Balmoral, French River Cruising in Five Nights ex Southampton Roundtrip
- Departs Southampton, England
- 17th Dec 2020
- 5 nights
- Balmoral
-
Prices from
NZ$1,180*
5 Night Cruise sailing from Southampton roundtrip aboard Balmoral.
If you’re after a short, yet immensely rewarding and relaxing pre-Christmas break, this escape to two historic, highlight-filled French cities is just the ticket. A wealth of historical, architectural and cultural treasures await you, as well as enchanting Christmas markets that are sure to fuel your festive spirit, while there’s memorable scenic river cruising to enjoy too.
The first morning of this five-night cruise promises to be unforgettable, as Balmoral meanders the beautiful River Seine en route to Rouen. You’ll wake to views of green fields and rolling hills, passing by the waterside houses and tall, pointed spires of quaint villages as your smaller-ship navigates the Seine. Once ashore in Rouen, you’ll find plenty of highlights in the historic centre of Normandy’s regional capital. You could wander into the cobbled Place du Vieux-Marché, bordered by a collection of traditional timber-fronted buildings, and connect with French history at the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake; and see the gothic-style facades of the city’s spectacular cathedral. You might stumble upon the delights of charming Christmas markets too.
Alternatively, you could take the opportunity to tour from Rouen to romantic Paris at the ‘most wonderful time of the year’, to see world-famous landmarks such as the Champs-Élysées and Eiffel Tower adorned with twinkling lights and decoration; or head to Claude Monet House and Gardens, a real feast for the senses. Back along the Seine, at the mouth of the river, you’ll stop overnight in Honfleur too. This seafaring city is famed for its picturesque harbour – fronted by colourful, towering buildings and spires – and the historic Vieux Bassin quarter, a delight to explore with its cobbled streets and stunning 15th and 16th century architecture.
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.
