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Caudebec is
distinguished by a fine Gothic church that Henry
IV of France believed to be the most beautiful
in his kingdom. Beyond the town are the highly
romantic ruins of Jumièges Abbey, consecrated in
1067 in the presence of William the Conqueror. |
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Drink in the
history of this picturesque town, literally. In
1863, a prominent Fecamp wine dealer and art
collector discovered the ancient liqueur recipe
of a Benedictine monk. After much
experimentation with different herbs and spices,
he developed what is now known as “Benedictine”
liqueur. You’ll tour the historic Benedictine
Palace, with its art gallery and museum, and
have a chance to taste the famous liqueur.
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Giverny was the
beloved home of the impressionist painter Claude
Monet. From 1883 until his death in 1926, he
lived and worked in these sublime surroundings.
See the stone farmhouse, beautiful gardens and
the lily pond he captured so brilliantly on
canvas. |
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This seaport is
where Impressionism began, in the soft light of
the Seine Estuary. The scenic harbor is a
painter’s delight with its slate-hung houses and
Medieval buildings. Numerous memorials
throughout the town commemorate its famous
residents. |
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Explore the
dramatic ruins of the great Norman abbey of
Jumièges. |
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This beautiful
town lies in one of the loveliest settings on
the Seine, below the massive ruins of the famous
Château Gaillard. The huge fortress was built in
1196 by Richard the Lionhearted, King of England
and Duke of Normandy. |
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Known as the “City
of Light,” Paris lies on the Seine River, and is
the largest city in France. Among its oldest
monuments are the Cathedral of Notre Dame and
the Louvre. Newer highlights include the Eiffel
Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the
Champs-Elysées. |
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Once capital of
Normandy, the ancient city of Rouen boasts an
elaborate Gothic cathedral and superb
half-timbered houses. A dazzling church and a
monument to Joan of Arc can be seen in the old
marketplace where she met her death in 1431. |
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Vernon boasts
picturesque 17th century architecture, and is an
attractive gateway for visiting Giverny, which
lies across the river. Here, glimpses of 500
year-old houses flicker through the trees, and
heavily wooded isles dot the river. |
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Chateau de
Versailles is the most famous royal palace in
the world. It was built in the 17th century by
Sun King Louis XIV, on the grounds of his
father’s hunting lodge. On completion it became
the official residence of the Court of France.
Most notable of the many ornately decorated
rooms, halls and ballrooms are the King’s
Bedchamber, the magnificent State Apartments and
the Hall of Mirrors. The formal gardens boast
many fine sculptures, fountains and the
"miniature" palaces built around the estate. |
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