«Savoir Vivre» – Along the Seine to Normandy

Individual travel to Paris to the ship’s mooring point. We will be pleased to assist you with the booking. After embarkation, a welcome cocktail and dinner, it is time to «cast off»: we sail through the sea of lights of Paris, admire the illuminated Eiffel Tower, and then set course northwards for Normandy.

Late in the morning we reach Les Andelys. High above the Seine rises the imposing castle ruin of Château Gaillard, built at the end of the 12th century by Richard the Lionheart to protect Normandy; on the walk up to the castle, splendid views open out over the Seine valley and the picturesque village of Les Andelys. We then continue through the most charming scenery along the Seine, passing the impressive limestone cliffs of the Seine valley. By early evening we arrive in Rouen, whose picturesque old town invites you to enjoy an independent stroll before or after dinner.

Rouen, the city of a hundred church spires, welcomes us with its historic old town and the market square where Joan of Arc was burned 700 years ago. A guided city tour introduces you to the secrets of the Norman capital. The afternoon is at your disposal for independent exploration - or you may join the tour of the imposing fine arts museum, the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Later in the afternoon, it is once again time to «cast off»: the ship continues on to Caudebec-en-Caux. After dinner, an atmospheric evening of French chansons awaits you.

"Living like God in France" is the motto of our day excursion. We travel across the Pont de Normandie suspension bridge to the homeland of Calvados, Camembert and cider, and visit the enchanting harbour town of Honfleur with its late-Gothic wooden church and separate bell tower. Afterwards, we experience one of France’s most legendary culinary pairings. During a visit to a traditional distillery, you will learn more about the production of Calvados, from the apple harvest and distillation through to ageing in oak casks; a tasting provides a delightful finale to the visit. As an alternative to Honfleur, you may also join the day excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel. The journey takes you through the gentle green landscapes of Normandy and Brittany to Mont-Saint-Michel. The two-and-a-half-hour drive is more than rewarded by the first glimpse of this mystical World Heritage Site. You will discover the monastery, more than 1,000 years old, on one of the most beautiful hills in the world, before having time to explore the medieval village around the abbey entirely at your own pace.

In the morning, visit to the chalk cliffs of Étretat in Normandy. This spectacular coastal landscape is one of France’s best-known natural attractions; the striking rock arches of Porte d’Aval and Manneporte, together with the freestanding needle rock, shape the panorama and rise up to 90 metres above the English Channel. Along the well-maintained cliff paths, impressive views open up over the steep coastline and the sea. Around midday, the MS Excellence Royal departs and sets course for Paris. We spend the afternoon on board in a calm and relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by ever-changing views along the Seine.

As the floating grand hotel continues to glide towards its destination, we enjoy the comforts on board. In a relaxed atmosphere, the ever-changing river landscapes drift by – peaceful banks, small villages and wide fields, continually revealed anew in Normandy’s gentle light. After our arrival in Paris in the afternoon, there is of course time for an individual stroll.

After breakfast, we disembark and begin our individual journey home, filled with many wonderful impressions and unforgettable memories. If desired, the stay in Paris can be extended by 3 days with our special programme.

Hotel Bedford

MS Excellence Royal