Cruising the Seine - From Paris to Honfleur

Ferry to Calais and travel to St. Denis, where we board the A-ROSA VIVA for the start of our seven-night cruise. We enjoy a welcome dinner on board this evening.

We journey along the Seine to Rouen, the capital of Normandy. Known as ‘The Gothic City’, Rouen boasts some of the finest medieval architecture in the world including the jewel in the crown – the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. First constructed in the 13^th century, this gothic masterpiece was the muse of impressionist pioneer Claude Monet. It is said he was so inspired by its façade that it took him two years to even enter the cathedral for the first time! Why not explore the city today on a guided walking tour? Discover the legend of Joan of Arc, whose ashes were scattered in the Seine after she was burned at the stake, and learn how most of Rouen's half-timbered buildings, paved streets and churches were rebuilt after being heavily damaged in the Second World War.

Today we visit Honfleur, located directly at the mouth of the Seine into the English Channel, arguably one of Normandy's most charming towns. After a stroll through the cosy alleyways and along the harbour, be sure to visit a small Calvados shop to try the local brandy made from apples and sometimes pears. We then continue along the flowery coast to the picturesque Normandy village of Deauville, where we have the chance to marvel at the magnificent buildings located directly on the Atlantic Ocean during a short tour.

We arrive at Caudebec-en-Caux, a quiet town full of French charm, historic architecture and pretty riverside promenades. Take a relaxing stroll to the impressive Brottone Bridge and visit the beautifully preserved cathedral – the personal favourite of King Henry the IV of France. If you are interested in maritime history, a visit to the Museo Seine is well worth it. Alternatively, join our knowledgeable guide on a tour through the atmospheric alleyways of the Old Town, learning about local life as we meander past medieval half-timbered houses and cosy cafés up to a viewpoint for a better overview.

Built in just one year by King Richard the Lionheart in 1196, Les Andelys is one of the most picturesque ports on the Seine. Elevated on a hillside, the spectacular ruins of the Château Gaillard mark an imposing feature over the lower townships of Petit-Andely and Grand-Andely. From here, you can join the included guided walking tour or opt to visit the ancient Château de Vascooueil, known for its striking garden sculptures. Discover the exciting stories that this place has in store for you and explore Petit Andelys with the St. Savior Church. A side-trip up to the ruins of Château Gaillard rounds off the tour - the view over the Seine is stunning, winding through the surrounding verdant landscape.

We arrive in Vernon and have the opportunity to visit Claude Monet’s house and garden in Giverny, a magnet for art and culture lovers and those of a romantic inclination – and rightly so. The lovely house is filled with personal artefacts and artwork while outside, the highlight is the enchanting lily pond, the subject of one of the world’s most valuable paintings – what a view!

We sail from Vernon and arrive in Paris in the evening, concluding with a farewell dinner on board. There's also the chance to join an optional Paris by night tour, when the City of Love takes on its own unique charm after sunset. Discover its most important sights in the evening twilight – illuminated to perfection and a million miles away from the daytime hustle and bustle.

After breakfast, we disembark in St. Denis and head into the centre of Paris. We discover all of the must-sees during a fantastic city tour, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, the Louvre, the Palais de Justice, Les Invalides, the Notre Dame Cathedral and many more. There's time to discover the splendour of the Palace of Versailles too, an emblem of cultural majesty that has anchored the realms of political, artistic and social significance from the 17^th century onward. This architectural marvel, a pinnacle of Baroque artistry, is located just a stone's throw from Paris and was transformed from a modest royal hunting lodge by King Louis XIV. Explore the awe-inspiring gardens, opulent chambers and a rich tapestry of history that spans several centuries here, a vivid homage to the enduring legacy and magnificence of French royal power.

Later, we make our way to Rueil-Malmaison, where we check in to our hotel in time for dinner.

The day is free to spend as you please, whether you'd like to relax at the hotel, explore Rueil-Malmaison or head back into central Paris to discover more of the city and soak up the café culture.

We make our way back to Calais for our return ferry home, stopping to enjoy lunch at your leisure in the historic city of Lille.