French River Cruising in Five Nights
An in-depth exploration of the beautiful River Seine awaits you on this invigorating cruise, with hours of scenic cruising perfectly complementing extended calls at two enchanting, classically French cities. In just five nights, you’ll pack in rich culture, stunning architecture, remarkable history and beautifully unspoilt countryside scenes, so you’re sure to feel inspired throughout your holiday. [ReadMoreMob]
You’ll enjoy a delightful start to your French flavoured journey of discovery, taking in views of picturesque countryside and pretty communes as your ship sails the Seine en route to Rouen. A two-night stay in Normandy’s regional capital will then afford you plenty of time to capture the essence of the city at leisure. [ReadMoreDesk]You could explore Rouen’s links to Joan of Arc at Place du Vieux Marché, where the ‘Heroine of France’ was burnt at the stake; marvel at the city’s spectacular Gothic-style cathedral; admire the traditional half-timbered houses and much more – a walking tour is a great way to see the sights. Alternatively, you could make the most of your extended stay to take a tour to nearby Paris, and see the famous landmarks of the French capital including the Arc de Triomphe and the iconic Eiffel Tower. The enchanting Claude Monet House and Gardens is within reach on tour from Rouen, too.
A journey back along the Seine in daylight hours follows, offering you another chance to take in the river’s postcard-perfect scenes from the comfort of your ship. Perhaps enjoy the view from the comfort of Balmoral’s lounges with a glass of your favourite tipple in hand, or over traditional Afternoon Tea at the Observatory Lounge as you sail towards Honfleur, where you exploration of the Seine comes to a rewarding end. Once docked in Honfleur, you’ll have plenty of time to wander the charming, café-lined 16th century cobbled streets of this historic maritime city, in search of highlights including St Catherine’s Church – France’s largest timber-built church – and the Vieux Bassin, with its lofty slate and timber-fronted houses and colourful fishing harbour.
Your Itinerary
- An in-depth exploration of the beautiful River Seine, this invigorating five-night cruise features hours of scenic cruising and extended calls at two enchanting cities situated on the banks of the river.
- A two-night stay in Rouen affords plenty of time to explore Normandy’s capital in search of the Gothic-style Cathédrale de Notre Dame, Place du Vieux Marché and much more; though you may opt to tour to nearby Paris.
- With time to explore Honfleur – with its 16th century cobbled streets, delightful timber-fronted structures and colourful harbour – to the full, you’re sure to charmed by this historic maritime city.
Dover, England
Oct 19 | Depart - late night
Home of the famous White Cliffs, Dover is one of England's most iconic towns. Located on the south-east coast of England just 21 miles across the English Channel from France, Dover – home of the world's busiest passenger port – is the first sight for many visitors arriving from around the world.
This historic town is much more than a gateway to Britain, and offers much to discover, including the 12th century Dover Castle – which overlooks the pretty harbour and houses the extensive Secret Wartime Tunnels – Archcliffe Fort, and the Western Heights, where a series of coastal defences and unspoilt nature reserves await exploration.
Cruising River Seine, France
Oct 20 | Arrive - early afternoon | Depart - early evening
Slicing through the gorgeous lush-green countryside of Normandy's Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine, the route Fred. Olsen's smaller cruise ships sail along the River Seine - connecting the historic cities of Honfleur and Rouen - presents guests with simply unforgettable views to enjoy in comfort on board.
Simply sit back, relax and take in stunning scenes of rolling valleys, floral fields and charming communes dotted with historic churches and traditional houses that have inspired many famous artists over the years, including Claude Monet and Henri Matisse.
Rouen, France
Oct 21 - 22 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late morning
The ‘City of a Hundred Bells’, Rouen, is capital of the French region of Normandy. This 2,000-year-old port city on the River Seine, important in Roman times and the Middle Ages, is a unique city rich with monuments and museums.
Rouen’s narrow pedestrianised streets lined with tall, half-timber houses and a statue marking the spot where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake, is a pointer to the city’s dark history. Devastated by fire, the plague and bombs in the past, modern Rouen is now a vibrant cultural centre, and one of Normandy’s most engaging destinations.
The skyline is dominated by the spires of Cathédrale Notre-Dame, much-painted by Claude Monet. The Gothic churches of Saint-Maclou and Saint-Ouen are also must-see attractions, two of the best examples of gothic architecture in France and a important part of Rouen’s history.
The city's beautiful botanical garden – Jardin de Plantes de Rouen, is also worth a visit. Its 600 different plant species and various gardens, including a rock garden, rose garden and a garden full of medicinal plants, are a joy to wander through.
Cruising River Seine, France
Oct 22 | Arrive - late morning | Depart - early evening
Slicing through the gorgeous lush-green countryside of Normandy's Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine, the route Fred. Olsen's smaller cruise ships sail along the River Seine - connecting the historic cities of Honfleur and Rouen - presents guests with simply unforgettable views to enjoy in comfort on board.
Simply sit back, relax and take in stunning scenes of rolling valleys, floral fields and charming communes dotted with historic churches and traditional houses that have inspired many famous artists over the years, including Claude Monet and Henri Matisse.
Honfleur, France
Oct 22 - 23 | Arrive - early evening | Depart - early evening
Historic Honfleur in northern France's Lower Normandy region is a quaint little port with a rich cultural and artistic heritage. One of France’s most visited towns, Honfleur – with its beautiful 15th and 16th century architecture and distinctive harbour – was the inspiration for Impressionist painters and poets.
Vieux-Bassin, Honfleur’s colourful old harbour, is lined with 16th to 18th-century lofty slate-and-timber fronted houses. Its sloping cobbled streets have long been a subject for artists including Claude Monet and native son, Eugène Boudin.
A visit to the 15th century St. Catherine's Church, a vaulted timber structure erected by shipbuilders, is a must, as is the maritime museum and Notre Dame de Grâce – a 17th century chapel containing various paintings and models. The chapel also offers fabulous views of the town, the Seine estuary and the impressively-engineered Normandy Bridge that crosses it.
Dover, England
Oct 24 | Arrive - early morning
Home of the famous White Cliffs, Dover is one of England's most iconic towns. Located on the south-east coast of England just 21 miles across the English Channel from France, Dover – home of the world's busiest passenger port – is the first sight for many visitors arriving from around the world.
This historic town is much more than a gateway to Britain, and offers much to discover, including the 12th century Dover Castle – which overlooks the pretty harbour and houses the extensive Secret Wartime Tunnels – Archcliffe Fort, and the Western Heights, where a series of coastal defences and unspoilt nature reserves await exploration.