Paris, Normandy and the Seine River Cruise Itinerary
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN PARIS
DAY 2 – PARIS
The list of must-sees here goes on and on – the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées, Sacré-Coeur, Notre Dame to name but a few, and we’ll learn more about this amazing city through the eyes of our local expert.
DAY 3 -AUVERS-SUR-OISE
This morning we drive through the sleepy bocage countryside, a green landscape of lush pastures and high hedgerows to the captivating village of Auvers-sur-Oise, which has welcomed and inspired a host of famous artists through the centuries. Cezanne, Pissarro and most notably Vincent Van Gogh, who famously shot himself and was buried here in 1890, all drew inspiration from this picturesque spot with Van Gogh describing the little town as ‘seriously beautiful’. We’ll also see the cemetery, final resting place of Vincent van Gogh, as well as the Auberge Ravoux – an historic inn in Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent lived during his final days.
DAY 4 – ROUEN
Awake in Rouen, Normandy’s capital, one of Europe’s finest medieval cities and scene of many momentous events over the centuries. After breakfast we disembark to uncover the treasures of this fascinating city through the insightful eyes of our local guide. The jewel in Rouen’s crown is its stunning Gothic cathedral, which was immortalised by another of the great Impressionists, Claude Monet in a series of twenty-eight paintings depicting its impressive façade at varying times of day and in different seasons.
DAY 5 – D-DAY BEACHES OR TASTE OF NORMANDY
This morning we are in Le Havre, and after breakfast, you’ll be ready for a full-day tour, with a choice to visit the landing beaches, or taste some of Normandy’s typical produce.
- Arromanches & D-Day beaches
Disembark for a full day visit to the D-Day Normandy Beaches. We visit the British Cemetery in Ranville followed by the Pegasus Bridge Memorial, made famous in the film The Longest Day.
Alternatively, today you could embark on a tasting tour of Normandy. Our first stop will be a local cheese dairy, which has been passed down from father to son. After learning about traditional cheese-making methods, we’ll have a chance to taste these delicious varieties and savour the authentic flavours. Next, we’ll head to Lisieux, a charming medieval town in the heart of the Calvados region, known for the popular local brandy made from apple cider. Following that, we’ll visit a family-run estate located by the sea, where you’ll learn about two of Normandy’s most iconic beverages: cider and calvados (apple brandy).
DAY 6 – HONFLEUR OR ÉTRETAT
This morning, you can choose to visit the charming town of Honfleur or discover the natural coastal beauty surrounding Étretat which has inspired many painters and writers.
Honfleur is often regarded as the most picturesque spot on the northern French coast. Its old harbour, sheltering both fishing boats and luxurious pleasure craft, is beautifully preserved and surrounded by a waterfront of pastel-coloured 16th to 18th-century houses, many converted into seafood restaurants which waft delicious aromas onto the quayside.
Alternatively, join our visit to the pretty seaside town of Étretat to discover the region’s legendary coastal views. Enjoy sweeping views of dramatic white cliffs, eroded away over the centuries to create unusual rock formations – again the subject of many an Impressionist’s canvas.
DAY 7 – CAUDEBEC WITH MUSEO SEINE OR ABBEY ROAD
You have a couple of options to choose from this morning.
- Guided tour of the MuseoSeine and free time in Caudebec-en-Caux
You might choose to start with a guided tour of MuseoSeine, a museum dedicated to the history of the river Seine. Then spend some free time exploring Caudebec-en-Caux and its astounding cathedral, a 15th-century gothic masterpiece. Admire its intricate external decoration and beautifully carved stonework, then step inside to marvel at the superb medieval stained glass, statues and impressive 16th-century organ. Or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll along the riverbank, admiring the houses and pretty gardens soaking up this tranquil scene.
- Abbey Jumièges & Abbey of Saint-Wandrille
Alternatively join our Abbey Road excursion, visiting firstly the majestic Abbey Jumièges, one of the loveliest ruins in France and a fine example of Norman Romanesque architecture. Today, you cannot fail to be impressed by the scale of these beautiful ruins set in acres of peaceful grounds. We continue to the working Abbey Saint-Wandrille, founded in the 7th century and one of the first Benedictine abbeys in Normandy. It’s a delight to wander this serene place admiring the stonework and statues, and if you’re lucky, hear the monks chanting in prayer.
DAY 8 – GIVERNY & VERNON
After breakfast we take a short drive to Giverny to visit Monet’s house and garden. The artist himself called his garden his ‘most beautiful masterpiece’ and it’s certainly one of the world’s most photographed and painted, ideally viewed in the delicate morning light. In the Japanese-inspired water garden, shaded by great weeping willows and surrounded by bamboo, rhododendrons and azaleas, is the lily pond where he painted his extraordinary Water Lilies series. Later, enjoy an on-board cheese & cider tasting. A local Farmer joins us to explain the different stages in the production of cider – from apple juice to brandy, with a chance to taste paired with cheese and rillettes.
DAY 9 – LA ROCHE-GUYON
This morning, we explore La Roche-Guyon, one of France’s most beautiful villages, on a guided tour. Situated along the serene banks of the Seine River, La Roche-Guyon is an enchanting village that captivates visitors with its enduring allure, fascinating past, and dazzling landscapes. This riverside gem boasts a charming backdrop of the Seine flowing gently beneath towering limestone cliffs. With origins tracing back to ancient prehistoric times, the village is steeped in a rich history.
DAY 10 – VERSAILLES AND PARIS
Today, you have two options for visiting Versailles Palace and Gardens. You can choose a morning visit and return on board in time for a late lunch, or you can opt for a longer visit, which includes lunch at your leisure and more time to explore the gardens and the rest of the estate.
The palace was constructed entirely in France and was regarded for over a century as the standard against which all European palaces were measured. As you explore the Royal Apartments, adorned with antiques, tapestries, and priceless artworks, as well as the exquisite Royal Opera and Chapel, you will quickly understand why. The iconic Hall of Mirrors, featuring 357 mirrors, is a remarkable sight, just as the immaculate gardens are, with their meticulously shaped hedges, sculptures, and refreshing fountains.
This afternoon there’s free time in Paris to explore as you wish. Take in a museum, such as Europe’s oldest science museum, dating from 1794 with its vast collection of inventions and industrial design or soak up artistic treasures in the Louvre or Musee d’Orsay with its world-renowned collections of artwork, furniture, sculpture and photography. Browse the legendary stores such as Galeries Lafayette, the smart boutiques in the arcaded Rue de Rivoli, or bohemian Montmartre’s quirky galleries and independent shops.
DAY 11 – RETURN HOME
