Napoleon's Paris - Holts Art, History and Architecture Tours

Napoleon's Paris

10-14 April 2008 with Mike and Ann Hannon
A repeat of this popular 'Grapeshot' event with Ann & Mike Hannon, this is largely a walking tour to discover the Paris Napoleon knew. Based on four nights at the central Hotel Normandy, we walk in Napoleon's footsteps through the Tuileries Gardens, take the metro to the Arc de Triomphe, pass by the rue d'Anton, where Napoleon and Josephine married and share his delight in beautifying Paris, albeit with monuments to war. We also visit the Chateau of Malmaison, the Musee de l'Armee and parts of the Père Lachaise cemetery, where many of the Marshals are buried. A second walk takes us to the Place de la Bastille and the Marais, with a stop at the Musée Carnavalet (the museum of the city) the Sainte Chapelle and the church of Saint Sulpice. On each of the full days we lunch at restaurants which offer both culinary delights and historical interest.

Itinerary
Day 1	(Thursday): Depart London, St. Pancras, by Eurostar to Paris (mid-day departure). To Hotel Normandy for reception, dinner, introductory talk and overnight.
Day 2	A morning walk starts at the Church of St. Roch, where the 'whiff of grapeshot' took place, then via the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel through the Tuileries Gardens to the Place de la Concorde. From there by Metro to the Arc de Triomphe, returning to continue the walk through the Place Vendome and rue d'Anton to lunch at Au Pied de Cochon. After lunch, stroll to the Place Royale. Own dinner.
Day 3	By coach to Malmaison for guided tour of the chateau. Lunch chez Madame Lemaire at Rueil. Visit Josephine's tomb in the church before returning to the city for the Musee de l'Armee, Napoleon's Tomb and the cemetery Père Lachaise. Own dinner.
Day 4	Another walk, this time through the Marais, starting at the Place des Vosges to the Musee Carnavalet. Then across the river to the Sainte Chapelle, before lunch at Le Procope, the oldest restaurant in Paris. After lunch, a short stroll to Saint Sulpice. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 5	Morning at leisure in Paris before taking the Eurostar to London, arriving St. Pancras mid afternoon.

Fact File
Return train tickets from/to St Pancras
3 star hotel on a B&B basis
3 lunches
2 dinners
All entrance fees
Services of an expert guide