Embark on a 10-day cruise aboard the MS Amalyra. Experience the highlights of Paris with a 2-night stay before setting sail on your Paris & Normandy river cruise. Paris radiates energy, while Normandy invites you with its breathtaking coastline, exquisite cuisine, and rich artistic heritage. Explore Monet's Gardens and the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur, both of which inspired the great Impressionists. Discover the "Routes des Abbayes," a journey through stunning monasteries, and visit the historic beaches of Normandy, the D-Day landings site. Immerse yourself in the opulence of Chateau de Bizy, known as "the Versailles of Normandy," and savor the perfect blend of culture, art, architecture, and natural beauty that defines Northern France.
Highlights
Explore Montmartre, Paris’s artistic hill and home to famous historical artists
Discover Rouen, a medieval city where Joan of Arc was martyred centuries ago
Uncover Paris’s hidden gems on a guided tour through the iconic city
Visit Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, see his water lilies and iconic garden landscapes
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive at your Paris hotel to kick off your Paris & Normandy adventure.
Day 2: Paris
1 Breakfast
Uncover Paris’s hidden gems on your guided tour through the iconic city. As a global hub for art, fashion, cuisine, and culture, Paris reveals its stories at every turn. Next, immerse yourself in the Atelier-Lumières, Paris’s "Workshop of Lights," where a vibrant multimedia exhibition brings renowned artists' masterpieces to life using 140 video projectors and an immersive sound system.
After checking out of your hotel, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists. For easy access to Montmartre, hop aboard the funicular railroad that ascends the hill. Montmartre’s most recognizable landmark is the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, constructed from 1876 to 1912. The white dome of this Roman Catholic basilica sits at the highest point in the city. Then, board the ship in Paris for your Paris & Normandy cruise.
Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys. After your adventures, set sail along the meandering Seine for a scenic cruise.
During your time in Le Havre, set out on an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice of a bike tour through Le Havre.
Day 6: Le Havre | Normandy Beaches | Caudebec-en-Caux
Experience the Normandy region with a variety of excursions. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and, finally, Arromanches. Alternatively, you can set out on a full day excursion to the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration in Caudebec-en-Caux, you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum.
Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. You also have the choice to go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour. Then visit Bonnemare Castle, a 16th-century architectural treasure lined with picturesque poplar trees.
Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. You have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades. Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside.
*PLEASE NOTE:Monet's Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Or enjoy the exquisite architecture of the Château de Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, also known as "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe." Active travelers may instead choose to pedal through Paris from the seat of their bike on a guided cycling tour. In the afternoon, experience the “City of Light” from a unique perspective when you board a modern river boat at the Port de la Bourdonnais, located on the banks of the Seine River near the Eiffel Tower. With exterior seating and viewing platforms, your one-hour cruise will be a dream come true as you glide along the river and underneath Paris’s ornate bridges. From the boat, take in panoramic views of the city’s iconic buildings and monuments, including the Musee d’Orsay and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Day 10: Paris | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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