La Belle France: Paris, Normandy and the River Seine

Embark this afternoon in Paris, the romantic City of Light. After unpacking, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a specially-prepared Welcome Dinner.

Arrive early in the morning in Conflans-St.-Honorine, at the confluence of the rivers Oise and Seine. Join a guided tour to the little town of Auvers-sur-Oise, a charming French town with narrow laneways, shuttered homes and the scent of roses guiding your exploration. It is not hard to see why the town was an inspiration to many Impressionist masters, including Cezanne, Pissarro and Daubigny. The most famous of these artists is Vincent van Gogh, whose final resting place is here. Depart late this afternoon.

This morning, join a walking tour of the capital of the Normandy region and visit the cathedral that inspired Claude Monet, and the modern Church of Joan of Arc with its magnificent 16th century stained-glass windows. This afternoon, go back to the 17th century by visiting Le Pressoir d‘Or, a typical farmhouse where you can taste cidre and view the orchard cellar and the museum dedicated to the old apple press.

Afterwards, there is enough time left to visit Lyons-la-Forêt, known as one of the most beautiful villages of France, situated 30 km east of Rouen, in a beautiful forested setting in Normandy. Late this afternoon, the vessel departs as it continues northward.

The harbor of Le Havre is your convenient base for two optional land explorations. This morning, opt for a tour to the nearby city of Honfleur, with its picturesque old harbor lined with 16th—18th century townhouses. After lunch, explore the Norman coastline on a walk along Étretat‘s cliff-top paths for a view of the steep chalk rocks with impressive needle-like formations. On board your AMADEUS vessel this evening, enjoy the music of local chanson singers.

Today, join us on a full-day Norman journey. Experience a combination of rich culinary traditions and historic landmarks including the closest harbor linked with the liberation of Western Europe after D-Day — the city of Arromanches with its remnants of World War II Mulberries. Or choose an excursion to Fécamp, a seaside resort and home to Le Palais Bénédictine, which produces the famous liqueur. The vessel departs after dinner this evening.

Today, there are several choices for the day’s adventures. Relax in little town of Les Andelys or venture farther afield to the remains of the English king’s stronghold: Château Gaillard. Continue to Giverny, to visit the home of Impressionist Claude Monet and the beautiful gardens which were inspiration for several works of art. Indulge in a delightful lunch on board before embarking on an excursion to Château de Malmaison, the former residence of Joséphine and Napoleon Bonaparte, to immerse yourself in the privacy of the Imperial couple. After you rejoin the ship in Mantes-la-Jolie later this afternoon, your ship continues to Paris. This evening enjoy the music of local chanson singers.

In the early morning, it is once more “Bienvenue“ to the French capital. Explore the sights of the Eiffel Tower and the bustling Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most famous commercial streets, during a morning city tour. Later in the day, join us as we delve into the allure of Montmartre, an eternal muse for creativity and expression, located on the highest hill in northern Paris. From its cobbled streets and quaint cafes to its iconic Sacré-Coeur, Montmartre offers a unique experience that transports visitors back to the ”La Belle Époque“ era.

After breakfast, your AMADEUS crew bids you “adieu” and we hope to see you again soon!