Journey Along the Seine: A River Cruise From Paris to Normandy. Glide out of the heart of Paris on the fabled River Seine, winding through the glorious countryside of Normandy to the English Channel. Along the way, explore historic sites from Rouen to Omaha Beach, savor the region’s proud culinary traditions, and follow the footsteps of great artists from Claude Monet to Josephine Baker. Trace the legend of Richard the Lionheart at a castle above the charming town of Les Andelys and explore the historic Château de Bonnemare during a day in delightful Rouen. Stroll the beaches where Allied soldiers landed on D-Day, and learn about the UNESCO-designated reconstruction of Le Havre after World War II. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours to the Victor Hugo Museum and the Musee Marmottan Monet, exclusively available on this itinerary. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
Journey Along the Seine: A River Cruise From Paris to Normandy. See the best of Paris during a 2-night stay before you glide out of the heart of the city on the fabled River Seine, winding through the glorious countryside of Normandy to the English Channel. Along the way, explore historic sites from Rouen to Omaha Beach, savor the region’s proud culinary traditions, and follow the footsteps of great artists from Claude Monet to Josephine Baker. Trace the legend of Richard the Lionheart at a castle above the charming town of Les Andelys and explore the historic Château de Bonnemare during a day in delightful Rouen. Stroll the beaches where Allied soldiers landed on D-Day, and learn about the UNESCO-designated reconstruction of Le Havre after World War II. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours to the Victor Hugo Museum and the Musee Marmottan Monet, exclusively available on this itinerary. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
Paris & Normandy (Smithsonian Journeys)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Arrive in the “City of Light” and head to the banks of the Seine to board the ship in the afternoon. Kick off your voyage with a welcome reception and dinner tonight. (Meals: D)
Day 2 | Les Andelys | Château Gaillard tour |
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Your first port of call is the town of Les Andelys, poised at a picturesque bend in the river. On a morning tour, uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine. Those who seek a more active excursion may go on a guided bike ride or opt to hike from the river to the fortress, taking in the sweeping views along the way. Admire the lovely landscapes of Normandy during a relaxing afternoon sail on the meandering Seine. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 3 | Le Havre | Honfleur excursion |
|
| | Le Havre “UNESCO City of Architects” tour |
|
| | OR Le Havre “UNESCO City of Architects” tour
to Post WWII Architectural Tour, including Apartment
Temoin - Smithsonian Exclusive |
|
The Seine empties into the English Channel at Le Havre, France’s second largest port after Marseille. Cross to the river’s southern bank on an excursion to Honfleur, a fishing town with a picturesque harbor that was a popular retreat for artists such as Camille Corot, Claude Monet and Honfleur native Eugène Boudin. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in quintessential Normandy in the Pays d’Auge region, where cider and Calvados outrank wine and timeless villages brim with colorful half-timbered houses. If you wish, instead return to Le Havre for an afternoon bike ride or a city tour, or examine the city’s reconstruction after World War II, exploring the architecture and urban planning of Auguste Perret, which earned Le Havre UNESCO designation. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 4 | Le Havre | Normandy US Landing Beaches |
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| | OR Normandy British and Canadian Landing Beaches |
|
| | OR Victor Hugo Museum + Chateau d’Etelan – Smithsonian Exclusive |
|
| Caudebec-en-Caux | OR Seine Museum |
|
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Normandy on the excursion of your choice today. Trace the harrowing events of the D-Day invasion on a tour focused on the American experience, with visits to Omaha Beach; the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer; the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer; and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the landings can still be seen. Alternatively, visit the Renaissance Château d’Ételan, which hosted the likes of Voltaire and Catherine de Medici, and tour the Musée Victor Hugo, set within the elegant 19th-century home of the writer’s in-laws. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 5 | Rouen | Enhanced Medieval Rouen walking tour
(Jewish History) - Smithsonian Exclusive |
|
Spend the morning exploring the Norman capital of Rouen on a variety of tours. Venture into the medieval center on a guided walk, discovering the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, the Great Clock, and the cathedral immortalized by Monet. Delve into the history of the city’s Jewish population with a visit to the Maison Sublime, a Romanesque ruin considered the oldest Jewish monument in France. Or savor the delicious flavors of the region on a tasting tour featuring local chocolate, cheese, and cider. For a more active excursion, get acquainted with the city on a guided bike ride. Later, visit the Château de Bonnemare, a 16th-century architectural gem lined with picturesque poplar trees. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6 | Vernon | Scenic cruising |
|
| | Monet's home and gardens in Giverny* |
|
A morning of scenic cruising brings you to Vernon, where you’ll embark on one of three excursions. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny where the artist lived and painted for 43 years. On a tour of the house, designed by Monet and little changed since his death, view his studio-sitting room and apartments and admire his exceptional collection of Japanese prints. Wander through exquisite gardens, where the artist planned out striking interplays of light, color, texture and reflection, even diverting a narrow arm of the River Epte to create his spectacular water garden with its Japanese bridge and water lilies. Alternatively, enjoy a bike ride through the French countryside or a guided visit to the 18th-century Château de Bizy, a privately owned palace with expansive gardens inspired by the opulence of Versailles. (Meals: B,L,D)
*Monet’s Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Day 7 | Paris | Artist’s walk of Auvers-sur-Oise |
|
| | OR Château Malmaison excursion |
|
| | OR Guided visit of Musee Marmottan Monet – Smithsonian Exclusive |
|
| | OR Josephine Baker (Black History) Walking Tour – Smithsonian Exclusive |
|
Travel to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his prolific last days, painting more than 70 works in less than three months. Step into the Auberge Ravoux, where the artist lived—and died—in an attic room. You may instead choose to spend the day in Paris and view the world’s largest Monet collection on a visit to the acclaimed Musée Marmottan or follow in the footsteps of legendary American-French entertainer Josephine Baker on a city tour focused on Black history. (Meals: B,L,D)
Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)
B,L,D – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.
Check into your Paris hotel for the beginning of your Paris & Normandy land package.
Day 2 | Paris | “Hidden Paris” and Atelier des Lumières tour |
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Discover some of the lesser-known treasures of Paris on your guided tour. Setting the world stage for art, fashion, gastronomy, culture and much more, the “City of Light” has a story to tell at every corner. Afterwards, explore the Atelier-Lumières, Paris’s “Workshop of Lights,” a uniquely immersive digital art experience. You will be treated to an unforgettable colorful multimedia exhibition, utilizing 140 video projectors and a state-of-the-art sound system of famed artists’ works. (Meals: B)
Day 3 | Paris | Montmartre tour |
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After checking out of your hotel, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists. For easy access to Montmartre, hop aboard the funicular railroad that ascends the hill. Montmartre’s most recognizable landmark is the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, constructed from 1876 to 1912. The white dome of this Roman Catholic basilica sits at the highest point in the city. After your tour, head to the banks of the Seine to board the ship in the afternoon. Kick off your journey with a welcome reception and dinner tonight. (Meals: D)
Day 4 | Les Andelys | Château Gaillard tour |
|
Your first port of call is the town of Les Andelys, poised at a picturesque bend in the river. On a morning tour, uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine. Those who seek a more active excursion may go on a guided bike ride or opt to hike from the river to the fortress, taking in the sweeping views along the way. Admire the lovely landscapes of Normandy during a relaxing afternoon sail on the meandering Seine. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 5 | Le Havre | Honfleur excursion |
|
| | Le Havre “UNESCO City of Architects” tour |
|
| | OR Le Havre “UNESCO City of Architects” tour
to Post WWII Architectural Tour, including Apartment
Temoin - Smithsonian Exclusive |
|
The Seine empties into the English Channel at Le Havre, France’s second largest port after Marseille. Cross to the river’s southern bank on an excursion to Honfleur, a fishing town with a picturesque harbor that was a popular retreat for artists such as Camille Corot, Claude Monet and Honfleur native Eugène Boudin. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in quintessential Normandy in the Pays d’Auge region, where cider and Calvados outrank wine and timeless villages brim with colorful half-timbered houses. If you wish, instead return to Le Havre for an afternoon bike ride or a city tour, or examine the city’s reconstruction after World War II, exploring the architecture and urban planning of Auguste Perret, which earned Le Havre UNESCO designation. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6 | Le Havre | Normandy US Landing Beaches |
|
| | OR Normandy British and Canadian Landing Beaches |
|
| | OR Victor Hugo Museum + Chateau d’Etelan – Smithsonian Exclusive |
|
| Caudebec-en-Caux | OR Seine Museum |
|
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Normandy on the excursion of your choice today. Trace the harrowing events of the D-Day invasion on a tour focused on the American experience, with visits to Omaha Beach; the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer; the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer; and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the landings can still be seen. Alternatively, visit the Renaissance Château d’Ételan, which hosted the likes of Voltaire and Catherine de Medici, and tour the Musée Victor Hugo, set within the elegant 19th-century home of the writer’s in-laws. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 7 | Rouen | Enhanced Medieval Rouen walking tour
(Jewish History) - Smithsonian Exclusive |
|
Spend the morning exploring the Norman capital of Rouen on a variety of tours. Venture into the medieval center on a guided walk, discovering the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, the Great Clock, and the cathedral immortalized by Monet. Delve into the history of the city’s Jewish population with a visit to the Maison Sublime, a Romanesque ruin considered the oldest Jewish monument in France. Or savor the delicious flavors of the region on a tasting tour featuring local chocolate, cheese, and cider. For a more active excursion, get acquainted with the city on a guided bike ride. Later, visit the Château de Bonnemare, a 16th-century architectural gem lined with picturesque poplar trees. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 8 | Vernon | Scenic cruising |
|
| | Monet's home and gardens in Giverny* |
|
A morning of scenic cruising brings you to Vernon, where you’ll embark on one of three excursions. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny where the artist lived and painted for 43 years. On a tour of the house, designed by Monet and little changed since his death, view his studio-sitting room and apartments and admire his exceptional collection of Japanese prints. Wander through exquisite gardens, where the artist planned out striking interplays of light, color, texture and reflection, even diverting a narrow arm of the River Epte to create his spectacular water garden with its Japanese bridge and water lilies. Alternatively, enjoy a bike ride through the French countryside or a guided visit to the 18th-century Château de Bizy, a privately owned palace with expansive gardens inspired by the opulence of Versailles. (Meals: B,L,D)
*Monet’s Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Day 9 | Paris | Artist’s walk of Auvers-sur-Oise |
|
| | OR Château Malmaison excursion |
|
| | OR Guided visit of Musee Marmottan Monet – Smithsonian Exclusive |
|
| | OR Josephine Baker (Black History) Walking Tour – Smithsonian Exclusive |
|
Travel to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his prolific last days, painting more than 70 works in less than three months. Step into the Auberge Ravoux, where the artist lived—and died—in an attic room. You may instead choose to spend the day in Paris and view the world’s largest Monet collection on a visit to the acclaimed Musée Marmottan or follow in the footsteps of legendary American-French entertainer Josephine Baker on a city tour focused on Black history. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 10 | Paris | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)
B,L,D – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.