Cathedrals of France:  Gothic and Romanesque Wonders of Faith and Art
8 Days in Paris   October 10 - 18, 2012

Paris - First 5 days

There are so many different ways to think of Paris, all interesting and delightful. For the first half of this trip we will focus on Paris as a center of Religion during the Age of Faith, the 12th and 13th centuries. Faith paired with urban wealth and power created sublime art and architecture. You'll enjoy the stories and history that bring this fascinating period to life.

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The old...

St. Germain, in the chic heart of Paris, dates to the 5th c.

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the beautiful...

On the Left Bank,  this church has the  only remaining rood screen in Paris

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The compelling stories....

Straight from the 12th century, these kings and queens speak to us from the Royal Portal of Chartres Cathedral.

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Our Base
Hotel de Sevres ***

22, rue de l'Abbe Gregoire, 6th Arr.
Perfectly located in the center of Paris, close to transportation, cafes and shopping, and the Luxembourg Gardens. There's even a spa for a little extra luxury!

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12th c. Faces from Amiens
stained glass stories from St. Denis

Our itinerary

The Churches and Cathedrals in and near Paris are an astounding treasure of history, faith, and art.
Saint Denis - where the Gothic Idea started in the 12th century, and also magnificent tombs of the Kings and Queens of France.
Notre Dame - the crown jewel of Paris, infinitely interesting in every detail
Amiens - a day trip to a lovely town with one of the last and most beautiful of the Gothic structures.
Chartres - a day trip to one of humankind's greatest treasures, a nearly intact testament to the Age of Faith
In addition we'll explore the rich treasure of smaller churches in Paris, not forgetting to enjoy markets, cafes and other Paris pleasures of the senses!

The Delicious...

Of course! It's Paris!

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Burgundy - Second 5 days

From Paris we'll take the TGV train to the heart of Burgundy for 5 days in a magnificent chateau surrounded by lovely grounds. We'll enjoy this lovely base for day trips to the treasures of the Romanesque era that dot the landscape in this part of France. Each day we'll return to delicious meals prepared especially for us, the good local wines, and the opportunity to relax in stylish, comfortable surroundings.
visit the website of the chateau http://www.lamaisonduchateau.co.uk/home

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Our itinerary

A highlight will be our visit to the medieval town and Cathedral of Autun. We'll see the celebrated work by of one of the few medieval sculptors ever to sign his art

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Cathedrals, Abbeys, more

The Abbey of Fontenay, one of the most ancient of European Abbeys, dates from its founding by St. Bernard in 1118. Now restored, it gives a clear and fascinating picture of Abbey life at the time.

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The Basilica of Ste. Madeleine, Vezelay

Of prime importance on the main pilgrimage route of France, the Basilica of Vezelay is a treasury of Romanesque sculpture

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The Burgundy Landscape

A restful place of fields, villages and well-tended vineyards, Burgundy itself is reason to enjoy our stay in this lush part of France.

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Historic towns

Beaune is a center of the Burgundy Wine trade, and is home to the beautiful Hospice de Beaune, a mercy hospital for the poor dating from 1443, restored to give an accurate picture of life at the time.

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Renaissance Chateau

Very close to where we'll be staying is the lovely Renaissance Chateau, Ancy-le-Franc, with sumptuous decor. A decidedly secular treat!

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*Cathedrals: 10 days in Paris and Burgundy (October 2012) is offered in partnership with St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia. At this time it is only open to church members. If you are interested in a similar trip, please let me know by the contact form: I am happy to work with other church or interest groups to create this trip for you.

*St. Peter's Church Members:
The trip is limited to 12 -15. Please sign up asap by sending me your name(s) by the contact form at right. You may use the form to indicate your interest at this time, without a firm commitment. A deposit will be required to hold your place at by mid-October.