The Classic Normandy and the Loops of the Seine ¿ Charming Villages, Gourmet Discoveries and the Armada de Rouen (port-to-port cruise)

Departure by coach from Caudebec to Veules-les-Roses, a village listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France." You will begin with a walk along the shortest river in France, which winds its way through the village. The stroll will allow you to discover the charming thatched cottages, old watermills, and flower-filled gardens. After the guided tour, some free time will give you the opportunity to wander through the picturesque alleys and explore the village's artisanal shops.

After arriving in Saint-Valéry-en-Caux, a delightful seaside resort where the sea meets the countryside, you will enjoy lunch in a pleasant setting.

In the afternoon, embark on a guided walking tour that will take you through the old Saint-Valéry with its charming streets and lively harbor. The tour includes a visit to the exterior of Henri IV's house, a historic building that is an emblematic landmark of the town. Let yourself be enchanted by the authentic atmosphere of this maritime town, steeped in its rich historical past.

The exploration continues at the Manoir du Catel, dating back to the 13th century. Surrounded by high Normandy embankments planted with century-old beech trees, this oldest manor in Upper Normandy, though weathered by the passage of time, was primarily a place where, until the 17th century, the monks of Fécamp came to administer justice. It is not without emotion that you will discover an exceptional collection of graffiti etched into its walls, created by the condemned while awaiting their execution.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Mandatory pre-booking

This tour takes you to the heart of  Rouen, where its medieval past is felt at each street corner.  Plunge into French history as we stroll through the antiquarian district and the old draper’s neighborhood, down the Rue Damiette and Rue Saint Romain lined with half-timbered homes. We’ll visit the unique Ossuary of Saint-Maclou, an off-the-beaten-path site that is filled with haunting beauty and a grim past.

PLEASE NOTE

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

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.

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.

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. On this tour, accompanied by your guide, take in the highlights of the capital, including the Latin Quarter, St Germain, the Opéra Garnier, 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.

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.