OPEN ROADS OPEN MINDS, LLC Outdoor Adventure, Creativity, and Friendship    NORMANDY AND TOURAINE 2005 10 DAYS, $2,595 PER PERSON Spaces available for mid-May departure In this ten-day springtime sojourn, a small group of travelers will enjoy a few days in treasured and off-the-path corners in Normandy, Brittany and Touraine. The trip is designed for active and reflective travelers, including those making a first-time visit to France. There will be ample opportunities for photography and the sharing of writing and other artistic and creative interests. Those wanting to spend additional time in Paris either before or after the trip will be provided with recommendations for lodging, dining, and sightseeing, tailored to the travelers’ special interests. Ken and Janet Fries will lead the group and handle all logistical arrangements. The tour price includes all lodging, meals and special activities (travelers are responsible for their own air travel arrangements). Transportation will feature walking and metro in Paris, mini-van transport to and around Normandy, Brittany, and Touraine with three moderate day hikes included. Lodging will be in comfortable and charming B&Bs and small hotels. A brief summary of the proposed itinerary is set forth below. Ken and Janet may make minor adjustments to accommodate weather or other unforeseen circumstances. AMERICAN CEMETARY NORMANDY DRIVING INTO ST-CENERI-LE-GEREI Proposed Itinerary Day One. Paris. Travelers arriving at Paris CGD airport will be met by Ken and Janet and transported to lodging (small hotels) in Le Marais (4th arrondisssement). Afternoon walk in the Marais … visit Place des Vosges or Musee Picasso. Rest before dinner at small restaurant on Ile St. Louis. Day Two. Drive to Normandy with lunch stop at Giverny, visiting studio, home and gardens of Claude Monet. Rest before dinner and lodging in Bayeux, an interesting town with gothic Cathedral, stone labyrinth, and famous medieval tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest. Day Three. Ninth century abbey Mt.-St.-Michel is the gem of the Normandy coast. Visit of the Mont will be the culmination of a walk (three hours) along the Bay, with its magnificent tidal flow, from Courtils. Picnic lunch and dinner en route. Day Four. Visit to WWII historic sites of Normandy invasion, featuring Memorial to Peace in Caen, Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Rest before dinner in Bayeux. Day Five. Visit of St. Malo, a magnificent walled city in the corner of Brittany, completely restored after WWII. St. Malo was the home of numerous pirates, French explorer Jacques Cartier (1534 to Canada) and 19th century poet Chateaubriand. St. Malo will be reached by water taxi from Dinard after a morning walk (three hours) along the Emerald Coast from St. Lunaire. Dinner in St. Malo, after-dinner walk along the ramparts and then return to Bayeux. Day Six. Morning visit of the Usine Maremotrice, a unique tidal-run power plant, at Dinan, then leisurely drive through the Suisse Normande to St. Leonard-des-Bois B&B. Afternoon visit and dinner in nearby St. Ceneri-le-Gerai, a remarkably charming town in the Alpes Mancelles of Normandy. Day Seven. Travelers leave Normandy for Loire Valley (Touraine) with afternoon visit of Chartres Cathedral (marvelous stained glass, stone labyrinth, statuary). Dinner en route to Loire Valley lodging at a B&B along the banks of the Indre River (three days). Day Eight. Visit the beautiful and historic Chateau of Chinon, following a morning walk (3 hours) from Hopital-St.-Benoit-le-Foret past cliff-carved trogolodytic houses, old chapels and churches, along the Vienne River. Picnic lunch en route. Visit of Chateau includes rampart stroll and Joan of Arc museum in bell tower. Wine-tasting (Chinon’s fine red wines) and dinner in café in Chinon. Day Nine. Morning visit to Old Tours (Place Plumereau, Basilique St. Martin). Lunch in Tours. Afternoon visit to Sache, home of Balzac, Calder studio, or optional shopping in Tours. Rest before final group dinner, featuring regional cuisine, wine of Touraine. Day Ten. Morning drive (three hours) to Paris CDG airport for travelers departing on afternoon flights. CHARTRES CATHEDRAL