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This is Us | Paris | Historic Paris | Paris & Louvre | Guédelon & Bourges | Chambord | Chenonceau & da Vinci | Brittany & Mont St-Michel | Bayeux | Normandy | Giverny | The End
This is Us
We are Chuck and Tracy Bryant, residents of Gainesville, Florida. We embarked on a Rick Steves tour in France alongside 11 of our closest friends. This journey promised not just to be a vacation, but an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, exploration, and camaraderie. From the bustling streets of Paris to the tranquil countryside, every moment was an opportunity to create lasting memories. Join us as we recount our experiences, delving into the heart of France, where the spirit of joie de vivre infuses every corner with its magic.
Day One: Welcome to PAris
Two days prior to the start of our tour, we landed in the City of Lights and hit the ground running. Our first adventure took us to the majestic Eiffel Tower, the bustling Champs-Élysées, the grand Arc de Triomphe, the stunning Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, Hôtel des Invalides. The next day was spent at the Palace of Versailles. These sites left us in awe of France's beauty and history. While exploring, we even stumbled upon a charming restaurant bearing our name, café Bruant, adding a personal touch to our journey.
The excitement was palpable as we gathered for our tour's welcome meeting, eager to meet our fellow travelers and our fantastic guide, Arnaud.
With introductions complete, we made our way to a charming local restaurant for our first delightful group meal, setting the tone for an unforgettable adventure. Celebrating Chuck's birthday in Paris added an extra layer of magic to an already incredible experience.
Day Two: Historic Paris and Sainte-Chapelle
Our first full day on the tour began with a leisurely stroll around Paris, passing the Hôtel de Ville on the way to the awe-inspiring Sainte-Chapelle. We caught our first glimpses of the iconic Notre-Dame, still under restoration. Next, we visited the Church of Saint-Séverin, a stunning Gothic-style Roman Catholic church nestled in the heart of the Latin Quarter.
Our guide, Arnaud, skillfully taught us how to navigate the city like locals by showing us how to use the Paris metro system. With this newfound knowledge, he left us to explore on our own. We eagerly made our way to the Musée d'Orsay, where we were enchanted by the masterpieces of Impressionist art.
The stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle are a stunning Gothic masterpiece. Towering 15 meters high, these 15 windows depict over 1,100 biblical scenes, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that bathe the chapel in ethereal light. Their intricate designs and vibrant hues make Sainte-Chapelle truly awe-inspiring.
Notre-Dame de Paris is an iconic Gothic cathedral on the Île de la Cité. Known for its intricate carvings, majestic spires, and stunning rose windows, it remains a symbol of Paris's rich cultural heritage, even as it undergoes restoration.
The Church of Saint-Séverin, located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, is a stunning Gothic-style Roman Catholic church. Known for its beautiful stained glass windows and unique twisted columns, it is a testament to medieval architecture and artistry. A serene and historic gem in the bustling heart of the city.
The Musée d'Orsay, housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station, displays an impressive collection of 19th and early 20th-century art, featuring renowned Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. A must-visit in Paris.
Day Three: Neighborhood Paris and The Louvre
On day three of our tour, we began with a leisurely walk through the vibrant 1st arrondissement of Paris. Our first stop was the magnificent Saint-Eustache Church, located near the bustling Les Halles underground shopping center. This Gothic masterpiece, with its Renaissance influences, captivated us with its stunning stained glass windows, grand organ, and ornate interior. It truly stands as a historic and cultural landmark in the heart of the city.
The Louvre
Our red-hatted neighborhood guide, Elizabeth, dropped us off at the Louvre's entrance after vividly describing the museum's immense grandeur.
The Louvre is a treasure trove of art, housing masterpieces from various eras and cultures. Among its most famous pieces are Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa", known for her enigmatic smile and the ancient Greek statue "Venus de Milo", celebrated for its beauty and mystery. The museum also features the Winged Victory of Samothrace, a stunning Hellenistic sculpture among many other great works of art. Each artwork tells a unique story, making the Louvre a captivating journey through art history.
Our eyes wandered in every direction at the Louvre, where masterpieces of visual delight awaited us at every turn.
That evening...
We spent about four hours touring the Louvre, but we weren't done.
We walked down to the Moulin Rouge, to view its iconic red windmill. The theatre is a legendary cabaret in Paris's lively Pigalle district. Known for its dazzling performances and the famous French can-can dance, it sits at the foot of Montmartre, a bohemian neighborhood filled with artists' studios, theaters, and vibrant nightlife.
This morning we set a course for a medieval castle named Château de Guédelon. This site is a unique project in Treigny, France, where a medieval castle is being built from scratch using 13th-century techniques. We watched craftsmen at work and learned about medieval building methods, making it a fascinating living history experience.
Upon arriving in Bourges, we rolled our luggage along the cobblestone sidewalks to our hotel. The photo to the left captures a charming street in the heart of the town. We then met a local guide who took us on a tour of the half-timbered houses and the magnificent Saint-Étienne Cathedral.
Day 5: The Loire and Chambord
Our adventure today took us to the crown jewel of the Loire Valley — the magnificent Château de Chambord. We learned that the estate has 365 fireplaces (one for every day of the year) and has been a warm haven for royal hunting parties for over 500 years. As we wandered through its grand halls, we couldn't help but marvel at the intricate details and the sheer scale of the place. The expansive grounds were equally impressive, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Day Six: Chenonceau and Amboise
We set off on our way through amazing scenery to visit the stunning Château de Chenonceau. This estate is a stunning 16th-century château that spans the River Cher in the Loire Valley. Known for its elegant architecture, it features a unique gallery bridge and beautifully landscaped gardens. Often referred to as the "Ladies' Château" due to the influential women who shaped its history. We explored the lavish interiors and beautifully manicured gardens.
In Amboise, we visited Leonardo da Vinci's home at Clos-Lucé to see his ingenious inventions.
Day 7: Brittany and Mont St-Michel
On our ride this morning we stopped in Dinan, a charming medieval town in the Brittany region. We stop on the shoreline and had oysters that were just caught from the waters in front of us.
Our next stop was one of the most anticipated of the entire trip. As we approached the tidal island of Mont St-Michel we were in awe of it's magnificence. We wandered through the narrow, winding streets, had a wonderful group meal, and watched the tide take over the island.
Day 8: Treasure of Bayeux
In the morning some of our group watched the sun come up behind the altar at the top of the mount during the sunrise mass. The solemnity of the priest and nuns and knowing we were just a few of the small group of people living on the island was surreal. One of the most memorable moments was attending the morning mass at the abbey. The hauntingly beautiful chants echoed through the ancient stone walls, creating an atmosphere that was both serene and otherworldly. It was a deeply moving experience that added a spiritual dimension to the visit.
It was truly magical.
Bayeux
After an enchanting day exploring the wonders of Mont Saint Michel, we boarded our trusty bus en route to the picturesque town of Bayeux. Due to a slight mishap on the abbey's steps earlier that day, I left the group while they embarked on a walking tour of the charming streets. I ended up finding solace, an ankle brace at a local pharmacy. We were reunited at the breathtaking Bayeux Tapestry, marveling at the 1,000-year-old masterpiece.
Later, we found ourselves basking in the ambiance of the Oh La La!! Restaurant terrace. It was a scene straight out of a movie. Our server, who bore an uncanny resemblance to Ron Perlman, brought humor to our table. One of our group inquired about the salad option was met with a deadpan response: "Salad!" True to his word, the dish arrived as a bowl of lettuce, much to our amusement.
Adding to the evening's entertainment, we witnessed a local character—a resident with a penchant for the bottle—repeatedly falling out of his chair. Eventually, a kindhearted local helped him home, ensuring he was safe. But the pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the charcuterie board that graced our table. A culinary masterpiece, it featured an array of the most delectable smoked meats, leaving us in awe.
Day 9: Normandy's D-Day Beaches
Our guided tour of the D-Day Beaches in Normandy was an unforgettable journey through history. As we walked along Utah Beach, our guide vividly recounted the bravery of the soldiers who stormed these shores on June 6, 1944. Standing at Omaha Beach, we could almost hear the echoes of the past, imagining the intense battles that took place there.
At the American Cemetery, rows of white crosses stretched out before us, a solemn reminder of the lives lost in the fight for freedom. Our guide's detailed explanations and personal anecdotes brought the history to life, making the experience deeply moving and educational.
The tour included with a visit to Pointe du Hoc, where we saw the remnants of German bunkers and the cliffs scaled by the Rangers. It was a powerful and emotional day, leaving us with a profound appreciation for the courage and determination of the Allied forces.
Day 10: Monet's Gardens at Giverny
Visiting Monet's Gardens at Giverny was like stepping into one of his paintings. Located in the charming village of Giverny, these gardens are a vibrant and enchanting oasis. The flower garden in front of Monet's house bursts with color, while the serene water garden, with its iconic lily pond and Japanese bridge, offered a peaceful retreat. Walking through these gardens, I saw why Monet was so inspired by their beauty.
The End
We made our way back to Paris and had a fairwell dinner at a wonderful French restaurant our tour guide hand picked for us. We ate, drank wine and reminisced about all the wonderful sites and experiences we just had.
Copyright © Tracy and Chuck Bryant 2025.