Back to Noirmoutier

CRESTVIEW — Avid Europe travelers and newbies eager to discover some of the Old World — but without the limitations of a package tour — can feed their wanderlust when the Crestview Area Sister City Program returns to western France this summer.

The 11-day adventure is an unforgettable visual, historical, culinary and educational plunge into French culture. From September 12 to 23, participants will immerse in the magic of Noirmoutier, a congenial, hospitable island off the French Atlantic coast.

Because group members stay with host families — never in hotels — the trip is a culturally enriching personal experience.

"Whatever our hosts eat for breakfast, that’s what we eat," Pam Coffield, Sister City Program treasurer, said. "They take us to their favorite places on the island, and sometimes on the mainland. We see and experience life on Noirmoutier through our hosts’ eyes."

Thus, every participant’s experience is different, from bicycling along the paths that crisscross the island to poking through ts quaint shops, galleries and markets to walks through its picturesque woods and beaches.

There’s also a shortage of group activities. The Noirmoutier Sister City Committee is planning a cornucopia of experiences, beginning with an optional overnight trip to the Puy du Fou (pwee dew foo), Europe’s second-most popular theme park after Euro Disney, but dedicated entirely to history.

Watch swashbuckling Musketeers, a Viking invasion, medieval knights in battle, a Roman chariot race, the trenches of Verdun, and behold a "Ballet of the Birds" as hundreds of birds of prey swoop overhead.

At night, the world’s biggest theatrical presentation unfolds. The sweeping, epic "Cinéscénie," features a cast of 2,400 actors performing across an outdoor setting spread over 23 hectares (56 acres), with 28,000 costumes and a herd of nearly four dozen horses.

Back in Noirmoutier, more history beckons, from the 8^th-century château (castle) and its fascinating museum to German World War II AtlantikWall blockhauses, meandering narrow old streets, seaside villages and churches. In Noirmoutier’s center, famous salt marais yield up their high-grade sea salt as harvesters explain the centuries-old salt production process.

"More than anything, it’s the memorable time with our host families that make these trips so fulfilling," Mrs. Coffield said, adding she isn’t sure how many times she’s visited Noirmoutier, except to say "it’s a lot. It’s like visiting favorite relatives or best college friends. Their hospitality is so unbelievably wonderful, and don’t even get me started on the incredible food!"

What: Crestview Area Sister City Program trip to Noirmoutier, France

When: September 12-23, 2019

Cost: Airfare, land travel to Nantes, and personal expenses such as souvenirs, etc. are at participants’ expense. Optional Puy du Fou overnight excursion is $280 per person and must be paid by Jan. 15 to secure reservations

Details: Semi-escorted visit to Crestview’s Sister City. Sister City Program membership is required. Annual dues: $20 individuals; $30 families; $2 full-time students. Membership open to anyone in the tri-county area and southern Alabama.

Participation includes transportation to Noirmoutier from Nantes and back, accommodations with a host family, group tours and activities (Puy du Fou excursion is extra), meals with host families, picnics, a grand Gala Dinner, and more. Knowledge of French is not necessary.

Participants arrange their own airfare to Europe and transportation to the group rendezvous in Nantes, the closest major city served by French Rail. Most participants organize personal travel in France or Europe before and/or after the group Noirmoutier experience.

Information: Crestview Area Sister City Program, 850.603.2584, crestviewsistercity@gmail.com. For information about the program, visit www.CrestviewSisterCity.org.

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Back to Noirmoutier