This Seine cruise from Paris is ideal for art and history lovers. Artists for centuries have found inspiration from the charming towns and villages along the Seine.
Many favourite Impressionist works come to life as you visit Giverny, Honfleur and Les Andeleys. Spend a day visiting the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, the site of the D-Day Invasion by Allied Forces during World War II, or drive to Bayeux where you can see the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
See the beautiful gardens at Claude Monet's home, stroll through the medieval town of Rouen and explore the romantic city of Paris.
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Paris and Normandy Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Paris (France)
Fly from the UK to Paris. Meet your representative on arrival and transfer to the port to embark Joie de Vivre.
Day 2 - Les Andelys
In 2018, travel by bus or bicycle to Monet's home in Giverny and stroll through the gardens where you can see the Japanese bridge and Water Garden. Later, perhaps hike up to Chateau-Gaillard for amazing views over the Seine. Welcome Gala Dinner this evening. Note: Giverny will be closed during the October and November departure dates. Instead of Giverny, guests will visit Versailles Gardens. In 2019, visit Chateau La Roche-Guyon overlooking the Seine before heading to the home and gardens of Claude Monet. Alternatively, head into the French countryside on a guided bike ride from Vernon to Giverny.
Day 3 - Rouen
Enjoy a walking tour of Rouen with stops to sample some delicacies of Normandy, including white cider and Camembert, or go golfing (2018 only) at Rouen’s Mont-Saint-Aignan 18-hole course for the chance to play in a beautiful setting. For guests booked onto a 2019 Generations cruise, there is a tour of Rouen's Great Clock.
Day 4 - Caudebec-en Caux
Journey through the lovely Calvados countryside to enchanting Honfleur to see why impressionist painters came to paint its beautiful scenery. Alternatively, play at Golf d’Étretat, perched on the clifftops for a memorable experience. For guests booked onto a 2019 Generations cruise, there is a visit to a tropical centre, home to exotic flora and fauna, followed by mini golf.
Day 5 - Rouen
Visit the American airborne forces’ landing beaches at Utah and Omaha beaches with a trip to Sainte-Mère-Église, the first town in France to be liberated, and its airborne museum. Alternatively journey to the Canadian landing beaches at Juno Beach and see the exhibit at the Canadian Centre, or travel to Bayeux to view the famous 11th-century tapestry. All groups will meet up at the American Cemetery and Memorial for a special remembrance ceremony. For guests booked onto a 2019 Generations cruise, there is a visit to Omaha Beach to learn about the D-Day invasion of WWII.
Day 6 - Versailles
From Mantes-la-Jolie travel to opulent Versailles to tour the royal apartments, the magnificent Hall of Mirrors and walk the fountain-filled gardens. Another option is to visit Château de Malmaison, once home to Napoleon’s first empress, Josephine, who created world-famous gardens here. For guests booked onto a 2019 Generations cruise, there is a visit to Versailles Palace and gardens.
Day 7 - Paris
Today’s panoramic tour of Paris features all the top sights, with a stop at Luxembourg Gardens for a more intimate perspective of Parisian life. Or, "Do as the Locals Do" on an expertly tour of the lively Latin Quarter and Île de la Cité, the historic centre of Paris and the site of Notre Dame Cathedral. For those who are more active why not join the guided bicycle ride along the Seine. For guests booked onto a 2019 Generations cruise, there is a treasure hunt at Louvre Museum.
Day 8 - Paris - UK
Disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.