Relaxed Tour of Paris and Northern France

Exploring the martial history of France in this regal strucure

Gather your forces and lay touristic seige to the French Army Museum and its immersive expositions of French military history from medieval times to the present. Will you conquer the extensive Medieval Collections, Napoleon Bonaparte's grand tomb, and detailed exhibits of the World Wars, or will they conquer you? These exhibts and more offer insights into the evolution of warfare, strategic intracacies, and personal narratives of conflict. A visit to the Army Museum encourages discussion about the contradictions and complexities of war, one of the most important, and disturbing, traits of our humanity.

Let the greatest sculptures of the 19th and 20th centuries inspire you

The remarkable sanctuary of art and beauty that is the Musée de Rodin displays the greatest works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Nestled in the exquisite Hôtel Biron, and its serene garden, this museum invites visitors to discover the profound depth of Rodin's creativity. Thrill at the world-reknowned pieces "The Thinker" and "The Gates of Hell," among others, each piece exploring  human emotion and thought through its dynamic forms. Wander through the garden paths to encounter these and other masterpieces in an intimate setting, where the fusion of art and nature crafts a truly unforgettable experience.

Hôtel des Invalides

The Eglise du Dome Church close to the Eiffel Tower is where you observe the gilded tomb of the historic French General and Emperor, Napoleon, but his bones are just a miniscule part of the gigantic Hôtel des Invalides housing the French National Army Museum. Spend some time learning about French warfare from the earliest times to the wax and wane of the Napoloenic Wars and on to the modern French army and a new section dedicated to the life of General Charles de Gaulle.

Discover the tomb of one of history's most fearsome generals, and a controversial figure of the 19th century.

Reflect at the sarcophagus resting underneath the dome of Les Invalides' church - Napoleon's tomb is as still as his life was frenetic. Crafted from red quartzite and set upon a green granite base within a circular crypt, Napoleon's sarcophagus is surrounded by a series of statues representing his victories and achievements. The entire ensemble, designed with solemn grandeur, reflect both the power and complexity of his legacy. But visitors can come and go please, this great general commands no one now.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Imagine living like the "peasants" here?

Desiring something different, Queen Marie Antoinette had a hamlet erected where she could supervise servants milking cows, tending pigs, collecting eggs from chickens.  She dressed down to play her part, but apparently never got her hands dirty, as far as we know.  Her peasant cottage only had two living rooms, a billiard room, a dining hall, and a library.  If you are accustomed to palaces, only two living rooms is roughing it.  Lest the queen got tired of it all, she could return to the Petit Trianon, a beautiful chateau built on the grounds of the Grand Trianon, which was the retreat chateau built on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, which was a retreat from the Louvre Palace in Paris.

Feel like a king, feel like a queen, hopefully you'll feel good looking out across the park

The Parc de Versailles, features some 800 hectares of manicured lawns, stunning fountains, and the Grand Canal, all masterminded by André Le Nôtre. Highlights include the Neptune and Apollo Fountains, the Trianon Palaces, and the Queen's Hamlet. This vast garden symbolizes royal power, but you are welcomed to enjoy yourself on these pleasure grounds.

Palace of Versailles

The Château of Versailles, a symbol of the grandeur of French monarchy, invites visitors to explore its lavish history and architectural majesty. From the spellbinding elegance of the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, to the vast, meticulously manicured Gardens the pinnacle of French garden design, every corner tells a story of opulence and power. Discover the intimate escapes of royalty at the Grand and Petit Trianon, and marvel at the divine beauty of the Royal Chapel, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

There are palaces, and then there is Versailles...

Enlarged by for Emperor Louis XIV as an escape from the dreary political tension of Paris, Versailles might have been the most luxurious palace in the world.  Even now, the building stuptifies with its grandeur and elegance, a stunning representation of the French monarchy's opulence. The famous Hall of Mirrors is just one of many, many (2300!)  stunning rooms, only a small percentage of which are open for display.  It might be too much, or one visit might never be enough.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

The Grass is greener at Chateau de Chantilly...

A day-trip to Château de Chantilly offers the elegant repose of this venerable chateau, far from the bustle of Paris, and includes the Condé Museum, renowned for its extensive art collection, featuring works by Raphael, Botticelli, and Poussin. Visitors can explore opulent chambers and wander through immaculate gardens that celebrate both rational and primal sensibilities.

Experience the grandeur of the Grand Stables of Chantilly, a testament to France's equestrian heritage and architectural prowess.

The stables were commissioned by the Prince of Condé, who according to legend wanted to build the perfect new home for himself when he was reincarnated as a horse. They are a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture, and are among the largest and most luxurious stables in the world. They house a fascinating museum dedicated to the art of horseback riding. Visitors can explore the opulent stables, marvel at the exquisite collection of equestrian artifacts, and witness majestic horse performances.

Visit Chantilly

Indulge your noblesse at the historic Château de Chantilly. The château was the former residence of Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of the last King of France, Louis-Philippe. The Duke was one of the greatest art collectors of the 19th-century, and amassed what today makes up the vast majority of the pieces displayed at the chateau's Condé Museum, France's second largest art collection after the Louvre. The broad grounds of Château de Chantilly make for dreams of living endless genteel moments among the French, Anglo-Chinese and English gardens.  What's more, the chateau is complemented by the Great Stables, a magnificent 18th-century structure and one of the largest such buildings in Europe; its Living Museum of the Horse, illustrates our close relationship with this noble animal, and the Stables regularly host riding exhibitions of exceptional quality.

The Grass is greener at Chateau de Chantilly...

A day-trip to Château de Chantilly offers the elegant repose of this venerable chateau, far from the bustle of Paris, and includes the Condé Museum, renowned for its extensive art collection, featuring works by Raphael, Botticelli, and Poussin. Visitors can explore opulent chambers and wander through immaculate gardens that celebrate both rational and primal sensibilities.

The size and ostentatious beauty of Fontainebleau Chateau will awe you

Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO site in the eponymous town, hides over 800 years of French royal history in its majestic palace and gardens. Highlights include the opulent Grand Apartments, the Renaissance-rich Gallery of Francis I, vast formal gardens like the Grand Parterre, and the intriguing Horse Carriage Museum. This destination offers a full day's immersion into the splendor of French architecture, art, and history, making it a thrilling visit for those fascinated by France's regal past.

Escape the city with a nearby getaway to verdant forests and dramatic rock formations

The Forest of Fontainebleau, located a short distance from Paris, offers a lush escape into one of France's most enchanting natural landscapes. This vast forest spans over 28,000 hectares (over 69,000 acres) and boasts rich biodiversity amid whimsical geological formations - sandstone boulders shaped by wind and rain to resemble elephants or mushrooms. A plethora of these rock formations also offer themselves to local and international climbers to enjoy a day of bouldering away from the city. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, walk any number of hiking trails to discover tranquil spots for picnicking amidst ancient oak trees. The area has inspired artists, poets, and photographers for centuries; come and see what it will inspire in you!

Fountainebleau

A visit to Fontainebleau delights both the history buff and the outdoor enthusiast.  Château Fontainebleau, one of most magestic palaces of the the kings and emperors of France, boasts an expansive structure and equally impressive grounds for hunting and other imperial pastimes.  A walk through the chateau is a trip through centuries and the stories of some of the world's most powerful people.  Equally, one may ignore the UNESCO-Heritage site, by exploring the Fontainbleau forests neighboring the palace.  But again you will delight yourself just as royalty did, perambulating among the rich wildlife and whimsical sandstone structures shaped by millennia of wind and rain.  But... distinguish yourself from the emperor and his entourage, try climbing in the forest: it is world-renowned for its bouldering routes.

The size and ostentatious beauty of Fontainebleau Chateau will awe you

Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO site in the eponymous town, hides over 800 years of French royal history in its majestic palace and gardens. Highlights include the opulent Grand Apartments, the Renaissance-rich Gallery of Francis I, vast formal gardens like the Grand Parterre, and the intriguing Horse Carriage Museum. This destination offers a full day's immersion into the splendor of French architecture, art, and history, making it a thrilling visit for those fascinated by France's regal past.

Immerse yourself in this a hidden treasure of Parisian art, the original atelier of celebrated sculptor, Antoine Bourdelle.

The Antoine Bourdelle Museum, set in the artist's former studio in Montparnasse, showcases an impressive collection of his sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Here, visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of Bourdelle's creative space and enjoy the serene garden, which displays his monumental works in bronze and marble. This intimate museum offers a unique glimpse into the artistic process of one of France's great sculptors.

Supporting contemporary art in many luxurious ways

Confront your artistic sensibilities, or maybe just luxuriate at the Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain, a cornerstone of contemporary art. Housed in an architectural masterpiece by Jean Nouvel that blends verdant surroundings with glass and steel, it showcases diverse  exhibitions of both renowned and emerging global artists, alongside commissioned site-specific works. Contemplate today's masterpieces in the foundation's lush garden, designed by Lothar Baumgarten, that acts as a living art installation, complementing cultural programs like concerts, lectures, and the unique "Nomadic Nights" series.

Get a different perspective from Paris' modern skyscraper

The Montparnasse Tower remains one of Paris' few traditional skyscrapers and with its rare standing offers an unparalleled vantage point from its 56th floor and rooftop terrace. Rising to a height of 210 meters, it punctuates the Parisian skyline and provides breathtaking 360-degree views that stretch out over the city, from the winding Seine to the majestic Eiffel Tower and beyond. Visitors can ascend this towering skyscraper to witness the beauty of Paris from above, capturing the essence of the city's layout and landmarks in a single glance.

Montparnasse

Montparnasse grew in esthetic stature in the earlier 20th century, as artists congregated their for inexpensive living close to the center of Paris. Vestiges of this bohemian era remain,  lively cafes and restaurants allude to painterly luminaries like Alphonse Mucha and Paul Gauguin.  As interesting as their lives were, as busy as the neighborhood is, still more dramatic is what lies under Monparnasse: the Paris Catacombs, the final resting place of over 6 million Parisians dating back centuries.

Wander the corridors of this eerie but matter-of-fact underground filled with skeletal remains.

The Catacombs of Paris offer a disturbing journey beneath the city, where millions of Parisians' remains line the ancient corridors. From the stark warning at the entrance hall, inviting visitors into the Empire of Death, to the dark depths where the Crypt of the Sepulchral Lamp casts a solemn glow, each highlight contributes to the macabre atmosphere. Notable curiosities include the artistic Barrel of Passion, and the intricately carved Sculpture of Port-Mahon, both testaments to the catacombs' dual function as a burial site and a monument to humanity's strangeness.

Immerse yourself in this a hidden treasure of Parisian art, the original atelier of celebrated sculptor, Antoine Bourdelle.

The Antoine Bourdelle Museum, set in the artist's former studio in Montparnasse, showcases an impressive collection of his sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Here, visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of Bourdelle's creative space and enjoy the serene garden, which displays his monumental works in bronze and marble. This intimate museum offers a unique glimpse into the artistic process of one of France's great sculptors.

Listen closely, some of these stones heard the treachery that led to the Saxons' downfall...

Rebuilt after a fire in the 12th century, the previous structure possibly saw regal intrigue that led to the Battle of Hastings in which the Normands defeated the Saxons A monumnet of history and especially of glorious Gothic architecture, the cathedral makes a fine pause while visiting Bayeux.

This 11th-century tapestry visually recounts the details of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This battle led to the Norman conquest of England and changed the course of British history and by proxy, the history of much of the world. But that is a much longer story than the t wo-hundred and twenty-four feet (68,3m) of the tapestry, filled with incredible, and sometimes blood-curdling, details.

Highlights Walking Tour

Discover Bayeux's history on a 3-hour private tour, exploring its well-preserved landmarks from Roman times to the German occupation. Unaffected by D-Day bombings, Bayeux showcases original architecture. The tour, blending historical facts with anecdotes, includes the Cathedral and entry to the Bayeux Tapestry museum, providing a comprehensive insight into the town's rich history.

Listen closely, some of these stones heard the treachery that led to the Saxons' downfall...

Rebuilt after a fire in the 12th century, the previous structure possibly saw regal intrigue that led to the Battle of Hastings in which the Normands defeated the Saxons A monumnet of history and especially of glorious Gothic architecture, the cathedral makes a fine pause while visiting Bayeux.

D-Day Beaches Guided

Discover the legacy of the D-Day beaches in Normandy on this full-day tour. A visit to Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc reveal just how important, daring, and costly, this military operation was - facts reflected by the solemn memorials that honor the Allied forces' courage. The US military cemetery at Colleville-Sur-Mer illustrates the sober aftermath of battles, and honors the soldiers who died to free Europe from the Nazi regime.

D-Day Beaches Guided

Discover the legacy of the D-Day beaches in Normandy on this full-day tour. A visit to Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc reveal just how important, daring, and costly, this military operation was - facts reflected by the solemn memorials that honor the Allied forces' courage. The US military cemetery at Colleville-Sur-Mer illustrates the sober aftermath of battles, and honors the soldiers who died to free Europe from the Nazi regime.

D-Day Beaches Guided

Discover the legacy of the D-Day beaches in Normandy on this full-day tour. A visit to Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc reveal just how important, daring, and costly, this military operation was - facts reflected by the solemn memorials that honor the Allied forces' courage. The US military cemetery at Colleville-Sur-Mer illustrates the sober aftermath of battles, and honors the soldiers who died to free Europe from the Nazi regime.

D-Day Beaches Guided

Discover the legacy of the D-Day beaches in Normandy on this full-day tour. A visit to Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc reveal just how important, daring, and costly, this military operation was - facts reflected by the solemn memorials that honor the Allied forces' courage. The US military cemetery at Colleville-Sur-Mer illustrates the sober aftermath of battles, and honors the soldiers who died to free Europe from the Nazi regime.

Examine This Church and Abbey for Their Elements Linking Romanesque and Gothic, or Simply for Its Beauty...

Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century as part of his penance for marrying his cousin, Matilda of Flanders (medieval politics could get unhealthy), the Abbey of Saint-Étienne is known for its stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It also serves as the final resting place of William. The abbey's serene cloisters and the majestic interior are highlights for visitors seeking tranquility and architectural beauty.

Wander the Abbey of Sainte-Trinité, an Emblem of Norman Spiritual and Political Heritage.

The Abbey of Sainte-Trinité, also known as the Women's Abbey, was founded by Matilda of Flanders, William the Conqueror's wife, in the 11th century. This abbey is celebrated for its Romanesque architecture and the tomb of its founder, Matilda. The atmosphere and the architectural elegance of the abbey draws those interested in history and architecture.

Explore the Ramparts and Towers of Caen Castle which Offers Lessons in Medieval History Illustrated by Panoramic Views of the City.

How times change.  Once the seat of power of the eventual King of England, William the Conquerer, its thick ramparts stood to protect the Then-Duke of Normandy. One of the largest fortresses in France, it now houses Caen's Fine Art Museum and the city's museum history.  It still guards strking views from its walls, but where soldiers once saw fields, we can now see the bustling modern life of Caen.

Excursion to Caen

You caen visit Caen, but should you visit Caen?  Of course! And what kind of dance should you dance there? Caen was extensively rebuilt after WWII, but still flaunts incredible treasures like Caen Castle, and the Abbeys of St. Étienne and the Holy Trinity (Men's and Women's abbeys)  The latter two were penaces created by the Duke of Normandy and eventual King of England, William the Conquerer. Across the small city, the Memorial of Caen delves into its role in WWII, and also investigates the desire for peace in the 20th and 21st centuries.   ...And the answer is "Caen-Caen."  You could dance a "Caen-Caen" in Caen.  The locals might look at you funny, though.

Face the poignant history of WWII and the D-Day landings at the Caen Memorial Museum.

The Caen Memorial Museum serves as a comprehensive museum focusing on the history of the twentieth century. It provides an in-depth look into the events leading up to and following D-Day, with extensive exhibits on World War II, the Cold War, and the (in)delicate pursuit of peace. Its engaging displays and educational programs deepen one's understanding of events regional, national, and global.

Examine This Church and Abbey for Their Elements Linking Romanesque and Gothic, or Simply for Its Beauty...

Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century as part of his penance for marrying his cousin, Matilda of Flanders (medieval politics could get unhealthy), the Abbey of Saint-Étienne is known for its stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It also serves as the final resting place of William. The abbey's serene cloisters and the majestic interior are highlights for visitors seeking tranquility and architectural beauty.

Dinan Excursion

Dinan guards its medieval heart of half-timbered homes and winding streets. An important crossing over the Rance River since time immemorial, written documents first mention the city in the 11th century, and its warriors even appear in the Bayeux Tapestry. Noteworthy sites include the Basilique St-Sauveur, the 14th-century Château de Dinan, and the artisan-lined Rue du Jerzual. The town's panoramic views and market in Place du Guesclin offer a taste of local life amid the well-preserved homes of a bygone era.

Dinan Excursion

Dinan guards its medieval heart of half-timbered homes and winding streets. An important crossing over the Rance River since time immemorial, written documents first mention the city in the 11th century, and its warriors even appear in the Bayeux Tapestry. Noteworthy sites include the Basilique St-Sauveur, the 14th-century Château de Dinan, and the artisan-lined Rue du Jerzual. The town's panoramic views and market in Place du Guesclin offer a taste of local life amid the well-preserved homes of a bygone era.

Dinan Excursion

Dinan guards its medieval heart of half-timbered homes and winding streets. An important crossing over the Rance River since time immemorial, written documents first mention the city in the 11th century, and its warriors even appear in the Bayeux Tapestry. Noteworthy sites include the Basilique St-Sauveur, the 14th-century Château de Dinan, and the artisan-lined Rue du Jerzual. The town's panoramic views and market in Place du Guesclin offer a taste of local life amid the well-preserved homes of a bygone era.

Dinan Excursion

Dinan guards its medieval heart of half-timbered homes and winding streets. An important crossing over the Rance River since time immemorial, written documents first mention the city in the 11th century, and its warriors even appear in the Bayeux Tapestry. Noteworthy sites include the Basilique St-Sauveur, the 14th-century Château de Dinan, and the artisan-lined Rue du Jerzual. The town's panoramic views and market in Place du Guesclin offer a taste of local life amid the well-preserved homes of a bygone era.

Saint-Malo Excursion

St. Malo, a historic port city in Brittany, seems eternal with its granite walls, narrow streets, and maritime charm. Fortressed behind thick walls, the city offers stunning views from atop its ramparts, the architectural beauty of the Cathédrale Saint-Malo, and the tranquility of its sandy beaches. Highlights include the Grand Aquarium and the tidal islands of Grand Bé and Petit Bé. St. Malo will draw you into its narrow, somber streets, only to release you to the vast expanse of the Brittany coast, and the English Channel beyond.

Saint-Malo Excursion

St. Malo, a historic port city in Brittany, seems eternal with its granite walls, narrow streets, and maritime charm. Fortressed behind thick walls, the city offers stunning views from atop its ramparts, the architectural beauty of the Cathédrale Saint-Malo, and the tranquility of its sandy beaches. Highlights include the Grand Aquarium and the tidal islands of Grand Bé and Petit Bé. St. Malo will draw you into its narrow, somber streets, only to release you to the vast expanse of the Brittany coast, and the English Channel beyond.

Saint-Malo Excursion

St. Malo, a historic port city in Brittany, seems eternal with its granite walls, narrow streets, and maritime charm. Fortressed behind thick walls, the city offers stunning views from atop its ramparts, the architectural beauty of the Cathédrale Saint-Malo, and the tranquility of its sandy beaches. Highlights include the Grand Aquarium and the tidal islands of Grand Bé and Petit Bé. St. Malo will draw you into its narrow, somber streets, only to release you to the vast expanse of the Brittany coast, and the English Channel beyond.

Saint-Malo Excursion

St. Malo, a historic port city in Brittany, seems eternal with its granite walls, narrow streets, and maritime charm. Fortressed behind thick walls, the city offers stunning views from atop its ramparts, the architectural beauty of the Cathédrale Saint-Malo, and the tranquility of its sandy beaches. Highlights include the Grand Aquarium and the tidal islands of Grand Bé and Petit Bé. St. Malo will draw you into its narrow, somber streets, only to release you to the vast expanse of the Brittany coast, and the English Channel beyond.

Tour an impressive court where justice has been administered since baroque times.

The Parlement de Bretagne opened in the 17th century, full of splendor to awe those judged in its courts. It is still a court today, and, given its beauty, a major attraction in Rennes, the historic chambers open regularly to the public. One of the rare places where governance is asthetically pleasing.

Check out the masterpieces without crowds in this small but delightful gallery.

Compact, with a main street squeezed between it and the La Vilaine River, it would be easy to overlook the Muséé des Beaux-arts of Rennes. That would be a mistake. With a moderately small, but important collection, the museum will delight without itimidation. If you go for one painting, George De la Tour's "Le Nouveau-Né" is the very definition of tenderness, with a use of light that rivals Vermeer. Go for that piece, but then other works will draw your attention... after a pleasant exploration, you'll come out the museum's doors a more knowledgable person and none the worse for wear.

Relax with the locals in this former monastery orchid.

This large park offers citizen and visitor alike, a cool, green space in the center of Rennes. Lovely to visit after a museum or city tour, this former monastery orchard became public in the years following the French Revolution.  Bring a few cheeses and bread, and a bottle of whatever pleases you, and Thabor allow you the moments to relax and simply "be."

Medieval Rennes

"Une tête des Bretons," or, "A head like the people of Brittany," means, "stubborn, hard-headed," in colloquial French. True to this image, Rennes, the capital of Brittany rest at the Eastern extreme of the region, facing head-first the France it long resisted (And still does, a bit). In Rennes, Parisian French will start to blend with the very distict Breton language: It's demat instead of bonjour. One starts to find more seafood on the menu, and salty butter intstead of a myriad local cheeses. Rennes medieval half-timbered houses and the grand Rennes Cathedral have also endured, worth a look along with the tranquil Parc du Thabor. The city's museum of fine arts truly merits a visit. In the end, Rennes offers the visitor a chance to visit modern France and see how that modernity has its roots in the past.

Stepping into This Cathedral Means Stepping through Over 1300 Years of History.

The Cathedral Saint-Pierre de Rennes flaunts a French Gothic exterior and a particularly rich Neo-classical interior. Its interior features stunning art, including stained glass windows and an elaborate altar, reflecting by its walls and art many of the events of past centuries.

Tour an impressive court where justice has been administered since baroque times.

The Parlement de Bretagne opened in the 17th century, full of splendor to awe those judged in its courts. It is still a court today, and, given its beauty, a major attraction in Rennes, the historic chambers open regularly to the public. One of the rare places where governance is asthetically pleasing.

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Rennes taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the bus/train to the airport.

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Rennes taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the bus/train to the airport.

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Rennes taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the bus/train to the airport.

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Rennes taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the bus/train to the airport.