INSIDE THE MYTHS OF LA FÉE VERTE Absinthe was one of the most popular drinks in 19th-century
France; this anise-flavored green liquor, known affectionately as the Green Fairy, was believed to inspire creativity. It was a favorite of poets and painters, possibly inspiring Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” It was also rumored to cause madness. Learn all about this legendary drink at the Absinthe Museum in Auvers-sur-Oise, where the collection of antiquities includes Toulouse-Lautrec’s absinthe spoon... and you’ll even get a tasting.
Immerse in the restored, tranquil beauty of the 12th-century Abbey at Cernay.
RIDING THE RAILS IN VALLÉE DE L’OUCHE The River Ouche Valley is renowned for its tranquil beauty
and you’ll get a inside view of it from the carriage of a 19th- century steam train whose narrow-gauge rails wind from a vintage train depot through scenic miles of forest, grazing fields, orchards, stone bridges and quaint villages and transport you back in time.
gardens were personally designed by the artist as subjects for his paintings, where he could rearrange the composition at will, and they’ve been maintained as he originally intended – the Japanese bridge, the pond of water lilies, and exotic flora – so that you’ll feel like you’ve entered a Monet landscape. After lunch, take a private ride on a vintage steam train through the River Ouche Valley (Vallée de l’Ouche), winding through scenes of farmhouses, old stone bridges and orchards in an area renowned for its pastoral beauty. Meals BLD
9. VAN GOGH / AUVERS-SUR-OISE Dock in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, then drive to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his last days. The town has hardly changed since, so you’ll be able to recognize scenes from his paintings, including the view of the town hall, seen from the upper window of his room at the inn. You can also visit his room, No. 5 at the Auberge Ravoux, which has never been rented since he died in 1890. While you’re in town, you’ll also visit the Absinthe Museum, dedicated to the legendary green drink (banned for many years), which was said to be the muse (and downfall) of so many turn-of-the century poets, painters, and writers; your visit includes an exclusive tasting, of course. This evening, sail for Paris; arrive after dinner, with time for a walk in the city. Meals BLD
A RIVER OF GOURMAND DELIGHTS The chèvrerie at Étretat may surprise you with what can
be made from humble goat’s milk, from gourmet chevre to exquisite chocolate. But you’ve only begun to discover the native epicurean wonders that await on your French riverboat odyssey, like miraculous apple ciders and brandy, legendary cheeses, and fresh seafood and sausage.
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10. CITY OF LIGHT Take a guided orientation tour of Paris this morning, then have your choice of three museum visits (subject to opening times and days): Musée National de l’Orangerie, designed by Monet for display of his large water lily paintings; Musée Rodin, dedicated to the works of the French sculptor; or the Musée d’Orsay, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works housed in a former railway terminal. Spend time on your own, then join us tonight after dinner for a tour of “Paris by Night.” Meals BLD
11. MILITARY MUSEUM / MARAIS Visit the palatial War Museum, Musée de l’Armée, with its astonishing collection of military weapons from different time periods; aptly, Napoleon’s tomb is here, at the Church of the Invalides. Or you can choose to visit the exclusive Marais
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