Explore the historic sites of France’s capital city - visit the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees and enjoy cruising alongside the city’s great landmarks marvellously illuminated at night.
As we cruise from Paris through the Seine valley to the Normandy Coast enjoy the charms of Paris, delightful little villages along the river, proud abbeys that lend the Seine a spiritual dimension and the attractions of the main cities of Normandy. As we sail to Vernon you have the chance to visit the Claude Monet foundation at Giverny.
We offer a range of interesting shore excursions including a guided tour of Historic Rouen, with a visit to the old marketplace where Joan of Arc was burned, and Honfleur, a superb old fishing port city situated at the mouth of the Seine, which has barely changed since the 17th century.
Or follow the ‘route des Abbayes’ with the ruins of the most beautiful French abbeys and romantic landscapes that captured the imagination of 19th century poets and artists. You may also choose to visit the chateau of Vascoeuil where art, history and nature come together in perfect harmony.
.
PCN - Paris and Normandy River Seine Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 - Paris (France)
Embark between 6 and 7pm in Paris. Enjoy and welcome drink in the lounge before dinner on board. This evening we depart to cruise through the marvelously illuminated Paris by night (water level permitting).
Day 2 - Paris
After breakfast on board, explore Paris. Perhaps enjoy an optional half day guided tour with highlights including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Champs Elysees or an optional guided stroll along the banks of the Seine and over the bridges of Paris. Enjoy lunch on board, before spending the afternoon at leisure in this magnificent city. There is an additional optional excursion - a tour of Paris in a vintage 2CV. Dinner on board. Remain moored overnight.
Day 3 - Vernon
This morning we cruise towards Vernon, which we will reach at about 12:30 pm. Lunch on board. In the afternoon, there is an optional visit to the Claude Monet foundation at Giverny. The pink house with its green shutters, patiently restored, reveals aspects of the painter's daily life. As you wander round the house and gardens, you will see his huge studio, flooded with the light that he so cherished, the blue parlour, the yellow dining room, and especially the famous flower garden and the Japanese-inspired water garden. Back on board for dinner.
Day 4 - Duclair
Arrive in picturesque Duclair. There is an optional guided excursion “La route des Abbayes” (the Abbey Road).
Day 5 - Honfleur
Arrival in Honfleur depending on the tides. This morning, perhaps enjoy an optional excursion to the "Cote Fleurie" stopping in Deauville and continuing to the Chateau du Breuil before tasting Calvados. This afternoon will be devoted to the optional guided tour of Honfleur. There is a third optional excursion - trip to the Normandy Landing Beaches with lunch provided (must be pre-booked and subject to a minimum of 30 passengers).
Day 6 - Rouen
The ship departs early this morning, and we breakfast as we cruise through this superb valley whose variations in light inspired the Impressionist painters and poets. We will pass under the superb Normandy Bridge and lunch on board, before arriving in Rouen at about 2pm. This afternoon there will be an optional guided tour of Rouen, during which you will see, amongst other things, the Cathedral, the town's historic quarters, and the Old Market Place where Joan of Arc was burnt alive. Back on board for dinner.
Day 7 - Rouen - Les Andelys
After breakfast, we depart towards Les Andelys, passing through the famous Amfreville lock, arriving around midday. Lunch on board. This afternoon, enjoy an optional visit to the Martainville castle which today is the museum of Norman arts and traditions, or walk to Chateau Gaillard. Gala dinner on board. Evening cruising.
Day 8 - Paris
Arrive in Paris at about 8am and disembark.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary