French do life the way life was meant to be.
Pack your bags. You’re going to Paris. And Les Andelys, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, Rouen, and Caudebec-en-Caux. It will be a week of historic sites, including the Palace of Versailles, the beaches of Normandy, Notre Dame and the Champs Elysées, late nights offering plenty of time to see a show at the Moulin Rouge, and food so delicious (read: the freshest fish, butter and cream you've ever tasted) you may be tempted to stay forever.
DAY 1 - PARIS
Embark and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
DAY 2 - VERNON & LES ANDELYS
INCLUDED - SEINE SIDE BIKE RIDE (AM)
Some places are best explored on two wheels. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along France’s enchanting Seine River. On this 5-mile adventure, you’ll stop in heritage-rich Vernon, a French commune midway between Paris and Rouen. Check out the famous old mill, the Château des Tourelles and the picturesque marina. Then it’s off to Giverny, an artist’s village set against the hills, for beautiful greenery and storybook views. Save your Instagram filters for another time. You won’t need them out here.
INCLUDED - COME HILL OR HIGH WATER (PM)
Get your hiking shoes ready, we’re headed to see one of the most breathtaking views in all of France. Head up the peak reaching the Château Gaillard for a view that overlooks the Seine and the scenic riverside town, Les Andelys. Snap photos, chat with other tourists or bring a beer and have a celebratory toast. It’s vacation after all!
- MONET'S GARDENS (AM)
Impressionist master Claude Monet lived in Giverny for 40 years, and his iconic ponds and lush flower gardens inspired some of his best-known work.
- KAYAK THE EURE RIVER, A SEINE TRIBUTARY (PM)
Leave the real world far behind as you kayak along the beautiful and tranquil Eure River with an expert coach.
DAY 3 - ROUEN
INCLUDED - ROUEN ORIENTATION WALK (AM)
Rouen, the city with hundreds of bell towers, medieval streets and half-timbered houses with slate roofs, has many surprises in store for you. Get a glimpse at an iconic cathedral painted by Claude Monet and Roy Lichtenstein, and see the inn where Julia Child sparked her culinary flame across from where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. As you stroll down Rue de la Republique and Rue Damiette, you’ll learn the secrets to building houses along these passages, before heading to the Gothic-style Rouen Cathedral. Venture inside for a look at its magnificent interior, architecture and recent renovations before walking along St. Nicolas street to the Gros-Horloge, a 14th-century astronomical clock. Later, enjoy free time in town or return to the ship.
INCLUDED - CYCLE ROUEN (PM)
Cycle through the town and marvel at the architecture and idyllic scenery of this historic town. Bike along the Seine riverbanks and follow the path to Old Rouen to observe colorful Renaissance-era and Gothic-style buildings. Continue along the path and visit the historic l’Aître Saint-Maclou cemetery, and ride along the Robec to discover the remains of the 60 mills built along the river.
- NORMANDY BEACHES: 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF EUROPE (AM)
Travel back in time to June 6, 1944, when the Allied forces launched their D-Day invasion of Normandy. You’ll visit historic beaches and stop at the American Cemetery for a special memorial ceremony. 2019 also marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Europe. Later, get an up-close gander at the centuries-old (and incredibly long) Bayeux Tapestry.
DAY 4 - CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX & ROUEN
INCLUDED - HONFLEUR WANDER (AM)
Honfleur is the most picturesque and best-preserved port on France’s coastline. Take an adventure back into the Viking era, visiting the Vieux Bassin where the sailors’ dock, tall old timber-framed houses and the St. Catherine Church make for staggering pictures with #nofilter necessary. After you’ve gotten the lay of the land, join the U Honfleur treasure hunt to search for the lost treasure of the Vikings. You’ll use your photography skills to piece together the clues to win. Think you’ve got what it takes? On your drive back, cross le Pont de Normandie, the longest and tallest bridge in this part of Europe, and leave Viking country behind.
INCLUDED - CYCLE ABBAYE DU VALASSE (PM)
Follow your U Host into the forest for a scenic 19 km ride through the countryside that connects Caudebec-en-Caux to Abbaye du Valasse. Completely destroyed in the 15th-century, the abbey has been beautifully rebuilt. Socialize with your U crew and explore the historic abbey by bike. Spin class will never compare to this.
INCLUDED NIGHT OUT - ROUEN OLD CITY BAR CRAWL (PM)
Join your U-Host for a curated look at the city’s lively nightlife scene, stopping for drinks at memorable bars in Rouen’s atmospheric historic quarter.
- FROM SHIP TO SHORE (AM)
What you might have thought was just going to be a calm stroll through a historic fishing village at the former smugglers’ harbor of Vieux Bassin, is so much more! Sure, your guide will lead you on a tour through the town's tiny lanes lined with narrow 19th-century slate-roofed townhouses and elegant mansions, but after exploring around town, you’ll take a short walk to the Cliffs of Ètretat where the real adventure begins. Climb to the top of these legendary cliffs for the most breathtaking views in all of France and the perfect Instagram spot.
- LIVE LIKE A SAINT (PM)
On this fascinating excursion, you’ll get an in-depth tour of the Abbey of Saint Wandrille! Take a short drive through the countryside of Caudebec-En-Caux and arrive at the historic monastery where you’ll be greeted by Frère Julien, who will guide you through the abbey, explaining the history of its destructions, revival and current state. After the tour, enjoy a scenic drive back to the ship with a stop at Manoir de Retival for beer tasting and a memorable photo op. Culture and beer, what could be better?
DAY 5 - ROUEN
INCLUDED - WHAT’S FOR DINNER? (AM)
Follow your U chef onshore to Rouen’s fresh market in city’s center. Shop, explore, mingle, and sample the regional specialties in this bustling, authentic market. Select what you want to eat for dinner and your expert chef will prepare it to your exactly to your liking. Talk about fresh!
INCLUDED - HISTORY AT GROS HORLOGE (PM)
Want to experience authentic French culture? Visit Gros Horloge. Built in the late 14th century, this gothic clock tower is one of the largest of its kind. Experience communal bells that tell the story of French history at the top of every hour. Underneath the low hanging arch of the Gros Horloge is a renaissance pavilion that serves as a melting pot for locals and tourists alike. Socialize and explore, this bustling market square is like something out of a movie!
- REMOTE ISLAND CASTLE (AM)
Mont-Saint-Michel is truly something you have to see to believe exists. Reached only by train, you’ll explore everything this fairytale castle has to offer and score some once-in-a-lifetime pictures in its historic abbeys. This is one excursion you don’t want to miss.
- CHÂTEAU TEA TIME (PM)
Head to the Château du Champ de Bataille for tea time! Make your way to the Eure département of Upper Normandy to this historic castle owned by the world famous Parisian designer, Jacques Garcia. While there, you’ll sip some of the most delicious tea in all of France! Enjoy!
DAY 6 - CONFLANS-SAINTE-HONORINE & PARIS
INCLUDED - THE GARDENS OF VERSAILLES (AM)
With over 50 fountains and 200,000 trees and flowers, the gardens surrounding the Palace of Versailles are truly fit for royalty. Spend time wandering this seemingly endless garden and maybe enjoy a boat or bike ride. The choice is yours!
INCLUDED - PARIS SHINES BRIGHT AT NIGHT (PM)
“The City of Light” shines brightest at night. Discover Paris in her evening dress with a walk under the bridges along the trendy streets and alluring Seine bank. From the Grenelle bridge, take the steps down to the island and check out the Statue of Liberty. Continue on the Allée des Cygnes and catch a glimpse of the metro on the viaduct. Thereon, you may choose to continue your shining evening with your U-Host, bar crawling the trendiest bars of the Latin Quarter.
- A DAY OF ROYALTY (AM)
Head to the Palace of Versailles for a day of royalty! Take a guided tour of the royal apartments of Louis XVI and learn how the royal family lived during the latter half of the 18th-century. Let your imagination run wild as this historic palace is yours to explore. Don’t forget to explore the palace gardens which need to be seen to be fully appreciated! Sometimes you need to stop and smell the roses!
DAY 7 - PARIS
INCLUDED - CHOICE OF 'PARISIAN ROOFTOPS' OR 'BIKE TOUR ALONG THE SEINE' (AM)
This morning you have your choice of one of these fun excursions in Paris: 1) PARISIAN ROOFTOPS: The rooftops of Paris have inspired countless artists and writers. Enjoy spectacular bird’s-eye views of the city on this one-of-a-kind tour; OR 2) BIKE TOUR ALONG THE SEINE: A two-wheeled tour is a great way to get your bearings in the City of Light. Trace the left river bank from the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral to the world-famous Eiffel Tower along Paris’ new urban biking trails. Highlights along the way include exploring the pristine Tuileries Gardens, riding around Île de la Cité and crossing through the Musée du Louvre for a “touch the pyramid” photo op.
INCLUDED - PARISIAN WATERWAYS (AM/PM)
Paris is a city that needs no introduction. Make the most of every moment there with Vedettes De Paris tickets. Follow the waterways while checking out all the must-see spots, including the Eiffel Tower, Orsay Museum, Latin Quarter at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre Dame, National Assembly and the Louvre Museum.
- THE LOUVRE (AM)
The Louvre is one of the world’s largest and most famous museums, as well as one of the most overwhelming. Enjoy walking inside the Jardin des Tuileries with your own local expert. Avoid option paralysis with a guided highlights tour.
- PARISIAN CUISINE (AM)
The City of Light is also a city for serious foodies. Your expert guide will take you to some of the best specialty food shops in trendy Montmartre, where you can taste delicious artisan breads, cheeses, wine, chocolate and more. Bon appétit!
- RETRO SIDECAR TOUR THROUGH PARIS' SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS QUARTER (PM)
Discover the best parts of Paris on this dazzling sidecar tour. Pass through the Eiffel Tower, and marvel at the work of well-known architects Gilles-Marie Oppenord and Giovanni Servandoni in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
- LADY MARMALADE (PM)
Experience a show at the world-famous Moulin Rouge, immortalized in paintings by Toulouse-Lautrec and synonymous with high-spirited music and can-can dancers. If you love feathers and sequins, this is an evening you’ll never forget.
DAY 8 - PARIS
Disembark and head off to your next adventure.