The Che Bella Book Club France
Inquire about out Book Club Reading Package and Detailed Travel Itinerary
for your book club
Picture it. Reading, like travel, allows us to discover worlds we might otherwise never experience. Books have the power to transport us to another place or time ... something we could all use right now.
Read it. We have prepared a series of books and movies that set the stage for a literary trip to France. Book club members will also receive a comprehensive list of additional reading,movies and tv shows about France.
Live it. Travel to Paris, Versailles, Rouen, Bayeux and the Normandy Beaches, Mont San Michel and on to the Loire, Amboise, Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, Lyon and the Burgundy Wine Road
Inquire about out Book Club Reading Package and Detailed Travel Itinerary
for your book club
Picture it. Reading, like travel, allows us to discover worlds we might otherwise never experience. Books have the power to transport us to another place or time ... something we could all use right now.
Read it. We have prepared a series of books and movies that set the stage for a literary trip to France. Book club members will also receive a comprehensive list of additional reading,movies and tv shows about France.
Live it. Travel to Paris, Versailles, Rouen, Bayeux and the Normandy Beaches, Mont San Michel and on to the Loire, Amboise, Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, Lyon and the Burgundy Wine Road
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Please join Tour Director, Sandy Gregory, and Book Club Moderators, Kennette Bledsoe and Bonnie Dickenson, for this wonderful adventure through France.
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Che Bella Book Club Tour:
3 nights Paris 1 nights in Rouen 2 nights in Bayeux 2 nights in Amboise 2 nights in Lyon 1 night in Paris Post-tour suggestion to: • Nice and the French Riviera |
DAY 1: ARRIVE PARIS. YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS! |
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Your greeter will be waiting for you at baggage claim to transport you from the airport to our hotel.
Our hotel is a smart and cheerful hotel located right in the heart of the Left Bank, perfectly situated and just a short walk from the eastern gates of Luxembourg Gardens in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, the center for bookstores, design shops, museums, churches, high-end art galleries, boutique hotels, historic cafés, restaurants, and the most beautiful real estate in Paris.
We begin our literary tour with a walking orientation of the Left Bank, including La Boquenistas, Shakespeare & Company Bookshop, and a cruise on the Seine. Taking a boat ride down the Seine river at the beginning of your trip is a great way to get a feel for the layout of the city and gives you a wonderful perspective of all of the sights.
Included dinner. We’ll finish our literary walk at one of the oldest restaurant in Paris, revered as the meeting spot for intellectuals and writers, and now ... The Che Bella Book Club!
Overnight in Paris, 3 nights with breakfast
Our hotel is a smart and cheerful hotel located right in the heart of the Left Bank, perfectly situated and just a short walk from the eastern gates of Luxembourg Gardens in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, the center for bookstores, design shops, museums, churches, high-end art galleries, boutique hotels, historic cafés, restaurants, and the most beautiful real estate in Paris.
We begin our literary tour with a walking orientation of the Left Bank, including La Boquenistas, Shakespeare & Company Bookshop, and a cruise on the Seine. Taking a boat ride down the Seine river at the beginning of your trip is a great way to get a feel for the layout of the city and gives you a wonderful perspective of all of the sights.
Included dinner. We’ll finish our literary walk at one of the oldest restaurant in Paris, revered as the meeting spot for intellectuals and writers, and now ... The Che Bella Book Club!
Overnight in Paris, 3 nights with breakfast
DAY 2: A DAY IN PARIS AND THE EIFFEL TOWER |
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On our private tour, we’ll drive through the important sights on the Left Bank, then go on to the Champs Elysees, past the Arc du Triomph and Les Invalides, and Place du Concorde. We’ll finish with a walk through the Tuilleries Gardens and a guided tour of the highlights of the Louvre. Your tour includes admission to the Louvre, private guide, car and driver.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Paris. Consider:
• Exploring the neighborhood and the bridges along the Seine. Along the banks there are the bouquinistes, or book sellers. The green boxes are filled with used books, great prints and all kinds of souvenirs. Across the Seine, near Saint Chapelle and the central police station is a flower and bird market. We will keep you apprised on the reconstruction of Notre Dame.
• Viewing the Impressionist Masterpieces at the Orsay Museum
• Seeing the Monet Waterlilies at the L’Orangerie, sculpture in the Rodin Museum, and Napoleion’s Tomb at Les Invalides
• Shopping at the funky boutiques in the Marais District
• Strolling along La Promenade Plantée, a three mile long elevated green space near the Bastille
• Paying homage to Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde at Pere Lachaise Cemetery.
You tour price includes a Metro Pass and we will show you how to get around, take you where you want to go, or make any reservations you would like.
Tonight, we will hop the metro to explore the 7th Arrondisement this evening. Eiffel Tower Climb up the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris.
Included dinner
Overnight in Paris
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Paris. Consider:
• Exploring the neighborhood and the bridges along the Seine. Along the banks there are the bouquinistes, or book sellers. The green boxes are filled with used books, great prints and all kinds of souvenirs. Across the Seine, near Saint Chapelle and the central police station is a flower and bird market. We will keep you apprised on the reconstruction of Notre Dame.
• Viewing the Impressionist Masterpieces at the Orsay Museum
• Seeing the Monet Waterlilies at the L’Orangerie, sculpture in the Rodin Museum, and Napoleion’s Tomb at Les Invalides
• Shopping at the funky boutiques in the Marais District
• Strolling along La Promenade Plantée, a three mile long elevated green space near the Bastille
• Paying homage to Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde at Pere Lachaise Cemetery.
You tour price includes a Metro Pass and we will show you how to get around, take you where you want to go, or make any reservations you would like.
Tonight, we will hop the metro to explore the 7th Arrondisement this evening. Eiffel Tower Climb up the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris.
Included dinner
Overnight in Paris
DAY 3: TO VERSAILLES |
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A Day in Versailles. The palace was originally built as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII, and then transformed in the 1600’s into the extravagant Palace we will see by Louis XIV. We’ll enjoy a private tour of the Palace, including the King’s private apartmens. We’ll then move outside to explore the gardens. You will have time for lunch (not included) and time to explore the park, including the Trianon Palaces, the Estate of Marie Antoinette.
The evening is yours to enjoy Paris.
Included dinner
Overnight in Paris
The evening is yours to enjoy Paris.
Included dinner
Overnight in Paris
DAY 4: TO ROUEN WITH A STOP IN GIVERNY |
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9:00. This morning we say au revoir to Paris and head to Giverny, the quaint village where Monet famously made his home from 1883 until his death in 1926. It’s here that he cultivated the celebrated garden we see in many of his most famous works.
We will finish out our day in Rouen, the city best known for Joan of Arc and Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary. Joan of Arc forms an integral part of Rouen’s landscape. This is where she was burnt at stake by the British in 1431.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a luxurious included dinner at the oldest restaurant in France, featured in the movie, Julie and Julia.
We will finish out our day in Rouen, the city best known for Joan of Arc and Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary. Joan of Arc forms an integral part of Rouen’s landscape. This is where she was burnt at stake by the British in 1431.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a luxurious included dinner at the oldest restaurant in France, featured in the movie, Julie and Julia.
DAY 5: MORNING IN ROUEN AND ON TO BAYEUX |
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Morning tour of Rouen. We’ll tour the cathedral and famous sights of the city.
You will have time for lunch and some free time in Rouen before you are on to Bayeux, Normandy.
When we arrive in Bayeux, we'll have a tour of the Tapastry Museum, which artfully depicts the story of the 11th century conquest of England is told in embroidery.
Included dinner included local cider tasting.
Overnight in Bayeux, 2 nights
You will have time for lunch and some free time in Rouen before you are on to Bayeux, Normandy.
When we arrive in Bayeux, we'll have a tour of the Tapastry Museum, which artfully depicts the story of the 11th century conquest of England is told in embroidery.
Included dinner included local cider tasting.
Overnight in Bayeux, 2 nights
DAY 6: FULL DAY TOUR OF THE NORMANDY BEACHES |
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Today is the day when we remember the sacrifices of a young generation of Americans, Canadians, British and French Soldiers who fought for our freedom. Our local guide will take us on a full day tour of the Landing Beaches. We will first drive to Sainte Mere Eglise (40min) to see the famous church. This area is where everything started on D-Day: June 6. Then, stop at Utah Beach. We’ll spend a moment at the Memorial of Major Winters (Band of Brothers, 101st Airborne), before reaching the German Cemetery of La Cambe. We then will go thru Pointe du Hoc, before continuing on to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. The visit of the German guns at Longue Sur Mer will make you realize what the Atlantic Wall was about. The day ends at Arromanches and its temporary Mulberry Port, an all-important just-made-on-time portable port and bridges which allowed the arrival of thousands of troops and equipment necessary to the Battle of Normandy and the invasion of Germany.
Dinner tonight is on your own in Bayeux
Dinner tonight is on your own in Bayeux
DAY 7: MONT SAN MICHEL AND ON TO THE LOIRE |
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This morning we’ll take an early morning 1.5 drive to our tour of the rocky island of Mont San Michel. Perched on a rocky islet in the midst of vast sandbanks exposed to powerful tides between Normandy and Brittany stands the ‘Wonder of the West’, a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the archangel St Michael, and the village that grew up in the shadow of its great walls. Walking along this narrow, cobblestone street will take you back to medieval times.
Situated between northern and southern France, The Loire Valley is made up smaller charming villages. Driving through the Loire makes you fell like you are in a fairy tale full of romance, princesses, heroes, knights, tournaments and amazing castles. Vast fields of sunflowers and castle peaks make the drive breathtaking.
We will stay in Amboise, a quaint village on the bank of the Loire River. Now a market town, are artifacts of its rich history on every corner. The French Royal Court oversees the cobbled streets and the castle towers can be seen from nearly every alleyway.
When we arrive, we will take an orientation walk of this charming city. We’ll begin at Amboise Chateau Royal, built on a spur above the town. We will discover the detailed, behind-the-scenes moments of the Royal court’s daily life and then head up to the castle rampart to enjoy the remarkable panoramic view of the Loire valley. Leonardo Da Vinci was buried within the grounds of the Chateau. We’re then on to Château du Clos Lucé, Da Vinci’s home from 1516 until his death in 1519.
Included dinner in Amboise
Overnight in Amboise, 2 nights
Situated between northern and southern France, The Loire Valley is made up smaller charming villages. Driving through the Loire makes you fell like you are in a fairy tale full of romance, princesses, heroes, knights, tournaments and amazing castles. Vast fields of sunflowers and castle peaks make the drive breathtaking.
We will stay in Amboise, a quaint village on the bank of the Loire River. Now a market town, are artifacts of its rich history on every corner. The French Royal Court oversees the cobbled streets and the castle towers can be seen from nearly every alleyway.
When we arrive, we will take an orientation walk of this charming city. We’ll begin at Amboise Chateau Royal, built on a spur above the town. We will discover the detailed, behind-the-scenes moments of the Royal court’s daily life and then head up to the castle rampart to enjoy the remarkable panoramic view of the Loire valley. Leonardo Da Vinci was buried within the grounds of the Chateau. We’re then on to Château du Clos Lucé, Da Vinci’s home from 1516 until his death in 1519.
Included dinner in Amboise
Overnight in Amboise, 2 nights
DAY 8: A DAY OF CHATEAUX |
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Our first stop is Chambord, whose French-Renaissance construction dates back to the early 16th century. This extravagant chateau is one of France’s most famous and recognizable, thanks to its stately facade and sprawling grounds.
After lunch, we are on to Château de Chenonceau — a castle whose history is defined by a nearly uninterrupted succession of women. The story begins in the 1512, when Thomas Bohier acquired the then-small fortress and his wife, Katherine Briconnet, oversaw its transformation into the grand Renaissance-style castle we know it as today. The property was integrated into the Royal Estate to pay off debts owed to the monarchy. King Henry II decided not to gift the castle to Queen Catherine de Medici and instead gave it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, who was responsible for the signature bridge and many of the gardens on the property. Once King Henry II died, Catherine de Medici dismissed his mistress from the estate and began to use the château to run the kingdom of France and host some of the country's most lavish parties. The next notable owner came in the 1700s, when Louise Duplin, Lady of the Lights, purchased it. Lady Duplin gave the castle a new legacy as a famous literary salon where the country's greatest minds — Voltaire, Montesquieu, Rousseau and more — debated and shared groundbreaking ideas. Rousseau helped Lupin write a Code of Women's Rights, and she later saved the property from destruction during the French Revolution, deeming it essential for travel and commerce. The castle served as a military hospital from 1914 to 1918 and played an even bigger role in WWII: Château de Chenonceau became France's only access to the free zone not occupied by the Nazis.
Dinner in Amboise tonight is on your own
After lunch, we are on to Château de Chenonceau — a castle whose history is defined by a nearly uninterrupted succession of women. The story begins in the 1512, when Thomas Bohier acquired the then-small fortress and his wife, Katherine Briconnet, oversaw its transformation into the grand Renaissance-style castle we know it as today. The property was integrated into the Royal Estate to pay off debts owed to the monarchy. King Henry II decided not to gift the castle to Queen Catherine de Medici and instead gave it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, who was responsible for the signature bridge and many of the gardens on the property. Once King Henry II died, Catherine de Medici dismissed his mistress from the estate and began to use the château to run the kingdom of France and host some of the country's most lavish parties. The next notable owner came in the 1700s, when Louise Duplin, Lady of the Lights, purchased it. Lady Duplin gave the castle a new legacy as a famous literary salon where the country's greatest minds — Voltaire, Montesquieu, Rousseau and more — debated and shared groundbreaking ideas. Rousseau helped Lupin write a Code of Women's Rights, and she later saved the property from destruction during the French Revolution, deeming it essential for travel and commerce. The castle served as a military hospital from 1914 to 1918 and played an even bigger role in WWII: Château de Chenonceau became France's only access to the free zone not occupied by the Nazis.
Dinner in Amboise tonight is on your own
DAY 9: ON TO LYON |
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Today we take a leisurely drive through the Loire to Lyon. Walking the cobblestone streets amidst the timber-framed houses of the lovely small towns is an important part of the magic of Loire Valley. We'll finish our day in Lyon, one of France’s oldest cities and the gourmet capital of France.
Included Bouchon Dinner. Tonight we explore Le Bouchons. Cooks in and around Lyon learned long ago how to use the plethora of products that surround this central city to create hearty, simple family dishes. Bouchons are a type of bistro, their decor is simple, but the food and ambience of any good bouchon will warm the coldest heart. The majority of these establishments are family-run, and most of the chefs are women. Quaint culinary customs, like totting up the bill on the paper tablecloth, or serving wine in a glass bottle wrapped with an elastic band to stop drips make this an authentic culinary experience. Various piggy parts drive Lyonnais cuisine but, have faith, this French city is said to be the gastronomic capital of France. Dine and decide.
Overnight in Lyon, 2 nights with breakfast
Included Bouchon Dinner. Tonight we explore Le Bouchons. Cooks in and around Lyon learned long ago how to use the plethora of products that surround this central city to create hearty, simple family dishes. Bouchons are a type of bistro, their decor is simple, but the food and ambience of any good bouchon will warm the coldest heart. The majority of these establishments are family-run, and most of the chefs are women. Quaint culinary customs, like totting up the bill on the paper tablecloth, or serving wine in a glass bottle wrapped with an elastic band to stop drips make this an authentic culinary experience. Various piggy parts drive Lyonnais cuisine but, have faith, this French city is said to be the gastronomic capital of France. Dine and decide.
Overnight in Lyon, 2 nights with breakfast
DAY 10. A DAY IN LYON |
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Our private tour begins in the historic quarter of Le Vieux Lyon, a maze of narrow streets and historic buildings. Silk is a centuries-old tradition in Lyon, which has been lovingly preserved thanks to a passionate artisans who have kept this outstanding heritage alive. We will learn about the Jacquard loom, the bombyx moths, the softness of velvet scarfs, as well as the chemistry, techniques, history and fashion of Lyon's pride and joy. We'll finish our tour at the famous food market, Les Halles de Bocuse. This market dates back to 1859 and home to no less than 56 specialty food shops and restaurants. Each stall is a small gastronomic oasis.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Lyon.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Lyon.
DAY 11. BEAUNE, BURGUNDY WINE TOUR AND BACK TO PARIS |
Our first stop will be Beaune, the heart of the area, where enjoy a guided tour of the Hospice en Beaune, and then some free time to explore this beautiful little town. The main square, Place Carnot, is a picturesque assortment of cafes and shops. Each street radiating from the plaza leads to panoramic views, moats, fortresses and watchtowers reminding us of the warlike lust of the Gauls dating back to Gallo-Roman times.
Included Farewell lunch and winetasting. The sun, the soil, the centuries of tradition - wine is a way of life in Burgundy. We’ll have a food/wine pairing lunch with local cheeses, meats, and other French treats from the Côtes de Nuits district.
Enroute back to Paris, we will sneak in just one more tasting at a lovely family-run estate to discover it's 900-year history of wine-making.
Overnight in Paris.
Included Farewell lunch and winetasting. The sun, the soil, the centuries of tradition - wine is a way of life in Burgundy. We’ll have a food/wine pairing lunch with local cheeses, meats, and other French treats from the Côtes de Nuits district.
Enroute back to Paris, we will sneak in just one more tasting at a lovely family-run estate to discover it's 900-year history of wine-making.
Overnight in Paris.
DAY 12. Flights out from Paris |
Included transfer to the airport.
POST-TOUR OPTION TO NICE AND THE FRENCH RIVIERA
Day 1. Transfer from Provence to Nice. One of the oldest French cities, Nice became Capital of the French Riviera in the 1800’s and today is the 5th largest city of France. We'll enjoy a driving panoramic tour of Nice, including the cities Roman sites, Baroque churches, and the Belle Epoque and Art Deco architecture that characterizes the city. We’ll drive along the Promenades des Anglais and finish at our hotel where you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy the boardwalk.
Day 2. A Tour along the French Riviera. Our morning tour will begin with a stop at the Nice market, followed by a drive along the Cote d’Azur, or Blue Coast, with a visit to the Rothschild Mansion and its beautiful gardens. The heiress Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild had an Italian-style pink palazzo erected on the beautiful Cap Ferrat peninsula at the start of the twentieth century. After, our coach will drop us off at the nearby town of Eze. We'll enjoy a long winding walk up the seaside village, stopping at charming galleries and overlooks on the way and finishing at our Michelin lunch stop overlooking the Mediterranean.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Nice
Day 3. A Day of Choices in Nice:
• Stroll the Promenades des Anglais. Sit on the blue Riviera seats that are lined up along the boulevard and watch the rollerbladers and bikes go by.
• Walk around the Port of Nice to see the impressive yachts and colorful fishing boats.
• The Chagall Museum. Chagall was involved in the construction of the museum and produced his artworks to fill the rooms. You’ll see different works from different stages throughout his life.
• Explore the culture and cooking of Nice. We’ll begin the morning at Nice’s famous Cours Saleya market with with our chef to sample seasonal produce and meet the local producers. Then we’re off to her kitchen to create the beloved Nicoise dishes for our lunch.
Add some days to your stay. You might want to think about:
• Take the train or hop a bus to Monte Carlo. Live out your inner 007 at the Casino while gawking at the fancy people with their fancy cars. Then hike up to Monaco Ville and see the Grimaldi Palace and the very well-done Aquarium.
• Channel your inner-Hollywood with a day trip to Cannes and the perfumeries of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world.
• An excursion to Antibes and Biot. If you are interested in art and glassware, think about choosing this excursion to Antibes and Biot. The Picasso Museum in Antibes is situated in the old Grimaldi chateau and features not only a superb Picasso collection but also other important 20th century artists and a permanent collection of sculptures on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Biot, between Antibes and Nice, is a picturesque hill village renowned for its pretty glassware. There are several glass works where you can watch the glass blowing process and of course, shops to buy the finished product. Suggested reading for a colorful insight into Antibes: Mediterranean Summer by David Shalleck.
• St. Paul de Vence and Vence. These little towns tick all the boxes of Provence: winding streets, old men playing pétanque, beautiful views, manicured gardens, stone fountains and art galleries. You’ll have the whole day to explore and finish with a dinner of to-die-for rotisserie chicken and lavender creme brûlée.
Day 2. A Tour along the French Riviera. Our morning tour will begin with a stop at the Nice market, followed by a drive along the Cote d’Azur, or Blue Coast, with a visit to the Rothschild Mansion and its beautiful gardens. The heiress Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild had an Italian-style pink palazzo erected on the beautiful Cap Ferrat peninsula at the start of the twentieth century. After, our coach will drop us off at the nearby town of Eze. We'll enjoy a long winding walk up the seaside village, stopping at charming galleries and overlooks on the way and finishing at our Michelin lunch stop overlooking the Mediterranean.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Nice
Day 3. A Day of Choices in Nice:
• Stroll the Promenades des Anglais. Sit on the blue Riviera seats that are lined up along the boulevard and watch the rollerbladers and bikes go by.
• Walk around the Port of Nice to see the impressive yachts and colorful fishing boats.
• The Chagall Museum. Chagall was involved in the construction of the museum and produced his artworks to fill the rooms. You’ll see different works from different stages throughout his life.
• Explore the culture and cooking of Nice. We’ll begin the morning at Nice’s famous Cours Saleya market with with our chef to sample seasonal produce and meet the local producers. Then we’re off to her kitchen to create the beloved Nicoise dishes for our lunch.
Add some days to your stay. You might want to think about:
• Take the train or hop a bus to Monte Carlo. Live out your inner 007 at the Casino while gawking at the fancy people with their fancy cars. Then hike up to Monaco Ville and see the Grimaldi Palace and the very well-done Aquarium.
• Channel your inner-Hollywood with a day trip to Cannes and the perfumeries of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world.
• An excursion to Antibes and Biot. If you are interested in art and glassware, think about choosing this excursion to Antibes and Biot. The Picasso Museum in Antibes is situated in the old Grimaldi chateau and features not only a superb Picasso collection but also other important 20th century artists and a permanent collection of sculptures on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Biot, between Antibes and Nice, is a picturesque hill village renowned for its pretty glassware. There are several glass works where you can watch the glass blowing process and of course, shops to buy the finished product. Suggested reading for a colorful insight into Antibes: Mediterranean Summer by David Shalleck.
• St. Paul de Vence and Vence. These little towns tick all the boxes of Provence: winding streets, old men playing pétanque, beautiful views, manicured gardens, stone fountains and art galleries. You’ll have the whole day to explore and finish with a dinner of to-die-for rotisserie chicken and lavender creme brûlée.