the meandering seine (port-to-port cruise)
locationHonfleur - Rouen - Mantes - La - Jolie - Giverny - Paris - Melun - Fontainebleau - Paris
The Meandering Seine (port-to-port cruise)
The Meandering Seine (port-to-port cruise)
The Meandering Seine (port-to-port cruise)
The Meandering Seine (port-to-port cruise)
The Meandering Seine (port-to-port cruise)
The Meandering Seine (port-to-port cruise)
The Meandering Seine (port-to-port cruise)
FromAUD $1,686
94% of travelers recommend this experience

Not sure? You can cancel your reservation within 24 hours of booking for a full refund

Cruise snapshot

Duration
7 days
Trip code
HFP_PP
Operator
CroisiEurope Cruises

Overview

This unique itinerary from Honfleur to Melun offers a spectacle of beauty. Let yourself be seduced by Honfleur, its picturesque streets and its Old Basin, breathe in Normandy on the Côte Fleurie, soak up nature in Giverny, admire the most prestigious historical monuments as you cross Paris and immerse yourself in French history in Rouen and the Château de Fontainebleau. So many experiences that will make this cruise an extraordinary journey.

Highlights

  • Original cruise from Melun to Normandy
  • Experience Paris at night from the bow of the ship
  • Visit all the important stops along the way:(1)The palace in Fontainebleau, residence for French monarchs for over 800 years(2)The must-see sites in ParisGiverny and Monet’s gardensArt and history in RouenAstounding beauty on the Norman Abbey CircuitThe enchanting city of Honfleur and the Côte Fleurie
  • The palace in Fontainebleau, residence for French monarchs for over 800 years(2)
  • The must-see sites in Paris
  • Giverny and Monet’s gardens
  • Art and history in Rouen
  • Astounding beauty on the Norman Abbey Circuit
  • The enchanting city of Honfleur and the Côte Fleurie
  • All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
  • Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
  • Free Wi-Fi onboard
  • Headsets are included for excursions
  • Official welcome from the captain and crew
  • Onboard activities
  • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
  • All port fees included

What's Included



    Itinerary



    Shore Excursions

    Packack
    excursions - 2024

    Departure by coach with your guide. First stop at Deauville, the most glamour coastal French city, 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. Discover the casino (exterior view). Continuation by coach for the delightful setting of the Breuil castle. Located in a lush green setting at the center of the Pays d'Auge, this castle is one of the most beautiful examples of the architectural heritage of this region. Today, the Breuil castle is also home to a prestigious distillery where you will get the chance to discover the various steps to making Calvados before tasting it*. Return to the boat in Honfleur by coach.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • Good walking shoes are recommended.
    • Times are approximate.
    • The order of the visits can change.
    • *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.
    EXC_CALVAD

    Pre-paid: $147

    On-board: $163

    Packack
    excursions - 2025

    Departure by coach with your guide. First stop at Deauville, the most glamour coastal French city, 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. Discover the casino (exterior view). Continuation by coach for the delightful setting of the Breuil castle. Located in a lush green setting at the center of the Pays d'Auge, this castle is one of the most beautiful examples of the architectural heritage of this region. Today, the Breuil castle is also home to a prestigious distillery where you will get the chance to discover the various steps to making Calvados before tasting it*. Return to the boat in Honfleur by coach.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • Good walking shoes are recommended.
    • Times are approximate.
    • The order of the visits can change.
    • *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.
    EXC_CALVAD

    Pre-paid: $154

    On-board: $0

    Packack
    excursions - 2024

    Join us on a guided tour of Fontainebleau for a look at its historic château, gorgeous town squares, lavish theater, and magnificent church. This tour reveals the secrets and anecdotes of times gone by. We’ll then visit the castle and its vast estate, the veritable stomping grounds for French sovereigns for over eight centuries. The gardens themselves are a work of art that evokes that glory of royal France. After our tour, we will return on board the ship.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • The order of the visits can change.
    • Times are approximate.
    • Good walking shoes are recommended.
    • Only on pre-booking.
    EXC_FONTAI

    Pre-paid: $161

    On-board: $179

    Packack
    excursions - 2025

    Join us on a guided tour of Fontainebleau for a look at its historic château, gorgeous town squares, lavish theater, and magnificent church. This tour reveals the secrets and anecdotes of times gone by. We’ll then visit the castle and its vast estate, the veritable stomping grounds for French sovereigns for over eight centuries. The gardens themselves are a work of art that evokes that glory of royal France. After our tour, we will return on board the ship.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • The order of the visits can change.
    • Times are approximate.
    • Good walking shoes are recommended.
    • Only on pre-booking.
    EXC_FONTAI

    Pre-paid: $163

    On-board: $181

    Packack
    excursions - 2024

    You will leave the boat by coach to travel to the home of Claude Monet. He lived in his Giverny home between 1830 and 1926. His passion for gardening and colors led him to conceive his flowers garden as a true art piece. He even said: "It took a while for me to understand my waterlilies... I grew them without thinking of painting them... A landscape doesn't sink in in one day... And all of a sudden the enchantments of my pond struck me. I took my palette. Since then, I've never had any other model." You can still feel the atmosphere that once reigned in the master of Impressionnism's house when visiting it. You will discover the pink facade while penetrating the garden. Inside, the artist's particular taste for warm tones will strike you, from the intensity of the blue he chose for his kitchen as well as his small living room, to the the yellow walls and furniture in the dining room, where you will also be able to see his private collection of Japanese prints. We'll be back on board in Vernon late afternoon.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • Good walking shoes are recommended.
    • According to the weather, you may visit the American Museum of Giverny which exhibits Monet's paintings (extra charge of 4€).
    • Times are approximate.
    • The order of the visits can change.
    EXC_GIVERN

    Pre-paid: $104

    On-board: $115

    Packack
    excursions - 2025

    You will leave the boat by coach to travel to the home of Claude Monet. He lived in his Giverny home between 1830 and 1926. His passion for gardening and colors led him to conceive his flowers garden as a true art piece. He even said: "It took a while for me to understand my waterlilies... I grew them without thinking of painting them... A landscape doesn't sink in in one day... And all of a sudden the enchantments of my pond struck me. I took my palette. Since then, I've never had any other model." You can still feel the atmosphere that once reigned in the master of Impressionnism's house when visiting it. You will discover the pink facade while penetrating the garden. Inside, the artist's particular taste for warm tones will strike you, from the intensity of the blue he chose for his kitchen as well as his small living room, to the the yellow walls and furniture in the dining room, where you will also be able to see his private collection of Japanese prints. We'll be back on board in Vernon late afternoon.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • Good walking shoes are recommended.
    • According to the weather, you may visit the American Museum of Giverny which exhibits Monet's paintings (extra charge of 4€).
    • Times are approximate.
    • The order of the visits can change.
    EXC_GIVERN

    Pre-paid: $104

    On-board: $115

    Packack
    excursions - 2024

    We'll meet up with our guide and set off on our walking tour. Honfleur, 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 kept the landmarks of its rich past, making it today one of the most visited towns in France. We'll begin our tour at the Vieux Bassin, one of the most charming sites in the city. The narrow houses squeezed against each other are quite a unique sight. Next, we'll see Saint Catherine's Church, the largest wooden church in France. It was listed as a historical monument in 1879 and has been the subject of scrupulous research by many archaeologists and historians. We'll then head for the original 17th-century Salt Halls (Greniers à Sel), now used for exhibitions, conferences and concerts. Our tour will finish with a visit to Saint Léonard Church. Destroyed during the Hundred Years War, it was rebuilt at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries-only to be partially burned down again during the Wars of Religion. We'll return to our ship on foot.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • Good walking shoes are recommended.
    • For some cruises, this excursion can occur at night after dinner depending on the schedules of the Honfleur port.
    • In case the boat cannot moor in Honfleur because of navigation technical reasons, this excursion will be done by coach. Extra fee to pay on board : 10€.
    • The order of the visits can change.
    • Times are approximate.
    EXC_HONFLE

    Pre-paid: $43

    On-board: $49

    Packack
    excursions - 2025

    We'll meet up with our guide and set off on our walking tour. Honfleur, 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 kept the landmarks of its rich past, making it today one of the most visited towns in France. We'll begin our tour at the Vieux Bassin, one of the most charming sites in the city. The narrow houses squeezed against each other are quite a unique sight. Next, we'll see Saint Catherine's Church, the largest wooden church in France. It was listed as a historical monument in 1879 and has been the subject of scrupulous research by many archaeologists and historians. We'll then head for the original 17th-century Salt Halls (Greniers à Sel), now used for exhibitions, conferences and concerts. Our tour will finish with a visit to Saint Léonard Church. Destroyed during the Hundred Years War, it was rebuilt at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries-only to be partially burned down again during the Wars of Religion. We'll return to our ship on foot.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • Good walking shoes are recommended.
    • For some cruises, this excursion can occur at night after dinner depending on the schedules of the Honfleur port.
    • In case the boat cannot moor in Honfleur because of navigation technical reasons, this excursion will be done by coach. Extra fee to pay on board : 10€.
    • The order of the visits can change.
    • Times are approximate.
    EXC_HONFLE

    Pre-paid: $43

    On-board: $49

    Packack
    excursions - 2024

    We’ll leave by coach for a visit to the splendid Vaux-le-Vicomte Château. Nicolas Fouquet transformed the small castle he purchased in 1641 into the masterpiece it is today. To achieve this dream, he brought together architect Louis Le Vau, painter Charles Le Brun, and landscaper André Le Notre. The result is an unparalleled work of harmony and beauty.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • The order of the visits can change.
    • Times are approximate.
    EXC_VAUX

    Pre-paid: $161

    On-board: $179

    Packack
    excursions - 2025

    We’ll leave by coach for a visit to the splendid Vaux-le-Vicomte Château. Nicolas Fouquet transformed the small castle he purchased in 1641 into the masterpiece it is today. To achieve this dream, he brought together architect Louis Le Vau, painter Charles Le Brun, and landscaper André Le Notre. The result is an unparalleled work of harmony and beauty.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • The order of the visits can change.
    • Times are approximate.
    EXC_VAUX

    Pre-paid: $163

    On-board: $181

    Packack
    excursions - 2024

    Departure by coach with a guide to discover the mythical sites of the capital. Since its foundation as Lutèce on the Ile de la Cité, two thousand years of history have seen ecclesiastics, sovereigns and heads of state leave their mark on the city, building churches, erecting monuments and palaces, creating prestigious museums and outlining sumptuous perspectives. Its distinguished couturiers, perfumers and jewelers have strongly built up Paris's reputation for taste and elegance. A city of festivities, theaters and famous cabarets, Paris also glows from the sparkle and shine of its well-known revues. Our coach will take you past Bercy, the F. Mitterrand National Library, the Bastille, the Marais, the Latin Quarter, St Germain, the Louvre, the Pyramid, the Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme, the Concorde, the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Invalides, the Trocadéro and of course the famous Eiffel Tower. Return to the boat at Quai de Grenelle.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • The order of visits can change.
    • Times are approximate.
    EXC_PARIS

    Pre-paid: $108

    On-board: $120

    Packack
    excursions - 2025

    Departure by coach with a guide to discover the mythical sites of the capital. Since its foundation as Lutèce on the Ile de la Cité, two thousand years of history have seen ecclesiastics, sovereigns and heads of state leave their mark on the city, building churches, erecting monuments and palaces, creating prestigious museums and outlining sumptuous perspectives. Its distinguished couturiers, perfumers and jewelers have strongly built up Paris's reputation for taste and elegance. A city of festivities, theaters and famous cabarets, Paris also glows from the sparkle and shine of its well-known revues. Our coach will take you past Bercy, the F. Mitterrand National Library, the Bastille, the Marais, the Latin Quarter, St Germain, the Louvre, the Pyramid, the Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme, the Concorde, the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Invalides, the Trocadéro and of course the famous Eiffel Tower. Return to the boat at Quai de Grenelle.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • The order of visits can change.
    • Times are approximate.
    EXC_PARIS

    Pre-paid: $109

    On-board: $122

    Packack
    excursions - 2024

    We'll set out from the Quai de Grenelle for a stroll along the banks of the Seine. The banks of the Seine were added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1991. Come with us and discover the splendid sites and surprising points of view on each side of the river. You'll also learn about the complex relationship Parisians have had with their waterways since the Middle Ages. Throughout the centuries, the Seine has been used for transportation, commercial activities, energy production using floating windmills, cleaning animal skins, washing laundry, waste water dumping, and even drinking water up to the 19th century!
    All levels of walkers are welcome to join us and hear about the river's fascinating history. You can stay for one, two or even three hours with us, leaving the group when you want. You'll have a bus/subway ticket that you can use to return to the ship at any moment. Just ask your guide to point you in the right direction.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • Please note: You will have to return to the ship on your own using the combined transport tickets that are included in your cruise. The guide will not escort you on this return trip.
    • Times are approximate.
    • The order of the visits can change.
    • Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
    EXC_PARIS3

    Pre-paid: $90

    On-board: $100

    Packack
    excursions - 2025

    We'll set out from the Quai de Grenelle for a stroll along the banks of the Seine. The banks of the Seine were added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1991. Come with us and discover the splendid sites and surprising points of view on each side of the river. You'll also learn about the complex relationship Parisians have had with their waterways since the Middle Ages. Throughout the centuries, the Seine has been used for transportation, commercial activities, energy production using floating windmills, cleaning animal skins, washing laundry, waste water dumping, and even drinking water up to the 19th century!
    All levels of walkers are welcome to join us and hear about the river's fascinating history. You can stay for one, two or even three hours with us, leaving the group when you want. You'll have a bus/subway ticket that you can use to return to the ship at any moment. Just ask your guide to point you in the right direction.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • Please note: You will have to return to the ship on your own using the combined transport tickets that are included in your cruise. The guide will not escort you on this return trip.
    • Times are approximate.
    • The order of the visits can change.
    • Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
    EXC_PARIS3

    Pre-paid: $95

    On-board: $106

    Packack
    excursions - 2024

    We'll leave on foot for a guided tour of Rouen. The historic center of the city and its famous cathedral are only a 5-minute walk from the ship. Stretched along the Seine, Rouen is Normandy's cultural, historical, and gastronomical capital. The exceptionally complex Notre-Dame Cathedral is renowned for the juxtaposition of all the Gothic periods - especially on the facade, which Monet painted time and again, reflecting its glory in different lights. Destroyed during the Viking invasions in 841 and, partially, in 1944, by allied bombardments, the cathedral continues to be a perpetually evolving structure. We'll then head to the market place where Joan of Arc was burned alive for heresy in 1431. 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. Finally, we'll visit the Saint Joan of Arc Church. Located on the Old Market Place, this large monument's construction ended in 1979 and was built both in honor of the Saint as well as the heroine celebrated by the French on the second Sunday in May. We'll return to our ship on foot at the end of the afternoon.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • Good walking shoes are recommended.
    • This excursion will occur in the morning or in the afternoon depending on the schedules of the Honfleur port.
    • The order of the visits may change.
    • Times are approximate.
    EXC_ROUEN

    Pre-paid: $43

    On-board: $49

    Packack
    excursions - 2025

    We'll leave on foot for a guided tour of Rouen. The historic center of the city and its famous cathedral are only a 5-minute walk from the ship. Stretched along the Seine, Rouen is Normandy's cultural, historical, and gastronomical capital. The exceptionally complex Notre-Dame Cathedral is renowned for the juxtaposition of all the Gothic periods - especially on the facade, which Monet painted time and again, reflecting its glory in different lights. Destroyed during the Viking invasions in 841 and, partially, in 1944, by allied bombardments, the cathedral continues to be a perpetually evolving structure. We'll then head to the market place where Joan of Arc was burned alive for heresy in 1431. 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. Finally, we'll visit the Saint Joan of Arc Church. Located on the Old Market Place, this large monument's construction ended in 1979 and was built both in honor of the Saint as well as the heroine celebrated by the French on the second Sunday in May. We'll return to our ship on foot at the end of the afternoon.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • Good walking shoes are recommended.
    • This excursion will occur in the morning or in the afternoon depending on the schedules of the Honfleur port.
    • The order of the visits may change.
    • Times are approximate.
    EXC_ROUEN

    Pre-paid: $43

    On-board: $49

    Packack
    excursions - 2024

    The excursion begins with a visit of the Jumièges Abbey. Built in 654 when Christianity arrived in the region, and subsequently destroyed by the Vikings, the abbey was restored in the 11th century by their descendants. With the arrival of the Romantic period, the abbey became extremely well-known thanks to Victor Hugo who described it as the "most beautiful ruins in all of France”. During our visit we'll also discover the cloisters and the ruins of the Church of Saint Peter before visiting the Abbey of Saint Wandrille or Wandregisel (exterior only), a highly spiritual monument founded in the same century. The wonderful classical architecture of this abbey blends with the magnificence of its mediaeval heritage in perfect harmony. Unlike Jumièges, a congregation of Benedictine monks settled in this abbey in 1931 and has remained to this day, bringing the community to a substantial number. We'll return to the boat by coach.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • Good walking shoes are recommended.
    • Times are approximate.
    • The order of the visits can change.
    EXC_ROUTE

    Pre-paid: $122

    On-board: $136

    Packack
    excursions - 2025

    The excursion begins with a visit of the Jumièges Abbey. Built in 654 when Christianity arrived in the region, and subsequently destroyed by the Vikings, the abbey was restored in the 11th century by their descendants. With the arrival of the Romantic period, the abbey became extremely well-known thanks to Victor Hugo who described it as the "most beautiful ruins in all of France”. During our visit we'll also discover the cloisters and the ruins of the Church of Saint Peter before visiting the Abbey of Saint Wandrille or Wandregisel (exterior only), a highly spiritual monument founded in the same century. The wonderful classical architecture of this abbey blends with the magnificence of its mediaeval heritage in perfect harmony. Unlike Jumièges, a congregation of Benedictine monks settled in this abbey in 1931 and has remained to this day, bringing the community to a substantial number. We'll return to the boat by coach.

    PLEASE NOTE

    • Good walking shoes are recommended.
    • Times are approximate.
    • The order of the visits can change.
    EXC_ROUTE

    Pre-paid: $127

    On-board: $142



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