£1,980 (deposit £200). This includes: Eurostar (first class, standard premier); private coach in France; accommodation as described below; breakfasts and 5 dinners, with wine, water, coffee; all admissions; all tips for restaurant staff and drivers; all state taxes; the services of the lecturer and tour manager; hire of radio guides for better audibility of the lecturer. Single supplement £190 (double room for sole use). Price without Eurostar £1,780.

In Chamouille (3 nights): a few kilometres from Laon, a comfortable 3-star hotel in an attractive position beside a lake. In Chartres (2 nights): a centrally located 3-star hotel; rooms differ in size and decor. In Amiens (1 night): a new 3-star hotel; excellent location close to the cathedral.

A fair amount of walking and standing around. Some long coach journeys. You should be able to lift your luggage on and off the train and wheel it within the station. Average distance by coach per day: 108 miles.

We regret that applications from people aged 81 or over at the time of the tour will not be accepted.

Travel to Paris is by Eurostar instead of flying, dramatically reducing CO2 emissions per passenger. There is also one coach-free day in Chartres.