|
These suggestions can be separate visits or be combined as a two-day program.
|
 |
Although created for groups, they can be adapted to private travelers.
|
|
|
|
|
Situated at a junction of medieval trade routes, for centuries Troyes was almost as important as Paris (whose role grew with New World trade). As well, it was one of the few towns in northern France to escape the World Wars' destructions. Those are the reasons for the splendor of the architecture we discover.
Toward 1850, its location and the presence of highly qualified labor helped it become a bustling industrial center. which outsourcing affected from the 1880's.
Today its past remains a great advantage.
Please click...
|
|
|
Prior to the industrial era, French art has two great periods: the 12th century and the 17th - 18th. Its second flowering bloomed during the reign of the young Sun King (roughly 1660-1690). Fifty years later a critical mass of aristocrats had adopted and spread the taste of the French court. Its manner of art and decoration was to dominate the West until the end of the 19th century - and in some ways it still does.
In the early 18th century, a marquis who had made a fortune in the East Indian trade commissioned decor from the most prominent artists of the day for his newly-purchased chateau. A jewel of 18th-century art, it is little-known - because its most important works have only recently emerged from under wallpaper.
We go from surprise to surprise.
Please click...
|
|
|
|
|
|
- These excursions can combine with the historical walks in Paris
* * *
Countryside / Veuve Cliquot champagne; Vineyard / Veuve Cliquot champagne