Suzie's Pensées

France has held me in a hypnotic grip ever since I first visited it at age 19. I love every moment on her soil.  This trip was especially wonderful, sharing it with other friends and family. Big kudos to Marge who did so much work getting it all organized and put together.

What really pushed it over the edge, though, was being guided by Angélique. No ordinary tour guide, she has a passion for what she does and sincerely wants us to get the most out of each site visited, hence the early morning wake up calls, beating the crowds and listening to enthralling details about various places and people.

So, --Holy cow! it was my very favorite time to the Opéra, the Louvre, Versailles, Mont St Michel, and Chambord. The macaron making was unforgettable. Giverny in the delicate morning light was absolutely superb! All the breakfasts and other meals we shared were so memorable.  I loved everyone gasping (me, too!) at la cathédrale St Gatien. The picnic at the castle was so precious. Walking the ramparts in St Malo—breathtaking. Pointe du Hoc, Grandcamp, Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery on the 70^th anniversary were extra special.

And yes!—the camaraderie of the group was the glue the made a perfect mosaic of our voyage together.  Merci et gros bisous to everyone.

Sherrill W's Impressions

I had dreamed of this trip for 20 years, and it exceeded my expectations.

Angelique was a wonderful guide - it was like travelling with a charming
friend.  I liked the way the trip balanced structure and free time, history, art, and shopping. 

What I liked best was the camaraderie of the group and the opportunity to revisit the site of the D Day Invasion. 

Vivian's Reflections

The thing I remember most is the agony of the many steps which was always followed by the ecstasy of a breath taking view. Each day we were up early and on the move; the only time we stopped was when we climbed into bed at night-- and it most cases that was very, very late at night.  Our trip was carefully planned and yet it was so spontaneous.  We saw all of the iconic sights as any tourist should, but it was as if we were living in France instead of just visiting it.  We didn't just see Paris, we lived it!

How could 10 days pass so fast? Where did we get the energy to do all that we did?  And, when can we do it again?

The things I like best about our trip were as follows:  

--The  camaraderie of our group (The conversations were always stimulating, and we were always our sister's keeper!).

--Seeing Paris at my feet the first night on top of the Arc de Triumph and again at night from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

--Meeting the challenge of walking to the top of Mont Saint Michel. 

--The stories of Napoleon's willie and other tidbits of history. 

--The art and culture and historical lessons. 

--The wonderful food and spirits we imbibed.

--And, being first inline at Versailles.  It was as if the palace were ours!

Viv

Early morning departure from our Paris Mercure Hotel. Everyone arrived safely at CDG and through the gate!! Should be arriving Detroit around 1:40pm. Au revoir. Bon voyage!


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Bateau-Mouche

We rode the Brigitte Bardot bateau-mouche this morning and saw all the sights on the Seine.

We saved Notre Dame Cathedral until the last day.  It was a beautiful sunny day to see the lovely stained glass windows.  The singing was tremendous.

After dinner we indulged in Berthillon ice cream ;} We shared our experiences with another acquaintance from Detroit, Thuan!

These locks exist all over in Paris on little bridges.  They symbolize sealing a love for one another and a love for such a beautiful city.

This little boy was playing French songs for us……on a giant accordion. How fitting for our last evening.  Au revoir! A la prochaine!!

D-Day Beaches

Wow.  Gorgeous day to hear all the stories about the landings at the Normandy beaches 70 years ago.  The movie clips were so well done.  The granite obelisk serves as a memorial.

With your imagination, you can visualize all the boats and the soldiers.  This place is called Pointe du Hoc.

They have left everything as it was.  We climbed in German bunkers and saw the craters and gun mounts.

Partial group photo in our D shirts on the D-Day beaches.

Here is our entire group at Omaha Beach.  We brought back sand from this landing area as a reminder.

We explored the town of Grandcamp, looking for things to eat…..

It is very very fresh!!  --straight off the boat.

This photo was too precious not to take!

We also went to the American Cemetery.  Vivian was able to locate the tombstone of her husband's uncle: Alvezio Trozzi, who was killed in action on July 3, 1944.  He earned the silver, the bronze and the purple heart medals.














Back in Paris and after a wonderful dinner at Chez Clément, a few crazies went to the top of the Eiffel Tower.  It was beautiful weather and well worth the time and effort!

St Malo

We spent the night in the medieval walled city of St Malo. We walked the ramparts, enjoyed a street concert, ate crepes and touched the waters of the English Channel


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