Carnac’s Megalithic mystery – The standing stones of Carnac are one of Brittany’s greatest attractions. Three fields – Ménec, Kermario and Kerlescan – contain around 3,000 aligned megaliths, which date from 4000 BC. The granite stones were erected on the spot where they were dug, hence the differing sizes. Although it is not known why they were put up, it is thought they had a religious or cultural significance. The stones were hewn from local rock and erected by the pre-Celtic people of Brittany, and are the largest such collection in the world. Local tradition claims that the reason they stand in such perfectly straight lines is that they are a Roman legion turned to stone by Merlin. The stones were erected at some stage during the Neolithic period, probably around 3300 BC, but some may date to as old as 4500 BC.
Mont Saint Michel – Since the sixth century, hermit monks in search of that solitude lived here. Location, location, location. The word “hermit” comes from an ancient Greek word meaning “desert.” The next best thing to a desert in this part of Europe is here. Mont Saint Michel is a magical mountain topped by a gravity-defying medieval monastery which, for centuries, has been a major European pilgrimage site and holy place.
Hosted and Guided by Isobel Denham
Activist, humanitarian and gifted folklorist, Isy has been guiding pilgrims for many years and has a broad and inspiring understanding of the ancient ones, prehistory, earth energy and mystery of Brittany and the Northwest of France. Her knowledge, warmth and generosity of spirit was such an inspiration to bestselling author Kathleen McGowan that Isobel became the model for one of the characters – also named Isobel – in The Book of Love.
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TOUR INCLUDES
* Accommodations for 5 nights in hotels as listed below
* Hotel service charges and taxes
* Breakfast every day
* 4 dinners
* Rail transportation from Paris to Rennes and return to Paris from Pontorson
* Transportation throughout the tour by mini-van/coach
SPECIAL FEATURES
* Hosted by Isobel Denham
* Sightseeing tours as per itinerary below and including entrance fees to:
– The Abbey on Le Mont
– Museums on le MontThe museum at Carnac
– Entry to Locmariaquer
– Entry to the Carnac Stones
HOTELS
* Carnac – The Hotel and Spa du Tummulus (3 nights)
* Mt. St. Michel – The Hotel Le Mouton (2 nights)
NOTE
April 22: Depart for Paris – Depart the USA for Paris. Please arrive at Charles De Gaulle Airport no later than 11 am
Our Itinerary
Day 1, April 23: Arrive in France (D)
Arrive at Charles De Gaulle Airport and make your way to the rail departure area for our train that is scheduled to leave about 1:30 pm for Rennes. On arrival, we will meet Isobel and continue to Carnac. Time to refresh ourselves before our welcome dinner with Isobel at our exquisite Breton hotel, Hotel Tumlus, located on and named for the Tumulus hill of the oldest known tomb excavation in Europe. Approximately 10,000 years ago, a mysterious king and his queen were buried here together – their exquisite turquoise and varascite necklaces are on display in the local museum. Dinner and overnight in Carnac.
Day 2, April 24: In Carnac (B/D)
A full day of touring Carnac and its surrounding region, including the stunning and mysterious initiation center of Locmariaquer. Lunch on our own and in the late afternoon we in the late afternoon to relax and private meditation before a later dinner at our hotel, with its award winning kitchen. Overnight and dinner in Carnac.
Day 3, April 25: In Carnac (B)
After breakfast, we depart for a morning tour to visit of the Prehistory Museum in Carnac (where we will see the ancient necklaces of the mysterious king and queen of the Tumulus!). Our afternoon is free for independent exploring of the town and/or beaches, and maybe some local shopping. Our hotel is a short walk from town, and some may choose to book optional spa appointments or relax and assimilate poolside. Dinner on your own as you have a chance to try some of the great local restaurants featuring local Breton cuisine. Isobel will be available to make recommendations. Overnight in Carnac.
Day 4, April 26: To Mt St Michel (B/D)
After breakfast we our through the Arthurian forest of Broceliande to Mont-Saint-Michel. Along the way, we will stop in the magical little Village of Trehorenteuc where the church contains stained glass windows celebrating the legends of the Grail and Morgan le Fey appears in the Stations of the Cross! Into the Broceliande Forest (said to be the lair of Morgan LeFey herself) for a brief visit to the Golden Tree, as well as a suggested lunch at Crepaerie Le MIroir aux Fee, named for the “Mirror of the Fairies” which is how locals refer to the lake. Late arrival in Mont-Saint-Michel, where, after a bit of time to relax, we have dinner. Overnight in Mont-Saint-Michel.
Day 5 April 27: In Mt St Michel (B/D)
This morning, a guided tour of Mont-Saint-Michel village – including entrance to the abbey which once held two black Madonnas. The slender towers and sky-scraping turrets of the abbey of Mont Saint Michel are one of the classic images of northern France. Rising from flat white sands, the abbey sits atop a small island encircled by stout ramparts and battlements, connected to the mainland by an old causeway. It is a tidal island, reachable by car only at low tide! Legend has it that the abbey was founded in the 8th century, when a local bishop called Aubert was visited by the Archangel Michael in a dream; to this day the abbey is still crowned by a gilded copper statue of Michael slaying a dragon, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The afternoon is free for lunch on our own and time to stroll through the ancient backstreets of Mont Saint-Michel. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 6, April 28: To Paris – Tour ends (B)
Today we have a full day of travel as we depart Mont-Saint-Michel by rail for the capital of France, Paris. Isobel will take us to the departure station at Pontorsno. Upon arrival transfer on our own to the hotel being used for your Black Madonna tour that starts on April 30.
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PRICE PER PERSON
Per Person in Double Occupancy room:
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