On May 17, 2017 twelve American twinners traveled to France for a two week
stay. After a (fortunately) uneventful flight we arrived at Charles DeGalle airport in Paris and were met by our French hosts. That evening we enjoyed a reception in the city hall and a welcoming banquet.

The following day we were traveling again; this time on a bus to the Perigord in the southwestern portion of France near the Dordogne River. Here we spent four days visiting the Lascaux caves, known for prehistoric paintings; the Padirac Chasm with its underground caves and rivers; and the ancient medieval towns of Rocamadour, Sarlat, and Perigueux. We had charming accommodations and wonderful food at Hotel de Parc in the village of Thonac. That region of France has rolling hills with orchards and cliffs and is known for foie gras, truffles, cheese and wine. A visit to a goat farm was included in our itinerary.
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We spent a day in Paris sightseeing and had a lovely lunch in a beautiful restaurant in the Musee D’Orsay. We took day trips to Chambord, Chenonceau and Maintenon Castles.

The nearby cathedral city of Chartes illuminates many of its historic buildings and bridges with a stunning light show we were privileged to see. We also visited a stained glass workshop and the Cluizel Chocolatrium. Many of you know there is a Cluizel chocolate factory in Berlin, NJ. which we visited with the French on their last trip here. The Chocolatrium near Dreux is what the New Jersey factory originates from.

We were feted, not only at the Welcome Banquet, but at a barbecue at the
Flora Gallica Wine Museum in Dreux and a Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Vallonde
Cherisy attended by the Mayor of Dreux.

It was a trip filled with wonderful experiences that we will not soon forget. If you did not go with us we’ll hope to share some of our memories with you soon.