ESA
European Studies Association
July 2023 now closed!
June 2024 information available in the Fall.
Weekend
Trip
This year's weekend trip will be to Normandy.
On Friday, we'll travel by bus to the scenic resort of Étretat, overlooking the chalk cliffs of the English channel. You'll have time to explore the town, or just spend the day on the beach (weather permitting). Try your hand at watercolors in this spectacular setting or visit the magical hillside gardens.
We'll then continue to the picturesque Honfleur where we'll dine on a four-course meal near the harbor. We'll spend two nights in comfortable, centrally-located hotels. On Saturday morning, you'll learn about the history of the town during a walking tour of the main sites by local guides. The rest of the day is yours to explore! Don't forget to check out the Saturday morning market near the tourist office!
On Sunday, we'll visit to Monet's beautiful gardens in Giverny. You'll have time to explore his home and gardens (included). Then you can explore the village, visit the Museum of Impressionisms (not included) and/or enjoy lunch in town (not included) before we head back to Paris!
Étretat: Photo by Ilnur Kalimullin on Unsplash
Honfleur
Giverny
Day Trip:
Pierrefonds Castle
This beautiful chateau was first built in the 1300s. In the 19th century, when the castle was in ruins, the Emperor Napoleon III has his architect, the famous Viollet-le-Duc, restore the castle to a medieval fortress-- with all its flourishes and embellishments! Today the castle serves as the set for many TV series (such as "Merlin").
We'll visit the castle together, exploring its nooks and crannies. Then you'll have free time to explore the charming village-- perhaps even enjoying lunch or a paddle-boat ride on the lake.
Day Trip:
Reims
Reims is the capital of the champagne region of France.
For over 1000 years, the Kings of France were coronated in its cathedral. Legend has it that an early Frankish king, Clovis, was baptized here!
We'll visit the cathedral together then you'll have free time to explore the city and perhaps take in the Palais de Tau where coronation robes and relics are on display. Or perhaps you'll choose to sit in one of the lively cafés to enjoy people watching. The choice is yours!
Around 2 PM, we'll meet at our busses then travel to one of the champagne cellars to learn about how champagne is made.
