Discover the eccentric world of legendary French filmmaker Jacques Tati on this exclusive cinematic journey through Paris and the French countryside, exploring the locations that inspired and featured in some of his most beloved films.
Your week-long tour begins in Paris with a guided sightseeing tour and a fascinating visit to the Cinémathèque Française, home to the Musée Méliès and a remarkable collection celebrating the history of cinema. Then travel into the heart of France to Sainte-Sévère-sur-Indre, the setting for Tati's Jour de Fête, where you'll visit Maison Jour de Fête, explore the village film locations and enjoy a special film screening.
Continue to the Atlantic coast and Saint-Marc-sur-Mer, the picturesque seaside location immortalised in Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot (Mr Hulot's Holiday). Stay at the Hotel de la Plage, the very hotel which featured in the film, and discover the locations that brought Tati's comedy to life.
A particular highlight is a special day spent In the Footsteps of Monsieur Hulot, accompanied by journalist and writer Jean-Claude Chemin and President of the Jacques Tati Association, Pierre Joubert. Hear stories and anecdotes about the making of the film, visit locations from Mr Hulot's Holiday and see the exterior of the Château de Saint-Marc, famous for its memorable tennis match scene.
Throughout the tour, enjoy special Talking Pictures evening events, including film screenings and talks, as you discover the work of one of France's most original and influential filmmakers. You'll also enjoy the company of comedy historian Andre Vincent and Noel Cronin BEM who will accompany you for the duration of the tour.
Andre Vincent is a British comedian, actor, writer and comedy historian. He has had a varied career spanning stand-up, television, theatre and circus, including nine sell-out Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs. He has appeared on numerous TV shows, including The Late Edition, Comedy Blue and Byker Grove, and created Mislaid Comedy Heroes.
Noel is a film aficionado who is passionate about preserving film history and is forever uncovering and spotting famous film locations. Noel is the founder of the innovative and successful Talking Pictures TV and is one half of their hit TV show, The Footage Detectives, a Sunday teatime must watch.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £422. Deposit: 30%. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. All mandatory additional charges are included in the price, please enquire for details. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Tripsmiths Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
Board the Eurostar at London St Pancras International for the journey to Gare du Nord, Paris. Upon arrival, meet your coach and Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel with a panoramic tour en route. This afternoon, arrive at the Hotel Ibis Paris Bercy Village and after checking-in, embark on a short orientation tour around the area. This evening, enjoy a group dinner at the hotel. Your group leaders will give a talk and TPTV events.
After breakfast this morning, meet your Tour Manager for a guided walking tour. Spend lunch at your leisure, before making your way to the Cinémathèque Française for a guided tour of the museum. The guided tour of the Musée Méliès takes you on a journey through the history of cinema, from the Montreuil studios to the Hollywood soundstages, following in the footsteps of Georges Méliès, magician, filmmaker, and visionary pioneer of special effects. At the end of the visit, return to your hotel where dinner and the evening are at leisure.
After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel. Transfer from Paris to Sainte-Sévère-sur-Indre area. There will be a stop in Bourges for lunch (not included) before you continue to Sainte-Sévère-sur-Indre. Spend some time exploring the village (time permitting) and arrive at the Domaine des Dryades hotel in Pouligny. After checking-in, enjoy a group dinner at the hotel this evening plus TPTV events.
After breakfast this morning, meet your Tour Manager and coach for the transfer to the village of Saint-Sévère-sur-Indre. Arrive at Maison Jour de Fête, where the group will be split and some will visit the museum, while the others will have a guided tour of the village including the film locations associated with Jaques Tati films. During your visit, there will be time for a film screening and a ride on the carousel. Finally, enjoy a glass of Kir Berrichon (local red wine and blackberry liqueur) to wrap up your day, accompanied by a savoury potato pancake, another local speciality. Return to your hotel and enjoy a group dinner this evening.
After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and transfer to Saint-Marc-sur-Mer, stopping at Clisson for lunch (not included) and time for exploration. Continue to Saint-Marc-sur-Mer and check in to the Hotel de la Plage. Take time to explore and take a seafront walk and view of the Hulot statue. Enjoy a group dinner at the hotel this evening.
After breakfast this morning, meet your guide for the day who will conduct the themed tour for the day "In the Footsteps of Monsieur Hulot". This tour is led by journalist and writer Jean-Claude Chemin and Pierre Joubert, the president of the Jacques Tati association, who appeared as an extra in the film Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot (Mr. Hulot's Holiday). You'll be accompanied by a translator for the day's activities. During the day, watch a presentation on the film's production and anecdotes about Jacques Tati, and enjoy an exterior visit of the Château de Saint-Marc to view the tennis match scene. Spend some time for independent exploration before returning to your hotel for a group dinner this evening.
After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and transfer from Hotel de la Plage to Paris. Stop en route and enjoy one last French lunch together. Upon arrival at Gare du Nord, Paris, board the Eurostar for your evening train to London St Pancras International.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £422. Deposit: 30%. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. All mandatory additional charges are included in the price, please enquire for details. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Tripsmiths Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).