DAILY SCHEDULE

Musée d’Orsay from the Right Bank of the Seine

French Cultural History: A History of Paris Through Its Architecture and Art
Paris is called the City of Light not only because of its long history of intellectual and cultural brilliance but also because of its rich architectural and art heritage. This excursion explores the 2000-year history of Paris from its Roman origins through the medieval and early modern periods to the major urban transformation by Baron Haussmann. We will also trace the development leading to the classic period of Impressionism in the 1870s. The history of the city and art of the Impressionists will be instilled by visits to a number of historic districts and monuments and to numerous museums. In addition, visits to Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny and the Palace of Versailles are included.

Day 1
Arrive in Paris at 6pm check in at our hotel in Montmartre. Walking tour of the environs: the Dali Museum, Montmartre Museum, the vineyard, Sacré Coeur, and the famous Place du Tertre. Dinner at scholars’ discretion (supervised by accompanying Deputy Directors).

Day 2
Continental breakfast at the hotel (each morning). 9am, the Eiffel Tower. Lunch followed by an afternoon at the Louvre. Time to explore the museum (including the Venus de Milo and Mona Lisa) and then a leisurely walk from the Louvre Pyramid through the Arc de Triomphe Carrousel and into the Jardin des Tuileries. Afterwards, Le Vedettes boat tour on the River Seine. Dinner in Montmartre, followed by a walk to the Sacré Coeur, one of the landmarks of Paris. Built in 1876, its gleaming domes shine out from the hill of Montmartre, overlooking Paris.

Day 3
Depart at 9am for the Cathedral of Notre Dame, built on the Ile de la Cité in 1163. All of the various stages of Gothic architecture will be observed, along with the large rose window with 80 illustrations from the Old Testament. Late morning departure to Versailles to visit the Palace with its parks and gardens, which are among the most beautiful, famous and historic sights in Europe. Evening, dinner and free time in Montmartre.

Day 4
Depart at 9am Claude Monet’s home in Giverny. In 1883 Monet moved to this rural retreat. He died in 1926, having immortalized his flower garden and the water lilies beneath his Japanese bridge. Afternoon, return to Paris

Visit the Louvre of department stores, Galleries Lafayette, and the opulent Opera Garnier to view the famous Chagall ceiling, painted with lyrical scenes from opera and ballet. Evening, dinner and free time in Montmartre. Scholars who wish to attend Saturday evening or Sunday morning religious services will be accompanied by staff to the Sacré Coeur.

Day 5
Depart at 9am for the Musée Rodin, Rodin’s home and studio. View his arrestingly dramatic works, in marble and bronze, that adorn the gardens and house, including the eternally absorbed—and absorbing—Thinker. Also visit Napoleon’s tomb and Les Invalides. Return to Montmartre; free time and dinner.

Day 6
Depart at 10am for the Musée d’Orsay. Occupying a fine Beaux-Arts train station, the Musée is Paris’ museum of the 19th century, devoted to the art of the pivotal years 1848-1914. Works by Impressionists such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, and Van Gogh will be viewed. Return to Montmartre for free time, dinner, and farewells.

Day 7
Early morning, depart for Paris airports for flights returning to the U.S.