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Deb Roberts' Tour de France 12 days, July 24-August 4, 2011 An incredible journey awaits any quilt or fabric lover! As we will learn, France is one of the most quilt and textile history rich areas in the world as it is one of the earliest countries to develop a printed fabric & quilting industry. The beauty of the countryside and enchanting village inspirations are endless, making this the trip of a lifetime for any quilt lover.
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Itinerary Day 1: July 24, 2011: Today you will arrive in Zurich following your overnight flight from the USA. Deb's Freedom to Fly plan allows you to depart when you want, from where you want; using miles or just to avoid the hassles of having to meet a group at a specific departure airport. In the long run, past passengers have saved hundreds of dollars when they have chosen to fly independently over a group arranged flight. Relax and enjoy your flight into Zurich where we will meet in the evening to meet and enjoy dinner together. Day 2: July 25 - Following breakfast, an incredible day awaits us as we leave Switzerland for the textile rich areas of Alsace, France. Our first stop of the day will be at the Musée de Haute Alsace - the Textile Museum of Parc Wesserling. Here, lies an incredible textile museum and working garden dedicated to the preservation of the heritage of this former Royal Manufactory. Many textile related activities await us here; it is a beautiful area where we will be able to easily imagine the days when France was king of printed cotton fabric production. From Wesserling it is only a short ride to Mulhouse, our home of the next two nights. Overnight Mulhouse. B Day 3: July 26 - Today we will visit the Musée d'Impression sur Etoffes (Museum of Printed Textiles) within walking distance of our hotel. Here, we will have a guided tour of the facility and if it is desired, you may spend time in their document study room with over 3,000,000 printed fabric samples. A must for any quilt or textile historian. The remainder of the day is free to explore this enchanting town. Overnight Mulhouse. B Day 4: July 27 - Today is a free day in Alsace. You may use it as a day to recuperate from all of our activities, or enjoy some of the additional sights in this incredible area. There is a renowned automobile museum nearby as well as a historic wallpaper museum located in the next town over. Additionally, we can arrange for block printing classes in the museum or textile study in their document room. Both optional activities have limited space, so do sign up early. Overnight Mulhouse. B Day 5: July 28 - Today we will travel by train to Avignon in the South of France. This is the area of France where their printed textile and quilt history took root. Once we have arrived in Avignon, we will be transferred to our hotel and the remainder of the day will be free to enjoy this exciting and historic city. Overnight Avignon. B Day 6: July 29 - After our breakfast buffet we will be heading further south to the village of Tarasçon and the Souleiado Museum. This is an amazing place dedicated to the preservation of the textile history of the area. The museum exhibits tell the story of the textile and quilt atelier's of Provence in the 18th and 19th centuries. Lucky for us, a factory outlet for Soulieado is on the grounds of the museum - a must stop for any quilt maker. Following lunch, we will go to the factory of Les Oliviades to contrast our morning visit with a factory tour during contemporary fabric production. A special surprise for chocolate lovers will conclude our day in St. Remy de Provence. Overnight Avignon. B Day 7: July 30 - There are so many places rich with quilt history in this part of France, and today we will visit one of my favorites. Located in Calvisson, this museum is dedicated to the Broderie de Marseille style (or Boutis) quilts this region is famous for. Following our visit here, it is a short drive over to Nimes, where we will enjoy the some first hand views of early Provençial life and culture in the Musée de Vieux Nimes. Overnight Avignon. B Day 8: July 31 - Today will be a delight for any antique or fabric lover - it is market day in L'isle sur la Sorgue. Known as one of Europe's antique capital's, on Sunday this picturesque and sleepy village becomes a haven for shoppers. You will enjoy the aromas of freshly milled soaps, spices and sausages as you wander the cobblestone streets finding almost any treasure you can imagine. Overnight Avignon. B Day 9: August 1 - Following breakfast we will transfer to the train station to catch the TGV to Paris. Our quick train ride will be over before you know it and you will find yourself in the city of lights. Once we check into our hotel, the remainder of the day will be free for you to explore this incredible city. Overnight Paris. B Day 10: August 2 - Not far from the center of Paris is the town of Jouy en Josas - the home of France's most well known 18th century fabric industrialist Christophe-Phillipe Oberkampf. Here we will visit a museum that honors his contributions to the world of printed fabrics. This afternoon we will return to Paris where the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Overnight Paris. B Day 11: August 3 - It is a day to unwind and recall the incredible journey we have had together, exploring Europe's quilt and textile arts and culture. Take time for some shopping, the Eiffel Tower, Luxembourg Gardens or any of the many Paris sites. This evening we will gather for a farewell dinner together followed by a sunset cruise on the Seine. Overnight Paris. B, D Day 12: August 4 - As all good things must come to an end - we must say good-bye to the City of Lights. It is my hope you return home from your journey with vivid memories of a rich textile tradition and inspiration to carry it forward in your own way. B
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Included in your quilting journey of France
12 days in France or consider
The Grand
Adventure
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