NORTHERN SPLENDOUR Highlights of French Gothic

6  days | £2695  per person with Eurostar |  2 - 7 June 2026

Highlights of French Gothic

‘Gothic’ is one of the most recognisable forms of architecture. Northern France, where this innovative style originated, is the best place to experience its visionary character and feel the thrill of standing beneath soaring clerestories and majestic ribbed vaults, while bathed in the iridescent light of stained glass.

Our meander through the landscape of northern France will allow us to examine the full evolution of the Gothic fashion. Noyon Cathedral perfectly exhibits the transition from the Romanesque to Gothic styles, whilst the highly communicative portal sculpture of Reims’ western façade marks the start of the classicising trend that prevailed in the mid-13th century. In Beauvais and Amiens we will encounter the refined splendour of the High Gothic style, typified by soaring dimensions and an ambitious incorporation of stained glass, flooding such spaces with swathes of awe-inspiring colour. At Beauvais we will also glimpse the Flamboyant Gothic style, which pushed the tenets of Gothic expression to wondrous excess before a stylistic shift to the more measured and proportioned principles of the Renaissance took hold. 



A unique opportunity to explore the rich oeuvre of the Gothic style, our mediaeval melange will also leave room to sample the sparkling delights of the terroir through which we traverse, with a champagne tasting and lunch in Reims. From culture to viniculture, this Study Tour is bubbling with delights!

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Eurostar from London to Paris. On arrival, transfer by private coach to the Basilica of Saint-Denis. A major royal necropolis, 147 kings, queens, princes, princesses and noblemen are entombed here. This opening visit of our tour aptly showcases what is considered to be the first example of Gothic architecture, thanks to Abbot Suger’s pioneering renovations during the 12th century to the former Carolingian-era abbey. Continue to Chartres, our base for two nights, where some time to settle into our hotel will be followed by an evening meal together.

Day 2

After breakfast, we set out for a day’s exploration of Chartres on foot. The UNESCO-listed Chartres Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture sculpture and stained glass and the cathedral remains a popular and important destination of pilgrimage to this day. In the morning, we will thoroughly explore the exterior with its striking mismatched towers, one a simpler Romanesque tower dating from the 12th century, the other an ornate 16th century Gothic spire. The afternoon will be devoted to a study of the cathedral interior, which possesses a truly outstanding stained-glass ensemble. The evening is at leisure for your own activities but for those seeking inspiration, the Chartres illuminations will bathe the cathedral and other landmarks in a spellbinding array of colours.

Day 3

Depart Chartres for Beauvais, arriving for independent refreshments. Our first stop of the afternoon will take in the High Gothic majesty of Saint-Pierre Cathedral, with its tower of 153m. Internally, architectural ambition is equally matched, the Gothic choir impressively remains the world’s highest. To the western end of the cathedral is the Notre Dame de la Basse Œeuvre, the remaining portion of the cathedral which served the city before the construction of Saint-Pierre. Before departing Beauvais, we will also admire the exterior of the Eglise Saint Etienne, which interestingly combines plainer Romanesque features with subsequent architectural additions in the Flamboyant Gothic style. Continue by coach to Amiens, our base for the night.

Day 4

Morning exploration of Amiens Cathedral, described by John Ruskin as the ‘Parthenon of the Gothic’. The majority of the structure was completed between 1220 and c.1270, a remarkably succinct timeline for such a project, resulting in a level of cohesion that is not often seen in Gothic architecture. Afterwards, enjoy some free time for lunch in this charming city before our coach takes us on to Noyon, where the Cathedral of Notre-Dame is a fine transitional example of early Gothic architecture. Continue by coach to Reims, our base for the remainder of this tour.

Day 5

Walk to Reims Cathedral focusing on the exterior in the morning. The sculptural figure style, exemplified by the sweetly smiling Angel of the Annunciation on the central doorway, is characterised by deep swathes of drapery adorning graceful bodies as they elegantly bend and sway. After an independent lunch, we explore the interior of Reims’ impressive Cathedral of Notre-Dame, which was the site of the coronation of all but six French kings since 987. Exceptional stained glass of styles from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, including the mighty rose window of the western façade and the electrifying designs of Marc Chagall (1974). Evening at leisure. 

Hotel Grand Monarque

Formerly a post house and now a family home run by the Jallerat family since 1968, Le Grand Monarque embodies the passion of both hospitality and the art of living. Located in the centre of Chartres and a few steps away from the iconic Cathedral, Hotel Grand Monarque welcomes guests with its attentive service and luxuriously appointed rooms.

Hotel Mercure Cathedral

Located in the heart of Amiens, the hotel is ideal for an overnight stop. Just a step away from Amiens Cathedral and many more cultural attractions, shops and restaurants. Rooms are comfortably furnished with modern amenities including flat-screen TVs and spacious bathrooms.

Hotel Continental

The Continental Hôtel, a prestigious 4-star establishment in the heart of Reims, invites you to experience a unique and refined ambiance. Housed in a historic 19th-century mansion converted into a hotel in 1880, it has preserved the charm of its original architecture while offering the comfort and elegance of a luxury stay. With a warm, personalised welcome reminiscent of a family home, the Continental Hôtel embodies the true art of hospitality, defined by meticulous attention to detail and exceptional service.

With Eurostar: £2695

Join Direct: £2595

Single Supp: £355

Deposit:  £450

Departure Dates:

2 - 7 June 2026

Duration:

5 nights / 6 days

Your Holiday Includes:

• Return travel with Eurostar from London to Paris and TGV from Reims
• Two nights’ accommodation at the Hotel Grand Monarque, in Chartres
• One night's accommodation at the Hotel Mercure Cathedral, in Amiens
• Two nights' accommodation at the Hotel Continental, in Reims
• Private coach transfers and excursions
• Three evening meals and one lunch
• Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
• Services of the tour lecturer and tour manager
• Detailed programme and study notes
• All entrance fees, taxes and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff
  

Tour Lecturer

Dr Richard Plant

Richard is an architectural historian specialising in the Middle Ages, with a strong interest in the modern. After reading English at Cambridge, he obtained an MA in the History of Art and a PhD on English Romanesque and the Holy Roman Empire at the Courtauld. He went on to teach at the Courtauld, as well as at University College and Queen Mary College, London, where he taught both medieval and modern architectural history. He was formerly the Deputy Academic Director at Christie’s Education and has published on English and German architecture.



Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that most of our tours involve a large amount of walking, across uneven ground and often without the opportunity to sit down for at least half an hour. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.