Streets of Paris

Sleepy ctreets, bustling streets, soothing streets, religious streets, laborious streets, lazy streets, feverish streets, each one has its personality, its character, its soul.
Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Over here agitation always reigns. Here everyone is in a hurry and speaks loudly. But right then you go on to the village of Passy where peace envelopes everyone and everything. Its peaceful residences on the pther side of the water, where the days follow each other without one noticing their passage. Choose a small cafe, a cozy table by the window or right in the street and watch the things go by...
A church. Notre-Dame de Lorette or Saint-Ferdinand? That woman in black, will she find there the words to ease her broken heart, that will convince her to carry on living? A steep street which leads directly to the Monmartre Basilique: the MartyrsÂ’ street.
Two steps away, a triangular square, calm like a village square: Gustave Toudouze Square in the 9th arrondissement. The “pigeon lady” throws her crumbs to her coooing public.
Les Halles yesterday, centre where the immense supplies necessary to feed this gargantuan called Paris were gathered. Today, an enormous commrecial and leisure centre with a montley, hurrying crowd, which in fact has returned it to its initial vocation: from the 12th century to the 16th century, it was the communal market of the king, situated in this place, spilling over with fabrics and jewels, the wonders of the industry of that time.

Monuments of Paris

15th century
Paris of the 15th century had been not only a beautiful city, but actually represented two different styles of buildings. The two most popular styles had been roman and gothic. Centuries by both were changed for plaster. One will be surprised to find out that while bringing changes into city style parisians did not try to save or restore ancient buildings. Some of them were ruined or changed for modern ones.
That is the reason of our seing so many different styles and constructions put together.

Saint-Germain lÂ’Auxerrois. This Gothic church was the parish of the Kings of France. It has exceedingly beautiful 15th century stained glass windows. Its Romanesque Tower was built in the 12th century while its door, choir and chapel (Chapelle de la Vierge) were built in the 13th century.

17th century
Saint-Eustache church was consecrated in 1637 and still remains a good example of gothic art for its plan and frame structure, a witness of decorative art of the Renaissance period.
Place Dauphine. Built on the site of three converging islands, Place Dauphine, on Ile de la Cite, is one of the most important royal squares of the 17th century along with Place des Vosges. Built entirely of brick and white stone, its enclosed triangular courtyard preserves a place of peace and reverie.

Place du Palais-Poyal is one of the 3 squares bordering on the Royal Palace gardens and the Comedie-Francaise (along with Colette Square and Theatre Square). On the corner of the streets Valois and Saint-Honore is the “Petit Cardinal” theater where Moliere suddenly died while playing Argan in “Malade Imaginaire” on February 17th, 1673.

18th century
75 Rue de Lille was the spiritual office of Mrs de Tencin, who had such an influence on the 18th century. At the corner of the rue Saint-Benoit lived the philosopher Diderot. A little further, in the rue de lÂ’Ancienne Comedie, you can find the Procope cafe where Voltaire and Freron remade the world and the Encyclopaedia, just like three centuries later, and a stoneÂ’s throw from there Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir repainted Saint-Germain-des-Pres in existentionalist colours.

19th century
The Eiffel Tower, built in 1889 by the engineer Gustave Eiffel for the World Exposition. This 317 meters high tower has three floors and the summit houses the capitelÂ’s radio and television transmitters.
Its first floor is 57 meters high. It places:
An observatory to study the movements of the summit.
An exhibition of paintings featuring the Eiffel Tower.
The CINEIFFEL area which offers an exceptional panoramic view of Paris.
A gift shop.
A restaurant
A post office. Letters posted from the office are postmarked “Paris Tour Eiffel”.
A scenic gallery of Paris monuments.

The second floor is 115 meters high:
A view of Paris.
Telescopes, shops.
Video presentations on the orepations of the lifts.
The Jules Verne restaurant.

The third floor is 276 meters high. There you will find:
Night and day – an unequaled scenic view of Paris and its surrounding areas.
A reconstruction of Gustave EiffelÂ’s office during a meeting with Thomas Edison.
Scenic and orientation tables.
Dioramas presenting 19th century history.

The public is allowed to go up to a platform located 276 meters high which is the highest view point of Paris. The view point offers magnificent perspectives on the Seine, the Trocadero, the Ecole Militaire, the invalides, the Defense neighbourhood, Montmartre, faraway surroundings and much more. On a clear day it is possible to see 67 kilometers away from any single point on the platform. You may be able to observe the hills of the cities of Meudon and Saint-Cloud. By night, the view is a splendid and unparalleled view of the streets and neighbourhood of Paris.

Place de la Bastille is well known for the prison from which its name originates. Site of one of the greatest monuments in history, the 1789 revolution. A column in the middle of the Bastille was erected in memory of the victims of the revolution of 1830. It is now surrounded by Carlos OttÂ’s opera, Paris Arsenal harbour and the Saint-Martin canal.

Place de l’Hotel-de-Ville (City Hall): known as Place de Greve until 1803. On the square of Greve crowds became witnesses of different kinds of sights: wether they came to take part in festivals or historical events or gathered here to see executions, described in operas by numerous authors as Hugo and Dumas – the crowds were never silent. From the rue Saint-Honore to the place de Greve, is believed to be the route taken by the up-rising in this town which rang with so much hue and cry.

Monuments of Paris

14th century
Conciergerie is built along the Seine. It is the important stronghold of Capetians and witness of the remarkable civilian architecture of the 14th century, the oldest prison in France where Marie-Antoinette was held during the Revolution. Towers of this edifice were so many times described by Balzac. All four of them can be seen at a distance: Tour de lÂ’Horloge, Tour Bombec, Tour dÂ’Ardent and Tour Cesar. The splendid gothic room date back to the 14th century.

Monuments of Paris

8-13th centuries

Saint-Germain-des-Pres is the oldest roman abbey church in Paris built to receive a piece of the Holy Cross. Important home of knowledge between the 8th and the 13th century due to the intellectual work of the Benedictines.
Paris Notre Dame, it is there between the two banks of the river where it all began in the second iron age, when the Parisii settled in the city. It is the heart of Paris, the heart of France. It is also the starting point for most visits of Paris.

Did you know that Notre Dame, the most important religious monument in France, is also its first monument to alchemy. Victor Hugo said it was “the most satisfactory example of hermetic science”.
Built between 1163 and 1345, Notre-Dame de Paris is a masterpiece of French Gothic art, restored during the 19th century by Violet-Le-Duc and witness to some of the highlights of French History.

Sleeping and meals

While there is no age range or restrictions of any type, the tour propably will appeal most to those with an interest in food and cooking and the region that inspires the tastes. This is a hilly region, so those with difficulties walking may not be able to get the full benefit of the hillside villages but can certainly enjoy the food and caf鳠and the village markets.

The Chateau d'Esparron does not have an elevator, there is only the stone spiral staircase and the rooms are one or two flights up as is the entrance to the chateau itself.The Chateau d'Esparron has been completely restored to the highest standards in the last few years and the bathrooms are totally new using traditional style bathroom fixtures and fittings. The beds may be antiques, but the matresses and springs are new. The Tour includes all breakfasts, many lunches and some dinners. The website of the Chateau is There will be no smoking while the group is together in the minibusses, restaurants or otherwise grouped together nor where ever smokeing is banned. However, when on one's own that is your own perogative. No pets.The prices are based per person on double occupancy at $3,350.00 U.S. including air fare for those who can leave from LAX in Los Angeles; or $2,650.00 for those who cannot depart from Los Angeles. For you, round trip travel to Nice will be arranged by Topa Topa Travel at the best rates possible under the prevailing conditions at time of reservation.Both price include 11 nights, 12 days leaving the U.S. on 21 October. The price includes first-class hotel in Nice, all taxes and tips are covered, a reception in Nice, the stay at the Chateau d'Esparron, 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners, sight-seeing trips and local guides, complementary TopaTopaTravel tote bag and cancellation insurance. For those departing from Los Angeles, the air fare is included in the price.

Age range, type of group

One day we will be spending the morning at the hotel/restaurant "La Hostellerie de la Fuste" with owner and chef Daniel Jourdan famous for his regionally inspired dishes taken to a new level. He uses only local produce. We will watch and help him prepare our meal during the morning. He will answer any questions and has provided recipes in advance. After digestion, we will then offer a visit to the house of Jean Giano the poet and writer who made Provence famous and sample some of the local wines at Domaine Lablac or those members who would rather sleep off lunch can return to the Chateau or simple wander around the old medieval town of Manosque. Another day we will spend time at the village market of the old Roman town of Riez. Then off for lunch at "Les Santons" in the hilltop village of Moustiers Ste. Marie famous for its charm and for its pottery. After free time to wander its twisting streets or a climb up the penitants stair, we will tour the road carved into the walls of the French Grand Canyon, Les Gorges de Verdon with its spectacular views. Then back to the Chateau.

Typical Day

This is an intimate French Food Tour that explores the food of the Haute Provence with visits to restaurants, village markets, olive oil factories, goat cheese producers, wineries and more. It also includes hands on cooking demonstrations with top chefs of the area and family style true Provencal instruction in the kitchens of the Chateau where you will be staying. This remarkable Chateau the home of the Marquis de Castellane. Overlooking the lake of Esparron, it is an upscale family B&B in the ancient village of Esparron de Verdon. Both village and chateau date back to the 12th century. The village is on a lake. With a maximum of 16 voyagers in two mini buses the tour will be personal with a lot of one on one attention from the four tour guides. La Von and Robbie (her British husband) Roberts will be leading the tour aided by food and travel photographers and writers Peter and Linda D'Aprix who live part time in the area. The group will land in Nice where they will spend several days sampling Nicoise cooking and visiting the perfume town of Grasse and the gastronomic village of Mougins. Then on to the Haute Provence. This is a region not far from the Luberon made famous by Peter Mayle's book "A Year in Provence". We will be making a foray into his country. The tour is flexible so that members can either participate in the organized activities or not as whim dictates.

French Provence Tour for Food Lovers

This is an intimate French Food Tour that explores the food of the Haute Provence with visits to restaurants, village markets, olive oil factories, goat cheese producers, wineries and more. It also includes hands on cooking demonstrations with top ch Listing #: 1020291

Description of Activity/TourThe tour will cover the old town of Nice on the Cote d'Azure then move inland to the rugged mountians, plateaus and river fed valleys of Haute Provence. It is a land of wild thyme, lavender and rosemary. Stone villages perch on impossible hilltops. It is away from the overcrowded and commercialized coast. The breezes sweep off the snows of the Alps and the waters come from the same pure source.