Balmoral, French River Cruising in Five Nights ex Southampton Return
- Departs Southampton, England
- 24th Sep 2020
- 5 nights
- Balmoral
-
Prices from
NZ$1,377*
5 Night Cruise sailing from Southampton roundtrip aboard Balmoral.
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.
A day of scenic cruising along the picturesque Seine ensures a delightful start to your French flavoured journey of discovery. You’ll be presented with views of gorgeous green fields, rolling valleys and pretty communes, all enjoyed from the comfort of Balmoral’s spacious lounges and open decks, as you sail peacefully inland to Rouen. Once docked in Normandy’s regional capital, there’s plenty of time to capture the essence of the city at leisure. 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, make the most of your extended stay to take a tour to nearby Paris, or perhaps to the enchanting Claude Monet House and Gardens.
Departing Rouen in the evening, an overnight sail back along the Seine follows as you head to Honfleur, where your journey along one of France’s most exquisite waterways comes to a rewarding end. Honfleur is the perfect destination for two final days of exploration. Take 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.
Highlights of this cruise:
Rouen, France
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.
Honfleur, France
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.
Itinerary may vary by sailing date and itineraries may be changed at the cruise line's discretion. Please check itinerary details at time of booking and before booking other travel services such as airline tickets.
