Cruise the River Seine – Normandy Coast to Paris or Paris to Normandy Coast

Local departure by coach, then to Paris where we will embark our cruise ship.

We depart our ship for an included excursion to Giverny in Normandy to visit the home and gardens of Claude Monet.

The artist lived here from 1883 until his death in 1926. Today, his house and gardens, made famous by his painting of the water lilies, have been restored to Monet’s original designs.

Stretching from his house down to the river, Monet's gardens provided the inspiration for many of his famous paintings, such as the series of ‘Nympheas’ or Water Lilies and his ‘Pont Japonais’ or Japanese Bridge, which has also been rebuilt for visitors to enjoy.

We rejoin our ship in time for lunch, and sail overnight towards Honfleur.

We arrive in Honfleur mid-morning and enjoy free time to explore. The cradle of Impressionism is located at the mouth of the Seine as it flows into the English Channel. Untouched by the passage of time, this small port has retained the landmarks of its rich past, making it one of the most visited towns in France.

After returning to our ship for lunch, join our included excursion as we discover the Côte Fleurie and taste some Calvados, the famous apple brandy. The first stop is Deauville, the glamorous Normandy resort, and a symbol of elegance, prestige and sophistication. Enjoy a stroll along the famous floorboards that were built in 1923 along the beach, allowing women to enjoy the seaside without spoiling their dresses. We set sail overnight along the Seine towards the city of Rouen.

Our ship arrives in Rouen this morning. Enjoy time at leisure, or join our optional guided tour of Rouen.

The centre of the city and its famous cathedral are a short walk from the ship. Stretched along the Seine, Rouen is Normandy’s cultural, historical, and gastronomical capital. The Gros-Horloge, or Great Clock, is one of the most emblematic monuments in the city. The Gothic belfry has housed the communal bells and clock of the city since its construction at the end of the 14th century.

We cruise through the night towards Poissy.

We arrive and disembark in Poissy this morning. Join our included excursion to the famous gardens of Versailles, originally created for Louis XIV. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the gardens or along Versailles' own Grand Canal. You can even discover the many fountains and pools, with their display of fine sculpture in the magnificent gardens from this once opulent era. (Please note that time will be limited, due to our sailing schedule.)

Following our visit to the gardens of Versailles, we continue to our hotel on the outskirts of Paris for a two-night stay.

We spend the day in Paris. Join our included, guided sightseeing tour, which takes in many of Paris' famous sights.

During your time in Paris, why not explore the best that the city has to offer? Home to world-famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Sacre-Coeur, this iconic, metropolitan city is truly remarkable.

Return home.