VACATION DETAILS

Nimes may have been one of the richest and finest Roman cities of Gaul. Several important remains of the Roman Empire can still be seen in and around Nîmes. The elliptical Roman amphitheatre, of 1st or 2nd century AD, is the best-preserved Roman arena in France. It is used today as a bull fighting and concert arena. The Maison Carrée (Square House), a small Roman temple dedicated to sons of Agrippa, was built in 19 BC. and is one of the best-preserved Roman temples anywhere. Nearby Pont du Gard is a well-preserved aqueduct across the Gardon river valley. Nearby Mont Cavalier is crowned by Tour Magne ("Great Tower"), a ruined Roman tower. The cathedral (Saint Castor), which is partly Romanesque and Gothic in style, is believed to be the site of the temple of Augustus.

Paris, world capital of art and culture, gathers some of the most famous museums and monuments in the world. Like all the world's great capitals, Paris lives at a fast pace, by day, by night and especially at rush hours. Bear in mind that museums and monuments are often less crowded during the week. Sights that should not be missed include: The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. Visit any of the many others according to your tastes and interests: the Musee Picasso, Musee Rodin, Musee Carnavalet, Musee Marmottan and the Arab Institute are just a few. Essential Paris monuments are the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe or the Grande Arche de la Defense.

Surrounding Bordeaux are world-renowned vineyards and châteaux. Visitors from all over the globe come here to learn about the winemaking process - from growing grapes to harvesting, fermenting and bottling these top-quality wines. Here in the wine region the title of château can mean anything from a palatial residence to a basic winery. There are thousands of châteaux that rank from very modest family establishments to large famous properties where grapes are raised, fermented and then matured to produce the area’s famous wines. Visit Rue Ste. Cathérine - a half-mile-long pedestrian street leading through the Old Town’s major shopping area and marking the beginning of the elegant 18th-century city. - and Musée des Beaux Arts -- a museum with a large collection of 17th-century paintings by Flemish, Dutch and Italian masters as well as works by Delacroix.

Excursions

Carcassonne is a French town in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. The fortified town sits at a rocky hilltop. Settlement was first discovered in 3500 BC however by the 6th century during the Iron Age, when the Romans were conquering Europe, trade became rampant that the Romans decided to secure the hilltop for better defenses. The fortress is designed with two outer walls and 53 towers to prevent sieges or attacks.

Visitors can stroll across the castle drawbridge through the medieval rustic town of La Cite. The walls within the stoned walls have centuries old of stories upon which may be watched at the theater grounds. This spectacular fairy-tale fortress in the French countryside is waiting to be explored!

Known for 'one thousand fountains' and intimately-shaded squares, Aix-en-Provence was an is an inspiration to artists and poets alike. Visit Atelier de Cezanne, Paul Cézanne's studio that has been preserved in its original form.

Monaco is famous as Côte d’Azur’s playground. With spacious beaches, elegant hotels and lively nightlife, this tiny domain is a jet set favorite and home to some of the world's most expensive real estate. In addition to luxury hotels and beautiful beaches, Monaco is noted for mild climate and magnificent scenery. Monaco and Monte Carlo rank high on every visitor’s must-see list. Monaco-Ville is the old city and seat of Monaco’s government. The 19th-century Romanesque cathedral Prince's Palace contains impressive works of art and the tomb of Princess Grace, while the Parliament building and Oceanographic Museum, under the auspices of the Jacques Cousteau Society, offer additional sights. Monte Carlo spells sophistication, elegance, and glamour. Every year the rich and famous gather here to bask in the sun, gamble at the world’s most opulent casino and attend spectacular parties. The most splendid hotels, several fine theaters, museums and excellent restaurants cater to the elite. Nothing typifies more the elegant lifestyle of the Côte d’Azur than glamorous Monte Carlo.

Excursions