Paris, Chantilly And Versailles

Day 1 Early morning departure for the journey to Dover for the crossing to Calais. Continuing to the outskirts of Paris and to the hotel for a four night stay.

Day 2 This morning, you will depart the hotel and head to the Palace of Versailles. Since 1979, the Palace has been listed as a World Heritage site and is one of the greatest achievements in French 17th century art. Louis XIII's old hunting pavilion was transformed and extended by his son, Louis XIV, when he installed the Court and government there in 1682. A succession of kings continued to embellish the Palace up until the French Revolution. Plenty of time to explore the palace and gardens including the Hall of Mirrors, The Grand Trianon, The Fountains, King’s State Apartment, The Stables and so much more. On the way back to the hotel you will be taken to the centre of Bougival, the city of Arts on the banks of the Seine, where artists, writers, musicians and painters came, and they bought a breath of fresh air to the town. Afterwards continue on to the hotel.

Day 3 A day in Paris. You will travel into Paris where you will be met by a guide and be taken on a panoramic coach tour of the city, taking in some of the stunning sights. Afterwards you will enjoy a one hour cruise on the River Seine. The rest of the day you can explore by yourself and take in some of the amazing buildings and architecture including the countless museums, the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysees or take a stroll round the famous parks such as the elegant Tuileries Garden, perhaps enjoy the café culture with a visit to a brasserie or patisserie.

Day 4 Today you will travel to Château de Chantilly, one of the finest jewels in the crown of France’s cultural heritage. It is the work of a man with an extraordinary destiny: Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of the last King of France, Louis-Philippe. This prince, who is the greatest collector of his time, made Chantilly the showcase for his countless masterpieces and precious manuscripts. The Château survived down through the centuries and remains as it was when the Duke of Aumale gave it as a gift it to the Institute de France in 1886, making it the perfect place to take a journey back in time to the heart of a princely residence. In tribute to his illustrious predecessors, the Princes of Condé and the Duke of Aumale called the series of rooms housing his collection the “Condé Museum.” Explore the Chateau in the morning, enjoy lunch in one of their eateries and then at 14.00 hours you will enjoy a one-hour workshop to learn how to whip the legendary Chantilly whipped cream by hand. After an enjoyable day you will return to the hotel.

Day 5 After breakfast, depart the hotel and commence the homeward journey.

• Coach travel
• return ferry crossings
• 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast
• self -guided tour of Chateau de Chantilly
• Chantilly whipped cream workshop
• panoramic guided tour of Paris
• 1 hour river cruise on the Seine
• passport ticket to Palace of Versailles

The hotel is located beside the River Seine, and within two kilometres of Bougival’s historic centre and Chateau de la Malmaison. All bedrooms are en-suite with TV, telephone, WiFi, hairdryer, iron/ironing board and tea/coffee making facilities. Lift, bar, restaurant and fitness centre.

Single room supplement £180

Holiday Insurance £71