See the sights of Paris and Northern France on a Seine River Cruise:
River Baroness - Courtesy Uniworld
If enjoying the sights of Paris, cruising on the Seine River and the opportunity to explore the Normandy coast sounds appealing, a Paris and Normandy Seine River Cruise may fit the bill.
Several river cruise companies offer a 7-night cruise to the Normandy coast. Although the cruise names sound similar and they all start in Paris and sail up to Normandy, there are major differences in their itineraries so it’s important to take a close look to ensure that you’re choosing the right cruise.
CroisiEurope for example goes to Honfleur and back and their cruise does not feature the Normandy Beaches. Avalon spends half a day on Normandy’s D-Day landing beaches. Uniworld and Viking are the two cruises that spend a full day visiting the historic beaches of Normandy. In addition, Uniworld takes passengers to the Bayeux Tapestry Museum where you’ll be able to see the amazing medieval tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings and King Harold’s demise.
Don’t base your decision on the price alone as some cruises include more comprehensive sightseeing than others and they may include more and a better quality on-board benefits.
Avalon – Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches
CroisiEurope – Paris to the Normandy Coast
Uniworld – Paris and Normandy
Viking – Paris and the Heart of Normandy
Below is a sample itinerary taken from Uniworld’s 7-night cruise “Paris and Normandy” on their River Baroness.
This Seine cruise should be particularly appealing for travellers and history students who have an interest in the history of battles and wars. You’ll be able to see D-Day memorial sites commemorating the 6 June 1944 Normandy Beach Landing, see the Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Battle at Hastings and in Rouen, the site of Joan of Arc’s martyrdom.
But, the battlefield tours is only the icing on the cake, all passengers on this cruise will enjoy the incredible scenery of Northern France’s countryside, including Monet’s Giverny. And for art lovers, visiting the villages and homes of the Impressionists will certainly thrill.
| DAY AND DESTINATION | ACTIVITIES |
| 1 Paris | Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and transfer to ship. |
| 2 Les Andelys | Walk to Château Gaillard, Richard the Lionheart’s stronghold, built to protect the Duchy of Normandy from the French King Philip II. |
| 3 Rouen (Normandy Beaches)
| Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum to see the incredible Bayeux Tapestry which depicts the Battle of Hastings. Full day at Normandy Beaches where you can learn all about the famous 6 June 1944 D-Day Invasion by the Allied Forces during WWII. See the American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer, the Allied landing sites at Omaha Beach and Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches. |
| 4 Rouen | This is Joan or Arc’s town. A walking tour of Rouen takes in all the sights of the town, including the stunning Gothic Cathedral, the Medieval quarter, the Ros Horloge and the Vieux Marche where Joan of Arc was burned. |
| 5 Caudebec (Honfleur) | After crossing the Majestic Normandy Bridge, you’ll travel overland to Honfleur, a charming French harbour town that’s been immortalized in many paintings by artists like Claude Monet and Gustave Courbet. |
| 6 Vernon (Giverny) | Visit Monet’s home and his famous gardens with the much painted Japanese bridge, weeping willows and water lilies. |
| 7 Paris | Paris sightseeing |
| 8 Depart Paris | Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Charles de Gaulle. |
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