“Savoir Vivre” – Along the Seine to Normandy

Individual journey to Paris and to the ship’s mooring point. In the early evening, we meet for a welcome cocktail, followed by dinner.

In the late morning, we reach Les Andelys. High above the Seine rises the imposing 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 town of Les Andelys. We then continue through the most charming scenery along the Seine, passing the impressive limestone cliffs of the Seine valley. In the early evening, we arrive in Rouen, whose picturesque old town invites you to enjoy an individual stroll before or after dinner.

Rouen is the enchanting capital of the Haute-Normandie region. In the morning, the tour guide shows us and explains the historic old town with its market square, picturesque secular and sacred buildings, as well as the late Gothic cathedral rich in sculpture. The afternoon is free for individual discoveries, or you may join the guided tour of the Museum of Fine Arts in Rouen, especially renowned for its extensive Impressionist collection featuring paintings by Claude Monet. A chanson evening is also planned in Rouen.

“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 little harbour town of Honfleur with its late-Gothic wooden church and separate bell tower. We then experience one of France’s most legendary culinary pairings. During a visit to a traditional distillery, we learn more about the production of Calvados, from the apple harvest and distillation through to ageing in oak casks; a tasting provides a delightful conclusion to the visit.

In the morning, we visit the chalk cliffs of Étretat in Normandy. This spectacular coastal landscape is among France’s best-known natural attractions; the striking rock arches Porte d’Aval and Manneporte, as well as 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 unfold over the steep coastline and the sea. Around midday, the MS Excellence Royal sets off and heads 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 ambience, the ever-changing river landscapes drift by - quiet banks, small villages and wide fields, each revealing itself anew in Normandy’s gentle light. After our arrival in Paris in the afternoon, there is of course time available for an individual stroll.

After breakfast, we disembark and begin our individual journey home, filled with many wonderful impressions and unforgettable memories of the trip. If desired, the stay in Paris may be extended by taking part in the optional extension programme, allowing for even more impressions to be gathered.

Hotel Bedford

MS Excellence Royal