Paris & Normandy
8 Day River Cruise
Paris always sizzles while Normandy beckons with its stunning coastline, incredible food and artistic beauty. Monet’s Gardens and the charming harbor town of Honfleur will inspire you the same way as they inspired the great Impressionists. For inspiration of a different kind, travel the “Routes des Abbayes,” visiting some of the most magnificent monasteries, and to the unforgettable beaches of Normandy where Allied forces landed during WWII’s D-Day invasion. Relive the grandeur of royalty at Chateau de Bizy, once referred to as “the Versailles of Normandy.” Blend a passion for the good life with culture, art, architecture and timeless landscapes, and you have Northern France.
Countries: France
River(s): Seine
Pricing
River cruise starting at $4,858* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
8 Days – Paris to Paris
Your stateroom includes
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with French balconies)
- Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
- Desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
Onboard amenities
- Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
Dining
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
Excursions
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Special Interest Tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Paris, France
Meals
Dinner
Description
Board the ship in Paris for your Paris & Normandy cruise.
Day 2
Les Andelys
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursion: Château Gaillard OR Les Andelys bike tour OR Château Gaillard hike
Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way.
For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys.
After your adventures, set sail along the meandering Seine for a scenic cruise.
Day 3
Le Havre
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursions
Honfleur: Honfleur excursion OR Full-day Honfleur & Pays d’Auge
Le Havre: Le Havre city tour OR Bike tour
There are several different choices of excursions, both during the morning and afternoon, depending on your interests. You can choose between an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters; or enjoy a full-day excursion that includes Honfleur and the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. Enjoy a country drive through Beamont-en-Auge and Pont l’Eveque, and afterwards, be treated to a cheese and Calvados tasting.
During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre.
Alternatively, you have the choice of a bike tour through Le Havre.
Day 4
Le Havre
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursions
Le Havre: Normandy US Landing Beaches OR Normandy British and Canadian Landing Beaches
Caudebec-en-Caux: Route des Abbayes OR Seine Museum
Experience the Normandy region with one of three tours. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, you will visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen.
If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you will visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and, finally, Arromanches.
If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration in Caudebec-en-Caux in the afternoon, the Romanesque Normandy Abbey Route will take you to one of the magnificent historic abbeys of the region. Or you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum.
Day 5
Rouen
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursions
Rouen: Medieval Rouen walking tour OR Rouen bike tour
Lyons-la-Forêt: Lyons-la-Forêt excursion OR Tastes of Normandy
Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock.
You also have the choice to explore Lyons-la-Forêt, built on the site of a former fortress and featuring remarkable centuries-old architecture; go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour.
Day 6
Vernon & scenic cruising
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursions: Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny* OR Château de Bizy Tour* OR Giverny bike tour*
Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. You will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests.
Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades.
Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens.
If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside.
*PLEASE NOTE: Monet’s Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Day 7
Paris
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursions
“City of Light” tour
Artist’s Walk of Auvers-sur-Oise OR Chateau Saint-Germain-en-Laye tour OR Free time
Enjoy some of Paris’ most famous sights during your panoramic tour. You will be guided through the charming Latin Quarter, home to the world-famous Sorbonne University, and through the stunning 400-year-old Luxembourg Gardens, created by King Henry IV’s widow, Marie de’ Medici.
In the afternoon, travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death.
Or enjoy the exquisite architecture of the Chateau Saint-Germain-en-Laye, along with its museum and gardens. Alternatively, stay in Paris and spend free time at your leisure to explore more of the “City of Light.”
Day 8
Paris
Breakfast
Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Paris & Normandy” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.