The Seine, Paris and Normandy River Cruise

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Paris

  The journey begins in Paris, where you'll embark on the newly refurbished MS Jane Austen.

• Day 2: Les Andelys

  Les Andelys lies on the banks of the River Seine in the Haute-Normandie area of northern France. The town divides into two separate parts - Grand-Andely and Petit-Andely. Explore the ruined medieval castle Chateau Gaillard and Grand-Andely Notre Dame Collegiate Church. Pay a visit to the ancient Sainte Clotilde Miraculous Spring. Stroll around Saint-Saveur church and the narrow streets of shops, galleries, restaurants and half-timbered houses in Petit-Andely. Step back in time at Nicholas Poussin Museum and Normandie-Nieman Memorial Museum.

• Day 3: Rouen

  The port city of Rouen sits on the River Seine and is the capital of northern France's Haute-Normandie region. Tracing its routes back to the Roman era and the Middle Ages; the city's skyline is dominated by the spires of Cathedrale Notre-Dame. Explore the Gothic Saint-Ouen and Saint-Maclou churches and medieval half-timbered houses in the cobblestoned pedestrian centre. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Place du Vieux Marche in 1431 and her illustrious history is brought to life at Historial Jeanne d'Arc museum. Admire artworks by Rubens, Modigliani, Pissarro, Renoir, and Monet at Musee des Beaux-Arts.

• Day 4: Bayeux & Arromanches or Taste of Normandy

  Nestling on the Aure River is town of Bayeux. Take a stroll through Bayeux’s medieval centre to view the half-timbered houses and the Norman-Gothic Cathedrale Notre-Dame. Marvel at the famous Tapisserie de Bayeux on display in the 18th-century seminary and visit the Bayeux War Cemetery. Your next stop is the little fishing harbour of Arromanches where the D-Day Museum brings to life the town's part in the infamous Battle of Normandy and World War II. Admire the long line of white cliffs that run beyond the main beach and also the Church of Saint-Peter in the town centre. Pay a visit to the nearby D-Day Landing Beaches and the World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

• Day 5: Honfleur

  The charming port city of Honfleur sits at the confluence of the River Seine and the English Channel in northern France. Walk around the distinctive Vieux-Bassin harbour to explore the quaint 16th to 18th-century town houses and the wood-built Saint Catherine's Church. Stroll though the intriguing cobbled streets, window-shop at the stylish boutiques, and stop for a cup of coffee at one of the waterfront cafes. Venture up the hillside to admire the 17th-century Notre Dame de Grâce chapel or step back in time at Musee de Vieux Honfleur and Blockhaus de la Gare. Escape to the tranquil surroundings of Naturospace which is alive with tropical butterflies, birds, and plants.

• Day 6: Giverny & Vernon

  The home village of Claude Monet, Giverny, is located in the North West of France alongside Vernon. Pay a visit to Giverny Gardens to enjoy the peaceful beauty and surroundings that inspired Monet's artwork. See Claude Monet's home, a beautifully furnished building which offers an insight into Monet's life, or visit Musee Alphonse-Georges Poulain; the only place in the area where Monet's original work can be viewed. In Vernon, explore the medival history in the Collegiate Church of Our Lady and discover the local architecture at Maison du Temps Jadis.

• Day 7: Paris

  France's capital, Paris, is a global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. Its most famous landmark is the Eiffel Tower with steps and elevators leading to observation decks and offering spectacular citywide views. The Louvre Museum is packed with huge art collections, Roman sculptures, and is home to the iconic Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci. The huge Gothic Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris features flying buttresses and gargoyles. Pay a visit to the impressive Sacre Coeur and then meander through the cobblestone streets of Montmartre. The famous Arc de Triomphe commemorates Napoleon's victories and the adjoining Avenue des Champs-Elysees is lined with elegant restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The Palace of Versailles is an 18th-century palace filled with extraordinary apartments and the acclaimed Hall of Mirrors. No trip to Paris would be complete without taking an evening bateau-mouche cruise along the River Seine to see the city's famous sights illuminated against the night sky.

• Day 8: Return Home

  Disembark the ship after breakfast and begin your journey home.