Paris to the Cote Fleurie River Cruise

Day 1

UK to Paris.
Making suitable refreshment stops we arrive in Paris late afternoon, where we board our ship. After comfortably settling into your cabins, you will be introduced to the crew at a welcome cocktail party. Enjoy dinner on board tonight.

Day 2

Paris.
After breakfast join us on a panoramic tour through Paris seeing many of the city’ legendary places, the Eifel Tower, the Arc de Triomph and Sacré Coeur. Return to our ship for lunch and afterwards spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful city at your own leisure. Tonight we enjoy a cruise through Paris by night (depending on the water level).

Day 3

Paris to Poissy to La Roche-Guyon.
This morning enjoy an optional (price not included) visit to the Palace of Versailles, which was the principal royal residence of France from 1682, under Louis XIV, until the start of the French revolution in 1789, under Louis XVI. The Palace is now a Monument historique and UNESCO World Heritage site, notable especially for the ceremonial Hall of Mirrors, the jewel-like Royal Opera, and the royal apartments; for the more intimate royal residences, the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon located within the park; the small rustic Hameau (Hamlet) created for Marie Antoinette; and the vast Gardens of Versailles with fountains, canals, and geometric flower beds and groves, laid out by André le Nôtre. The Palace was stripped of all its furnishings after the French Revolution, but many pieces have been returned and many of the palace rooms have been restored. You will return to the ship at Poissy. If you prefer not to visit the Palace of Versailles you can stay on board whilst the ship cruises along the Seine to Poissy. In the afternoon our ship cruises to La Roche-Guyon.

Day 4

La Roche-Guyon to Rouen.
This morning we spend cruise along the Seine to Rouen. In Rouen there is a cobbled pedestrian centre with medieval half-timbered houses. See the Gros-Hurloge (Great Clock), a 14th century astronomical clock installed in a renaissance arch. Visit the modern church of St Joan of Arc, a large modern structure which dominates the square. The building represents an upturned Viking boat and a fish shape. Opportunity to visit many of the museums (entrances fees not included) and there are many shops to browse.

Day 5

Rouen to Duclair to Caudebec-en-Caux.
We set sail early morning to Duclair. The optional excursion today will have you set off by coach from Duclair with our guide. This excursion begins with a visit of the Jumièges Abbey. We’ll also discover the cloisters and the ruins of the Church of Saint Peter before visiting the Abbey of Saint Wandrille (or Wandregisel to exteriors only) founded in the same century. The wonderful classical architecture of this abbey blends with the magnificence of its mediaeval heritage in perfect harmony. We return to our ship, which will then set sail for Honfleur. Tonight is our gala dinner evening.

Day 6

Honfleur.
Today enjoy a morning at leisure in Honfleur. Honfleur is located at the mouth of the Seine as it flows into the English Channel. Untouched by the passage of time, this small port has kept the landmarks of its rich past, making it today one of the most visited towns in France. See The Vieux-Bassin (old dock); the exceptional old harbour in the heart of the port, with distinctive high, narrow, timber-frame and slate-clad houses overlooking the dock from three sides. See the Maritime museum (entry extra); the Church of Saint-Étienne which has been turned into a historical museum on old Honfleur, where you will discover the fascinating story of explorers such as Roberval, who left for Canada in 1541. After lunch we will rejoin the coach and visit Trouville and Deauville.

Day 7

UK
We disembark our ship and return to home area making suitable refreshment stops en-route.

B=Breakfast Included, L=Lunch Included, D=Dinner Included