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Compiègne, 2001/2002
Compiègne is a charming, small city 50 miles north of Paris, in the heart of Picardie. It was a favourite retreat for Naploleon's Court during the Autumn hunting season.
The magnificent Théâtre Impéial du Compiègne stands beside the imposing Palace where Louis XV welcomed Marie-Antoinette and Naploean welcomed Marie-Louise. The theatre is the home of the Théâtre Français de la Musique whose production of Pierre le Grand is the centre-piece of this weekend.
This tour offers a wonderfully varied weekend of excellent music, food, wine and relaxation - all in a sublime setting.
Your spare time during the weekend will be taken up with excursions to Paris, the Royal Forest of Compiègne, the XIIIth Century Benedictine Abbey Church at Sant' Jean-Aux-Bois, the Gallo-Roman site dating back to the 11th century at Champlieu, and the fabulous gardens of Picardie. The National Stud of France is also located at Compiègne
The Théâtre Impérial de Compiègne
The Théâtre Impérial du Compiègne was discovered by its now Director, Pierre Jourdan in 1987 when it was in a very sad state of disrepair, not having been in use for over a century. Pierre Jourdan immediately fell in love with it's discreet magnificence and potential for his own ambitions to form an opera company, dedicated to the production of French opera. He immediately set about securing a lease from the French government in whose ownership it was and raising the funds necessary to restore the theatre to put it back into use.
The present season is the tenth under Pierre Jourdan's direction during which time he has produced 27 operas, many of which have been commercially videoed and recorded, placing the theatre and opera company firmly on the FRench mainstream artisitic map. All of which was recognised in its selection as the venue for the party in celebration of the opening of the Channel Tunnel.
Pierre le Grand is the opera Pierre Jourdan has chosen to celebrate this tenth season. It was composed by André-Ernest-Modeste Grétry 1790, the year of the Franch Revolution and tells the story, through a group of travelling players, of the purpous of the Revolution and the ways in which life will be much improved for ordinary people as a result. These players travel throughout France using their cart as a stage from which to enact their tale. Gréty dedicated this opera to Pierre le Grand whose sympathies were with his people.
ITINERARY
| Fri 19 Oct |
Rendez-vous in Central London at 9:30am for departure by private luxury air-conditioned mtor coach via the Channel Tunnel to Compiègne. Additional collection point at Ashford. Picnic hampers will be provided for lunch. Mid afternoon arrival in Compiègne and check into your hotel.
In the evening, rendez-vous in the Palace for a champagne reception moving to the Theatre for a cabaret dinner under the magnificent atrium where entertainment will be provided by Tina May and her band. |
| Sat 20 Oct |
Join in the excursions to Paris or the Royal Forest of Compiègne occupying some 15,000 hectares and Pierrefonds which is dominated by the breath-taking silhouette of the legendary Louis D'Orleans Châteaux.
In the evening, dinner under own arrangements. |
| Sun 21 Oct |
Further excursions during the day. 5.30pm performance of Pierre le Grand, followed by a Gala four course dinner on stage in the theatre. |
| Mon 22 Oct |
Mid-morning departure from Compiègne by private luxury air conditioned motor coach back to London (with stop off point in Ashford). |
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Compiègne prices
| Price per person: |
£625.00 |
| Single room supplement: |
£100.00 |
The price includes the following:
Private motor-coach transportation to and from Compiègne.
Three nights hotel accommodation in a room with a private bath or shower
including brekfast, service charges and taxes.
Excursions and entry fees as described.
Champagne reception, dinner with wine and caberet on Friday 19th
October.
Top category performance ticket fpr Pierre le Grand on Sunday 21st October.
Four course dinner with wine on Sunday 21st October.
Picnic Lunches on Friday 19th October and Monday 22nd October.
REGIONAL DEPARTURES
For those joining from outside London, we recommend using the direct air services to Paris Charles de Gaulle and Beauvais Airports. Beauvais is only 20 miles west of Compiègne and is served by Ryanair.
In addition, direct services from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds and Newcastle to Paris Charles de Gaulle. For full details, please contact Travel for the Arts on 020 7483 446.
SUPPLEMENTS
From £76.00 per person
INSURANCE PREMIUM
£16.50 per person
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