The Seine, Paris and Normandy River Cruise | Exclusive for Solo Travellers Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Paris
Arrive in Paris and transfer to our luxurious ship.
Day 2 – Les Andelys
During the night our ship slips her mooring and, as you enjoy breakfast, the landscape passes by serenely and you quickly get used to this luxurious sightseeing experience. Rounding a sweeping bend so typical of the Seine, we reach the town of Mantes-la-Jolie with its imposing church – so large and architecturally impressive it could be a cathedral – while straight ahead is a medieval stone bridge.
While you’re enjoying your first delicious lunch, the captain has skilfully berthed at Les Andelys, a small town dominated by one of the most spectacular sights along the entire valley – Château Gaillard. This afternoon we discover the story behind this remarkable castle. Château Gaillard guards the apex of the river bend and was built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th-century to defend Rouen from the French.
Day 3 – Rouen
Rouen’s beautifully tangled alleyways are a revelation, lined with antique shops, tasteful boutiques and, of course, countless restaurants serving exceptional local cuisine emphasising the country’s outstanding gastronomic heritage. The Place du Vieux-Marché is one of the city’s most poignant spots; a large cross marks the point where the ‘Maid of Orléans’ Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for her beliefs.
Day 4 – Bayeux & Arromanches or Taste of Normandy
Our first stop, Bayeux is a delightful town with a historic core that escaped the ravages of war, so you can still marvel at its many splendid buildings, including the grand Gothic cathedral, crowned by a stately copper-clad tower.
From here, we’ll travel to the nearby Bayeux War Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth Cemetery of WWII France. It’s impossible not to be moved by the rows of graves and our visit is a poignant reminder of the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Day 5 – Honfleur
Honfleur is often regarded as the most picturesque spot on the northern French coast, and after breakfast we make the short journey to this delightful town and enjoy a guided tour. Its old harbour, sheltering both fishing boats and luxurious pleasure craft, is beautifully preserved and surrounded by a perfect waterfront of pastel-coloured 16th- to 18th-century houses, many converted to seafood restaurants.
Watch the talented artists capturing the captivating views along the waterfront, while the intricate maze of streets behind is also well worth discovering. The eaves of the tall half-timbered buildings almost touch, and on the streets below is an abundance of traditional shops selling antiques, books and fine foods. Honfleur’s most famous son is Eugene Boudin, one of the forerunners of Impressionism and a friend of Claude Monet, who also painted the harbour many times.
Day 6 – Giverny & Vernon
One of the great delights of river cruising is the magical sensation of waking up in a different place from where you were the night before. This morning the ship has moored in delightful Vernon, and we take the short drive to Giverny to visit Monet’s garden and house.
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 Les Nymphéas (Water Lilies) series. There’s ample time to wander here, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere while marvelling at the light bouncing off foliage of every hue and the magical reflections dancing off the water.
Day 7 – Paris
For a sightseeing tour of the capital, one of the world’s most iconic cities, choose our panoramic coach tour. We’ll see many of the outstanding monuments Paris has to offer – including the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro, the Musee D’Orsay and much more.
A great choice for the more active, our walking tour of Paris allows you to take a closer look at some of the city’s sights. Our 4km walk takes us through Île de la Cité & Marais Quarter, from Place des Vosges – the oldest planned square in Paris – to Palais Royal, the former French royal palace. En route, we’ll see Paris’ city hall – Hôtel de Ville, the UNESCO-protected Notre-Dame, the world-famous Louvre, and more.
Day 8 – Return Home
It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.
