La Belle France: Paris, Normandy & The River Seine

Paris – Conflans – Rouen – Le Havre – Caudebec-en-Caux – Les Andelys – Vernon – Paris
(8 days / 7 nights)

Lüftner River Cruises – Ms Amadeus Diamond

Starting cruise rate: EUR 1,099 per person
Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1: Paris / Departure – Welcome Dinner
This afternoon, embark the vessel and get settled into your cabin. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a specially prepared Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Conflans – In the Steps of Vincent Van Gogh & Impressionist Inspiration
Arrive in Conflans, at the confluence of the Oise and the Seine. Visit the little town of Auvers-sur-Oise, an inspiration to many of the famous Impressionist masters, including Cezanne, Pissarro and Daubigny. The most famous of these artists is Vincent van Gogh, whose final resting place is located here. Visit Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh lived in a very simple and small room only lit by sky light. Inspired by the picturesque site with its inhabitants and surroundings, Van Gogh painted close to 80 canvases here, which come alive in the winding streets of the village.

Day 3: Rouen – The City of 100 Spires
This morning we reach Rouen, often called the “Ville musée” (Museum Town). If you enjoy museums, visit one of the many art, history, and antiquities museums scattered through the city. Visit the cathedral that inspired Claude Monet and the modern Church of Joan of Arc with its magnificent 16th-century stained-glass windows. See the “Gros Horloge,” the astronomical clock, and the Parliament of Normandy. Also in Rouen is the “Place du Vieux Marché”, the site where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. This afternoon venture down the romantic “Abbey Trail” for a view of countless churches, castles, and abbeys.

Day 4: Le Havre – Walking Tour of the Cliff Paths of Étretat
Although the harbor of Le Havre was greatly destroyed in World War II, it was rebuilt and continues to be an important port city in Normandy. Explore the Normandy coastline with a walk along Ètretat’s cliff-top paths for a view of steep chalk rocks with impressive needle-like formations, which have inspired many well-known artists. Nearby, is the city of Honfleur, where the Seine meets the Atlantic. This harbor town is considered as a jewel on the Côte Fleurie and is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Day 5: Le Havre > Caudebec-en-Caux – World War II History
Today, join us on a fascinating Norman journey, a land of farmlands, beaches, towns. It is a land with a rich culinary tradition, based on its fine local produce like world-famous cheeses and apples from which cider and the brandy Calvados are made. Normandy also boasts many historic landmarks, such as the Normandy landing beaches and the city of Arromanches, the closest harbour linked with the liberation of Western Europe after D-Day. At the end of this excursion, re-join the ship in Caudebec-en-Caux.

Day 6: Les Andelys > Vernon – Monet’s Garden
Today, your vessel anchors in the little town of Les Andelys in the shadow of Chateau Gaillard, the one-time home to Richard the Lionheart. Relax in town or venture farther afield to nearby Giverny, home to Impressionist Claude Monet, until his death in 1926. The beautiful surroundings and vivid flora were inspiration for some of his most famous works. Return to the ship in Vernon for lunch. Round out your Normandy experience with a visit to the spectacular Palace of Versailles. Originally a small hunting lodge, the palace was extended to its current size by the “Sun King” Louis XIV and is now one of Europe’s largest palaces. On-board, the Captain’s Gala Dinner is a wonderful finish to a fantastic day.

Day 7: Paris – City Tour Paris
In the early morning, it is once more “Bienvenue” to the French capital. Explore the sights of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the bustling Champs-Élysées. Another interesting area to explore is quirky artists’ district of Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur, located on the highest hill in northern Paris. As an alternative, you can also join an excursion to the Palace of Versailles, the sumptuous, grandiose and opulent palace of Louis XIV, which became the architectural manifestation of absolute monarchy in France (only bookable in advance).

Day 8: Paris / Arrival & Farewell
After breakfast, we bid you “Adieu” and hope to see you again soon!