Garden Week

The region has the excitement of spectacular chateaux and gardens…even more glorious, if possible, in spring. Ile de France has a variable smorgasbord of “type and gender” gardens from: tailored neatly manicured gardens, lush oriental water gardens, grandiose formal gardens and the bucolic growth of abbeys. All however, lead us to reflect, to go back in time and to imagine the people and their hours spent entwined with nature. These were the gardens, where they strolled, where they read, where they dreamed and where they treasured the passing moments of their lives.
The first afternoon will be spent with a “get acquainted” drive through the Seine-et-Marne province, Barbizon, Fontainebleau and the charming cobblestone streets and beautiful connecting villages such as Cely.

Itinerary for the week

*A visit to the Chateau de Fontainebleau and the beautiful surrounding forest. Napoleon used this palace as a hunting resort. Under king Francois the 1st, the hunting lodge was enlarged to a royal palace. It includes the gallery of Francois the 1st. It is where   the pompous king walked the lengths of his gallery while artists tried to tempt him with their wares, job seekers asked favors, and courtesans attempted to lure him. The chateau is on 50 acres of verdant forest. It is today a beautiful retreat for Parisians.

*Vaux-le-Vicomte Fontainebleau, There is no mistaking the grandeur of Le Notre’s carefully restored gardens. It is a masterpiece of 17th century architecture and garden design. The fountains are turned on the 2nd and final Saturday of each month (April through October 3 p.m.-6p.m.)

*A visit to the village of Moret sur Loing immortalized by the Impressionist painter Alfred Sicily, who lived her for 20 years. A narrow bridge, one of the oldest in France, leads across the Loing river and provides a view of the village, walls, rooftops and church tower.

*An interesting side trip is planned to the Chapelle Saint Blaise des-Simples (Milly la Foret). This is the sole remains of a former "lazer" house. The building was constructed in the 12th century and is surrounded by medieval plants. Jean Cocteau, who was buried inside the chapel, decorated the interior walls, taking ("simples"), medieval plants, as his theme.

            Evening cocktail party and “Au Revoirs”!

Return to Available Seminars

Return to Index