Impressions of the Seine & Paris

Le Havre, founded by King Francis I of France in 1517, is located inUpper Normandy on the north bank of the mouth of the River Seine, which isconsidered the most frequented waterway in the world. Its port is ranked thesecond largest in France. The city was originally built on marshland andmudflats that were drained in the 1500’s. During WWII most of Le Havre wasdestroyed by Allied bombing raids. Post war rebuilding of the city followed thedevelopment plans of the well-known Belgian architect Auguste Perre. Thereconstruction was so unique that the entire city was listed as a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site in 2005. 

Day programme:

LE HAVRE. 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. You can also choose a full-day excursion to see the historic Normandy Beaches, where you may visit such sites as 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. In the afternoon, you have the choice of a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre or a bike tour through Le Havre. (B,L,D)

Le Havre, founded by King Francis I of France in 1517, is located inUpper Normandy on the north bank of the mouth of the River Seine, which isconsidered the most frequented waterway in the world. Its port is ranked thesecond largest in France. The city was originally built on marshland andmudflats that were drained in the 1500’s. During WWII most of Le Havre wasdestroyed by Allied bombing raids. Post war rebuilding of the city followed thedevelopment plans of the well-known Belgian architect Auguste Perre. Thereconstruction was so unique that the entire city was listed as a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site in 2005. 

Day programme:

LE HAVRE – CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX, FRANCE. Visit Bayeux, with a medieval city center and the world-renowned Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the 1066 Norman invasion of England, followed by a visit to Caen, where one of the top sites is the Château de Caen, an 11th-century castle built by William the Conqueror. Or instead, admire the 30-acre Harcourt Arboretum, with its nearly 3,000 trees, as well as the palatial Château du Champ de Bataille and the commune of 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, a museum focusing on the history of the Seine River. Then immerse yourself in the enchanting history of Château d’Ételan, the first Italian Renaissance Château built in France in 1494, where you may see a wonderful chapel with original wall paintings and the guard house dating back to 1350 in an amazing landscape. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

ROUEN, FRANCE. Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour past the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, painted numerous times by Monet, and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. Alternatively, delve into the once “haunted” Château de Bonnemare, a 16th-century medieval castle housing a historic cider press, a kitchen rotisserie inspired by the designs of Leonardo da Vinci, and the inspiration for a tragic love poem written by Marie de France. Or go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, macaron, Norman cheese and cider. Later in the day, cruise through Rouen’s history-filled streets by bicycle to discover sites like the ossuary of Saint-Maclou, the grand Gothic Rouen Cathedral, and the idyllic trails along the city’s moat and through its parks before concluding your peaceful ride back to the ship. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

VERNON, FRANCE – LA ROCHE-GUYON, FRANCE. Take in the scenery on a scenic cruise before disembarking the ship to experience the colorful splendor of Claude Monet’s magnificent gardens at his former home in Giverny, admiring the water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees immortalized in his paintings. For a more active adventure, pedal through Vernon on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, take a walking tour of Monet’s home and garden, exploring the grounds of Giverny with plenty of time to smell the roses. Or journey to the beautiful Gardens d’Acquigny, boasting waterfalls, bridges, canals and a wide variety of trees and plant life. As part of your excursion, you will also venture within the borders of Vexin Francais Regional Nature Park to Château de la Roche-Guyon, a castle built against a cliff perched above the Seine that encompasses several centuries of architectural styles, with the ruins of its medieval tower dominating the village beneath it. Then, explore the city at your own pace during your free evening in Vernon. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

LA ROCHE-GUYON – MANTES-LA-JOLIE, FRANCE. Watch the scenery go by as you sail to Mantes-La-Jolie, a historic center where French creatives produced musical instruments and visual art. Experience the world through your taste buds and join a tasting tour during which you’ll get a chance to try the region’s famous apple-based calvados, cider and cheese. Alternatively, go on a city tour during which you may see some of Mantes-La-Jolie’s beautiful religious structures, like the Gothic Notre Dame de Mantes, followed by a unique visit to a local bee farm. Or visit the distinctive Château d’Anet, an elegant Renaissance château built in the 16th century by King Henri II for his mistress, Diane de Poiters. (B,L,D)

Mantes-la-Jolie is a commune in the Yvelines department in the Île-de-France region of north-central France. It is located to the west of Paris, 48.4 km from the centre of the capital.

Day programme:

PARIS, FRANCE. Experience the “City of Light” from a unique perspective when you board a modern river boat at the Port de la Bourdonnais, located on the banks of the Seine River near the Eiffel Tower. With exterior seating and viewing platforms, your one-hour cruise will be a dream come true as you glide along the river and underneath Paris’s ornate bridges. From the boat, you will take in panoramic views of the city’s iconic buildings and monuments, including the Musee d’Orsay and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Alternatively, cover more ground on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

PARIS – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark your ship in Paris and prepare for your return flight home. (B)