The Magic of Normandy and the Essence of Joie de Vivre

Normandy Trip Info Session Friday, January 20, 2012 at 7:00pm.

Click here to register for info session

Trip dates: May 19th - May 26th 2012

helene@afatl.com or 404-898-1222

Lift the lid on a treasure trove of cultural wealth and innate charm. Discover the stunning coast of Normandy: lose yourself in the exquisite gardens of Giverny, whose rich palette inspired Impressionist Claude Monet for many years, delight in the Gothic architecture of Rouen, and see where Joan of Arc was tried and executed, enjoy the view at Etretat famous for its luminous white cliffs, experience history firsthand at the Normandy beaches, site of the famous Allied invasion on D-Day in 1944, experience the magic at Mont St Michel, a sight that has inspired pilgrims for centuries and is still an awesome sight to the modern day pilgrim. And much much more.

Contact me to be part of this amazing adventure.

Hélène Touré
helene@afatl.com
404 898 1222

Trip Highlights include:

• Monet's House and Garden at Giverny
• The Alabaster Clifs of Etretat
• The Casino at the Glamorous Seaside resort of Deauville
• The Castle of William the Conqueror at Falaise
• The legendary Tapestry of Bayeaux
• Omaha Beach
• The Abbey at Mont St. Michel- One of the Wonders of the World
• St. Malo on the Emerald Coast

To download more info, click here.

The Loire Valley and Its Treasures

this trip is not being offered in 2011, please contact Helene for information on future trips.

Discover the Loire’s world-famous castles and immerse yourself in countryside life. A true cultural experience! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to practice your French and spend time with a French family as well as discover the beauty of the Loire Valley area.

Highlights include:

For the detailed program contact Hélène Courault at helene@afatl.com or 404.875.1211

For an overview of the trip, download the brochure.

Cost: $1700, does not include airfare. 

Trip limited to 10 participants

Testimonials from Loire Valley participants:

"Traveling through lovely rural areas, visiting castles rich in history, strolling through medieval towns, combined with exposure to daily living in a  farm area (weekly market, cheese production) provides a lovely way to visit  the Loire Valley.  What makes this particular trip extra special is the  personal attention received and the welcoming accommodations at Galmer. The  warmth and attention of the Courault family was something that could not be  duplicated on a "normal" tour.  It made everything so special."

- Virginia Ubik

"The trip surpassed my expectations in many ways.The hospitality and kindness of your family were the best part of the trip. Your concern and help when my suitcase was left behind on the platform of the TGV station was reassuring. This trip was a unique opportunity to live with a  French family and to enjoy a rural experience as well as all the great  excursions that were so

carefully planned. The group was small enough to get to know everyone. They were all interesting and we shared a love of French culture."

- Roberta Griffin

"I did enjoy the whole trip.  I thought the pace and the variety were very good. Everything was well-planned and organized.  I enjoyed the whole group of travelers, as well as the French people we met." 

- Diane Nistler

April in Paris: Jazzy Nights in the City of Lights

for info about future trips contact Peri Frances at (404) 964-8348 or perifrances@yahoo.com

A week long trip during which participants will walk in the footsteps of some of jazz music's greatest artists and Paris's most renowned African-American expats.

For 7 days and 8 nights, spend the evenings hearing hot jazz in cool spots and neighborhood clubs.

During the day visit historic sites, museums and landmarks and trek to the very places where Sidney Bechet, James Baldwin, Josephine Baker, Richard Wright, Paul Robeson, Ada 'Brick Top' Smith, and many others passed their time and made history.

This unique perspective offers a fascinating twist on a famously fabulous tourist destination.

Highlights Include:

• Tour of African American intellectual, artistic and musical heritage of Paris

• Guided tour of Musée Dapper

• Book signing / meet and greet with contemporary African American author living in Paris

• Live jazz show with dinner, including panel discussion and Q&A with expat jazz musicians

• Additional Jazz soirées

• Meals at popular Antillaise or African Restaurants

• Salon Soirée hosted by African American expatriate

• Scene river open top boat tour of major Paris attractions

• Afternoon of shopping at major Paris flea markets and department stores

• Walking tour of La Goutte D’or/ “Little Africa” 18eme arrondissement

For the detailed program contact Peri Frances at 404-964-8348 or perifrances@yahoo.com

For an overview of the trip, download the brochure. View itinerary here!

Cost: $2250 land only, $3500 air inclusive, based on double occupancy (air does accrue Am Ex points and Delta Sky miles)

Testimonials from past April in Paris participants

"I had a wonderful time! I'll always remember my first time here in Paris! Can't wait til the next time."

- Beryl Barnes, Turner Broadcasting, Marietta GA

"I had a wonderful 1st visit in Paris! You are great at what you do. Thanks, Nicole"

- Nicole Lewis, CARE, Duluth GA

"This tour was simply magnificent. It was extremely well planned, touching on some very unique points of interest. Count me in on future tours. Thanks for a great experience."

- Lynn Fowler, Fulton County Gov., Decatur GA

"This trip has been a very nice experience, unique, informative. Looking forward to the next one- I'm already working on my French!"

- Barbara Hubbard, City of Atlanta Gov., Mabelton GA

"This trip / tour has been unsurpassably wonderful. I am still 'recovering' from our amazing, exhilarating and exhausting tour of Jazz Paris! Peri did an outstanding job of putting together a really unique and personalized tour. You have been an excellent guide. Merci mille Fois. Thank you both for such a great job as tour planners and guides.
- Valerie Henry, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, Atlanta GA

"Notre voyage à Paris a été magnifique. J'espere que nous irons de nouvelle."

- Dittany Felker, AF member

"This trip to Paris was AWESOME! Really, the trip was indescribable! There's no way that I could have had this experience at any other time. I thank you for knowledge, your experience, your kindness...last, but not least, your patience. You were always there for us and for that I'll always be grateful!"

- Wynnette Blathers, Atlanta

View Pictures of April in Paris 2006

Lyon – Beaujolais region and Avignon trip

Join us as we discover the beautiful city of Lyon!

Lyon is a city at the crossroads of the North and the South of France, with a strong Mediterranean influence. It is also the capital of the French gastronomy.

You’ll discover a 2000 year-old city with its Roman Theater.

Your hotel will be in a quiet pedestrian street downtown Lyon. You’ll be in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities of France; you’ll live just like the French, with walking and shopping all within walking distance!

We will spend one day visiting the Beaujolais area, and one day in Avignon, the old city of the Popes.

The discovery includes lodging, breakfast, dinners, several museum visits, both trips to Beaujolais and Avignon, a dinner on the Rhone River, and all the tastings of the famous food specialties & wines of Lyon!

Come join Atlanta art lovers and friends of the Alliance on a fun filled trip weekend of French fine art and fashion in Charlotte, NC!

Take a private coach on Friday morning, spend the afternoon at the Bechtler Museum of Fine art, enjoying the etchings and sculptures of Niki de St. Phalle and the works of Post-WWII School of Paris Abstractionists.

Friday evening enjoy a city tour and dinner on your own or with the group. Spend Friday night at the Sierra hotel in Charlotte's city center, conveniently located adjacent to Time Warner Cable Arena and perfectly poised with urban energy amid the walkable streets of the city..

Saturday morning after your made to order breakfast at the hotel, continue to the Mint Museum's Historic Costume and Fashionable Dress collection and see more than fifty works by the legendary fashion designer, Coco Chanel.

Lunch in Charlotte before returning to Atlanta Saturday evening.

A perfect weekend of relaxation and inspiration!