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In response to several requests for shorter breaks in addition to our usual tours, we have the pleasure of offering you this six-day visit to the delightful and often overlooked Picardy region of northern France. Rolling countryside, awe - inspiring cathedrals and fascinating reminders of its turbulent history await you.
Throughout the tour we shall be based in Compiegne, a town which appealed to both kings and emperors who hunted in the neighbouring forest. They resided here at the Palace during its long development from the original residence where Louis XIV stated that he ‘lodged like a peasant’. We shall spend five nights at the welcoming three-star Mercure Compiegne Sud.
The varied programme traces the chequered history of this area from 15th century decadence to the tragedies of the two world wars. Our visit to the ‘Historial of the Great War’ places the fighting in the Somme in the context of the entire war. We visit the underground shelter on the Franco-German front in which soldiers from both sides took refuge; the replica carriage where the Armistice was signed on 11th November 1918 and we pay our respects at the British memorial at Thiepval.
Our programme steps further back in time as we visit the gracious chateaux at Pierrefonds and Chantilly where we also enjoy a tour of the living museum of horses housed in the superb 18th century stables. The striking cathedrals of Amiens and Laon conclude this taste of Picardy. In Francophiles style we shall savour the delights of the cuisine of the area in the comforts of the Mercure Compiegne Sud. We hope that you will join us on this unforgettable shorter visit to one of the nearer French regions.
This six-day holiday includes:
• five nights half-board in a double, twin or single room (single supplement £120).
• all coach and ferry travel.
• all excursions and the services of a courier throughout.
Cost: £605
Specialist guide services and admission charges are not included in the holiday price.
ITINERARY
SUNDAY
Depart Bristol at 7.30am for the drive via London to Dover and the lunchtime ferry to Calais. Afternoon drive to Compiegne for dinner at the 3*** Mercure Compiegne Sud, our hotel for the whole of this holiday.
MONDAY
Leave after breakfast for the short drive to the ‘Clairiere de l’Armistice’ the site both of the historic signing of the 1918 armistice at the Wagon de Maréchal Foch and also of the 1940 armistice which split France into the northern occupied zone and the southern Vichy-governed zone. Move on through the lovely forest of Compiegne to visit the Chateau of Pierrefonds, lovingly and controversially restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the nineteenth century. Return to Compiegne for lunch at leisure before visiting the Palace of Compiegne
TUESDAY
We travel to Amiens, the capital of Picardy, for a guided tour of the town with time for further exploration of its many interesting areas and lunch at leisure. The cathedral of Notre Dame in Amiens is the largest Gothic building in France. Early afternoon we move to Péronne and visit the Museum of the Great War for an insight into European society on the eve of the First World War and throughout the hostilities.
WEDNESDAY
Today we travel along part of the ‘Chemin des Dames’ or Ladies’ Way which was named after the daughters of Louis XV who followed this route to visit their friend. The road follows a ridge which was the scene of much fierce fighting in the Great War and we visit the ‘Caverne du Dragon’ which was a quarry enlarged and transformed by the Germans into an underground barracks. We continue to the majestic cathedral city of Laon which is perched on a rocky promontory with wide views of the surrounding plains. Time for lunch at leisure and to visit the fine cathedral, one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in France, and ramparts of the old city. We return to Compiegne through the beautiful forest of St-Gobain.
THURSDAY
A very special day which we spend in Chantilly, commencing with a tour of the chateau and the superb art collections. We remain in Chantilly for lunch at leisure then visit the palatial Great Stables, home to the Living Horse Museum.
FRIDAY
Say farewell to Compiegne today and drive to Calais for the lunch-time ferry to Dover. Return via London to Bristol, arriving there early evening.
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