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The winning bidder will enjoy a week in a Left Bank studio garden apartment in the 6th arrondissement in Paris and a weekend at Chambres d'Annie on the Normandy coast, plus a keepsake collection of Normandy D-Day treasures. Use the lodging certificates on separate trips or the same trip to France.

Central Paris Garden Studio Apartment in the Desirable 6th Arrondissement

Cécile Fainsilber, a lifelong Paris resident, is a friend of the Alliance through the organization's former president, Joe Rivlin. Cécile owns two studio garden apartments in an elegant residential building in the upscale, central 6th arrondissement of Paris. The winning bidder will have use of the fully equipped, cozy "Rose" loft studio apartment for one week. It's the perfect way for a single traveler or a couple to experience "authentic" Paris living, as many Alliance members have already done. The apartment is close to the Alliance Française on boulevard Raspail and close to the Luxembourg Gardens.

Oregonians who've stayed there comment: • « I couldn’t have asked for a better Paris experience » Rajesh R. • « We appreciated the studio tips and area recommendations » Kathia E. & Jim K. • « You have given your studios your charm and your warmth » Dotty C. • « It was wonderful to have this cozy place to retreat to and call our home in Paris » Jean J. • « From the moment I arrived I felt welcomed and as if I had a ‘home’ in Paris from the start » Renée R.

Arrange a mutually agreeable week with Cécile Fainsilber, within these date ranges: September through December of 2019, January through June of 2020, and September-October of 2020. No pets, no smoking.

A Unique Weekend Experience on the Normandy Coast

Imagine the sea at your feet . . . Between the well-known cities of Honfleur and Deauville in Normandy, you will find a delightful oasis, Les Chambres d'Annie. Boasting a panoramic view of the English Channel, amenities at this upscale bed-and-breakfast include a heated pool with a sea view, a tennis court, a small farm and a magnificent garden.

Your hosts, Catherine and Eric Estrier, will show you around the premises, which includes several cottages, accommodations in the main guesthouse, and even meeting facilities. They will answer any questions you have about visiting the surrounding area.

The winning bidder's party of two will enjoy a weekend stay (Friday and Saturday night) in the top-of-the-line Normandy Suite on the upper floor of the main guesthouse. With its tasteful decor and its breathtaking view of the sea, this beautiful suite is the perfect setting for a stay in Normandy. Easy access by car to historic churches, art museums, military memorials, beaches and more - all up and down the coast.

Enjoy the breathtaking sea view offered by the large bay window. Savor a generous breakfast served "en suite" or in the intimate breakfast room, before you head out to explore the area.

Use this certificate by April 27, 2020. Many thanks to the donors, who are friends and colleagues of Alliance Française of Portland board member, François Wevers.

Celebrating Normandy D-Day or Jour-J

The French expression le jour J (pronounced [leu zhoor zhee]) literally refers to D-Day, 6 June 1944, when the Allies invaded Normandy, France during World War II. More generally, both le jour J and D-Day can refer to the day any military operation will occur. The J stands for nothing more exciting than jour.

This set of memorabilia from the 70th anniversary of D-Day includes a hardcover book, Normandie vu du ciel. It also includes a second book of photos from Ouest France, on Jour J and the battle of Normandy. Finally, it also includes a 2010 book on a major cliff restoration project.