February/March 2007
Spring in Paris. What is it that tugs at our hearts when we hear those words?
For those of us who have been before, perhaps its the light, the art, the curvaceous architecture, the uncompromising food
and the wine. Somewhere between the
sounds and images of Edith Piaf, the life
and death of Marie Antoinette, and the
strains of accordion music, we long to go
back. Add to these the Eiffel Tower, so
majestic from underneath, the Mona Lisa,
and the Parisian sidewalk cafes, and you
Paris set for June .
After our arrival and check in at our petite
Hotel Pas De Calais on the Left Bank, my
usual strong desire pulls me leisurely to
the Cathedral of Notre Dame. This is the
very center of old Paris and the most
stunning place to start our exploration. From here I share the lay of the land with new clients so that within a short time they feel comfortable wandering a bit on there own. The Seine is such a gorgeous landmark and from there we can choose any direction, it is all beautiful. Flying buttresses up close and personal are surprisingly delicate, glaring gargoyles hunched, then across the bridge to stroll the Ile Saint Louie with a crepe snack along the way. Another bridge and the Marais opens up to us. A swamp until the 10th century when it was drained, it is now a very chic and picturesque neighborhood perfect for people watching.
Along with Paris’ must sees, are some wonderful “under the surface” things that I have enjoyed of over the years. For example, on our way to brunch, through the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, we can stop and take in a dramatic organ concert at the enormous St. Sulpice Cathedral. ( By the way, does that name, St. Sulpice, ring any cathedral bells? What happened at this church in The DaVinci Code?) How about a wander through the Musee Cluny, a 13th century abby built on the ruins of a large 1st century Roman Bath. This is France’s foremost museum of Mediaeval art and is full of fascinating pieces of history, some with stories that you will hardly believe. And then there is the Rodin Museum, housed in his lovely home and garden, where Auguste’s Thinker sits, just thinking, thinking, thinking. Inside his home/museum you will see The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell. All three of these are nicely located off the beaten track.
Two wonderful side trips that are included on this itinerary and are located just outside of Paris are the Palace of Versailles and Claude Monet’s home and garden in Giverny. After seeing the recently released “Marie Antoinette” and reading Sena Jeter Naslund’s, Abundance, I am really looking forward to visiting Versailles again and seeing it in a new light. Our afternoon trip to Giverny is via double decker bus with great views of the French countryside. Once there we will take time to wander Monet’s fabulous gardens, and get a better grasp of this artist by touring his beloved home. As you will see his color choices were so incredibly bold!
These are just some of the reasons that we Paris lovers continue to return to Paris. I would simply love to share this city with you!
ART HISTORY ALIVE TRIPS FOR 2007:
Upon arrival in Rome we will pick up our van and drive north to the Castello di Proceno, which will be our home for the four days that we explore the hilltowns of Tuscany. Sandwiched between Pienza, and Montepulciano, and the lesser known Sovana and Civita de Bagnoregio, will be vistas and meals that are unforgettable. Cooking classes at the castle are a fun option available to clients on this itinerary. Then we are off to Rome, the city to which all roads lead. Rome is the caretaker of and caregiver to the most magnificent art and architecture in the world. Here four more days will be enjoyed in, under, and around, this Eternal City, from the Roman Forum, to the Coliseum, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon . . . . The wonder that is Rome goes on and on, and will forever.
This itinerary is very simple, seven days in this sophisticated, energetic city exploring the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and so much more. In Paris we will stay on the left bank at a classic little French hotel with overflowing flower boxes at each window. Our hotel is within walking distance of almost everything that Paris has to offer, which is why we love it. In The City of Light, we will split our time between viewing the spectacular art collections and slowly meandering the streets with their beautiful little shops. Paris' great bistros, brasseries, and restaurants will refresh and rejuvenate as needed. We will culminate this trip by visiting Monet’s garden in Giverny on our last afternoon where the rhododendrons and azaleas should be in full bloom, and the lavender wisteria will be heavily draped over the Japanese Bridge. Breathtaking to see in real life!
This trip will begin with four warm days spent in Rome. We will wander the Forum and Coliseum, we will be staggered by the immense and powerful beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum. We will go two levels below the Basilica, and 2000 years back in time, to the excavation area of the grave of St. Peter on an amazing tour arranged through Vatican City offices. Following our time in Rome we will pick up our van and drive north into the hills of Tuscany where we will check into our castle accommodation for the next four days of vineyards, hilltowns, wine tasting and more. Too fun! Take a moment to visit the "Friends and Acquaintances" page on the AHA site. There you will see photos of some of our Italian/Tuscan friends that you will meet on this trip.
This relaxing week will be spent between beautiful Sorrento and gorgeous Positano. During our time in Sorrento we will take a day trip to the historic and amazing Pompeii, and another to the Isle of Capri, with late afternoon returns to poolside at our hotel in Sorrento. Sorrento is teeming late into the night which makes it really fun for wandering its narrow alleys on your own and for shopping as well. Then it's off to Positano which clings to the cliffs over the aqua waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Even the approach to Positano, on the dramatic Amalfi Drive, is spectacular. This was a favorite vacation spot for Roman Emperors and you will see for yourself, the reason why. Your room will have a cozy balcony that looks out over the “see through” water and where you can watch the sunset each evening, if you choose. Stunning!
Choose your favorite from the lineup, and let me know as they are filling up. Now is the time to make plans for the Spring trips to Tuscany and Rome, and/or Paris.
I am happy to say that the Fall 2007 trips are just about to capacity. What a fabulous time we are going to have in Italy!
AHA trips are flexible, intimate, and sooo fun. I would love to have any of you jump in so let’s explore these places together!
Ciao,
Cynthia Quist
Art History Alive
Email: aha@arthistoryalive.com
850 Park Avenue 14B
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 475-3807
ART HISTORY ALIVE
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