France Impressions

Your journey begins with an overnight flight from home to Paris, France (CDG).

Everyone will transfer from the airport to the group hotel today, options will be provided in your first packet of reading materials. Tom and Cree will meet you in the hotel lobby at approximately 5-P.M. where you will have a brief introductory meeting and then walk to the Louvre Museum for a dusk photography shoot. Enjoy a light bite or dinner on your own either pre or post your photo shoot.

The next day you will view Paris from a different perspective, taking a 2-hour canal ride along the Siene to Canal Saint Martin, just north of the city center. Photograph the architecture and daily life along the canal.  Enroute back to the hotel there is a very colorful cobblestoned pedestrian street called Rue Cremieux. Even these cotton candy, pastel-colored houses stand out in this city of lights and unique architecture. During your time here please be respectful of those that call this home.  Once everyone is refreshed after a break at the hotel your last evening will be with your photo leaders as you walk along the Siene River as the city lights are turned on and the night life begins. Criss cross some of the 37 bridges spanning the Siene, making for exceptional photography that captures the true feeling of Paris.

Your last full day in Paris, rise early to meet Tom and Cree for a walking tour with morning light to Ile de la Cite and photograph  the exterior (at this time) of the Notre Dame Cathedral. Continue on for additional photography to (dependent on interests of group) the oldest covered market of Paris, Marche des Enfants Rouges, or the distinct neighborhood of Le Marais. After a break at the hotel reconvene this evening with Cree and Tom  to your dusk photography session:  the Eiffel Tower from the vantage point of Place du Trocadero. Overnight Paris three evenings (None; B, L; B, D )

Depart Paris early this morning as you travel to Giverny. While viewing thefamous gardens you will draw parallels between the work of Monet as the gardener and of the artist. Standing in his historic garden, bathed in the magical light that he also worked in, you will be inspired quite possibly in a way you have not yet experienced as a photographer.

Continue to the historic seaport of Honfleur. Just before reaching Honfleurthere is the lovely chapel of Notre Dame de Grace, sitting on a wooded plateau, offering great views of the Siene estuary, the town of Le Havre, and Honfleur. One of the most ancient maritime chapels was built by a Norman Duke, who if survived a deadly storm, vowed to build a shrine he could see through rain and surf.

Enjoy sunset photography along the harbor as the café lights are reflected on the water. Sitting on the estuary where the Siene River meets the English Channel, is the historic seaport of Honfleur. Both Claude Monet and native son Eugene Boudin could call Honfleur home,  regular artists painting along the Honfleur coastline and city. Photograph at the old harbor where there are 16^th to 18^th century townhouses, as well as picturesque fishing boats. Overnight Honfleur (B, D)

Transfer to the Loire Valley, with photo ops along the way. Given time there will be photo ops in the City of Tours for its quaint squares, medieval streets, and half-timbered houses. Continue on to your home away from home for the next three evenings. Your program includes a birds-eye perspective hot air balloon ride late this afternoon over the châteaux and Loire Valley (if inclement weather this may need to be  moved to another evening).

The next morning you depart for The Château de Chambord, one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its very distinctive French Renaissance architecture which blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures. An interior tour of this château has been included as it is the best suited château for indoor photography. Return to your hotel where there will be a photo walk in town and lunch on your own. Early this evening there will be an outside photo shoot of Chaumont de Loire Château.

The next day provides visiting the lesser-known areas of the valley, including Chedigny, a quaint medieval town known for its flowing gardens and streets for you to wander. After which enjoy a food and wine tasting lunch, and time to photograph the beauty of this amazing landscape. Late this afternoon you will photograph the famous Château de Chenonceau a French château spanning the River Cher, near the small village of Chenonceau. It is one of the best-known château of the Loire valley. Given proper weather conditions you will stay through sunset to capture images of the châteaux and its reflections across the river. Overnight three evenings Loire Valley (Meals Included: B, L, D; B; B, Wine Pairing with Lunch; D)

There are flights leaving Paris at approximately 4PM, which will give the group time to have a short photo shoot in town this morning and then depart for the 3 hour drive to CDG (you will be notified if these times change). If your departure flight is earlier than that, then you can contact Strabo and we will recommend CDG airport hotels for you to overnight on own and depart the next day. (B)