Christmas in the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise)

We'll leave on foot for a guided tour of Rouen. The historic center of the city and its famous cathedral are only a 5-minute walk from the ship. Stretched along the Seine, Rouen is Normandy's cultural, historical, and gastronomical capital. The exceptionally complex Notre-Dame Cathedral is renowned for the juxtaposition of all the Gothic periods - especially on the facade, which Monet painted time and again, reflecting its glory in different lights. Destroyed during the Viking invasions in 841 and, partially, in 1944, by allied bombardments, the cathedral continues to be a perpetually evolving structure. We'll then head to the market place where Joan of Arc was burned alive for heresy in 1431. The Gros-Horloge, or Great Clock, is one of the most emblematic monuments in the city. The Gothic belfry has housed the communal bells and clock of the city since its construction at the end of the 14th century. Finally, we'll visit the Saint Joan of Arc Church. Located on the Old Market Place, this large monument's construction ended in 1979 and was built both in honor of the Saint as well as the heroine celebrated by the French on the second Sunday in May. We'll return to our ship on foot at the end of the afternoon.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.

We'll leave on foot for a guided tour of Rouen. The historic center of the city and its famous cathedral are only a 5-minute walk from the ship. Stretched along the Seine, Rouen is Normandy's cultural, historical, and gastronomical capital. The exceptionally complex Notre-Dame Cathedral is renowned for the juxtaposition of all the Gothic periods - especially on the facade, which Monet painted time and again, reflecting its glory in different lights. Destroyed during the Viking invasions in 841 and, partially, in 1944, by allied bombardments, the cathedral continues to be a perpetually evolving structure. We'll then head to the market place where Joan of Arc was burned alive for heresy in 1431. The Gros-Horloge, or Great Clock, is one of the most emblematic monuments in the city. The Gothic belfry has housed the communal bells and clock of the city since its construction at the end of the 14th century. Finally, we'll visit the Saint Joan of Arc Church. Located on the Old Market Place, this large monument's construction ended in 1979 and was built both in honor of the Saint as well as the heroine celebrated by the French on the second Sunday in May. We'll return to our ship on foot at the end of the afternoon.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.

Departure by coach along with your host/hostess. We will cross Le Petit Andelys and pass by the St Sauveur Church (16th century church which still possesses a vintage organ). After 40 minutes' travelling through different villages along the Andelle (river running through the valley), we'll arrive at Château de Martainville. This château was built at the end of the 15th century by Jacques Le Pelletier, and bought by the State in 1906, then turned into a museum in 1961.
In 2 hours, learn about 500 years of rural Normandy history. Travel through the heart of Norman traditions (work suits, headdresses, jewelry, weavings), relive the past through the objects of everyday life (copper pans, pottery, baskets...). Discover the largest collection of Upper Normandy furniture, the "Famous Norman Wardrobes". Transfer back to Rouen at the beginning of the evening.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.

Departure by coach along with your host/hostess. We will cross Le Petit Andelys and pass by the St Sauveur Church (16th century church which still possesses a vintage organ). After 40 minutes' travelling through different villages along the Andelle (river running through the valley), we'll arrive at Château de Martainville. This château was built at the end of the 15th century by Jacques Le Pelletier, and bought by the State in 1906, then turned into a museum in 1961.
In 2 hours, learn about 500 years of rural Normandy history. Travel through the heart of Norman traditions (work suits, headdresses, jewelry, weavings), relive the past through the objects of everyday life (copper pans, pottery, baskets...). Discover the largest collection of Upper Normandy furniture, the "Famous Norman Wardrobes". Transfer back to Rouen at the beginning of the evening.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.