaurant for dinner with tea/coffee to follow. There is a spacious lounge/bar in which to socialise. Guests have use of the indoor swimming pool and fitness room. Lifts serve all floors (but some steps between landings) and room service is available.
Tour Price: £729.00
Single room supplement : £230.00
Includes: All coach travel. Channel crossing fares, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Wine with dinner, Porterage, Entry to Chateau de Vaux-le-Vitcomte, Entry to Monet’s Garden, Entry to Versailles
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Other Points in Dorset | Phone us to discuss a convenient pick up. |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
