Combine time in France’s marvelous capital with discoveries of quaint towns along the Seine and in the picturesque Normandy region. Embark in Paris, sailing to Vernon, for a choice of guided visits to either Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or magnificent Bizy Castle. On to Joan of Arc’s historic Rouen, where you choose between an included excursion to the poignant Normandy landing beaches or a fascinating “Taste of Normandy.” Continue to Les Andelys with the Château Gaillard, built by England’s King Richard the Lionheart in 1196, and enjoy guided sightseeing or a visit to the château. In Conflans choose between a visit of Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s elegant Château de Malmaison before heading back to Paris. During your last day on the Seine, a Local Expert will show you some of the famous sights, such as the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower and much more.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Paris, France (Embarkation). Welcome to Paris, France’s capital on the River Seine, the “City of Light,” where romance fills the air. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception at 6 pm. During dinner, your ship glides smoothly out of Paris. (D)
Day #2 Vernon. This morning during breakfast arrive in Vernon and later choose between a guided visit of Claude Monet’s house and stunning gardens at GIVERNY or a visit of BIZY CASTLE with its magnificent courtyard. There’s plenty of time to discover delightful Vernon on your own this afternoon or simply relax on board. (B,L,D)
Day #3 Vernon - Rouen. During the night the Avalon Creativity leaves for Rouen, the capital of Upper Normandy. This important commercial city is perhaps best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, who lived, was imprisoned, and burned at the stake in the marketplace of this town in 1431. Enjoy the guided walk through the medieval quarter with its half-timbered, glazed-tile houses, and take your pictures of the Gros Horloge, an intricate Astronomical Clock dating back to the 16th century. The splendid gothic CATHEDRAL was once the tallest building in the world and the subject of a series of Claude Monet’s paintings. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own, or you can join an optional excursion to the pretty coastal town of Honfleur. (B,L,D)
Day #4 Rouen. Make your choice today of an included excursion to the historic NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES—with poignant sites such as Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery—or a “TASTE OF NORMANDY” for a more in-depth look at this picturesque, mainly agricultural region. The most important products are dairy, apples, and grain. Camembert cheese is a specialty, as is Calvados, a strong apple brandy. Thoroughbred horses are also reared here. This evening enjoy a Normandy dinner featuring specialties of the region, as you depart Rouen and head for Les Andelys. (B,L,D )
Day #5 Les Andelys - Conflans. During the night your ship arrives in Les Andelys. Here one of most dramatic sights along the Seine is imposing Château Gaillard, built by England’s King Richard the Lionheart in 1196, and truly a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. Explore this delightful small town or visit the CHÂTEAU with a Local Expert before departing for Conflans. (B,L,D)
Day #6 Conflans - Paris. After breakfast, the choice is yours: either join our guided excursion to AUVERS-SUR-OISE, the quaint little town where Vincent Van Gogh lived and died, or to Napoleon and Josephine’s CHÂTEAU de MALMAISON just outside Paris. Requiring extensive renovations, this large country estate was purchased by Josephine Bonaparte in 1799 while Napoleon was fighting in Egypt. It was her aim to make it “the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe, a model of good cultivation.” This evening arrive in Paris.(B,L,D)
Day #7 Paris. Paris’ famous sights are living history. This morning's included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife. An optional outing to one of the world’s most famous cabaret shows, the Moulin Rouge, might make the perfect finale to your Seine cruise vacation. (B,L,D)
Day #8 Paris (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
