Why is it that the Seine was once such an inspiration to so many painters? The best way to find out is to enjoy a leisurely trip along the river as it winds its unhurried way between Paris and the English Channel. In doing so, you will be following in the wake of the brutal Vikings on their path of conquest as well as in the footsteps of the Impressionists! Do take time to savor the city of Rouen and beautiful Normandy. In addition, you will be able to visit the D-Day landing beaches, the site of events whose historic significance cannot be exaggerated.
In May, I personally had the opportunity to experience all this and more on board Avalon Waterways Tapestry II riverboat.
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| Monet’s Gardens |
We embarked in Paris and sailed to Vernon for a visit to Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny. Next stop was to Les Andelys with its Château Gaillard, built by England’s King Richard the Lionheart in 1196. Then, on to Caudebec for two nights where we explored the poignant Normandy landing beaches and the Great Norman Abbeys on the Benedictine Trail. Next a visit to Joan of Arc’s historic Rouen, and onto Conflans where we could choose between a visit of Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s elegant Château de Malmaison before heading back to Paris. During our last day on the Seine, we had the opportunity to explore some of the famous sights of Paris such as the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Louvre and more!
Our home for the week was the Avalon Tapestry II which is a true haven on the river. The ship accommodates 128 guests and features cabins with floor -to- ceiling and wall to wall Panoramic windows that transforms the living space into an open air balcony. The ship also features a main lounge and dining room, hair salon, sky-deck with shade system and whirlpool, an open-air bistro and fitness rooms. Avalon offers free wireless Internet access for all passengers.
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.
Contact me for more information.
