Day 1: London to Paris
We travel on the afternoon Eurostar to Paris today, where we are picked up by coach and transferred to our hotel.
Day 2: France’s romantic capital city
This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city covering all the main landmarks, including the Louvre, with its dramatic glass Pyramid, and the Arc de Triomphe, the magnificent monument built to commemorate France’s army victories. This afternoon is free to explore Paris at your own pace. You may choose to walk up to Montmartre to see the incredible views of the city or marvel at the beautiful works of art in the Musée d’Orsay. Alternatively, take a stroll down the Champs Elysées and indulge in a spot of window-shopping. This evening we board our floating hotel and over dinner we enjoy a magical cruise through the city. (B,D)
Day 3: Paris to Rouen
This morning we cruise north, passing through the picturesque towns of Conflans St. Honorine and Vernon to Les Andelys, dominated by the evocative ruins of Richard the Lionheart’s Château Gaillard. This afternoon you have the option to discover the lovely Château de Vascoeuil, a famous centre of art with a sculpture park in its extensive gardens. The boat sails to Rouen during the afternoon, where we are moored overnight. After dinner you have the chance to join an optional guided walking tour of the historic city best-known for its connection to Joan of Arc. In the Place du Vieux Marché, situated in the centre of the Old Town, is the modern church which bears her name, and the form of the building represents the pyre on which she was burnt. A huge cross stands on the spot where she perished in 1431. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Honfleur and the Normandy coast
This morning is spent in Honfleur, either exploring under your own steam or enjoying an optional guided tour of the main sights. Honfleur is a beautiful port, with a thriving bay full of multi-coloured fishing boats and crooked streets lined with picturesque old houses. This afternoon you have the chance to enjoy an optional excursion by coach along the picturesque coastline of Normandy, travelling to Trouville and Deauville, also known as the ‘Côte Fleurie’. These two fashionable resorts sit next to each other only a few miles up the coast, and both are well-known for their miles of golden sand and glamorous visitors. The tour returns to the boat with a stop on the way at a Calvados distillery, providing the opportunity to do some tasting and maybe buy a bottle or two. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Cruising back
We sail back towards Paris today, enjoying lunch on board. The countryside in this area is beautiful, and has inspired many artists over time, so relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we wend our way upstream. This afternoon we recreate the atmosphere of a nostalgic ‘guinguette’, with music and dancing, followed by a gala dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Homeward bound
We cruise into Paris over breakfast and disembark for our Eurostar to St Pancras International. (B)
Your cruise ship
The cruise is on one of CroisiEurope’s cruise ships. All the cabins have a shower/wc, air conditioning, satellite television, hairdryer, safe and picture window. There is also a large sun deck, a comfortable lounge/bar and a separate restaurant.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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