The glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the night sky, romantic couples walking hand in hand along the banks of the Seine and chic locals walking the runway that is the Champs Elysees are just some of the images conjured when thinking about Paris. Over the next three days you have the opportunity to discover this magnificent city whilst staying at one of our luxurious city central hotels.

Marvel at some of the city’s most iconic sights including the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe and learn about the city that is one of the most visited in the world, as your Tour director shares tales of Paris during a panoramic city tour. Alternatively, explore the Bohemian district of Montmartre and step back in time as you traipse the winding cobblestone streets of the district that has been home to many famous artists for centuries. 

This afternoon is your chance to immerse yourself into the Parisian way of life with a free afternoon of exploration.

After breakfast, board your luxurious ship, where you will be welcomed on board by our friendly crew excited to share an unforgettable cruise along the magnificent waterways of France.

Enjoy the opulent amenities of your floating hotel as you glide peacefully through the Île-de-France region to Les Andelys.

Join a hike to visit King Richard the Lionheart’s Château Gaillard, or journey to Lyons la Forêt, one of the most beautiful villages of France, and visit a local farm to sample cider, the region’s specialty. Alternatively, join your local guide for a walking tour of the quaint village of Les Andelys, or take a bicycle tour through this beautiful village, set on the banks of the Seine.

This region is also the gateway to the historic Western Front, and this afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to gain fascinating insights into the Somme battlefields and learn about what life was like for a soldier during WWI with a fascinating lecture.

After dinner, a local patissier will come on board with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure.

Enjoy a walking tour of Rouen, the capital of the Normandy region. Take in the famous sites relating to Joan of Arc, and admire the city’s half-timbered houses and the historic Rouen Cathedral.

Get a glimpse of what the Somme battlefields might have been like for those caught up in this terrible World War I battle, which claimed the lives of more than 150,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers. You may choose to visit the Australian National Memorial, containing the Sir John Monash Centre as well as the Caterpillar Valley Memorial, dedicated to the New Zealand citizens who perished during the Battle of the Somme. Or, you may choose to visit the Lochnagar Crater, the Newfoundland memorial park and the Thiepval memorial. Alternatively, stay in Rouen and explore the collection of impressionist paintings, including masterpieces by Renoir and Monet, at the Museum of Fine Arts which was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte.

Relax on board this morning as you cruise toward the open waters of the English Channel.

Explore Honfleur on a guided walking tour,  with its quaint architecture, relaxed coastal atmosphere and colourful fishing boats bobbing on the water. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the beautiful La Côte Fleurie region on France’s northern beaches and discover dashing Deauville, playground of the rich and famous.

Back on board, kick up your heels on the dance floor as a fabulous local swing band performs the best of the 1920’s in the Panorama Lounge tonight.

Walk the historic Normandy beaches, the site of the D-Day landings, before visiting the Landing Museum at Arromanches. Take a moment to reflect on the momentous impact of that day: as you look out from your hilltop position above Omaha Beach, you’ll be struck by the somber ambiance surrounding the 9,387 graves of the Normandy Cemetery. Or visit the Juno Beach Center, a museum that focuses on the Canadian war effort. Alternatively, learn about the history of a different era and visit Bayeux including its famous Tapestry, a hand-embroidered masterpiece that depicts the tales of the Norman conquest of England and dates back to the 11th century.

Visit Fécamp and its mighty palace. Situated in spectacular surroundings, the city’s natural setting contrasts perfectly with its architectural centerpiece, the Benedictine Palace. Afterward visit the beautiful seaside town of Étretat, sitting proudly between dramatic rock faces. With steep limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically towards the emerald waters of the English Channel below, the beauty of the Alabaster Coast will leave you breathless. Or, travel to the hilltop village of Bolbec and view fabrics at the fascinating Textile Museum before visiting a traditional Normandy farm nearby.

For the more adventurous, join a guided cycling tour to the charming village of Villequier and visit the Victor Hugo Museum to learn more about the famous French writer.

In a location rich in visual treasures, it’s easy to understand why this region of France inspired beautiful paintings by many of history’s most famous artists.

Visit Giverny and Monet’s former residence and gardens. Many of the artists most famous art works were inspired by this impressive location, or get your heart pumping on a self-guided cycle through Vernon to Giverny where you have the opportunity to visit Monet’s garden.
After exploring these spectacular gardens you may feel inspired to join a painting class on board this afternoon.

Built into a steep rock face overlooking the Seine River and the small village bearing the same name, Château de La Roche-Guyon is a sight to behold. Experience the opulence and grandeur of yesteryear as you enjoy a classical concert performed by the region’s most reputable musicians. The Château dates back to medieval times and you’ll be sure to have fond memories of this experience for many years to come.

Cruise to the charming medieval town of Conflans, with it’s distinctive barge houses docked within reach of the quaint main square.

Discover the charms of Auvers-sur-Oise and see Vincent van Gogh’s room, or step inside the magnificent Chantilly Castle for a guided tour of this remarkable château, set amidst beautiful parklands. Alternatively, visit the great stables on the grounds of Chantilly, essentially a palace for the horses living on the estate. The stables also house a museum dedicated to the relationship between man and horse throughout time.

After a leisurely afternoon of cruising, the evening will see us returning to Paris, the ‘City of Light’, and you’ll have the chance to view the beautiful illuminated skyline, and the soaring Eiffel Tower.

Today it’s your choice to either spend time exploring France’s most celebrated city, or embark on a discovery beyond the city limits.

Walk through the trendy Marais district with a resident expert and hear tales that only the locals know, or admire the extravagance and grandeur of the famous Opera Garnier on a guided tour. From the ornately decorated theatre to the opulent chandeliers and the ceiling painted by Chagall, the interior of this building will take your breath away. Alternatively, you may wish to explore beyond Paris and tour the 17th century estate of Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, Louis XIV’s inspiration for Versailles Palace.

With remarkable attractions at every turn, enjoy time at leisure this afternoon to explore Paris and create your own unique memories.

Your trip concludes after breakfast as you disembark and transfer to Paris airport.