RELIVE YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIES IN FRANCE - A Walk in the Footsteps of Movie Stars in France
Besides travel, films are my passion!
For those who may not know this about me, I've the privilege of sitting on the Board of the Gimli International Film Festival.
The largest rural film festival in all of Canada, since 2001, we've welcomed 1000s to the shores of Lake Winnipeg (11th largest freshwater lake in the world) for screenings of local, national and international feature films, documentaries, short films and experimental media ... including our premiere event - Beach Screenings every night of the 5-day festival, when the sun goes down.
Photo: Beach Screening at the Gimli International Film Festival - on the shores of Lake Winnipeg
Along with movies, filming locations have always fascinated me when blended with travel. 'The Talented Mr Ripley' , shot predominantly in Italy, was the fire that sparked my desire to take a Travel Group there ... and why I've booked clients into the Hotel Brunelleschi in Florence (Robert Langdon's 'Inferno').
Photo: Hotel Brunelleschi - Florence, Italy - Robert Langdon's digs for awhile
Midnight in Paris, Amelie, To Catch a Thief, and God Created Woman - what do these iconic French movies conjure up in your mind, when mentioned ... how do you feel when you watch them?
Photo: A Walk in the Footsteps of Movie Stars in France
For me? I've got to go someday ... but your someday may be sooner than you ever thought ...
Let me take you through this day-by-day Itinerary - see if it summons a flutter in your gut and send you packing ...
DAY 1 - VIP MEET + GREET - someone meets you at the airport with your name on a sign - escorts and expedites you through VIP Passport control, collects your luggage, accompanies you through expedited customs, and lastly, takes you to Your Chauffeur.
Photo: Your VIP Meet + Greet Team in Paris
Your Chauffeur, in the Mercedes E Class, scoots you off to your hotel.
PERHAPS THE RITZ PARIS?
Photo: The Ritz-Carlton in France
A French Boutique hotel, historic interior designs throughout the building, brasserie cuisine, views of the French Garden - breakfast is absolutely included, in your Superior Room.
DINNER SHOW AT THE MOULIN ROUGE
Your Private Driver picks you up at 6:30pm, taking you directly to the Moulin Rouge. Close to Montmartre in the popular Pigalle area since 1889, the Moulin Rouge has always been a staple of the Parisian nightlife.
Upon arrival, your driver escorts you to the entrance where you'll meet Your Maitre d'hotel, at your beck and call for the entire evening.
He'll accompany you to your specially reserved table, where you'll enjoy your "a la carte" dinner (Toulouse Lautrec menu), with a bottle of champagne or wine tickling your lips, while live music envelops you.
At 9:00pm, it's time for Revue "Feerie" - 2 hours of World Class (pinch me cause I can't believe I'm here) entertainment with a troupe of 80 artists, including the Doris Girls performing the World Famous French Cancan, that'll make you want to put on a garter belt and ruffled skirt!
Photo: The World Famous French Cancan
1000s of feathers, rhinestones and sequin costumes (made in the most famous Parisian workshops) pop and flash - kicks that reach the roof - leaving you with unforgettable memories of an exceptional evening in Paris.
Your Driver whisks you back to your hotel, to settle in for a nightcap. Kir Royale perhaps?
Photo: Kir Royale for a nightcap
DAY 2 - WALKING TOUR IN MONTMARTRE, in the footsteps of 'Amelie' , the movie
In Montmartre, you'll begin your tour at the Moulin Rouge, where the old fortifications of Paris used to be.
Discover the lively cabaret, where French Cancan inspired the greatest artists!
Continue through the old streets of the village of Montmartre, discovering some of the places where the famous movie 'Amelie' was filmed.
In the movie, Amelie's lover, Nino, sometimes works in a sex shop in Pigalle called "Palace Video". We'll see the facade of the sex shop called "Toys Palace".
Discover the cafe des 2 moulins, where Amelie is working, the cute and authentic epicerie (grocery store) Collignon, where she buys her groceries, and the historical studio 28, the movie theater where Amelie goes.
Photo: Amelie in Montmartre
Enter the metro station Lamarck Caulaincourt, ligne 12, chosen for it's Parisian look. And the metro station Abbesses, where Amelie mees an old and blind man on the street outside the metro, the rue Lepic (ancient road) to describe the places she sees around her.
Along the way, hear about the many artists who lived in Montmartre, such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Toulouse Lautrec or Renoir, to name a few.
You'll stroll by the cute Painters Square, where the bohemian lifestyle of Montmartre still remains. On the way, learn more and discover the windmills and old vineyard, of the old village.
Visit the basilica of Sacre Coeur, the park Willette and it's merry-go-round - where Amelie invites her lover.
Don't forget to visit the photo booth Amelie took many pictures in, and take some of your own for a keepsake!
DAY 3 - WALKING TOUR IN THE LATIN QUARTER, in the footsteps of the movie 'Midnight in Paris'
Gil's nighttime adventures into the Paris of the 1920s begins in the Latin Quarter, where he gets losts one night.
As he sits down on the steps fo Saint Etienne-du-Mont church near the Pantheon in the 5th arrondissement, a vintage car pulls up and a group of partygoers in 1920s clothing invite him inside.
See the real winding streets of the Latin Quarter, where the movie's filmed during these apparitions.
Photo: The Latin Quarter in 'Midnight in Paris'
Time and time again, he returns to this small flight of stairs on the side of Saint Etienne-du-Mont, at the stroke of midnight to travel back in time.
Visit the famous and iconic bookstore 'Shakespeare and Company' where Gil's mentors like to hang out, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. Like Gil, you'll saunter by the Seine River and its bookstalls lining the Seine.
Sit in the beautiful gardens behind the Cathdral of Notre Dame on the Ile de la Cite island, located in the middle of the Seine River, from another scene with Gil and the museum guide (played by Carla Bruni, wife of the former French president, Nicolas Sarkozy).
Learn about the history of Paris, walking by the King's former palace, the Conciergerie, Notre Dame (off limits inside, following the fire).
A must-see place to soak in the ambiance of 'Midnight in Paris', is a stroll along the Boulevard Saint-Germain to St-Germain-des-Pres, to visit the famous literary cafes - Cafe de Flor and Cafe des deux Magots.
Time allowing, a visit inside the surprising shop Deyrolle, specializing in taxidermy (stuffed animals), included in the movie.
At the end of 'Midnight in Paris', Gil meets Gabrielle again (the young woman in the antique market that Gil purchases a Cole Porter record from) and offers to walk her home in the rain. Director Woody Allen captures the magic and romance of Paris in the rain, as they walk across the Pont Alexandre III, one of the most extravagantly beautiful bridges over the Seine.
Photo: The beautiful bridges of Paris
Add on a Treasure Hunter tour, with clues to finding and revisiting Robert Langdon's Parisian Adventures (The Da Vinci Code).
DAY 4 - TRANSFER TO THE PARIS AIRPORT AND FLY TO NICE, COTE D'AZUR
Your Driver will drop you at the Paris Airport to catch your flights to Nice, where you'll be greeted and taken to your Cannes Hotel.
PERHAPS THE HOTEL MAJESTIC BARRIERE?
Photo: Hotel Majestic Barriere - Cannes
Situated on the promenade of La Croisette in front of the Palais des Festivals, this luxurious old-world Resort Hotel is only 30 minutes from the airport.
Start your Walking Tour at the Film Festival Palace, home to the Cannes International Film Festival and examine the hand-prints of movie stars in the concrete floor.
Photo: Cannes Walking Tour
Stand before the Palace red-carpeted stairway, where the world's most talented and famous movie stars convene each year for the Cannes Film Festival, the largest cinema festival on the planet.
Wander along the beach and palm-lined avenue "La Croisette", the main shopping promenade for luxurious goods. Make your way past couture boutiques and grand palaces. Reach the Carlton Hotel, filming location for Alfred Hitchcock's 1955 classic movie 'To Catch A Thief'.
Feel the local atmosphere on the city-hall square where the locals play Petanque (similar to bocce).
Follow your guide through the old town of Le Suquet, with its colourful houses and flavourful Provencal markets full of fresh fruit, vegetables, clothes, linens, ceramics, jewelry and leather goods.
At the top of the hill, stand amid the castle ruins and relish panoramic views of the Bay of Cannes and Lerins Islands, where 'Man with the Iron Mask' was made.
Visit inside the 17th century Provencal Gothic church and meander along the tree-lined terraces.
DAY 6 - SAINT TROPEZ AND BRIGITTE BARDOT
In 1956, the movie 'And God Created Woman' catapulted Brigitte Bardot to stardom.
Only 18 at the time, Bardot gave an unforgettable screen performance, shaking up all of St Tropez as she searches for excitement.
The film also transformed Saint Tropez. A small fishing town at the time, it became a much-sought after destination thanks to the movie.
Most of the action takes place on the picturesque waterfront. Walk through the past and present of Saint Tropez and the movie's filming locations.
Photo: Saint Tropez - Brigitte Bardot in 'And God Created Woman'
VISITING SAINT TROPEZ
One of the most famous towns in France - fashion boutiques, high end cafes and terraces, luxury yachts are just a few features making this area so unique.
Discover the marina and roam the small streets of this charming fisherman's village, well-known for attracting jet setters from around the world.
Visit the historical town center or take a walk down the Old Port. Sit back, relax, enjoy a local wine or cocktail, while watching people and time go by.
Art Lover? Head out to the Annonciade Museum. Uncover fantastic artworks by painters such as Matisse, Signac and Bonnard.
Luxury not your thing? Walk to Place des Lices, also known as Place Carnot. Off the jet-set path, you'll find the old charm of Saint Tropez right here. Locals gather for the traditional game of Petanque (boules) or relax at Cafe des Arts.
RETURN BY COASTAL ROAD AND MASSIF DE L'ESTEREL
On your way back, you'll be driven along the coastal road and encounter the Esterel mountain range, with it's splendid red rock formation, breathtaking landscape and scenery.
Boasting some of the best viewpoints in the whole of France, you'll have time to stop and take them in.
DAY 7 - VIP MEET + GREET for your departure - Your Private Driver will return you to the Nice Airport from your Cannes Hotel.
Enjoy this exclusive service, with assistance and accompaniment during check-in; customs and immigration airport controls; fast lane at security checkpoints; and services at the VIP lounges.
Photo: VIP Departure Service
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