Impressions of the Seine

From the coast at Le Havre cruise to Paris on the Seine. Visit the Normandy WWII landing beaches, explore Rouen and see Claude Monet’s Garden at Giverny. Finish your journey with a day discovering the many charms of Paris.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paris, Le Havre, Embark Ship

Welcome to France. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your floating home for the next eight days. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship.

Day 2: Le Havre

Visit seaside Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbour and for inspiring the Impressionist painters. In the afternoon, choose a city tour of Le Havre or a bike tour. Alternatively, spend a full day visiting the historic Normandy Beaches and surrounds, including Colleville-sur-Mer cemetery, Omaha Beach, the Longues-sur-Mer artillery battery and Arromanches.

Day 3: Le Havre, Caudebec-en-Caux

Visit Bayeux to see the world-renowned Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the 1066 Norman invasion of England, followed by a visit to Caen and the 11th-century Chateau de Caen. Or instead, admire the 30-acre Harcourt Arboretum, with its nearly 3,000 trees, palatial Chateau du Champ de Bataille and Le Bec-Hellouin, known for its 11th-century abbey. Later, enjoy a scenic cruise from Le Havre to Caudebec-en-Caux, where you can visit Museo Seine, which focuses on the river’s history.

Day 4: Rouen

The morning offers excursions in medieval Rouen. Join a walking tour past Notre Dame Cathedral, painted by Monet, and see where Joan of Arc was martyred. You may also explore Lyons-la-Foret, featuring centuries-old architecture, and the idyllic castle of Vascoeuil. Or join the “Tastes of Normandy” tour and be treated to chocolate, macarons, cheese and cider. Later in the day, bike through Rouen or visit the Gothic Chateau d’Etelan.

Day 5: Vernon, La Roche-Guyon

Discover the splendour of Claude Monet’s magnificent gardens at his former home in Giverny, admiring the water lilies, Japanese bridges and willow trees immortalised in his paintings. For a more active adventure, pedal through Vernon on a guided bike tour. Or journey to Chateau de Gaillon and the splendid Gardens d’Acquigny. Later in the day, cruise to La Roche-Guyon, with free time to explore.

Day 6: La Roche-Guyon, Mantes-la-Jolie

Join a tasting tour to try the region’s famous apple-based calvados, cider and cheese. Or pedal to Mantes-La-Jolie, founded in the early Middle Ages. If you prefer to relax, stay aboard the ship and watch the scenery go by. During the afternoon, a city tour takes you to Gothic Notre Dame de Mantes, followed by a visit to a local bee farm. Alternatively, a bike tour takes you further through the city, or visit Chateau d’Anet, built by King Henri II for his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, in the 16th century.

Day 7: Paris

Enjoy some of Paris’s most famous sights. Be guided through the Latin Quarter, home to Sorbonne University, and through the stunning 400-year-old Luxembourg Gardens, created by King Henry IV’s widow, Marie de’ Medici. Afterwards, see such sights as the Champs-Elysees,. the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Alternatively, cover more ground on a guided bike tour.

Day 8: Disembark Ship, Depart Paris

The time has come to say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.