Gastronomy of the Seine

Les Andelys

Les Andelys

On our first morning, you can enjoy sailing along the Seine as the landscape glides by. You'll quickly get used to this luxurious sightseeing experience as we pass the town of Mantes-la-Jolie with its imposing church – so large and architecturally impressive it could be a cathedral.

Beyond Mantes, we'll encounter another typical feature of the Seine as it flows seaward – picturesque chalk cliffs, almost resembling a giant’s teeth. Beautiful villages like La Roche Guyon slide by, surrounded by bocage countryside of lush pastures and high hedgerows, countless cider orchards, half-timbered barns and ancient wooden farmhouses. We’re truly in the heart of one of France’s historic and stunningly attractive dukedoms – Normandy. 

Château Gaillard

While you’re enjoying your first delicious lunch, the captain has skilfully berthed at Les Andelys, a small town dominated by one of the most spectacular sights along the entire valley – Château Gaillard. This afternoon we discover the story behind this remarkable castle. The remarkable Château Gaillard guards the apex of the river bend and was built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century to defend Rouen from the French.

Besieged many times during the turbulent history of northern France, Château Gaillard is now one of the most dramatic ruins in the region. 

La Ferme des Ruelles

Leaving Château Gaillard, we'll head to a charming Normandy farm. For over 30 years, this beautiful farm in the heart of the Normandy countryside has been producing delicious apple juice, sparkling apple wine, jellies and compotes, vinegar, aperitif, and cider brandy. Here,  we'll uncover the secrets of why this region is an ideal apple-growing haven and immerse ourselves in the Normandy way of life. Our visit will culminate in savouring their delectable apple-based creations, accompanied by an array of terrines and rillettes.

Included experience: Visits to Château Gaillard and La Ferme des Ruelles, with tasting.

Rouen

Rouen

We'll awake in Rouen, Normandy’s capital, one of Europe’s finest medieval cities and the scene of many momentous events over the centuries. Pride of place on our guided tour of the city is its stunning Gothic cathedral. Instantly recognisable to art lovers, the cathedral was immortalised by Monet in a series of 28 paintings which depicted the facade at varying times of day and in different weather conditions. It was also briefly the world’s tallest building when the soaring spire was added in the 19th century. The cathedral is also known for its statue, which reputedly contains the heart of Richard the Lionheart.

Rouen’s beautifully tangled alleyways are a revelation, lined with antique shops, tasteful boutiques and, of course, countless restaurants serving exceptional local cuisine emphasising the country’s outstanding gastronomic heritage. The Place du Vieux-Marché is one of the city’s most poignant spots; a large cross marks the point where the ‘Maid of Orléans’ Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for her beliefs.

Afternoon on board

During another superb lunch, we'll cast off to navigate through yet more twists and turns, chalk cliffs and a landscape of forest-covered hills that are designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty and sanctuaries for diverse wildlife, including deer and wild boar. Another highlight of the valley soon greets us – the ethereal ruins of Jumièges Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, it was consecrated in the presence of William the Conqueror and was an important political and religious centre until it was sacked in the 16th century.

Join our chefs in the lounge for a cooking demonstration to learn more about baking tarte tatin (French Apple Tart) as we sail through the beauty of the Normandy countryside, passing apple orchids that have existed since the 8th century.

Caudebec-en-Caux

In the late afternoon, we'll moor in the pretty town of Caudebec-en-Caux.

Tonight, enjoy another French delicacy during our Champagne reception. We'll sip on bubbly grown and produced in some of the world's most coveted vineyards and châteaux in France's Champagne region while listening to the laid-back tones of a guitarist singing traditional French melodies - the perfect way to end our day. 

Included experiences:

Guided tour of Rouen, onboard cooking demonstration and Champagne reception with a performance by a French musician.

Bayeux & Arromanches

Bayeux

After breakfast you’ll be ready for a full-day tour exploring two of the most important aspects of European history – the Bayeux Tapestry and the D-Day landings. (Please note lunch is not provided today.)

Bayeux itself is a delightful town with a historic core that escaped the ravages of war, so you can marvel at its many splendid buildings including the grand Gothic cathedral. But, of course, Bayeux is most famous as the home of the tapestry telling the story of the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066 in glorious detail. Among its 75 scenes are the coronation of Harold following the death of Edward the Confessor and his subsequent demise at the Battle of Hastings, which led to William of Normandy invading England and becoming king.

The 230-foot-long tapestry is made up of nine panels of extremely delicate embroidery – gazing at its wonderful depictions of the battle and the period’s architecture, weapons and everyday life, you’ll appreciate why the Bayeux Tapestry is arguably the finest relic of the Middle Ages.

Arromanches

This afternoon we drive to Arromanches, where you will have free time for lunch. Then enjoy a visit to a museum dedicated to the ‘longest day’ where you can still see remnants of the two Mulberry harbours constructed for the landing craft.

Leaving Arromanche, we continue to the British Normandy Memorial – unveiled in 2021, the 77th anniversary of the D-Day landings. From here you have best point of view to Gold Beach, one of the five main landing sites on D-Day, when Allied forces surged into Normandy to begin the liberation of occupied Europe. Casting your eyes across the sand to the water’s edge, it’s sobering to consider that on 6 June 1944 around 25,000 British troops came ashore on this one beach with 400 killed by the defenders. We will then drive back to the ship moored in Caudebec.

After a day recalling such momentous events and the stories surrounding them, thoughts turn again to the culinary delights awaiting you in the refined comfort of the ship’s restaurant.

Included experiences:

Visit to the Bayeux Tapestry and the D-Day Normandy Beaches.

Honfleur

Honfleur

Honfleur is often regarded as the most picturesque spot on the northern French coast, and after breakfast we make the short journey to this delightful town and enjoy a guided tour. Its old harbour, sheltering both fishing boats and luxurious pleasure craft, is beautifully preserved and surrounded by a perfect waterfront of pastel-coloured 16th- to 18th-century houses, many converted to seafood restaurants.

Watch the talented artists capturing the captivating views along the waterfront, while the intricate maze of streets behind is also well worth discovering. The eaves of the tall half-timbered buildings almost touch, and on the streets below is an abundance of traditional shops selling antiques, books and fine foods. Honfleur’s most famous son is Eugene Boudin, one of the forerunners of Impressionism and a friend of Claude Monet, who also painted the harbour many times.

During our walking tour, we'll stop at Honfleur's oldest crêperie. Here, we'll taste the thin rolled pancake that has been popular in the French-speaking world for at least seven centuries. Sitting to eat, you can enjoy your choice of crêpe with sweet caramel, jam, chocolate, butter or sugar, made to order. Alternatively, you could try a local speciality - a galichot - which is a mixture of a pancake and a blini, offering the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Whichever you choose, you can wash it down with a glass of cider local to the area.

Afternoon Sailing

After returning to the ship for lunch, we’ll slip our mooring and begin our passage back upstream, retracing the river’s winding course, its huge variety of wildlife, enchanting scenery and forests, all reflected in differing colours in the sparkling waters. Villages slip by, birds glide on thermals rising from the surrounding cliffs and, as this ever-changing kaleidoscope slips by, it’s an ideal opportunity to join new friends for a chat. Squeeze in a spot of reading on the Sun Deck or simply recline, letting the gentle breezes lull you into a relaxing doze.

By this stage of your cruise, you’ll be totally unwound, and modern life will seem very distant.

Included experience:

Guided tour of Honfleur and tasting at a historic crêperie.

Giverny & Bizy Castle

Giverny

One of the great delights of river cruising is the magical sensation of waking up in a different place from where you were the night before. This morning the ship has moored in delightful Vernon, and we take the short drive to Giverny to visit Monet’s garden and house.

The artist himself called his garden his ‘most beautiful masterpiece’, and it’s certainly one of the world’s most photographed and painted, ideally viewed in the delicate morning light. In the Japanese-inspired water garden, shaded by great weeping willows and surrounded by bamboo, rhododendrons and azaleas, is the lily pond where he painted his extraordinary Les Nymphéas (Water Lilies) series. There’s ample time to wander here, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere while marvelling at the light bouncing off foliage of every hue and the magical reflections dancing off the water.

Bizy Castle

After another leisurely lunch on board, we'll take a short drive to Bizy Castle. This classic château, built in 1740, is said to have been inspired by Versailles. Its previous owners include Louis XV, the Duke of Penthièvre, King Louis Philippe and Joseph-Napoléon Bonaparte - the older brother of Napoleon. During our visit, we'll break into smaller groups to enjoy a tour of the salons, adorned with carved wood panelling and souvenirs from the Bonaparte Family, offering a glimpse into life as the owner of this historic château.

We'll also find out about the 750 different apple varieties grown in Normandy and what makes this region the best place to grow apples for cider during an interactive wine-tasting experience. Then sample some world-renowned Norman cheeses such as the nutty Livarot, smooth Pave d'Auge and soft and creamy Camembert while you learn more about how they're made and why they're awarded an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée.

Back onboard, we'll embark on our cruise to Mantes-La-Jolie. As the sun sets on the shimmering Seine and the Norman countryside recedes into dusk, it’s a perfect time to reflect on your few days cruising among the creamy chalk cliffs and charming villages of this splendid river.

Included experience:

Visit to Claude Monet's house and guided tour of Bizy Castle with cider and cheese tasting.

Auvers-sur-Oise

Morning Sailing

A leisurely start to the day begins with a typical French brunch onboard, including an array of pastries, breads and jams. If you’d like to stretch your legs this morning, there’s time for a stroll through Mantes-La-Jolie to see the church. Dating back to the 12th and 13th century, you may have spotted this Gothic building as we sailed and it’s even more impressive up-close. Then sit back and soak up the views as we sail back towards Conflans-Sainte-Honorine. A comfortable sun lounger awaits on deck to watch the world go by, or chat over a cup of tea in the lounge whilst the river vistas silently drift past the panoramic windows.

Auvers-sur-Oise

After lunch, we'll drive through the sleepy bocage countryside, a green landscape of lush pastures and high hedgerows to the captivating village of Auvers-sur-Oise, which has welcomed and inspired a host of famous artists through the centuries. Cezanne, Pissarro and most notably Vincent Van Gogh, who famously shot himself and was buried here in 1890, all drew inspiration from this picturesque spot with Van Gogh describing the little town as ‘seriously beautiful’. During a guided tour with a local expert, visit the elegant Château d'Auvers, a historic Louis XIII-style building, with all the style and ambience associated with 19th-century Impressionism where you can immerse yourself in the history of this world-renowned period. After a tour of its splendid interior, stroll the blissful gardens, admiring the perfumed blooms, manicured hedges and cooling fountains.

This evening it’s time for another highlight in the elegant restaurant with the Chef’s Dinner, during which the chef presents a magnificent menu with local specialities. After dinner, head to the lounge and bar to enjoy a musical performance by a local French accordionist.

Included experiences:

Guided tour of Auvers-sur-Oise and performance by a French accordionist.

Return home

Return home

After breakfast, we’ll disembark our ship and return home.

Château Gaillard & cider farm

Morning sailing

You can enjoy a leisurely start to the day beginning with a typical French brunch onboard, including an array of delicious pastries, breads and jams. Today, you’ll be treated to a picturesque morning sailing along the Seine as the landscape glides by. You'll quickly understand why this luxurious mode of travel is so popular as we pass the town of Mantes-la-Jolie with its imposing church – so large and architecturally impressive it could be a cathedral.

Beyond Mantes, we'll encounter another typical feature of the Seine as it flows seaward – picturesque chalk cliffs, almost resembling a giant’s teeth. Beautiful villages like La Roche Guyon slide by, surrounded by bocage countryside of lush pastures and high hedgerows, countless cider orchards, half-timbered barns and ancient wooden farmhouses. We’re truly in the heart of one of France’s historic and stunningly attractive dukedoms – Normandy.

Château Gaillard

By noon the captain has skilfully berthed at Les Andelys, a small town dominated by one of the most spectacular sights along the entire valley – Château Gaillard. This afternoon we’ll discover the story behind this remarkable castle. Château Gaillard guards the apex of the river bend and was built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century to defend Rouen from the French.

Besieged many times during the turbulent history of northern France, Château Gaillard is now one of the most dramatic ruins in the region.

La Ferme des Ruelles

Leaving Château Gaillard, we'll head to a charming Normandy farm. For over 30 years, this beautiful farm in the heart of the Normandy countryside has been producing delicious apple juice, sparkling apple wine, jellies and compotes, vinegar, aperitif, and cider brandy. Here, we'll uncover the secrets of why this region is an ideal apple-growing haven and immerse ourselves in the Normandy way of life. Our visit will culminate in savouring their delectable apple-based creations, accompanied by an array of terrines and rillettes.

Included experiences:

• Visit to Château Gaillard
• Visit to La Ferme des Ruelles, with tasting

Rouen

Rouen

We'll awake in Rouen, Normandy’s capital, one of Europe’s finest medieval cities and the scene of many momentous events over the centuries. Pride of place on our guided tour of the city is its stunning Gothic cathedral. Instantly recognisable to art lovers, the cathedral was immortalised by Monet in a series of 28 paintings which depicted the facade at varying times of day and in different weather conditions. It was briefly the world’s tallest building when the soaring spire was added in the 19th century. The cathedral is also known for its statue, which reputedly contains the heart of Richard the Lionheart.

Another place of historic importance, and one of the city’s most poignant spots, is the Place du Vieux-Marché. Here, a large cross marks the point where the ‘Maid of Orléans’ Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for her beliefs.

Rouen’s beautifully tangled alleyways are a revelation, lined with antique shops, tasteful boutiques and, of course, countless restaurants serving exceptional local cuisine emphasising the country’s outstanding gastronomic heritage. While la tarte tatin has become the stuff of the culinary legacy, less paid attention to is la tarte normande. It may not have the pedigree of a tarte tatin, but its creamy custard base makes it a mouth-wateringly homey and comforting dessert - well worth a try if you get the chance while you're exploring the city. Another Riviera favourite, and a speciality of Rouen, is the mirliton, a delicious tartlet filled with cream with notes of almonds, lemon and oranges - it's even more delicious than it sounds! 

Afternoon on board

During lunch, we'll cast off to navigate through yet more twists and turns, chalk cliffs and a landscape of forest-covered hills that are designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty and sanctuaries for diverse wildlife, including deer and wild boar. A highlight of the valley soon greets us – the ethereal ruins of Jumièges Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, it was consecrated in the presence of William the Conqueror and was an important political and religious centre until it was sacked in the 16th century.

Join our chefs in the lounge for a cooking demonstration to learn more about baking tarte tatin (French apple tart) as we sail through the beauty of the Normandy countryside, passing apple orchids that have existed since the 8th century

Caudebec-en-Caux

In the late afternoon, we'll moor in the pretty town of Caudebec-en-Caux.

Tonight, enjoy another French delicacy during our Champagne reception. We'll sip on bubbly grown and produced in some of the world's most coveted vineyards and châteaux in France's Champagne region while listening to the laid-back tones of a guitarist singing traditional French melodies - the perfect way to end our day.

Included experiences:

• Guided tour of Rouen
• Relax onboard with an afternoon of sailing
• Onboard cooking demonstration
• Champagne reception with a performance by a French musician

Normandy Beaches

Normandy Beaches

After breakfast, you'll be ready for a full-day tour exploring one of the most important aspects of modern European history – the D-Day landings. (Please note lunch is not provided today.)

Our first visit of the day will be to Ranville Cemetery - the resting place of 2,152 British soldiers, as well as hundreds of WWII soldiers from Canada, New Zealand, Germany, and France. We'll see Pegasus Bridge - which was captured on D-Day, securing the eastern flank of the Allied invasion's landing zone.

We'll then drive on to Omaha Beach, the site of the bloodiest battle of the Allies' D-day invasion - when Allied forces surged into Normandy to begin the liberation of occupied Europe. Casting your eyes across the sand to the water's edge, it's sobering to consider that by the end of 6 June 1944, around 34,000 Allied troops had landed on this one beach, with around 770 US soldiers killed by the defenders.

Later, we'll stop to pay our respects at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of 9,389 of the US military dead, most of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations. At the centre is the bronze statue, “Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves” - a poignant tribute to the brave young soldiers who lost their lives so far from home. We will then drive back to the ship moored in Caudebec.

After a day recalling such momentous events and the stories surrounding them, thoughts turn again to the culinary delights awaiting you in the refined comfort of the ship's restaurant.

Included experiences:

Visit to the D-Day Normandy Beaches

Honfleur

Honfleur

Honfleur is often regarded as the most picturesque spot on the northern French coast, and after breakfast we make the short journey to this delightful town and enjoy a guided tour. Its old harbour, sheltering both fishing boats and luxurious pleasure craft, is beautifully preserved and surrounded by a perfect waterfront of pastel-coloured 16th- to 18th-century houses, many converted to seafood restaurants.

Watch the talented artists capturing the captivating views along the waterfront, while the intricate maze of streets behind is also well worth discovering. The eaves of the tall half-timbered buildings almost touch, and on the streets below is an abundance of traditional shops selling antiques, books and fine foods. Honfleur’s most famous son is Eugene Boudin, one of the forerunners of Impressionism and a friend of Claude Monet, who also painted the harbour many times.

During our walking tour, we'll stop at Honfleur's oldest crêperie. Here, we'll taste the thin rolled pancake that has been popular in the French-speaking world for at least seven centuries. Sitting to eat, you can enjoy your choice of crêpe with sweet caramel, jam, chocolate, butter or sugar, made to order. Alternatively, you could try a local speciality - a galichot - which is a mixture of a pancake and a blini, offering the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Whichever you choose, you can wash it down with a glass of cider local to the area.

Afternoon sailing 

After returning to the ship for lunch, we’ll slip our mooring and begin our passage back upstream, retracing the river’s winding course, its huge variety of wildlife, enchanting scenery and forests, all reflected in differing colours in the sparkling waters. Villages slip by, birds glide on thermals rising from the surrounding cliffs and, as this ever-changing kaleidoscope slips by, it’s an ideal opportunity to join new friends for a chat. Squeeze in a spot of reading on the Sun deck or simply recline, letting the gentle breezes lull you into a relaxing doze.

By this stage of your cruise, you’ll be totally unwound, and modern life will seem very distant.

Included experiences:

• Guided tour of Honfleur  
• Tasting at a historic crêperie 
• Relax onboard with an afternoon of sailing

Giverny & Bizy Castle

Claude Monet's house and garden in Giverny

One of the great delights of river cruising is the magical sensation of waking up in a different place from where you were the night before. This morning the ship has moored in delightful Vernon, and we take the short drive to Giverny to visit Monet’s garden and house.

The artist himself called his garden his ‘most beautiful masterpiece’, and it’s certainly one of the world’s most photographed and painted, ideally viewed in the delicate morning light. In the Japanese-inspired water garden, shaded by great weeping willows and surrounded by bamboo, rhododendrons and azaleas, is the lily pond where he painted his extraordinary Les Nymphéas (Water Lilies) series. There’s ample time to wander here, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere while marvelling at the light bouncing off foliage of every hue and the magical reflections dancing off the water.

Bizy Castle

After another leisurely lunch on board, we'll take a short drive to Bizy Castle. This classic château, built in 1740, is said to have been inspired by Versailles. Its previous owners include Louis XV, the Duke of Penthièvre, King Louis Philippe and Joseph-Napoléon Bonaparte - the older brother of Napoleon. During our visit, we'll break into smaller groups to enjoy a tour of the salons, adorned with carved wood panelling and souvenirs from the Bonaparte Family, offering a glimpse into life as the owner of this historic château.

We'll also find out about the 750 different apple varieties grown in Normandy and what makes this region the best place to grow apples for cider during an interactive cider-tasting experience. Then sample some world-renowned Norman cheeses such as the nutty Livarot, smooth Pave d'Auge and soft and creamy Camembert while you learn more about how they're made and why they're awarded an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée.

Back onboard, we'll embark on our cruise back to Paris. As the sun sets on the shimmering Seine and the Norman countryside recedes into dusk, it’s a perfect time to reflect on your few days cruising among the creamy chalk cliffs and charming villages of this splendid river.

Included experiences:

• Visit to Claude Monet's house and garden
• Guided tour of Bizy Castle with cider and cheese tasting

Paris

Arriving back in Paris, this morning you can choose one of two tour options to explore this iconic city.

Those who have yet to see the world-famous landmarks of Paris - including the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro, the Musee D'Orsay and much more – could take a panoramic sightseeing tour of this beautiful capital by coach before returning to the ship for lunch (or why not stay  in the city and frequent one of the city's many cosy cafés?!)

Or delve deeper into one of the oldest parts of Paris. Wander through the Île de la Cité - home of the Notre-Dame - before crossing into the Latin Quarter. Its winding cobblestone streets are a reminder of what the medieval city looked like when scholars from the renowned Sorbonne University roamed the streets speaking Latin. As you explore, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of famous philosophers, and former residents, Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre. Fans of The Da Vinci Code may remember the Eglise St Sulpice from scenes of the characters looking for the keystone. (Fun fact: although there are scenes depicting the inside of the church, the crew were denied access to film – everything you see was shot in a greenscreen studio!) On our tour we’ll pass lots of bakeries and cafés and you’ll have the chance to taste a classic Parisian pastry: the macaron.

After lunch, your afternoon is free to enjoy Paris and the many attractions of this amazing city. We are moored close to a well-connected RER station which allows easy access for you to tick a few items off your bucket list. You could see the grand Place de la Concorde, the largest square in the city, which shows off 18th-century French architecture at its best, visit Galleries Lafayette - the historic high-end department store - or the Musée d’Orsay, home of the world’s finest Impressionist art collection.

Alternatively, you may wish to simply stroll along the Champs-Élysées, enjoy a walk in the Tuileries Gardens or perhaps wander through the café lined streets of the city. Or join our optional experience learning how to make the famous macaron during a local cooking class.

Paris is everything you imagine it to be – romantic, inspiring, vibrant – even outrageous – but best of all Paris is unique, and a fitting finale to a wonderful cruise.

After dinner tonight, there's the chance to enjoy more famous French melodies and songs performed by a professional accordionist. 

Included experiences:

• Option 1: Guided tour of Paris’ sights
• Option 2: Walking tour of the Latin Quarter with macaron tasting

Personalise your holiday

Macaron cooking class

If there's one pastry that everyone in France envies and dreams of knowing how to make, it's the macaron. This sandwich-like cookie filled with jam, ganache, or buttercream, is the perfect sweet treat, with a slightly crisp outside and a chewy texture. During our optional cooking class, you'll learn everything there is to know about macaron and even try your hand at making one under the guidance of an experienced pastry chef.

This experience will be bookable soon, a member of our team will contact you once this is available.

Return home

After breakfast, we’ll disembark our ship and take your flight back.