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Thomas Jefferson in France

September 29 – October 8, 2022
Paris – Nice – Nimes – Beziers

$5,140/person, double occupancy
$781 single room supplement (single rooms are limited and must be requested)

Join Clay Jenkinson on a guided tour through Jefferson’s France. After exploring Jefferson’s Paris, take high speed train (Jefferson could have only dreamed of it!) to sunny Nice along the Cote d’Azur, then head to the French Alps to the village of Saorge, which Jefferson described as “most picturesque”. Back on the Mediterranean coast, continue in Jefferson’s footsteps with stops in Orange, Pont du Gard, and finally Nimes and the Maison Carrée, what Jefferson called “the most precious morsel of antiguity”. Finally visit Beziers and spend a day floating on the Canal du Midi, a marvel of its time about which Jefferson wrote extensively in his diary.

Clay’s Notes

This is a fabulous trip. We know a great deal about Jefferson’s time in France, and it’s possible to visit sites that were important to him. Don’t let your lack of French intimidate you. We’ll have good local interpreters to smooth our way. Jefferson said every man’s first country is of course his own, but every rational man’s second country must be France. If you are interested in the aesthetic side of Jefferson, this is your trip: music, architecture, painting, sculpture, gardens, and French salon culture. We’ll also talk about Jefferson and the French Revolution, which he (at first) thought of as the next logical step in the liberation of the world after the American Revolution. The Hotel de Salm in Paris became the template for Jefferson’s rebuild of Monticello (with the dome), and the Maison Carrée became the template for the capitol at Richmond. We’ll spend a good deal of time discussing Jefferson’s last love affair, with Maria Cosway, and visit places where their platonic romance unfolded.

Itinerary

September 29 – October 8, 2022
9 nights, 10 days
(B,L,D signify meals included)

Day 1 – 29 Sep (Thu) – ARRIVE PARIS, FRANCE Welcome to France! Upon arrival, we will arrange transfer from airport to your Paris hotel. This evening join Clay Jenkinson for a four-course dinner with wine, music, and lively conversation. An orientation drive of Paris will also be part of this special night. (D) 

Day 2 – 30 Sep (Fri) – PARIS This morning get a firsthand look at the City of Light with a guided drive through Parisian history, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Opéra Garnier, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and other monuments, museums, and buildings. After lunch, Clay will guide you through Jefferson’s Paris, including Hotel Langeac, Palais Royale, Hotel de Salm, the Thomas Jefferson statue, and the Catholic school where Jefferson’s daughters were educated during their time in Paris. (B,L,D) 

Day 3 – 01 Oct (Sat) – PARIS Today is a day of leisure for you to explore Paris on your own. We will gather again in the evening for a cruise on the River Seine, followed by a lively dinner in the heart of Paris. (B,D) 

Day 4 – 02 Oct (Sun) – NICE (TGV Train) Jefferson took weeks to travel to Nice. We’ll get there in a few hours thanks to France’s excellent high-speed rail system. Upon arrival in Nice, enjoy dinner at your hotel with your evening at your leisure. (B,D) 

Day 5 – 03 Oct (Mon) – EXCURSION TO FRENCH ALPS Travel north out of Nice to the French Alps along the similar route as Jefferson. We will pass through the same unique mountain villages on the way to Saorge, described by Jefferson as “one of the most picturesque” of villages. As Jefferson was fascinated by French viticulture, we will stop for an afternoon vineyard tour and tasting, then enjoy a memorable evening on the French Riviera with a traditional dinner in Eze. (B,L,D) 

Day 6 – 04 Oct (Tue) – NICE – ORANGE – PONT DU GARD – NIMES Enjoy spectacular views as we follow Jefferson’s footsteps along the Mediterranean coast and the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice before departing the coast to arrive in Orange. Visit the Roman Theater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in France. Stop at Pont du Gard and marvel at the largest remaining Roman aqueduct in France, a monumental feat of engineering completed in the year 19 BC. Continue to Nimes for dinner and conversation at your hotel. (B,L,D) 

Day 7 – 05 Oct (Wed) – NIMES – BEZIERS After breakfast we’ll take a walking tour of Nimes to take in the same Roman era architecture that enthralled Jefferson. Visit the Jardin des Fontaines and admire the ruined Roman Tour Magne and Temple of Diane, the Nimes Amphitheatre and of course the astonishingly intact Maison Carrée. Continue to Beziers for your overnight stay and an evening at your leisure. (B,L) 

Day 8 – 06 Oct (Thur) – CANAL DU MIDI CRUISE Today we will float in Jefferson’s footsteps with a full day cruise on the Canal du Midi with a gourmet lunch by the water. (B,L) 

Day 9 – 07 Oct (Fri) – BEZIERS Today enjoy leisure time with a group discussion and farewell dinner this evening. (B,D) 

Day 10 – 08 Oct (Sat) – DEPART BEZIERS Your tour comes to an end after breakfast. You may choose to continue your own travels of southern France from Beziers, or take transport to the departure airport or train station of your choosing. Beziers is a small regional airport that will not connect you directly back to United States. Our tour staff can assist you in making your departure plans based on your travel preferences. (B)