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From£799pp

France & the River Seine Bank Holiday

L2510

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River Seine, scenic cruising, France River Seine, scenic cruising, France
23 May 2025
Southampton
5 nights
Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

In just five nights, your Balmoral cruise to France has been planned as the perfect Bank Holiday getaway. You'll first make landfall in St. Malo, the resting place of seafarer Jacques Cartier, who left here to discover the New World in Canada, and close to the unique tidal island of Mont St. Michel, rising majestically from the sea. Sailing along the scenic River Seine, flanked by picturesque countryside and quaint villages, into Rouen is only possible on smaller ships like Balmoral. Immerse yourself in local life and sample renowned French cuisine, including its array of delicious cheeses, paired with award-winning wines, or Calvados brandy, distilled in Normandy. With a call into Rouen, you can discover Normandy's rich heritage and architecture, explore Claude Monet’s House and Gardens, or take a day trip to Paris to see its world-famous sights.

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Highlights

Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, France

Explore iconic French landmarks

Your cruise aboard Balmoral will offer you the opportunity to explore the unique island topped by a Romanesque church and known as the 'Wonder of the Western World', Mont Saint-Michel. Wander around its charming medieval streets, lined with eateries, tiny boutiques, and charming houses. and admire the breathtaking view across the surrounding bay as you stroll along the ramparts that protect the island's village. Elsewhere, Rouen Cathedral stands as a tribute to France's architectural prowess and religious tradition with its magnificent Gothic architecture, and from here you can enjoy a tour to nearby Paris to see the world-famous sights of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Escargot, snails cooked in garlic butter, French cuisine

Savour French Cuisine

Renowned worldwide for its exquisite flavours, variety and attention to detail, French cuisine is characterised by its exemplary use of rich sauces, butter, and garlic, where dishes like escargot and coq au vin showcase these perfectly. French cuisine also celebrates regional foods, and on this Balmoral cruise, you'll be able to sample rich Normandy cheeses such as creamy Camembert or the nutty flavoured Livarot, accompanied by the famed Calvados brandy, distilled in the region. Meanwhile, Normandy cider, crafted from locally grown apples, offers a refreshing taste of the region's orchards, and the exquisite crepes of Brittany are a testament to the expertise of French pastry making.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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Life On Board

Introducing Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.

Balmoral
Fred. Olsen ship Balmoral sailing at dawn

Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.

710 cabins
1,325 guests
551 crew
43,537 GT
16kts max speed
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Sample Shore Tours

At each port of call on your cruise, we carefully research and hand pick Shore Tour options for you, designed for you see as many of the world's best destinations as possible.

Below, you will find some sample Shore Tours which will give you an example of what to expect on your cruise. Your Shore Tours will be available to book approximately 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.

Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint-Michel

Enjoy a visit to Mont-Saint-Michel on this tour. Surrounded by sand and salt marshes, this historical monument is perched atop a rocky island and has been part of the UNSECO World Heritage List since 1979.

££££

St Malo

Oysters in Cancale

Oysters in Cancale

Visit the Breton harbour of Cancale to enjoy a walk along the harbour and indulge in a tasting of fresh local oysters with a refreshing glass of white wine. 

££££

St Malo

A glass of wine fresh from the vineyard

A Taste of Normandy

Explore Normandy’s half-timbered houses, grasslands, and orchards, savor world-famous cheeses and cider, and visit Honfleur’s 13th-century fishing village and Vieux Bassin harbour.

££££

Rouen

Eiffel Tower

Paris: City of Lights & Time On Your Own

££££

Rouen

Your Guest Speakers

We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.

Thom Gorst
French Way of Life

Dr. Thom Gorst

Architect and historian, Thom Gorst who has lived in Honfleur for 15 years will be joining us to provide an insight to the French way of life.

Treats & Pastimes

In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

Discover our Treats & Pastimes

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 12:00 03/11/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 12:00 03/11/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony

Freedom Fare From £1,699 pp
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Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on Bridge & Highland deck, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £1,899 pp
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Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

Situated on Highland deck, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £2,299 pp

Last few cabins remaining!

Last few cabins remaining!

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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Located on Highland deck, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £2,499 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £2,999 pp
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What's Included

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED

As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.

  • À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Daily buffet dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks
  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
  • Daily games & quizzes
  • Swimming Pools
  • Jacuzzis
  • Fitness Centre
  • Fitness Classes

Enhance your cruise

Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.

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