Recently updated on October 4th, 2022 at 11:31 am
Every day we see so many wonderful and amazing places that it’s hard to describe each of them effectively and with the detail that they deserve. I think the most amazing thing is that we are standing in these places and seeing them, not in books, on TV or on the internet, but in person. We can touch the walls, walk in the garden paths and smell the breezes that blow over these historic landmarks. I keep thinking I will wake up to find that I was only dreaming, but when I do wake up, I am in a new place in France and starting a new adventure. One might think, by now, the castles and chapels would be getting a little tiresome, but they are all as unique and individual as the people we meet along the way.
Tonight had to be one of the most amazing nights of the trip and of my life. ‘La Moulin Rouge’ certainly lived up to and exceeded all of my expectations. Giovanna did a fabulous job of describing this option but she could not possibly describe just how amazing this night would be. From the moment we entered and stepped under that iconic marquee, I was in awe and transported to a different time. The heavy red drapes and banners from years gone by, the small lamps on each table, the waiters in white shirts, everything, was as it was in another time. Once the lights dimmed the place was transformed. Lights, sequinned costumes, performers, music and ambiance filled the room. For the next couple of hours all my senses were overwhelmed with sights, sounds and emotions. The show was absolutely ‘fantastique’! I cannot adequately describe this night but would have to say that anyone who visits Paris must make a point of taking in a show at ‘La Moulin Rouge’. I think this night will stay with me a long time and I didn’t want it to end. Good grief, I also don’t want this trip to end and tomorrow is our last day!
Just when you think things couldn’t possibly get any better, Trafalgar wows us again! This morning we walked through the gardens of Claude Monet. We stood next to the ponds and flowers, painted numerous times by one of the world`s greatest impressionist painters. Even Merrick went crazy with the camera, capturing some of the same views that have been immortalized in Monet`s paintings. The gardens were a sea of color and it was if time stood still. There was a feeling that at any turn, you might interrupt the master in the middle of his next piece. We spent our time wandering at ease amid the gardens and ponds and trying our best to somehow capture all that was here, either in our camera or memories. Normally I am not a big shopper, but here in the gift shop I couldn`t help myself. By now, we had come to know our fellow travellers well enough to help each other shop for ways to bring a little of this day home with us.
It was difficult to leave this beautiful piece of heaven on earth but we were off to Versailles. Versailles, in a word, is ‘opulent’. Even our photos could never capture the ‘over the top’ extravagance of this royal palace.
You might think that these two places would fill our last day, but somehow Trafalgar managed to fit in a trip up the famous Eiffel Tower, followed by a marvellous seafood dinner and cruise on the River Seine, past some of the famous sights. This is our last night together as a group and we have met some amazing and wonderful people from all over. Although we are all of different ages, nationalities and cultures, we have come together on an adventure discovering Paris and France and have shared some fantastic memories.
On our ride back to our hotel later this evening, our Travel Director and driver timed things perfectly so we could view the Eiffel Tower lit up, sparkling and twinkling. I have been awed, amazed and wowed every day and am sad that our time is coming to an end. Maybe if I don’t go to my room and don’t lay my head down I can manage to make this day last even longer. No such luck, I am exhausted and unable to fight sleep any longer.
We started this voyage with many doubts as to whether a Trafalgar holiday was for us. After our week on The Treasures of France with Trafalgar, I have to say we are definitely converts. They wowed us over from the moment we were greeted at the arrival night by our most gracious and professional Travel Director, Giovanna, and at every turn in the road for the next seven days. We have travelled extensively over the years but I can honestly say that there is no way on earth we could have seen or done so much in such a short time if we were on our own. Trafalgar had every moment timed to perfection and every day we were moved to the front of the line by pre-purchased tickets or reservations, we were met by knowledgeable Local Guides and treated to Hidden Treasures that one normally would have passed by.
We enjoyed wonderful meals at local and independently owned restaurants, something that is very important to us when we travel as we always enjoy supporting the smaller and unique establishments. The variety of places we were able to see would satisfy any interest and there was always something for everyone. Giovanna made every guest feel equally important and worked endless hours making everything we experienced seem effortless. As far as value for money, at first we thought we might be able to see France for less than the price quoted. We could not have been more wrong. There is no way we would have done half the things for the same price. We would definitely take another Trafalgar holiday and are already scanning their latest online brochure to see what other adventure awaits.
Thank you Trafalgar, thank you Giovanna and Frank (our driver) and thank you to our fellow travellers and new friends for sharing so many great memories with us. And last but not least, merci France et Paris!
Denise McCall, Canada