Paris & Normandy (Smithsonian Journeys)

EMBARKATION - PARIS, FRANCE. Arrive in the “City of Light” and head to the banks of the Seine to board the ship in the afternoon. Kick off your voyage with a welcome reception and dinner tonight. (Meals: D)

LES ANDELYS. Your first port of call is the town of Les Andelys, poised at a picturesque bend in the river. On a morning tour, uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine. Those who seek a more active excursion may go on a guided bike ride or opt to hike from the river to the fortress, taking in the sweeping views along the way. Admire the lovely landscapes of Normandy during a relaxing afternoon sail on the meandering Seine. (Meals: B,L,D)

Le Havre, founded by King Francis I of France in 1517, is located inUpper Normandy on the north bank of the mouth of the River Seine, which isconsidered the most frequented waterway in the world. Its port is ranked thesecond largest in France. The city was originally built on marshland andmudflats that were drained in the 1500’s. During WWII most of Le Havre wasdestroyed by Allied bombing raids. Post war rebuilding of the city followed thedevelopment plans of the well-known Belgian architect Auguste Perre. Thereconstruction was so unique that the entire city was listed as a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site in 2005. 

LE HAVRE. Cross the Seine to Honfleur, a charming fishing town whose picturesque harbor inspired artists like Monet, Corot, and Boudin. In the afternoon, return to Le Havre to discover the city’s post–World War II reconstruction and UNESCO-protected architecture by Auguste Perret. Alternatively, spend a full-day exploring Normandy’s Pays d’Auge region, with its timeless villages and historic half-timbered houses

Le Havre, founded by King Francis I of France in 1517, is located inUpper Normandy on the north bank of the mouth of the River Seine, which isconsidered the most frequented waterway in the world. Its port is ranked thesecond largest in France. The city was originally built on marshland andmudflats that were drained in the 1500’s. During WWII most of Le Havre wasdestroyed by Allied bombing raids. Post war rebuilding of the city followed thedevelopment plans of the well-known Belgian architect Auguste Perre. Thereconstruction was so unique that the entire city was listed as a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site in 2005. 

LE HAVRE – NORMANDY BEACHES – CAUDEBEC EN CAUX. Let Normandy’s landscapes tell their stories, from the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer to the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during WWII landings can be seen. Discover maritime treasures at the Seine Museum, or admire the quiet cemeteries and wartime relics that mark the bravery of another era.

ROUEN. Spend the morning exploring the Norman capital of Rouen on a variety of tours. Venture into the medieval center on a guided walk, discovering the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, the Great Clock, and the cathedral immortalized by Monet. Delve into the history of the city’s Jewish population with a visit to the Maison Sublime, a Romanesque ruin considered the oldest Jewish monument in France. Or savor the delicious flavors of the region on a tasting tour featuring local chocolate, cheese, and cider. For a more active excursion, get acquainted with the city on a guided bike ride. Later, visit the Château de Bonnemare, a 16th-century architectural gem lined with picturesque poplar trees. (Meals: B,L,D)

VERNON. A morning of scenic cruising brings you to Vernon, where you’ll embark on one of three excursions. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny where the artist lived and painted for 43 years. On a tour of the house, designed by Monet and little changed since his death, view his studio-sitting room and apartments and admire his exceptional collection of Japanese prints. Wander through exquisite gardens, where the artist planned out striking interplays of light, color, texture and reflection, even diverting a narrow arm of the River Epte to create his spectacular water garden with its Japanese bridge and water lilies. Alternatively, enjoy a bike ride through the French countryside or a guided visit to the 18th-century Château de Bizy, a privately owned palace with expansive gardens inspired by the opulence of Versailles. (Meals: B,L,D)

*Monet’s Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

PARIS. Travel to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his prolific last days, painting more than 70 works in less than three months. Step into the Auberge Ravoux, where the artist lived—and died—in an attic room. You may instead choose to spend the day in Paris and view the world’s largest Monet collection on a visit to the acclaimed Musée Marmottan or follow in the footsteps of legendary American-French entertainer Josephine Baker on a city tour focused on Black history. (Meals: B,L,D)

PARIS – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)

B,L,D – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.