Rick Steves' France & Benelux DVD-Video
Join host Rick Steves on a 3½-hour, seven-course travel feast through France, Belgium, and Holland in seven half-hour “Rick Steves’ Europe” TV shows. You’ll begin in the heart of Paris, marveling at masterpieces, sampling tasty cuisine, and mixing with the locals in “urban village” neighborhoods. Outside of Paris you’ll stroll through Monet’s gardens, reflect on sacrifice at Normandy’s beaches, and take a pilgrimage to Mont St. Michel. To the south, Provence and the Riviera will dazzle you with sun, sea, fine wines, and Roman ruins. To the north, Bruges and Brussels bring you the best of Belgium, old and new. Your trip ends in Amsterdam, where you’ll enjoy great galleries, quaint canals, and bustling flower markets.
Paris: Grand and Intimate: After marveling at masterpieces in the Louvre and strolling the Champs-Elysees, Rick explores a delightful Parisian neighborhood. He meets a pipe organist, drops by a butcher shop, designs his own perfume, and cruises the Seine.
Highlights of Paris: Eiffel and Monet to Crème Broulée: Packing the best of Paris into one episode, Rick scales the Eiffel Tower, then savors classic treats — from steak tartare to crème brulee. He marvels at Monet, Manet, and company in the stunning Orsay Gallery. Tracing the sad steps of Marie Antoinette to the guillotine, he tracks French history from its bloody revolution to its extravagant belle epoch.
Normandy: War-torn Yet Full of Life: After exploring the half-timbered charm of Rouen, Rick reflects on Monet's lily ponds, peeks in on local artisans, sets up an easel at Honfleur's harbor, and ventures into composer Eric Satie's eccentric world. After pondering sacrifice and celebrating freedom on the D-Day beaches, he hikes with pilgrims to the enchanted island abbey of Mont St. Michel.
Provence: Legendary Light, Wind, and Wine: Provence, known for its soft light and fierce wind, is as loved by Americans as it is by the sun. Rick climbs Roman ruins in Nimes, explores a papal palace in Avignon, and savors vivid views immortalized by van Gogh in Arles. Crossing acres of lavender and vineyards, he explore the Côtes du Rhone and more wonders of the South of France.
French Riviera: Uniquely Chic: In fairytale Monaco, Rick listens to the graceful reshuffling of personal fortunes at the casino. Then he follows in the footsteps of 19th century aristocrats along Nice's promenade des Anglais and visits the picturesque, artist hangouts of Chagall, Matisse, and Picasso.
Belgium: Bruges and Brussels: From the powerhouse headquarters of the European Union and Europe's grandest square in big-city Brussels, Rick goes quaint with delicate lace and back lane bike rides in small-town Bruges. He climbs a bell tower to get up close and fortissimo at a carillon concert. Then passionate chefs - creators of Europe's finest chocolate—give him a taste of their art.
Amsterdam and Dutch Side-Trips: Amsterdam stimulates all the senses, with Rembrandts and stately architecture from its Golden Age, and titillating street life from its modern age. Rick side-trips into the countryside, climbs windmills, and tours the world's biggest flower market.
Running Time: 3½ hours. Closed Captioned. NTSC format, all region compatible.
Price: $19.95
Ships Immediately.
Part # 21062
