Compare Paris & Normandy Highlights by G Adventures vs Active & Discovery on the Seine (Southbound) by Avalon Waterways

Day 1 Paris

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. We recommended arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city. The "City of Lights" is unlike any other place on earth. Known for its glorious monuments, museums, and markets, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, Montmartre to the Marais, Paris has something for everyone. Discover for yourself Paris’ “je ne sais quoi.”

Day 2 Paris/Bayeux

Travel to Giverny for an enchanting visit to artist Claude Monet's garden, inspiration for his famed series of water lily paintings and declared one of National Geographic's “top 10 most magnificent gardens in the world.” Continue to the pretty port town of Honfleur for a CEO led walk and some free time in this historic harbour where the Seine River meets the English Channel. This evening, arrive in Bayeux and enjoy a dinner at a local crêperie.

Depart Paris for Upper Normandy and the quaint village of Giverny. Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked here from 1883 until his death in 1926. Monet felt that his flower and water gardens here were his greatest works of art and to this day, they are meticulously maintained. These served as inspiration for his celebrated water-lily series and have been named by National Geographic as one of the "10 most magnificent gardens in the world." Honfleur sits on the estuary where the River Seine meets the English Channel and is considered one of the prettiest port towns in France. Its quaint harbour and historic buildings have always been a draw for artists, including Monet.

Day 3 Bayeux

Delve into World War II history alongside a recognized war historian. Gain insights during a lecture on the Allied invasion of Normandy, and examine and handle wartime relics such as vintage weapons, uniforms, and maps at a local museum. Then board a transport vehicle and head to Secqueville-en-Bessin War Cemetery to learn about the significance of poppies—the ultimate emblem of military sacrifice. This afternoon, conjure scenes of the D-Day landing at notable Normandy sites including Omaha Beach, the cratered cliff-top at Pointe du Hoc, and the American cemetery and memorial.

Take in scenes of the D-Day landing which had a pivotal role in the history of the world. Visit the moving memorials and beaches and learn about the impact this event had on the direction of the Second World War. The Battle of Normandy Historical Area is considered an open-air museum and includes all the sites, museums and memorials associated with D-Day and the invasion. Old army bunkers and war relics still exist along the five beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, while museums and memorials throughout the region stand as forceful reminders of this decisive period of WWII. Nearly 30 cemeteries (including American, British, Canadian, French, German and Polish) hold the remains of almost 100,000 young soldiers who never returned from their service in Normandy. Today these memorials offer quiet space for personal reflection for every visitor, young or old, regardless of nationality.

Day 4 Bayeux

Go on an excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel, an island commune off the coast of Normandy. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the medieval fortress dates to the 6th century and is considered one of Europe’s most stunning and imposing sites. Get your bearings on an CEO led orientation walk and then explore on your own. Opt to visit the abbey, monastery, or museums, or simply wander the winding lanes and cobblestone streets.

Day 5 Bayeux

Enjoy a free day to explore Bayeux and its medieval centre. Amble along its quaint streets, taking in the local scene at shops and cafés. Then opt to visit the 11th-century Cathedral of Bayeux, a Norman-Romanesque architectural gem, and see the famed Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy.

Day 6 Bayeux/Paris

Depart for riverside Rouen and set out around the port city on foot. Discover the beautiful city centre, noted for its Gothic churches and medieval half-timbered houses, and hear about its place in history as the place where Joan of Arc was tried for heresy. Enjoy free time here before heading back to Paris to spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the City of Lights.

Rouen was an important city in the Roman era and Middle Ages, showcased by its historical (and beautiful) centre of Gothic churches and medieval half-timbered houses. it is most notable as the place where Joan of Arc was tried for heresy.

Day 7 Paris

Enjoy a CEO led orientation walk this morning in the medieval centre of Paris; the Île de la Cité. Opt to step inside Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic chapel that dazzles with 1,113 stained glass windows. Afterwards, indulge in a guided lunch presentation of French wine and cheese pairings, then take advantage of more free time to visit iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre.

Later this afternoon and evening, you are free to explore on your own to discover the “je ne sais quoi” of this stunning city. Opt to visit the Eiffel Tower, explore the city's outstanding museums and churches, float down the River Seine on a cruise, or simply people-watch.

Day 8 Paris

Depart at any time.

Day 1: PARIS, FRANCE

Bienvenue en France!

Your day is free to explore the world’s most romantic city. Get acquainted with the City of Lights today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.

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Day 2: PARIS–LE HAVRE (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to France! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Enjoy some free time in Paris today, before transfer to Le Havre and board your cruise on the Seine. Tonight, enjoy dinner on board and explore your Suite Ship®.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LE HAVRE

(Breakfast,Dinner)

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Day 3: LE HAVRE

20th Century Architecture and White Cliffs of Normandy

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

ACTIVE Explore the city as only a local would: by bicycle. Cycle up to the quartier Saint François, OR:

DISCOVERY Travel to Fecamp to visit the Palais Benedectine where the world famous Benedectine liquor is made. Enjoy a short Self-Guided Tour followed by a cocktail workshop focused around the famous liquor, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour to Le Havre and discover the modern architecture of its city center, rebuilt by Auguste Perret and part of the World Heritage of Humanity.

This afternoon, you may want to choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 4: CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY

Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions

DISCOVERY Join a ‘Day in Normandy’ tour with a Local Guide to trace the steps of William the Conqueror, King Henry IV, and Queen Marie de' Medici. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to the WWII landing beaches of Normandy. Take a full-day tour of significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR:

CLASSIC 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.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship while sailing to Rouen.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 5: ROUEN

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—home of the martyred Saint Joan of Arc—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

In the afternoon, you're free to explore the city on your own or to join one of our Optional Excursions.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 6: LES ANDELYS

Serenity on the Seine’s Most Beautiful Riverbends

ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart and a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, OR:

DISCOVERY Visit one of 'most beautiful villages of France' situated in a beautiful forested setting in Normandy. Afterwards discover the legends of the haunted Abbey de Mortemere, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine. Visit the Saint Sauveur’s Church of Le Petit Andely.

DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.

VERNON

Monet’s Muses and Castle Courtyards

ACTIVE Spend a fun and active day kayaking. Join an expert guide and paddle your way through areas accessible only by water, OR:

DISCOVERY 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 Explore the picturesque town of Vernon with a leisurely Guided Tour through its marvelous medieval streets on the banks of the Seine River.

EVENING CRUISE TO CONFLANS

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 7: CONFLANS

Walk in the Footsteps of Van Gogh and Bonaparte

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE This Guided E-bike Tour will take you to the Château de Maisons-Lafitte where you will enjoy a special snack, OR:

DISCOVERY Travel to the Chantilly Castle on your own where the experts of the Confrérie des Chevaliers Fouetteurs de crème Chantilly will show you how to prepare your own Chantilly cream, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, and walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who lived, worked, and is buried here. See the landscapes and village scenes captured in his paintings, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.

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

This afternoon, cruise to Paris and in the evening enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

*Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Monday of each month.

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Day 8: PARIS

Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases—The City of Lights Truly Shines

ACTIVE Hop on a bike to explore Paris like a local on this enjoyable guided tour through its sights, mesmerizing history, and incredible ambiance, OR:

DISCOVERY Immerse yourself on our Food and Cultural Tour of Paris where you will find out why the French food and culinary tradition has been even added to the UNESCO heritage list, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing which will show you magnificent must-see sights.

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

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 9: PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

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