Centenary College of Louisiana invites YOU - 

alumni and friends of the College - 

to join us May 23rd to May 31st   and/or   May 31st to June 7st, 2026 

for one or two spectacular trips to some of the most beautiful regions of the world - 

Normandy in northwest France   

and/or   

Provence in the south of France

Coordinated by the Development/Alumni Office and lead by Professor Jefferson Hendricks

The Centenary Alumni Page for the trip    -----     The Sign-Up Page for the Trip  

For more information and any questions:  

email Jeff Hendricks -- jhendric@centenary.edu  or  jeffersonhendricks@gmail.com

or text me @ 318-820-1414 (my cell) and I'll get back to you within a few hours 

Imagine yourself strolling through centuries-old cobblestone streets, savoring the scent of poppies in the air, and exploring sun-drenched villages nestled among rolling hills. This May and June, we invite you to join fellow alumni and friends of Centenary on one or two(!) unforgettable journeys through the heart of Normandy and Provence and the Luberon – two of the most picturesque and historical regions in all of France.

Our base for this adventure will be the vibrant towns of Bayeux in Normandy and Aix-en-Provence in the south of France, both known for their stunning architecture, colorful markets, and rich history. From there, we’ll embark on guided day trips to some of the region’s most charming and less-traveled gems:

• Discover Medieval, Renaissance and World War II famous sites: Wander through the idyllic stone villages of Bayeux, Mont Saint Michel, Gordes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin, where time seems to stand still. With their winding streets, hidden cafes, and artisan shops, these villages offer an authentic taste of French country life.

• Savor the Flavors of Normandy and Provence: Taste the world-renowned wines of the region at local vineyards, enjoy farm-to-table Norman and Provençal cuisine, and explore vibrant open-air markets where you'll find everything from fresh lavender to handmade goods.

• Art and History: Visit sites that have inspired legendary artists like Cézanne and Van Gogh, while uncovering the rich history of the region from Roman ruins to medieval castles to the battlefields of World War II.  

• Breathtaking Natural Beauty: The Norman coast and countryside; the Luberon’s stunning landscapes – from poppy fields in bloom to rugged cliffs and rolling vineyards – provide a breathtaking backdrop for leisurely walks, photography, and relaxation.

Why Normandy and Provence?

These two regions of France offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, rich history, and a relaxed pace of life. This trip is the perfect opportunity to:

• Reconnect with fellow alumni and friends in a setting that fosters conversation, connection, and shared experiences.

• Immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoying the unique blend of French elegance and regional simplicity.

• Recharge your spirit by soaking in the peacefulness of small village life while staying in comfort.

This trip is designed to offer a thoughtful balance of exploration, relaxation, and camaraderie. Whether you’re drawn by these region’s historical and artistic heritage, the chance to savor classic wines and cuisine, or simply the desire to bask in the beauty of the Norman and Provencal countryside, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

(Note:  These schedules are tentative and flexible, depending upon reservations, weather, and unexpected opportunities, but the final experience will be very close to the following outlines!)

Note too!!:  you can sign up for just one OR BOTH of these trips!

Normandy:  Eight days, May 23-May 31:  

• Arrive Paris, Saturday, May 23;  

• Saturday/Sunday nights in Paris;  

• Monday-Thursday nights in Normandy; 

• Friday/Saturday nights in Paris; 

• For those attending this trip only, trip ends Sunday morning, May 31st

Provence:  Eight days, May 30-June 7:  

• Arrive in Paris, Saturday May 30th;  

• Saturday/Sunday nights in Paris;  

• Monday-Saturday nights in Aix-en-Provence, with day trips visiting a variety of locations in the south of France

• This trip ends Sunday morning, June 7

Normandy trip:  

• Saturday, May 23:  Arrive Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (or other places if you're already in Europe) -- You'll be picked up by a Centenary representative and taken to our hotel.  After arriving at our hotel, and resting, we'll tour the Latin Quarter and sights such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Pantheon (France's monument to its most honored citizens), and Luxembourg Gardens.  Dinner that night with Centenary students and young alums who depart Paris the next morning (Sunday, May 24). 

  • • Hotel in Paris:  Jardin de Cluny  or  a similar hotel 

• Sunday, May 23:  either attend the French Open tennis tournament (first round) or take a guided sight-seeing tour of some of Paris's most famous sites (based on the interest of tour participants), including the Bastille market

• Monday, May 24: drive in our van to Bayeux, Normandy, stopping along the way to visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny.  A brief tour of Bayeux in the afternoon and then dinner that night in Bayeux. 

  • • • Hotel in Bayeux:  Belle Normandy   or  a similar hotel 

• Tuesday, May 25:  

  • morning:  drive to Caen to visit the Mémorial de Caen, a world-famous WWII and history museum;  lunch @ Le Bistrot de Mémorial

  • afternoon: visit Pont L'Évêque, east of Caen, for the Calvados Experience: an Immersive tour, including a Calvados tasting

  • late afternoon:  drive to Deauville on the Normandy coast and along the coast back to Bayeux

  • dinner:  in Bayeux

• Wednesday, May 26:  The USA Experience on D-Day

  • • Morning:  browse through Bayeux's travel to Normandy Victory Museum (Carentan Les Marais), Sainte Mère Église, Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery @ Omaha Beach, the Overlord Museum (near Omaha Beach).     

• Thursday, May 27:     Day trip to Mont St. Michel from Bayeux; return to Bayeux for dinner

• Friday, May 28:       

  • • • drive back to Paris, visiting Norman villages along the way

      • Hotel in Paris:  Jardin de Cluny  or a similar hotel 

• Saturday, May 29:   

  • • • Hotel in Paris:  Jardin de Cluny or  a similar hotel 

      • There is a possibility of attending the French Open tennis tournament or touring sites you've not yet seen in Paris  

** Saturday, May 30:  Dinner in Paris with Paris-Normandy and Paris-Provence Alums/Friends

•  Normandy group departs Paris Sunday, May 31 

Provence trip:

Saturday, May 30:  Arrive in Paris

• Dinner in Paris with Paris-Normandy and Paris-Provence Alums/Friends

•   Hotel in Paris:  Jardin de Cluny or a similar hotel

Sunday, May 31:  

• visit the market at the Bastille

• tour major sites such as Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier); the Pantheon; or the D'Orsay Museum  (depending upon participants' interests). 

• possibly attend French Open Tennis tournament or visit major Paris sites 

Monday, June 1:  

• morning:  train down to Aix-en-Provence

• afternoon:  tour of old Aix-en-Provence  and the Cours Mirabeau 

• • • • • free for lunch in Aix

        • visit to the Caumont Art Centre and (possibly) the Granet Museum

• evening:  dinner at our hotel:  Villa Hélène or Hotel des Augustins  or  a similar hotel 

Tuesday, June 2: 

• morning: market in Aix-en-Provence (one of the best in France!)

• afternoon drive to Chateau la Coste for a wine tasting and visit to their art museum

Wednesday, June 3: 

• drive to market in St. Remy;  lunch in St. Remy

• after lunch visit Glanum (Roman archeological site) near St. Remy

• and nearby, visit Saint Paul-de-Mausole (Asylum) [Van Gogh's year in St. Remy]

• free for dinner back in Aix

Thursday, June 4: 

• morning:  Drive to the Riviera/Mediterannean coast to Cassis 

• lunch at La Plage Bleu 

• 2:00 pm - boat tour  (reservations and information) of the Calanques near Cassis 

• dinner at Le Relais Cézanne in Le Tholonet (with a view of Sainte Victoire, the subject of one of Cézanne's most well-known of Cézanne paintings)

Friday, June 5:  

drive to the Luberon 

• • • • • morning:  Lourmarin

        • lunch in Roussillon

        • visit  Gordes

        • dinner in Aix

Saturday, June 6: 

drive to Carrières des Lumières in Les Baux

• • • • • visit the Chateau des Baux de Provence

        • free for lunch at les Baux de Provence 

        • Farewell dinner back at the Villa Helene

Sunday, June 7:   depart Aix-en-Provence

Note:  These activities are subject to change based on availability and scheduling.

 
Each trip costs:  $4995/per person for a double room; $5,495 for a single traveler in their own room

Inclusions: 

• 3/4 star hotel accommodations based on double occupancy; single rooms also available

• All scheduled sightseeing, museum, and entrance fees

• Guided tours every day 

• All transportation throughout our travels in France, metro and bus transportation in Paris; plus transfers to/from the Paris and Aix/Marseille Airports

• Breakfast daily

• A Welcome and Farewell Dinner (and more meals!)

Exclusions: 

• Airfare

• Meals other than specified

• Activities outside of the group schedule during your free time

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses

• Any other items not mentioned in inclusions

Limited Spots Available – Reserve your place now and experience the best of Normandy and Provence!

For more details or to secure your spot, please visit contact 

• Professor Jefferson Hendricks:    jhendric@centenary.edu  or  jeffersonhendricks@gmail.com

We look forward to traveling with you!