Museum of Science and Industry

Culture, Science and Advanced Technology in Paris and Toulouse

An Engaging Glimpse of France with Privileged Behind-the-Scenes Access

Dates: October 27-November 4, 2012

Thinking about visiting France for the first time? Looking to make a return visit? This journey—customized for Museum of Science and Industry members—offers unique perspectives on both historical and present-day French culture and advancements. This trip, featuring behind-the-scenes access, will take place in October-November 2012.

Traveling with Museum staff including the Museum’s director of science and technology, Patricia Ward, Ph.D., you will discover, or rediscover, two major French cities through a different lens than most visitors ever encounter. The arts and culture, for which France is so beloved, will be explored in new ways, but the unique focus of this tour will be the discovery of both the historic and present-day scientific and technological advancements of this innovative country.

Custom designed for curious MSI members (with no enhanced education in the sciences required), this tour will offer you rare glimpses of France that few French even experience, such as a the view from the Eiffel Tower’s “machinery room” or a behind-the-scenes visit to EADS-Aerospatiale (Airbus), where you will have the opportunity to watch the jet assembly line in production and talk to engineers. Expert guides will engage us in the stories behind these innovations along the way. This tour also includes visits to more well-known museums, chateaux, monuments and cultural attractions, but in ways you have never seen them before. Ample free hours for independent exploration and culinary excursions are built into the itinerary as well. Registration is limited to 25 members.

Hotels, 13 meals, air transportation between Paris and Toulouse, ground transportation, entry fees and other amenities are included in the per-person price. Roundtrip airfare to/from France is not included. Deposits are being accepted now ($1000 per person).

See the detailed itinerary and full terms and conditions for this fascinating member tour, available to download below. Please contact Susan Webb Rawls, director of membership, at (773) 947-6009  or susan.webbrawls(at)msichicago.org with questions.

Download Itinerary, Terms & Conditions, Registration/Payment Forms

Preview the trip (complete with detailed itinerary, pricing and policies) and print the Terms and Conditions document and Registration Form. Note: If using a credit card for payment, please print and complete the "Credit Card Authorization" below. Then return it to tour organizer Decouvertes by faxing it OR scanning and emailing it.

• Member Travel 2012: Paris and Toulouse, France (PDF)
• Member Travel 2012: Terms and Conditions (PDF)
• Member Travel 2012: Registration Form (PDF)
• Member Travel 2012: Credit Card Authorization (PDF)