Paris to Normandy with Avalon Waterways

This fabulous river cruise combines time in France’s unparalleled capital of Paris with beautiful scenery along the Seine River and the picturesque and historical region of Normandy.

Embark on your adventure in Paris and sail to Vernon, where you’ll choose between two exciting guided visits—Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the remarkable Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” You may choose to go on an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. In Rouen, best known as the home of Joan of Arc, you’ll go on a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the gothic Rouen Cathedral—once the tallest building in the world. From Conflans, go on an excursion to the quaint and inspiring town of Auvers-Sur-Oise—associated with several famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh—or visit Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison.

On this French river cruise, you’ll enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery along the Seine River, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without some time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of this enchanting city.

A Classic Journey, Season by Season. From summer’s vibrant Parisian energy to the softer tones of spring andfall, this journey along the Seine offers something special in every season. Depending on when you sail, you can enjoy Paris in Bloom on Île Saint Louis, marvel at Rouen Cathedral’s summer light show, explore the world of Paris Fashion Week with guided walks and onboard lectures or enjoy a cozy apple harvest with tastings of fresh cider.

Changing light, riverside scenery, and a more relaxed pace bring fresh perspectives to both the City of Light and Normandy’s historic shores. Enjoy the same route, revealed through the unique lens of the season you set sail.

March 28 – April 4, 2027

Avalon Artistry II

DAY 1 PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Your day is free to explore the world’s most romantic city before starting your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Light today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON
Meals (Dinner)

DAY 2 VERNON - LES ANDELYS
Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour.

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE EXCURSION Take a Guided Bike Tour through the picturesque Normandy countryside from Vernon to Giverny, ending with a visit to Monet’s enchanting gardens and home, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.
DISCOVERY EXCURSION While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.

This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.

LES ANDELYS
Serenity on the Seine.

ACTIVE EXCURSION Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart**, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
*Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle.

DAY 3  CAUDEBEC
Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine.

ACTIVE EXCURSION Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.
This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.
DISCOVERY EXCURSION Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4  CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions.

CLASSIC EXCURSION Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION Join a Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados.

EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5  ROUEN
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and a Heroine for France.

ACTIVE EXCURSION Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS
Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6  CONFLANS
The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV.

ACTIVE EXCURSION Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.

Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS
Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
*Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly

DAY 7 PARIS
Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Light.

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE EXCURSION Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION Join a Guided City Tour, that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées.

Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 8  PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Meals (Breakfast)

Join Judy on this beautiful river cruise through France this spring.  Contact your Uniglobe Carefree Travel agent or email judyo@uniglobecarefree.ca.