The Impressionists and Their Influence Traveling Seminar for the Arkansas Arts Center Escorted by Joseph Lampo September, 2011 We are pleased to propose this exclusive program in Paris and Normandy, specially organized for The Arkansas Arts Center, paying tribute to the exhibit “The Impressionists and Their Influence”. Paris & Normandy Program - Preliminary Day 1 Morning Upon arrival in Paris, guests will be met after immigration and customs and transferred to the Hotel Madison. Housed in a handsome 19th century building, the hotel is situated in the aristocratic area of the Latin Quarter, across from the Saint-Germain-desPrés Church, and within walking distance of art galleries, museums, antiques shops and prestigious fashion boutiques. This boutique hotel reveals an arty and cosmopolite atmosphere with paintings and antiques harmoniously blended with design decor. Afternoon Walking visit with our expert guide of Montmartre, heart of the Parisian artistic movement, following in the footsteps of Impressionist artists who lived and found their inspiration there, including PierreAuguste Renoir, Maurice Utrillo, Suzanne Valadon, as well as Vincent Van Gogh (Post- Impressionist), featuring the Sacre Coeur basilica and Place du Tertre. Evening Welcome cocktail and dinner at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée, one of the oldest and most exclusive clubs in France, located in an historic mansion adjacent to the residences of the American and the British Ambassadors, on the aristocratic Faubourg SaintHonoré. Day 2 Morning Welcome by the director for a private visit of the Musée d’Orsay, closed to the public on this day, with our expert guide, to study its remarkable collection of Impressionists. Luncheon Luncheon at the Maison de l’Amérique Latine, formerly a private club, in SaintGermain-des-Près, located in a prestigious 18th century mansion, in the private gardens, weather permitting. Afternoon Welcome by the director for a private visit of the Musée Marmottan, closed to the public on this day, with our expert guide, to study their significant collection of Impressionists, including Monet’s “Impression Sunrise” and his series of “Water Lilies”. Evening Enjoy a private cocktail reception in one of France’s foremost galleries that specializes in Impressionist art. Followed by dinner at the private residence of a passionate and prominent member of the art world, author, sculptor, who also organizes important art exhibits and concerts. Day 3 Morning Welcome by the director for a private visit of the Musée de l’Orangerie, closed to the public on this day, with the curator and our expert guide, to study their extensive collection of Impressionists, including Monet’s “Nymphéas”. Luncheon at the Michelin-star rated restaurant 35° Ouest, an intimate setting with creative cuisine of fresh seafood, in contemporary and tasteful décor. Afternoon You will have a private reception in one of France’s foremost galleries specializing in Impressionist art. Evening Private visit at the Residence of the Ambassador of the United States of America to France and Monaco, Hôtel de Pontalba, named after Micaela de Pontalba from New Orleans. Dinner free – a list of restaurants will be sent to participants to make reservations ahead of arrival. Day 4 –Private coach transfer to Normandy Morning and Afternoon – Giverny In the morning, we will be welcomed by a world-renowned landscape architect to visit his home in Giverny, formerly owned by Monet. He will guide us through his remarkable gardens. After this privileged visit, with our host, we will enjoy luncheon at Baudy, in the center of the village, famous for its rose gardens and the favorite restaurant of Impressionists, such as Cézanne, Renoir, Sisley, Rodin, Mary Cassatt. Following our convivial luncheon, the director of Claude Monet’s residence, from 1883 onwards, and its admirable gardens, will welcome us for a private visit with the curator, followed by tea in the director’s house. A coach transfer will take us to the “Villa Josephine” in Deauville, our home in Normandy. Cited by the French government as a “remarkable villa of the region”, it was the residence of the former Mayor of Deauville. He was a friend of the Duke de Morny, a figure of mythical proportions of the Second Empire, who created this celebrated seaside resort. Evening Dinner free – Guests will enjoy relaxing at our charming residence, a leisure walk in town, watching the waves, sipping a drink at a boardwalk café and dinner. A list of restaurants will be sent to participants ahead of arrival. Day 5 Morning Enjoy a private visit with our expert guide of the beautiful white cliffs of Etretat to discover the sights painted by Courbet, Monet and other artists. Luncheon Luncheon at the Manoir de la Salamandre, situated in the heart of Etretat, a few steps from the cliffs, housed in a charming, historic Norman manor, with traditional, fresh regional cooking. Afternoon Welcome by the director and private visit with curator of the Musée Malraux, housing France’s greatest collection of Impressionist works outside Paris from the Senn family and recent (October 16- 2010-January 16, 2011) venue for the Signac: Ports of France exhibition to which the Arts Center loaned a number of Paul Signac watercolors. Evening Private visit and cocktails at the sumptuous Villa Strassburger, a superb neo-Norman manor with beautiful gardens, rising on the hillside of Deauville above the sea, former residence of Gustave Flaubert, Henri de Rothschild, and the wealthy American Beaver Strassburger. Followed by dinner at the famed, Michelin-star rated restaurant, Auberge du Dauphin, a favorite of the Queen of England. Day 6 Morning Private visit with our expert guide of the scenic, historic fishing village of Honfleur, its Norman architecture, and picturesque church that inspired many artists to settle here, including Monet’s mentor and friend, Eugene Boudin. With the curator, we will enjoy a private visit of the Boudin Museum, and then the church Saint Catherine, painted by Monet. Luncheon Luncheon at “l’Absinthe”, with a splendid view of the old harbor, a former fisherman’s bar, housed in a 15th and a 17th century house, offering delicious, traditional French cuisine and fresh catches of the day. Afternoon – Rouen Welcome by the curator and private visit of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, housing one of the largest collections in France, including European paintings, sculpture, drawings and decorative arts from the late Middle Ages to present, featuring exceptional works by Caravaggio, Velázquez, Poussin, and Géricault. With the private Depeaux donation, Rouen boasts one of the most important Impressionist collections in a museum outside of Paris, including famous works by Monet and Sisley. Walk with our expert guide through the old town of Rouen to visit the Cathedral Notre-Dame, claiming the highest spire in France, a cast-iron “tour-de-force”, immortalized by Monet in his paintings that we will admire at the Musée d’Orsay. Evening A very Special Farewell Dinner at the Manoir des Evêques with the proprietor and French-American Friends. A stunning, historic, private residence, the “Manoir des Evêques”, with its superb park, is a gem of the “Pays d’Auge”. Built in the 15th century, the manor is remarkably preserved and superbly decorated. This will be a wonderful way to culminate our Normandy tour before bidding farewell! Day 7 Morning After breakfast, we bid each other “Au Revoir”. Guests may remain in Deauville for the weekend of their own accord or depart at their choice of time by train to Paris, a 2-hour ride, or to the Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, a 1.5hour limousine drive. In the event that a visit or reception is changed, it will be replaced by one of equal quality, and you will be notified immediately. The price is $8309.00 and is based on a minimum of 14 participants. The cost includes: Incoming airport to hotel transfer upon arrival in Paris (2 per sedan) Three nights in deluxe rooms at the Hotel Madison in Paris, breakfast and taxes included Three nights in superior rooms at the Villa Josephine in Deauville, breakfast and taxes included Private visits to Musée d’Orsay, Musée Marmottan, Musée de l’Orangerie, Monet Museum in Giverny, Musée Malraux, Musée Boudin in Honfleur, Musée des Beaux Arts in Rouen with curators Coach transfers in Paris and Normandy 5 lunches and 4 dinners, including wine, mineral water and coffee/tea Private collection, residence, garden and gallery tours Private guide who is an art history expert Tour escort Not included Airfare to/from Europe Escort, Guide and Driver tips (discretionary) Minibar charges, meals and beverages unless otherwise noted in the itinerary VIRTUOSO 915 CUMBERLAND • P. O. BOX 2576 • LITTLE ROCK, AR 72202 USA 501-376-4171 • 800-727-1960 • FAX 501-377-7501 www.poetravel.com • goaway@poetravel.com