Seine Romance with Johanne and Don

Today, arrival on your own to the embarkation dock in Paris.
Cruise departs at 21:30: WELCOME TO FRANCE!
Paris is not the only Romantic destination in France. With this cruise along the Seine, you can discover hidden villages with just as much charm. In Normandy, historic Rouen in particular invites you to take long walks through the city center. Between the botanical gardens and old churches, there is something for everyone here. Those who can’t get enough of impressive architecture will love the imposing buildings in Le Havre, such as the town hall. In addition to the coziness, Les Andelys has experiences for all visitors with the “Toysland” amusement park. On the way to Paris, you will pass Vernon, where you can discover half-timbered houses and a flowery landscape. Varied and yet the epitome of romance describes the Seine in every way.

Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, named the “Capitale de la Batellerie” 160 years ago, lies at the confluence of the Seine and Oise rivers, 25 km northwest of Paris. A historic town with an exceptional heritage, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine offers a wide range of infrastructures and a remarkable living environment. Conflans-Sainte-Honorine is a promise of escape. Its picturesque old streets give you a taste of elsewhere, and the banks of the Seine are perfect for strolling or cycling, punctuated by the songs of birds and swans, and the sound of shrouds on masts… Here you’re somewhere else!

The city of Rouen is the historic capital of Normandy and is best known for Joan of Arc. In the museum “Joan of Arc” you can find an insight into her life and her tragic death in Rouen. Also worth seeing are the botanical garden, the cathedral “Notre-Dame” and the monastery “Saint-Georges de Boscherville”. Very popular is also a visit to the clock tower in the charming downtown area of the town.
Included excursion in Rouen: Back to the Middle Ages with Chocolate & Cheese Tasting*
We wake up in Rouen, the capital of Normandy, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe and the scene of many important events over the centuries. The outstanding feature of our city tour is the impressive Gothic cathedral, immortalized by the great impressionist Claude Monet in a series of 28 paintings showing the façade at different times of the day and in different weather conditions. The cathedral briefly became the tallest building in the world when the high tower was added in the 19th century. It is also known for the reclining statue, which is said to contain the heart of Richard the Lionheart.
The winding streets of Rouen are a revelation, lined with antique stores, tasteful boutiques and, of course, countless restaurants offering exceptional, regional cuisine and highlighting the country’s outstanding gastronomic heritage. The Place du Vieux-Marché is one of the most poignant places in the city. A large cross marks the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for her faith. No gradient, smooth paths and cobblestones in places.
Transport: Walking
Level: Moderate active
*Subject to change without notice. Not all excursions listed may be available on your itinerary.

With more than 170 000 inhabitants, Le Havre is the busiest city in Normandy. Located directly on the English Channel, the metropolis is located in the northwest of France. Thanks to the work of the architect Auguste Perret, the city center was created due to its unique architecture designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the heart of the city is located with the Church of St. Joseph, and imposing structure with several thousand incorporated glass blocks. Impressive is also the city hall of Le Havre with more than 70 meters high tower. In all of Europe there is no larger town hall square than this French city.
Included excursion in Le Havre: Honfleur – Artistic center & Sea*
Honfleur is often considered the most picturesque town on the northern French coast. Its old harbor, sheltering both fishing boats and luxurious pleasure craft, is beautifully preserved and surrounded by a perfect waterfront with pastel-colored houses from the 16th to 18th centuries, many of which have been converted into seafood restaurants.
Watch talented artists capture the mesmerizing views along the waterfront. The winding labyrinth behind the streets is also worth exploring. The eaves of the tall-timbered houses almost touch, and the streets below are filled with traditional stores selling antiques, books, and fine food. Honfleur’s most famous son is Eugene Boudin, one of the forerunners of Impressionism and a friend of Claude Monet, who also painted the harbor several times.
Transport: Bus/Walking
Level: Moderate active
*Subject to change without notice. Not all excursions listed may be available on your itinerary.

Les Andelys is a commune in France, located in the Normandy region. The city is divided into a large and small part (Le Petit Andely and Le Grand Andely). At the same time, the small part is located directly on the Seine River. The northern character of the country is also reflected in the architecture of the municipality. This can be seen, for example, in the 13th century Notre-Dame Cathedral. The amusement park Toysland is popular with young and old.

Midway between Paris and Rouen lies Vernon. Innumerous half-timbered houses characterize the townscape. The most famous shows up during a walk across the Pont Clémenceau: the Old mill, gracefully perched on the remains of the medieval bridge. Already Claude Monet was so fascinated by Vernon’s sight that he banned him on canvas. But that’s not all: for more than 40 years, the artist lived nearby in a house, which he surrounded with a magnificent garden. Monet once inspired world-famous works, is today a paradise for flower lovers and recreationists.
Included excursion in Les Andelys: City tour with Château Gaillard*
While enjoying your delicious breakfast, the captain has docked in Les Andelys, a small town dominated by one of the most spectacular sights in the entire valley – Château Gaillard. You will discover the history behind this remarkable castle. The impressive Château Gaillard guards the top of the river bend and was built in the 12th century by Richard the Lionheart to defend Rouen from the French. Château Gaillard has been besieged many times in the turbulent history of northern France and is now one of the most dramatic ruins of in the region.
Caution: Les Andelys: Smooth Paths. To Château Gaillard, the path is somewhat steep. Château Gaillard: Longer walkway with climb to the castle. Paths can be uneven up to the castle.
Transport: Walking
Level: Active
*Subject to change without notice. Not all excursions listed may be available on your itinerary.
Midway between Paris and Rouen lies Vernon. Innumerous half-timbered houses characterize the townscape. The most famous shows up during a walk across the Pont Clémenceau: the old mill, gracefully perched on the remains of the medieval bridge. Already Claude Monet was so fascinated by Vernon’s sight that he banned him on canvas. But that’s not all: for more than 40 years, the artist lived nearby in a house, which he surrounded with a magnificent garden. Monet once inspired world-famous works, is today a paradise for flower lovers and recreationists.
Included excursion in Vernon: Monet’s House & Garden*
One of the great joys of river cruising is the magical feeling of waking up in a different place than the night before. Today the ship is moored in beautiful Vernon, and we make the short drive to Giverny. Visit Monet’s garden and house. The artist himself called his garden his “most beautiful masterpiece” and it is certainly one of the most photographed and painted gardens in the world – ideally in the soft morning light. The Japanese-inspired water garden, shaded by large weeping willows and surrounded by bamboo, rhododendrons and azaleas, is the water lily pond where he painted his extraordinary series Les Nymphéas (Water Lilies). Here you can soak up the tranquil atmosphere while marveling at the light reflecting off the leaves of each hue and the magical reflections dancing off the water.
Transport: Bus/Walking
Level: Moderate
*Subject to change without notice. Not all excursions listed may be available on your itinerary.

Paris is still probably the greatest place of longing for travelers from all over the world. And quite rightly so, as no other city in the world is such an epitome of love, seduction, art, culture and culinary delights. Paris is the city for the beautiful things in life. This begins with the beauty of the French capital. The best way to experience this is to take a look from the viewing terraces of the Eiffel Tower or the city’s Montmartre hill. The city on the Seine offers so many beautiful perspectives that it’s hard to decide which direction to point the camera in first. But even up close, the city’s sights are hard to beat in their beauty. The ornate Notre-Dame Cathedral; the massive Arc de Triomphe; the sprawling Louvre; the magnificent Jardin des Tuileries; the magnificent Opéra Garnier and the impressive Place de la Concorde are just the tip of the iceberg of sights that you can marvel at in Paris. You will also be amazed by the city’s art museums: whether it’s world-class art at the Louvre, Impressionists at the Musée d’Orsay, contemporary art at the Centre Pompidou, the history of the Middle Ages at the Musée National du Moyen Age, ethnology at the Musée du Quai Branly, or the works of Rodin and Picasso at the museums of the same name – you can spend many days and weeks in Paris’ museum. And if that’s not enough, you can eat and drink better in Paris than in probably any other city in the world. The city’s cafés, bistros, and restaurants enjoy a legendary reputation and have an incomparable flair.
Add to your package our Normandy – Belgium tour with Johanne and Don – click on the 1st page link for more.
Included excursion in Paris: City of Love, Art & Culture*
We have arrived in Paris and this morning we will take a city tour of this amazing capital, one of the most famous cities in the world. Insight into this vibrant metropolis, the largest city in France and its central hub. Visit the Place de la Concorde with the Obelisk of Luxor, the largest square in Paris, the Champs-Elysées, one of the most impressive boulevards in the world, the Cathedral of the Invalides, an important dome and burial place for Napoleon I, the huge Arc de Triomphe with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and of course the Eiffel Tower, the “iron” symbol of the city. Paris is everything you
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imagine it to be. Let it be romantic, inspiring, vibrant or even outrageous – but best of all, Paris is unique and a fitting finale to a wonderful cruise.
Transport: Bus/Walking
Level: Easy
*Subject to change without notice. Not all excursions listed may be available on your itinerary