Authentic Normandy: Charming Villages, Traditional Food, and Classic Sites (port-to-port cruise)

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After you’ve comfortably settled into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We’ll cruise along the Seine to take in enchanting Paris by night (water level permitting). We'll enjoy dinner on board and cruise through the night.

Morning spent cruising through the enchanting landscapes of the Seine’s meanders, where picturesque villages and limestone cliffs unfold along the water. Onboard, indulge in a tasting of Norman cheeses, emblematic of the regional terroir, renowned for their authenticity and rich flavors.

In the afternoon, optional excursion CLASSIC / DISCOVERY: Claude Monet's house and gardens. The famous Impressionist painter lived for forty-three years in his house in Giverny. This avant-garde artist is recognized as one of the creators of the Impressionist movement, making light the "main character" in his sublime landscapes. His long career and colorful works embody the shift from tradition to modernity. Between the famous artist's studio and his "water garden," visitors are swept away by the magic of the place, the moment, and the elements.

Nighttime navigation towards Caudebec-en-Caux.

Optional excursion CLASSIC / DISCOVERY: Normandy of Yesteryear: Charming Villages and Medieval Treasures (Lunch included). You will visit one of the most beautiful villages in France, Veules-les-Roses. Nestled since the 4th century in a valley that leads to the sea, it is one of the oldest villages in the Pays de Caux. A popular holiday destination in the 19th century, particularly for artists like Victor Hugo, its seaside and timeless streets will captivate you. Experience the authenticity of Normandy through its preserved landscapes and unique atmosphere.

Continue to Saint-Valéry-en-Caux, a charming seaside town on the coast of the Pays de Caux, offering two contrasting landscapes: on one side, a lush countryside, and on the other, a maritime facade framed by chalk cliffs and bordered by pebble beaches.

Next, visit the Catel Manor, a true medieval treasure nestled in the heart of the Pays de Caux. Dating back to the Middle Ages, this manor, considered one of the oldest in Normandy, offers a fascinating dive into medieval times with its remarkably well-preserved and authentic architecture.

As you pass through its gate, you will be transported to another era. The imposing stone facades, mullioned windows, and period beams are a testament to the craftsmanship of medieval builders. Its interior rooms, shrouded in mystery, immerse you in a world rich with history and local legends.

The manor is surrounded by a peaceful setting where ancient gardens and the landscapes of the Pays de Caux blend harmoniously. Visitors are invited to imagine the daily life of its former inhabitants through architectural details like monumental fireplaces, stone vaults, and nooks where history seems to have frozen in time.

A captivating immersion into the heart of medieval Normandy, where authenticity and heritage are revealed with every step.

Morning spent cruising towards Honfleur, along the peaceful meanders of the Seine. Admire the diversity of the riverbanks, from verdant valleys and picturesque villages to the unique light that inspired so many Impressionist painters.

In the afternoon, optional excursion CLASSIC / DISCOVERY: The Côte Fleurie. Revealed in the 19th century to a Parisian crowd enamored with seaside resorts and romantic landscapes, the Côte Fleurie has retained the grandeur of that era. Between the blue sea, lush countryside, and golden sands, this little paradise with its poetic name has inspired many artists, who enjoyed (in moderation) a delicious brandy known as Calvados... You will discover a string of seaside resorts, including Trouville and Deauville.

Visit the famous Château du Breuil distillery (2) in Normandy, where the art of making the prestigious Calvados is passed down from generation to generation. An unmissable visit to dive into the history and secrets of this emblematic spirit.

In the morning, optional excursion CLASSIC / DISCOVERY: Honfleur. You will be charmed by the city of painters with its picturesque alleys and its Old Harbor surrounded by narrow, tall houses. Stroll through the old neighborhoods of the town and discover the Salt Warehouses and the remarkable Sainte-Catherine Church, unique in France: entirely made of wood, with its separate bell tower.

In the afternoon, optional excursion CLASSIC / DISCOVERY: Lisieux, a town of character, and the discovery of a Norman château. Immerse yourself in the heart of Normandy’s heritage with a visit to Lisieux, the birthplace of Saint Thérèse. This charming town will captivate you with its rich history and iconic monuments, as you wander through its picturesque streets and are surprised by the authenticity of its half-timbered houses.

Your exploration continues at the Château de Boutemont (3), a typical gem of Norman architecture. With its elegant timber-framing, characteristic local stone, and enchanting setting, this 17th-century château, classified as a historical monument, perfectly embodies the authentic charm of Normandy.

Upon arrival, you will be charmed by the harmonious blend of its traditional structures and its French-style gardens, evoking the refinement and lifestyle typical of the region. The château, a proud witness to past centuries, retains its Norman soul intact: from exposed beams to period decorative details, every element tells the local history.

Its carefully designed park offers a stroll where the timber-framed architecture blends perfectly with the surrounding nature, creating a living picture of some of the most authentic Norman landscapes. Inside, the salons and reception rooms reveal a décor full of elegance and tradition, where the enduring legacy of the Norman family is still felt.

Immersing yourself in the history of Boutemont is a unique experience at the heart of Normandy, where heritage, typical landscapes, and timeless charm come together.

OR

Optional excursion AUTHENTIC / EXPERIENCE: The D-Day Beaches. Along the Normandy coast, you will discover the key sites of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944: Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, Colleville-sur-Mer with its American cemetery, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach. Continue to Arromanches, a famous battle site, and stop at the Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema, where you will watch the film The 100 Days of the Battle of Normandy. The images projected on nine screens come from British, Canadian, German, American, and French archives. The film retraces the period of the Battle of Normandy, from the landings on June 6, 1944, to the bombing of Le Havre, with intense historical narration and archival footage.

Nighttime navigation towards Rouen.

In the morning, optional excursion CLASSIC: At the heart of medieval Rouen. In the cobbled streets of Rouen, you will feel the medieval soul of the city, wandering through alleys where history seems frozen in time. A representative site of Rouen’s heritage, the Aître Saint-Maclou is a unique and historically rich location, a testament to past architecture and traditions. Discover its finely sculpted galleries and the timeless atmosphere that emanates from it. The mysterious ambiance of this place immerses you in the city's past, soaking you in the unique history of this historic site.

Continue your stroll through the old medieval district, from the Antiques Quarter to Rue Saint-Romain. Admire the charming half-timbered houses and let yourself be captivated by the remnants of Rouen’s rich mercantile past.

Or, optional DISCOVERY excursion: The Jeanne d'Arc Historial (4). You will visit the Jeanne d'Arc Historial, located in the heart of the archiepiscopal palace. Relive the key moments of Joan's trial through an immersive scenography that blends reconstructions, projections, and interactive narratives. Explore the places where she was judged and uncover the many facets of this iconic heroine through authentic testimonies and period documents.

Afternoon spent cruising down the Seine, passing through varied panoramas. Between pastoral landscapes, elegant castles, and lively riverbanks, let yourself be captivated by the serenity and richness of the journey to the capital. Gala evening.

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.