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Rick Steves' Europe
Paris Side Trips
Season 8
Episode 804
Side-tripping from Paris into the Ile-de-France, we indulge in the world of royal and aristocratic extravagance in the pre-Revolutionary playground of France's elite. We explore Versailles, Europe's palace of palaces; exquisite Vaux le Vicomte; and extravagant Fontainebleau, home to centuries of French rulers. We'll also marvel at the glass and statuary of Chartres cathedral and dine like kings.
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25:34
The ultimate road trip; Lake Mývatn; Eastfjords; lagoons and waterfalls; Westman Islands.

25:38
The vibrant capital; Blue Lagoon; Golden Circle's majestic nature; Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

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25:16
The turbulent century and its rule-breaking art—Picasso, Surrealism and edgy architecture.

28:26
Shimmering Impressionist canvases by Monet and Renoir, plus Van Gogh, Gauguin and more.

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25:18
Roaming Europe, we admire stately Neoclassical buildings and dramatic Romantic paintings.

28:22
We marvel at Baroque’s over-the-top churches, palaces, bubbly fountains, and theatric art.

28:42
From Portugal to Germany, booming economies and new technologies produce exquisite art.

28:03
Florence’s bold “rebirth” is powered by the genius of Leonardo, Rafael, and Michelangelo.

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25:36
Soaring Gothic cathedrals of radiant stained glass, plus art celebrating worldly pleasure.

25:18
Early Europeans produce diverse art: from Christians to Muslims and Byzantines to Vikings.

28:23
The grand cities of ancient Rome’s vast empire and majestic churches of its fall.

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25:37
Rome’s rise, as seen in its supersized monuments, colorful mosaics, and marble Caesars.