Excursions on the Seine

We'll meet up with our guide and set off on the tour on foot. Honfleur, the cradle of Impressionism, is located at the mouth of the Seine as it flows into the English Channel. Untouched by the passage of time, this small port has kept the landmarks of its rich past, making it today one of the most visited towns in France. We'll begin with Saint Catherine's Church, the largest wooden church in France. It was listed as a historical monument in 1879 and has been the subject of scrupulous research by many archaeologists and historians. We'll then set out for our coach tour of the Côte Fleurie, stopping for lunch on the way. Our first stop will be Deauville, one of the most prestigious seaside resorts in all of France. We'll stroll along the famous boardwalk, built in 1923. After, we'll continue on to the Château du Breuil. The Château du Breuil company produces its own cider, coming from a 100% natural fermentation. When the cider has reached its proper flavor, distillation can start and the process of making the quality Calvados begins. The tour will come to a close after enjoying a tasting, of course. We'll return on board.

PLEASE NOTE

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

We’ll be greeted by our guide for a tour on foot of the city. Honfleur, the cradle of Impressionism, is located at the mouth of the Seine as it flows into the English Channel. This fortified city played a very important strategic role during the Hundred Years' War. Commercial and maritime developments intensified during the 16th and 17th centuries, and shipyards became prominent here a century later. The tour will begin at the old port, the most charming area in the city. The narrow houses squeezed against each other are quite a unique sight. This tour has just one rule: enjoy! Next, we’ll see Saint Catherine’s Church, the largest wooden church in France. Then we’ll head to the salt warehouses, huge structures dating back to the 17th century. Our tour will wind up with a visit to Saint Léonard Church. Its Gothic-style entrance is a sight to behold.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.

Guided tour of Montmartre*. A hill that reaches a height of about 427 feet, located in the north of Paris, Montmartre has long been known as the premier artist's enclave in the city. Montmartre's most recognizable landmark is the bright-white Sacré-Coeur Basilica, constructed from 1875 to 1914. Inside the Roman-Byzantine style place of worship, the ceiling is decorated with the largest mosaic in France. From the top of the Butte Montmartre, you'll experience one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the capital.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• *Transport is not included for groups.

Guided visit of Paris. This tour of the city will bring you to some of the most important sites in the capital such as the Madeleine Church and the Louvre. Leaving from the Palais Royal, we'll walk through the unique Parisian covered walkways - pedestrian shortcuts with a life all to their own within the heart of the bustling city. Afterward, we'll return to the ship by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes for this excursion.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

This museum houses the largest collection of paintings by Claude Monet and provides an overview of how his work developed, from the first paintings of his youth to the water lilies, his mature works. (Museum closed on Mondays, in this case, visit of the Parc de l'Orangerie).

PLEASE NOTE

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

Departure by coach from the Trocadero for Saint-Germain-des-Pres following the Voie Triomphale. We'll pass the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées and the Place de la Concorde - locations just bursting with history. Take some time to stroll through the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood and discover the history, architecture, art, and everyday life of these legendary sites that have come to symbolize Paris. Built up around the former Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this neighborhood became the meeting place of intellectuals and philosophers, actors and musicians during the existentialist movement right after World War II. You can still sense the village-like ambiance in spots such as the street market on the rue de Buci. Closer to the Odeon, we'll discover many of the famous participants of the French Revolution, including Danton, Marat, and Dr. Guillotin. After our visit, we'll return to the ship by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes for this excursion.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Please note : for groups, transfer by coach is not included for excursions.

Discover the different sites where artists have created prestigious paintings such as Monet's Rouen Cathedral series, Pissarro's Pont Boieldieu in Rouen, Rainy Weather, and many, many others. You'll visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Rouen, which has the largest collection of Impressionist paintings outside of Paris, and many famous works by Monet and Sisley. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and holidays, though, and will be replaced by a visit to the Musée Eugène Boudin in Honfleur (stopover on Day 6).

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• This visit will take place in the morning or in the afternoon depending on the opening hours of the Honfleur port.
• During the months of June, July, August and September, you can watch the show "The Nights of the Impressionists." This is a 15-min show that is continuously broadcast starting at 10 p.m., 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. This is a projection of paintings and pictures of different artists on the facades of the Cathedral and the Museum of Fine Arts.

We’ll leave by coach for Troyes, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in France. During a guided tour, you'll be transported back through time as you admire the colorful, 16th-century, half-timbered homes; Renaissance-style manors; streets laid out during the Middle Ages; secret passageways; and intimate courtyards. The cathedral and several churches with hidden treasures sit majestically among this labyrinth of stone and wood. Troyes is a veritable kaleidoscope of history and colors. It is also the capital of the Champagne region and lies alongside some of the most famous vineyards in France. We'll stop for lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we'll continue along the Champagne Route, and discover the stunning landscapes mixed with forests, quaint villages, and vast vineyards. We'll visit a champagne producer and enjoy a tasting. After our tour, we will return on board the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• For optimal organization of your excursion, the order of the visits can be modified.
• Times are approximate and can change according to navigational conditions.

Join us for a guided tour of the Parisian passageways. You’ll leave by coach for a tour of the must-see sites in the French capital. Leaving from the Palais-Royal, we'll walk through the unique Parisian covered walkways—well-known short-cuts for the city’s inhabitants. During the holidays, the walkways are marvelously decorated to dazzle the eyes.

PLEASE NOTE

• Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• For optimal organization of your excursion, the order of the visits can be modified.
• Times are approximate and can change according to navigational conditions.
• If there is not a minimum of 14 participants, the excursion will be canceled or offered at a higher rate according to the number of participants (payment on board).
• For groups, transfer by coach for excursions is not included in cruise references PAM_PPGP-PAM_REPPGP-PAM_NOPPGP.

Enjoy a guided tour of Paris.* This excursion takes you to the most spectacular sites in Paris, including the Champs-Elysées, Palais Garnier, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Left Bank, Eiffel Tower and more! At the end of our tour, we'll return on board the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• *Transport is not included for groups.

Join us for a guided tour of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the cradles of Parisian culture. Take your time in the small bookstores, boutiques, and art galleries. Indulge in the best that France has to offer at the most exquisite pastry, chocolate, and wine shops! We’ll also stroll through the Grande Epicerie, an impressive showcase that will feed both your eyes and appetite. It’s a food-lover’s paradise! Our special treat during this tour will be a tasting gift box.

PLEASE NOTE

• For optimal organization of your excursion, the order of the visits can be modified.
• Times are approximate and can change according to navigational conditions.

Next stop: Père Lachaise Cemetery, one of the most famous resting places in the world. It might seem a bit of a macabre way to spend an afternoon, but because there are so many famous tombs, and such artistry in the graves, it becomes something like a visit to a museum. There are many graves here with famous “residents,” including Chopin, Moliere, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and of course, Jim Morrison.  

PLEASE NOTE  

• For optimal organization of your excursion, the order of the visits can be modified.  
• Times are approximate and can change according to navigational conditions.   

Travel through time in the heart of Paris: the Ile de la Cité. Once known as Lutetia, l’Ile was the predecessor of present-day Paris. Impressive remains of the ancient city can still be seen, of which Notre Dame, though bruised, still is the most famous symbol. As you stroll around the city, you can admire magnificent monuments bearing witness to a bygone era: the Sainte-Chappelle, the Conciergerie, the Palais de Justice as well as the Place Dauphine and the mythical Pont Neuf. You’ll be captivated by the history found on the banks of the Seine River and across its bridges.

PLEASE NOTE

• For optimal organization of your excursion, the order of the visits can be modified.
• Times are approximate and can change according to navigational conditions.

Set out for a guided visit of the Panthéon. The Panthéon’s iconic domed silhouette is perched at the top of the historic Latin Quarter. Designer Jacques-Germain Soufflot began work on the church in 1757. Since the days of the French Revolution, it has been the necropolis of many well-known French figures, including Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, Alexandre Dumas, and, most recently, Simone Veil.

PLEASE NOTE

• For optimal organization of your excursion, the order of the visits can be modified.
• Times are approximate and can change according to navigational conditions.

We’ll leave by coach for a guided tour of Barbizon, an idyllic village set on the edge of the forest surrounding Fontainebleau. The tranquil setting here attracted many 19th-century landscape painters. Their movement, the precursor of Impressionism, became known as the Barbizon School. The Auberge Ganne is where the artists gathered to inspire each other. It is now a museum celebrating this era in art history. The quaint village streets are lined with small homes, charming boutiques, interesting restaurants, and intriguing art galleries. After following the footsteps of famous artists such as Corot, Daubigny, and Millet on the “Painter’s Trail,” we’ll stop at the Auberge Ganne, a virtual time capsule that brings you back to the origins of the movement and the influence it had on the village and the art world. 

After our tour, enjoy some free time strolling through the village streets and browsing the boutiques, the workshops and galleries.

PLEASE NOTE

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

We'll leave by coach with our tour guide to discover all the legendary sites in Paris. Two thousand years have passed since the Romans began to turn the town of Lutetia into a city. Since then, many rulers, monarchs, and religious leaders have left their mark on the area—building churches, erecting monuments and palaces, and creating prestigious museums, including the Champs Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Opéra Garnier, and many, many more. Paris has a reputation for taste and elegance that comes largely from its high-end clothes designers, perfumers, and jewelers. The city also has a festive side with theaters, bars, and the glitz and glitter of its famous cabarets. This tour includes experiencing the holiday cheer found in the elaborate window displays found at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann. Each year since 1909, famous decorators show off their talents at Paris' largest department stores. Voyage through the magic surrounding Christmas with animated figures in captivating settings. Your tour guide will explain the fascinating history of these large department stores and their magnificent art deco embellishments, which have themselves become must-see sites in the city. Their architectural features—combining art nouveau, contemporary, and art deco styles—are considered museum-level masterpieces. Domes, glass ceilings, majestic staircases, and mosaics give an extraordinary grandeur to these shop-until-you-drop havens. We'll return on board the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• *Transport is not included for groups.

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.

We'll leave from Honfleur by coach for the beautiful Alabaster Coast, a natural heritage within the Pays de Caux and the estuary of the River Seine. We'll pass by Le Havre. The high white cliffs bordered by the beaches and stones were made famous by Impressionist paintings. As Guy de Maupassant wrote: "Nature has made these valleys; the rains of storms have ended with them in the shape of these ravines, trimming what was left of the cliff, excavating down to the sea, the bed of waters which acts as a passage for mankind.” Once in Étretat, we'll set out for a hike across the cliffs to bask in the landscapes that have been dramatically shaped by weather and erosion. Afterwards, we'll enjoy some free time to explore the city itself. At the end of our tour, we'll return to the ship by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.

We’ll leave at dawn by coach for a guided tour of the world-renowned Rungis produce market. This is where all fine French cuisine begins: at the largest fresh produce market in the world. The market is broken down into five sub-markets: fish, meat, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and flowers. To round out our visit, we’ll sit down to a delicious brunch. After our excursion, we will return on board the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate and can change according to the order of visits.
• Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.

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.

Set out on foot for an unequaled tour of the magnificent palace gardens. An alternative experience at Versailles will bring you face to face with groves, sculptures, thriving greenery, and abundant water sources. In 1661, King Louis XIV authorized André Le Nôtre to create a French-style garden that would be the envy of all in the great European courts through the 18th century. The Sun King took such great pleasure in exploring his gardens, he wrote a book explaining how to give tours of the immense grounds. This tour will follow the king’s recommendations, and your guides will let you in on the secrets and tales of this unique site—one of the most beautiful open-air museums in the world.

PLEASE NOTE

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

Departure by coach along with your host/hostess. We will cross Le Petit Andelys and pass by the St Sauveur Church (a 16th century church which still possesses a vintage organ). After 40 minutes' travelling through different villages along the Andelle (river running through the valley), we'll arrive at Château de Martainville. This château was built at the end of the 15th century by Jacques Le Pelletier, and bought by the State in 1906, then turned into a museum in 1961.
In 2 hours, learn about 500 years of rural Normandy history. Travel through the heart of Norman traditions (work suits, headdresses, jewelry, weavings), relive the past through the objects of everyday life (copper pans, pottery, baskets...). Discover the largest collection of Upper Normandy furniture, the "Famous Norman Wardrobes". Transfer back to Rouen at the beginning of the evening.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.

Departure by coach along with your host/hostess. We will cross Le Petit Andelys and pass by the St Sauveur Church (16th century church which still possesses a vintage organ). After 40 minutes' travelling through different villages along the Andelle (river running through the valley), we'll arrive at Château de Martainville. This château was built at the end of the 15th century by Jacques Le Pelletier, and bought by the State in 1906, then turned into a museum in 1961.
In 2 hours, learn about 500 years of rural Normandy history. Travel through the heart of Norman traditions (work suits, headdresses, jewelry, weavings), relive the past through the objects of everyday life (copper pans, pottery, baskets...). Discover the largest collection of Upper Normandy furniture, the "Famous Norman Wardrobes". Transfer back to Rouen at the beginning of the evening.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.

Departure by coach for a day trip to the landing beaches. Arrival at Pointe du Hoc, which was the scene of one of the landings on June 6, 1944. After our visit, we'll pass through Omaha Beach, Colleville sur Mer and its American cemetery. After lunch, we'll continue to Arromanches, site of the famous battle with its artificial port installed to allow the invasion of land troops and their equipment. We'll stop at Arromanches 360° where you'll be able to watch a film in its circular room. The Price of Liberty combines archived footage filmed in June 1944 by war correspondents with current shots on the same site. We'll get back to Honfleur via Gold Beach, Juno Beach (Gray sur mer- Courseulles sur Mer - St Aubin sur Mer) and Sword Beach (Ouistreham Lion sur Mer - Luc sur mer). Arrival in Honfleur in the early evening.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Pre-booking only, valid for a minimum of 30 participants.

Leave Honfleur by coach for the excursion to the Alabaster Coast, classified as a Natura 2000 site since 2009. This trip will be your chance to discover the natural heritage of the Pays de Caux and the Seine estuary. We will pass by Le Havre. The high cliffs of white chalk and stone beaches were popularised by the paintings of Claude Monet. The suspended valleys of the little coastal rivers, the Normandy bridge and Etretat, sights not to be missed bordering a coast that you will see in a fresh light after this trip. Marvel at the beauty of the Alabaster Coast and the diversity of its plant and animal life. Stop at Etretat. Once a fishing village, Etretat transformed itself into a seaside resort in the 19th century and became a place of inspiration for artists (Gustave Courbet, Eugène Boudin and Claude Monet), writers (Gustave Flaubert and Guy de Maupassant, Maurice Leblanc) and famous people (J. Michelet, F. Faure, the Queens of Spain, J. Bonaparte...). Etretat was the holiday spot of numerous famous opera composers and singers of the 19th century who had villas there or stayed there regularly in a comic-opera decor. The town has several remarkable chateaus, manor houses and villas, such as the Manoir de la Salamandre (a house admired by tourists and located in the main street near the hall), The Clos Lupin and the Château des Aygues which were the seaside residences of the Spanish queens Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies and Isabel II. Return by coach to Honfleur.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Good walking shoes are recommended. There is a 20min-walk between the parking lot and the cliffs (to and from).
• The stop in Etretat depends on suitable weather conditions.

You'll leave by coach with your tour guide to discover Le Havre, a major French port city on the English Channel. The city's reconstruction work, designed by Auguste Perret after its widespread destruction during World War II, has been lauded to the extent that it is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This distinction has brought Le Havre's long-disparaged architectural characteristics into a new spotlight. Now considered exceptional for its unity and integrity, the modern layout combines historical structures with newer visions of urban planning and building technologies. Many consider it a remarkable example of post-war architecture and planning based on the systematic adoption of modular frames and the novel use of precast concrete.
We can't talk about the city's architecture without mentioning its oldest building, Graville Abbey. The church built by Guillaume Malet de Graville is a Norman Romanesque masterpiece. Beautifully landscaped terraced gardens surround the abbey and offer a superb view of the estuary below.

PLEASE NOTE

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

Departure by coach in the company of your hostess for a visit to the Château de Versailles. Listed as a World Heritage Site for thirty years, the Château de Versailles is considered to be one of the finest achievements of French art from the 17th century. Louis XIII's former hunting lodge was transformed and enlarged by his son Louis XIV, who fixed the Court and government of France here in 1682. Until the French Revolution, one king followed another, each embellishing the Château in his turn. When you arrive, your guide will take you through the King's Grand Apartment. These seven successive rooms were intended to serve as a Parade Apartment, that is to say for the sovereign's official business. This is why it was decorated with the most splendid riches and based on the model of Italian palaces of the time. During daytime, it was open to all, French and foreigners, who came to see the king, and it was reserved for the Court three evenings a week. Afterwards, you'll go through the Hall of Mirrors, known in the 17th century as the "Great Gallery" and which was where courtesans would wait, meet or just pass through every day. This 75m-long, 10m-wide and 12m-high hall was designed by Mansart in. The principal feature of this hall is the seventeen mirror-clad arches that reflect the seventeen arcaded windows that overlook the gardens. You tour will end with a visit to the Queen's Apartments, where the Queen would host the ladies of the Court when she rose in the morning and granted private audiences. After visiting the Château, you will still have a little free time to discover the fabulous formal French gardens created by André Le Notre for Louis XIV. Return on board by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Pre-booking only. If the minimum of 25 participants isn't met, the excursion will be replaced with a visit to the Château de Malmaison.
• Flash photography is forbidden inside the Château.
• The Versailles Palace is closed on Mondays, visit to the Château de Malmaison instead.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

We'll leave on foot for a guided tour of Rouen. The historic center of the city and its famous cathedral are only a 5-minute walk from the ship. Stretched along the Seine, Rouen is Normandy's cultural, historical, and gastronomical capital. The exceptionally complex Notre-Dame Cathedral is renowned for the juxtaposition of all the Gothic periods - especially on the facade, which Monet painted time and again, reflecting its glory in different lights. Destroyed during the Viking invasions in 841 and, partially, in 1944, by allied bombardments, the cathedral continues to be a perpetually evolving structure. We'll then head to the market place where Joan of Arc was burned alive for heresy in 1431. The Gros-Horloge, or Great Clock, is one of the most emblematic monuments in the city. The Gothic belfry has housed the communal bells and clock of the city since its construction at the end of the 14th century. Finally, we'll visit the Saint Joan of Arc Church. Located on the Old Market Place, this large monument's construction ended in 1979 and was built both in honor of the Saint as well as the heroine celebrated by the French on the second Sunday in May. We'll return to our ship on foot at the end of the afternoon.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• This excursion will occur in the morning or in the afternoon depending on the schedules of the Honfleur port.
• The order of the visits may change.
• Times are approximate.

We'll meet up with our guide and set off on our walking tour. Honfleur, the cradle of Impressionism, is located at the mouth of the Seine as it flows into the English Channel. Untouched by the passage of time, this small port has kept the landmarks of its rich past, making it today one of the most visited towns in France. We'll begin our tour at the Vieux Bassin, one of the most charming sites in the city. The narrow houses squeezed against each other are quite a unique sight. Next, we'll see Saint Catherine's Church, the largest wooden church in France. It was listed as a historical monument in 1879 and has been the subject of scrupulous research by many archaeologists and historians. Our tour will finish with a visit to Saint Léonard Church. Destroyed during the Hundred Years War, it was rebuilt at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries-only to be partially burned down again during the Wars of Religion. We'll return to our ship on foot.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• For some cruises, this excursion can occur at night after dinner depending on the schedules of the Honfleur port.
• In case the boat cannot moor in Honfleur because of navigation technical reasons, this excursion will be done by coach. Extra fee to pay on board : 10€.
• 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.

The excursion begins with a visit of the Jumièges Abbey. Built in 654 when Christianity arrived in the region, and subsequently destroyed by the Vikings, the abbey was restored in the 11th century by their descendants. With the arrival of the Romantic period, the abbey became extremely well-known thanks to Victor Hugo who described it as the "most beautiful ruins in all of France”. During our visit we'll also discover the cloisters and the ruins of the Church of Saint Peter before visiting the Abbey of Saint Wandrille or Wandregisel (exterior only), a highly spiritual monument founded in the same century. The wonderful classical architecture of this abbey blends with the magnificence of its mediaeval heritage in perfect harmony. Unlike Jumièges, a congregation of Benedictine monks settled in this abbey in 1931 and has remained to this day, bringing the community to a substantial number. We'll return to the boat by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

We'll leave on foot for a guided tour of Rouen. The historic center of the city and its famous cathedral are only a 5-minute walk from the ship. Stretched along the Seine, Rouen is Normandy's cultural, historical, and gastronomical capital. The exceptionally complex Notre-Dame Cathedral is renowned for the juxtaposition of all the Gothic periods - especially on the facade, which Monet painted time and again, reflecting its glory in different lights. Destroyed during the Viking invasions in 841 and, partially, in 1944, by allied bombardments, the cathedral continues to be a perpetually evolving structure. We'll then head to the market place where Joan of Arc was burned alive for heresy in 1431. The Gros-Horloge, or Great Clock, is one of the most emblematic monuments in the city. The Gothic belfry has housed the communal bells and clock of the city since its construction at the end of the 14th century. Finally, we'll visit the Saint Joan of Arc Church. Located on the Old Market Place, this large monument's construction ended in 1979 and was built both in honor of the Saint as well as the heroine celebrated by the French on the second Sunday in May. We'll return to our ship on foot at the end of the afternoon.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.

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. Our coach will take you past Bercy, the F. Mitterrand National Library, the Bastille, the Marais, the Latin Quarter, St Germain, the Louvre, the Pyramid, the Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme, the Concorde, 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 the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Guided tour of the Château de Malmaison. Built in the 17th century, Joséphine de Beauharnais acquired this castle in 1779. In 1800, it became the headquarters of the government and a conference room. The library restores the industrious atmosphere by which Bonaparte enjoyed to be surrounded. The council room is shaped like a military tent where receptions, dances and country-style games took place. The musical lounge offers Josephine's "troubadour” paintings and her well-known harp for visitors to admire. Here, many paintings from these times are on display. After her divorce in 1809, Joséphine continued to live in her house, where she died in 1814. The Napoleonic museum was inaugurated in 1906; it is furnished, decorated and adorned with the paintings that Joséphine bought and loved. The charm and authenticity that have been preserved in this castle will certainly delight you. Return on board.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Excursion available on Mondays instead of the Versailles Palace and on any other day (except on Tuesdays) if the minimum of 25 participants isn't met for the excursion to the Versailles Palace.
• For groups who would like to choose this excursion on any other day instead of the Versailles Palace, the request should be made before the start of the cruise.

From Les Andelys, we'll walk to the Château Gaillard. Come discover this ruined medieval castle and its gorgeous views overlooking the small city of Les Andelys and one of the loveliest bends in the Seine. Construction of the castle began in 1196 under Richard the Lionheart, who was both King of England and Duke of Normandy. The complex and advanced-design castle was expensive to build, yet the majority of the work was done in an unusually short time.
After our hike and visit, we'll return to the ship by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• The Château Gaillard is closed on Tuesdays.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.