The Da Vinci Code, Paris, FRANCE
Airing Date: May 8th, 2006
The Da Vinci Code is a publishing phenomenon and is bound to be a blockbuster hit.
This theological thriller has sold around 2 million copies in Australia and 40 million worldwide. It is set to become the second highest selling book of all time - ironically, second only to the Bible. Thanks to the book and the movie, tourists can now search for the elusive Holy Grail by following the movie trail. The story begins in Paris......Starting at the Ritz Paris, the epitome of French chic-ness, Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor (Tom Hanks) is awoken in the middle of the night by a phone call. The French Police then whisk him away to the Louvre to help in their investigation of the murder of Louvre curator, Jacques Sauniere.
The Ritz Paris has 162 rooms, ten of which are themed after famous guests. They have the Coco Chanel Suite, The Elton John suite, The Prince of Wales suite and their latest is room 512 - The Robert Langdon room. The hotel now offers 'Da Vinci Code' packages and they will even throw in a fluffy Ritz bathrobe and a personal guided tour of the Louvre. The Louvre plays a crucial role in the story but it took a lot of wheeling and dealing for the American producers to get permission to film inside the largest museum in the world - negotiations went as high up as the French President Jacques Chirac! The Louvre, already one of Paris' most iconic attractions is now drawing around 7 million tourists a year.
As if she didn't have enough attention already, the Mona Lisa has even more admirers thanks to her staring role in the story. While Robert and Sophie are busy cracking codes in the Louvre, the villainous albino monk, Silas, is on the hunt for the keystone in the Church of St Sulpice. This little known church in Paris is now well and truly on the tourist map and features as a stop on a 'Da Vinci Code' inspired tour that Globus is offering this year.
Next stop is a chateau on the outskirts of Paris. Chateau de Villette is not make-believe. Dan Brown's wife personally visited this place a few years ago and it became the inspiration for the fictional residence of British historian Sir Leigh Teabing. The grand Chateau only offers our heroes Robert and Sophie momentary shelter from the authorities chasing them, but tourists can stay here overnight as part of a 'Da Vinci Code' package.
Further Information
8 day 'Breaking the Code' tour from $2199 a person. Includes accommodation, transport & some meals.
Globus
Website: www.globus.com.au/davinci
5 night package from $6485 a person. Includes tours, daily breakfasts & some meals.
Website: www.thedavincicodechateau.com
Thai Airways International to Paris from $1961 ex west coast. Includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Website: www.thaiairways.com.au
Prices correct at 19/4/06
