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Online Program

Adventures Online: The Art & History of Paris

Program No. 24171RJ
Join us live from the City of Light — from the comfort of your own home! Embark on an online adventure to explore famous museums and landmarks and enjoy Q&A sessions with our experts.

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At a Glance

Live like a Parisian from the comfort of your living room during an online learning experience that brings you into the heart of the city. Our local Parisian experts will share the very best of their city while leading explorations of world-class museums and landmarks. Take in sessions by historians and city experts on artistic masterpieces and Parisian history, while also enjoying opportunities for small-group discussions and Q&A sessions. Each day, you’ll “see” a new part of Paris and enjoy a chance to bond with your fellow Francophiles without ever leaving home. Join us for this cutting-edge learning adventure, live from the City of Light!

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Explore the collections of the Louvre, Rodin and Orsay museums — among many others — as you join your experts for an online exploration of each institution's most notable artworks.
  • “Go inside” Sainte Chapelle, discover the front of Notre Dame Cathedral and join in a discussion about efforts to restore this magnificent building.
  • Join your expert for an online walk through the Saint Germain area, La Sorbonne, Pont-Neuf, Place des Vosges, Montmartre and many others.

General Notes

You’ll enjoy 2-3 hours of daily instruction, discussion and/or field trips, which includes sufficient breaks throughout the program. This online program is through Zoom, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. We’ll provide a how-to guide to make sure you’ll have a hassle-free experience. This session is offered live only and will not be available on demand. Please review the daily itinerary for start and end times to ensure you won’t miss a minute of this live experience. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
5 days
Live like a Parisian from the comfort of your living room during an online learning experience that brings you into the heart of the city. Our local Parisian experts will share the very best of their city while leading explorations of world-class museums and landmarks. Take in sessions by historians and city experts on artistic masterpieces and Parisian history, while also enjoying opportunities for small-group discussions and Q&A sessions. Each day, you’ll “see” a new part of Paris and enjoy a chance to bond with your fellow Francophiles without ever leaving home. Join us for this cutting-edge learning adventure, live from the City of Light!)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Explore the collections of the Louvre, Rodin and Orsay museums — among many others — as you join your experts for an online exploration of each institution's most notable artworks.
  • “Go inside” Sainte Chapelle, discover the front of Notre Dame Cathedral and join in a discussion about efforts to restore this magnificent building.
  • Join your expert for an online walk through the Saint Germain area, La Sorbonne, Pont-Neuf, Place des Vosges, Montmartre and many others.
General Notes
You’ll enjoy 2-3 hours of daily instruction, discussion and/or field trips, which includes sufficient breaks throughout the program. This online program is through Zoom, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. We’ll provide a how-to guide to make sure you’ll have a hassle-free experience. This session is offered live only and will not be available on demand. Please review the daily itinerary for start and end times to ensure you won’t miss a minute of this live experience. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (15 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Activity Note
All times noted are Eastern Time (ET). Today's session will start at 1:00 p.m. and end at 3:50 p.m. as it includes Orientation. The day before each session, the instructor will send you a handout by email that will accompany the lecture. He will also recommend any extra reading or background research that could complement the day's themes.
Afternoon:
Orientation. At 1:00 p.m. (ET), our resident expert and Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date schedule and any changes, discuss Zoom meeting protocol and technical instructions, and answer any questions you may have. This Orientation session will last approximately 30 minutes. We’ll then have a lecture (50 minutes) on the origins of Paris from Roman development through the Middle Ages. Archaeologists estimate that the area has been inhabited for about 9,000 years. What eventually became Paris began in the 3rd Century BCE when members of the Parisii tribe settled on an island in the Seine River. Our virtual field trip (45 minutes) will focus on the Roman and medieval heritage on the Île de la Cité and the Left Bank. We will “visit” the city’s old Roman road and the Arènes de Lutèce, before exploring the exterior of Notre-Dame. We will study the beautiful stained-glass windows of the extraordinary Sainte-Chapelle. It was commissioned by King – later Saint – Louis IX and consecrated in 1248. The magnificent stained glass windows consist of 1,113 individual scenes that — when filled with light — make the chapel a veritable jewel box of color.” We will continue with a virtual visit to the Musée de Cluny — National Museum of the Middle Ages — with its unique collection including the renowned series of tapestries known as “The Lady and the Unicorn.” Next, we’ll have an open discussion with questions and answers (45 minutes) touching on Medieval monuments, Romanticism, the Notre-Dame fire, and restoration projects.
Activity Note
Today's session will start at 1:00 p.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. ET. The day before each session, the instructor will send you a handout by email that will accompany the lecture. He will also recommend any extra reading or background research that could complement the day's themes.
Afternoon:
We’ll have a lecture (30 minutes) on the arrival of the Renaissance in Paris and the city’s central role in the Enlightenment. Our next virtual field trip (45 minutes) will illustrate how the new ideas of this period shaped the city. We will “visit” the founding educational institutions La Sorbonne and the Collège de France, situated next to each other in the Latin Quarter. Further afield, we will examine the Place des Vosges in what was originally called the Place Royale and is now the Marais district. This bold example of rational urban planning was commissioned by King Henri IV and inaugurated in 1612. One of its most famous later residents was Victor Hugo. We will also learn about the highlights of the Musée du Louvre. The largest museum in the world, the Louvre’s unrivaled collection includes thousands of masterworks including Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and the Hellenistic statue of a goddess known as “Vénus de Milo” for the island where it was discovered in 1820. Our open discussion with questions and answers (45 minutes) will focus on the Italian influence on French art and culture.
Activity Note
Today's session will start at 1:00 p.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. ET. The day before each session, the instructor will send you a handout by email that will accompany the lecture. He will also recommend any extra reading or background research that could complement the day's themes.
Afternoon:
Our expert lecture (30 minutes) will focus on the French Revolution(s). Today’s virtual field trip (45 minutes) will take us into the Musée Carnavalet, which consists of two townhouses in the Marais with more than 100 rooms and a collection of some 600,000 items that trace five centuries of Parisian history. We will look into the “Revolution” rooms. We’ll then move on from the Place de la Bastille through the Marais, to the Conciergerie — nicknamed “antechamber to the guillotine” — where Marie Antoinette and more than a thousand others were imprisoned, and to the Place de la Concorde. Open discussion with questions and answers (45 minutes): Napoleon Bonaparte, Hero or Villain?
Activity Note
Today's session will start at 1:00 p.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. ET. The day before each session, the instructor will send you a handout by email that will accompany the lecture. He will also recommend any extra reading or background research that could complement the day's themes.
Afternoon:
Today’s lecture (30 minutes) will address the modernization of Paris under Napoleon III and how the city became a global cultural and artistic hub. In particular, we’ll learn about Baron Haussman, the Opera Garnier, and the Grands Boulevards. Our virtual field trip (45 minutes) will feature the Orsay, Orangerie, and Rodin museums. We’ll see some of the most significant masterpieces in these museums followed by a virtual walk in Montmartre — the hill and neighborhood which exemplifies artistic Paris. Our open discussion with questions and answers (45 minutes) will address modernity in art and architecture.
Activity Note
Today's session will start at 1:00 p.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. ET. The day before each session, the instructor will send you a handout by email that will accompany the lecture. He will also recommend any extra reading or background research that could complement the day's themes.
Afternoon:
Our lecture (30 minutes) will explain the city’s architectural and artistic development during the Belle Epoque, with the large urban projects of the Universal Expositions of 1889 and 1900. It will also explore how Paris became the center of the avant-garde, a place of innovation in the arts. We will learn what occurred afterwards with a look at key events that marked the city in the 20th century. Many of these ideas and conflicts still echo today and inform the city’s recent challenges, such as migration, terrorist attacks, and the Yellow Vest protests. Today’s virtual field trip (45 minutes) will include the Grand and Petit Palais and the Alexandre III Bridge. We will also learn about the masterpieces of the Centre Pompidou, as well as the Musée National Picasso-Paris, dedicated to one of the 20th century’s most important modern artists. Our open discussion with questions and answers (45 minutes) will discuss whether Paris is still a global capital of the arts and explore future developments in the city, including its relationship with the river. This concludes our program.
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 29 Reviews
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Judy | Everett, WA
Program does a good job of describing the history of Paris and showing areas of the city that are outside the usual tourist areas of the city.
— Review left August 10, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Marie – Class of 2019 | Santa Fe, NM
This was a lightning-fast history and overview of Paris: politics, geography, art, literature and philosophy, occasionally dipping into French or European history for perspective and context.  Nettah was engaging and provided good accompanying visuals.  Most importantly, he spoke to the group, not obviously reading from prepared text or from the slides, as often happens with classes, whether in-person or online. The interspersed local videos were fun and made me want to jump on a plane each time we saw one. I appreciated that Nettah started class on time and left time for discussion.  He was aware of comments and questions in the chat, but wasn't driven by them, responding to the queries at an appropriate spot in the lecture. He also was able to respond to any question asked, even if it were not directly on task for what had been presented that day. Please pass on my thanks to Nettah and the rotating cast of RS tech staff who joined us each day.  -- marie
— Review left February 10, 2024
Kate – Class of 2004 | Yonkers, NY
Nettah is very knowledgable and his presentations are well organized. It was particularly interesting to explore Paris during the year that Olympics will be held there.
— Review left February 10, 2024
Linda – Class of 2016 | Eugene, OR
The instructor was able to present complex historical, artistic, and political information in a manner that was both engaging and thorough.
— Review left February 10, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Betty – Class of 2020 | Flagstaff, AZ
I lived in Paris for a year, and still learned so much! This was a remarkable tour of history and meanings of French art. What an amazing guide and teacher Nettah was! I hope that he will present again in the future. I also loved that Nettah added stories and anecdotes along the way that kept us all engaged and engrossed in this program. I highly recommend that RS offer this program again.
— Review left October 7, 2021
Jane – Class of 2014 | Chapel Hill, NC
Please see my evaluation
— Review left June 12, 2021
Kae – Class of 2007 | Claremont, CA
I very much enjoyed this online trip of the History and Art of Paris. I'm not a huge fan of history, but Nettah made the history very interesting and when it was applied to the art, it sparked my interest. I am wanting to go to Paris as soon as I can as I've had to put it off since the pandemic. This well prepared me for that trip. I would love to take another online tour with him as the tour guide, but, unfortunately, I'm not available for the one going to Normandy and Giverny the end of this month. Hopefully, in the future.
— Review left June 11, 2021
James – Class of 2016 | Westmount, Canada
February 3, 2021 Dear Nettah Yoeli-Rimmer: This note follows our attending the Road Scholar virtual tour, Art and History of Paris, January 25-29, 2021, a tour that you animated. What an extraordinary experience. Your authoritative presentations, splendidly illustrated and interspersed with videos, captured our imagination. Such scholarship, such story telling: it was all most impressive. And the friendliness of your interacting with attendees became a noted hallmark. We have not visited Paris since 1972. In those days, the book-in-hand was Europe on $5 a Day, an Arthur Fromer guide. Times change, and now we sit in the comfort of our Montreal living room for five afternoons, marvelling at your seamless dissertations, your mastery of the subject material. To complement your lectures, we elected French cooking for our dinners on all five nights, with the best wines as well. The Chateauneuf du Pap crowned our Friday night dinner. And we toasted you. You have our highest admiration. Be well and keep well.
— Review left May 26, 2021
Elizabeth – Class of 2021 | Blacksburg, VA
This program met my goals in that I was (1)able to get a map of Paris in my head, and (2)gain context to understand Paris and France more broadly. I didn't anticipate that I'd also gain context about the foundations of America and how strong the links were to France.
— Review left May 17, 2021
Frances – Class of 2018 | Falls Church, VA
Dr. Nettah Yoeli-Rimmer is an extremely personable, knowledgeable, and articulate presenter. I would highly recommend any course he teaches.
— Review left May 15, 2021
Sandra – Class of 2021 | Unionville, CT
This program on Art and History of Paris was fabulous. Nettah was a wonderful guide
— Review left May 14, 2021
Mary – Class of 2021 | Grand Marais, MN
If one desires a knowledgeable, personable instructor with a terrific presentation Nettah will fill that desire. He left me wanting more!
— Review left April 17, 2021
Karen – Class of 2016 | Lebanon Springs, NY
What a lively and engaging "tour" of the history and art of Paris, presented by Nettah with wit and verve and displaying a deep knowledge of the city and its past. Nice job, Road Scholar and our guide.
— Review left March 27, 2021
Elyette – Class of 2019 | Olympia, WA
Experience the history and culture of Paris over a 1,000 year period.
— Review left March 26, 2021
Cynthia – Class of 2021 | OTTAWA, Canada
Just finished my first online adventure with Road Scholar. It was excellent. Our instructor Nettah was so knowledgeable and provided so much information in a very interesting way. I will definitely join another program. Having the program on Zoom was easy, sound was good. All in all a very positive experience . Thanks.
— Review left February 12, 2021
Joyce – Class of 2019 | Denver, CO
"Adventures Online: The Art & History of Paris" is as good as one can get until we're able to travel! Kudos to all especially Dr. Nettah Yoeli-Remmer, our course leader.
— Review left February 12, 2021
Jim – Class of 2020 | Hermon, NY
At this time in the Covid 19 Pandemic I am not able to travel to places I would like to visit (re-visit), so my participation the the Road Scholar Virtual Travel program is the 'next best thing'... I encourage others to avail themselves of this very valuable experience... Happy Travels
— Review left February 12, 2021
Geri – Class of 2006 | Shelburne, VT
Registering for a virtual program definitely was a risk. While we had attended online lectures, a full week seemed like a stretch. The program far exceeded our expectations! The leader, Nettah, was knowledgeable, engaging, inclusive, and entertaining. We felt like we did get to "know" participants. And we had fun. The only thing that would have made it better would have been to have had some real French Croissant and red wine....but even Road Scholar hasn't figured out how to make THAT happen virtually yet! They sure came close! I've already started scoping out our next adventure!
— Review left January 29, 2021
Deanne – Class of 1994 | Sedona, AZ
The instructor is very knowledgeable (Nettah Yoeli-Rimmer) Many videos, maps and photos were shared during each day, which were good. Just be sure to have a great internet connection for viewing these, otherwise they can be blurry, which can be frustrating. I unfortunately experienced this the entire week. Not having been to Paris the online course gave me a nice overview and better than any guided tour if I was present in Paris. Many good side notes and info given. Hopefully someday I will get there to see these places in person.
— Review left January 29, 2021
Gretchen – Class of 2015 | Tempe, AZ
Love, loved the quality of presentation and the presenter. France has always been a favorite country for food, art, and history. Whenever I fly to Europe, I try to have a lay-over in Paris and now, I can more fully appreciate the experience.
— Review left January 29, 2021
Karen – Class of 2020 | Oakland, NJ
Wonderful “week in Paris “! Nettah is wonderful!
— Review left December 18, 2020
Debra – Class of 2020 | Marina del Rey, CA
This class will leave you with much more knowledge and love of the city of Paris. You'll know all about it, from Roman times, proceeding through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and into our modern era. The two-hours per day will fly by because this presenter is so lively and knowledgeable without being stuffy or lecturesome. You'll understand why this city is so beautiful and know more about the art scene, the French Revolution, the modern era. It will give you a real break from the mundane. This lecturer sparkles and loves his subject, and it's contagious, in a lovely way!
— Review left December 18, 2020
Mary Jane – Class of 2009 | Kingsport, TN
If you are interested in Paris and it's history illustrated with just the right Art, this program is for you. It was excellent.
— Review left November 21, 2020
Karen – Class of 2020 | Indiana, PA
I really enjoyed my trip to Paris this past week. If I can't go in person this is the next best thing. I am definitely planning on taking more virtual tours. Karen Schory The Art and History of Paris
— Review left November 21, 2020
Susan – Class of 2020 | Downey, CA
This class has it all. Art, music, history, lecture, visual tours and a very able presenter. I'm ready to visit again!
— Review left November 20, 2020
Jean – Class of 2016 | Roanoke, VA
While traveling, especially overseas, is off the table right now, taking a virtual trip is the next best thing, especially when you're led by an experienced expert such as Nettah Yoeli-Rimmer. "The Art & History of Paris" was something I looked forward to every day. It brought back memories of a treasured trip to Paris and made me even more excited about being able to see it again some day, more informed about its art and history.
— Review left November 20, 2020
Ruth – Class of 1997 | Ruston, LA
This program provides a varied, concise, riveting virtual education experience in Paris - beautiful Paris. Each day left me longing for a baguette and a cafe au lait.
— Review left October 13, 2020
Donna – Class of 2017 | Portland, OR
If you can't go to Paris, this is the next best thing. Wonderful guide who knows both Paris and the French culture. I learned a lot.
— Review left October 9, 2020
This participant did not give a star rating.
Carol – Class of 2018 | Reno, NV
Truly exceptional! Nettah was a fabulous guide - intelligent, articulate, knowledgeable, interesting and open to questions and input. I knew nothing about Paris, but learned so much, not only about history and art, but how it all relates to today. All the particpants were homebound after canceled trips so being able to do this was a blessing. I was so impressed that I also watched Nettah's Virtual Lecture on the Vikings in Normandy. I highly recommend this!
— Review left September 28, 2020





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