The decision stems from ongoing challenges in the outdoor lighting market including tough competition and a weak construction sector This has led to underuse and financial losses at the Les Andelys facility Discussions with employee representatives are underway Zumtobel's competence centre for outdoor luminaires in Les Andelys will remain fully operational and unaffected The company expects any financial losses from closing the plant to be recovered over the next few years Standing on the sun deck in the evening air watching the lights of Paris reflecting on the city’s rippling waterways …it’s hard to picture a better home base to explore the City of Lights than a river cruise I’m firmly in the camp that believes that Paris is always a good idea; it’s where I’ve celebrated everything from my honeymoon to milestone birthdays But even after having visited multiple times sailing down the Seine for the first time presented an entirely new perspective to the enchanting city And Paris, I discovered, was just the first of the delights of a Viking river cruise along the Seine Gliding west along the river revealed a treasure trove of castles and charming towns as we sailed into the heart of Normandy From the flowering gardens of Giverny to the soaring spires of Rouen the river never ceased to amaze and delight both from the comfort of the ship and on the easy-to-reach shores Here are some of my favorite first time experiences of a river cruise through the heart of the Seine Viking Longship Radgrid on the Seine in Paris (Photo: Viking) but also had a front row seat for prime Eiffel Tower views A true highlight: A simple stroll up to the top deck in the evening rewarded me with the landmark’s glittering evening light show without any of the city’s crowds and without having to step off the ship (I even wore slippers) Paris is lovely on its own, but sailing down the waterway that creates its beating heart presents an even more majestic view. 37 bridges traverse the Seine, and while I’ve wandered over a few, departing Paris on my Viking Longship sitting on my private balcony and seeing the sculptural elements up close Not to mention being side-by-side with the replica Statue of Liberty in the middle of the waterway Viking Radgrid in La Roche Guyon (Photo: Adam Coulter/Cruise Critifc) One of the top reasons to sail the Seine with Viking is to step into the storybook towns that line the riverbanks Many of these were established in the middle ages dating back a thousand years to when the primary mode of transportation was by boat So approaching from the water provides a thoroughly authentic entrance And the ease of visiting ports was a delight Our Viking Longship would silently slip into place passengers were strolling onto riverside paths and directly into town I’ve never reached a destination faster (certainly not the time I rented a car in France and couldn’t maneuver through the narrow cobblestone streets) The Gardens of Chateau Guillard in La Roche Guyon (Photo: Adam Coulter) which turned up an antique store with vintage silver serving pieces I had evidently been needing all my life The chef on French Night on a Viking Longship (Photo: Adam Coulter) “Be sure to visit the bakery,” my friendly Viking room attendant told me when she saw me donning my jacket to step outside in La Roche-Guyon “It’s better than Paris!” With an enticement like that some of the best eclairs and croissants I’ve ever eaten.) I discovered it's easy to get to know the staff – they’re constantly making sure you have what you need and learn your names and preferences nearly instantly in the evening the bartender knew a late night port was my preferred nightcap And the program director topped it all like a cherry on a sundae Sometimes she was like a late night television host and breaking the ice for the many groups of new cruisers Wreath-laying at the American Cemetery on a Viking Paris & the Heart of Normandy Seine River Cruise (Photo: Adam Coulter) was when she accompanied the ship’s guests to the American Cemetery in Normandy She arranged a private wreath laying ceremony just for our group and moved the servicemen and women who were sailing with us into a honor line in front in large part due to her very personal touch French Night on a Viking River Cruise (Photo: Adam Coulter) I quickly learned that river cruises by necessity have limited entertainment space due to their intimate size But what surprised me on my Viking cruise along the Seine was how varied the evenings could be thanks to new entertainers who came onboard at nearly every port Paris and Normandy came alive every evening in the lounge with live local music ranging from Parisian opera singers to pianists to jazz musicians from Rouen all of whom would normally be top attractions at venues in their home ports When the lounge wasn’t hosting musical diversions, there was a thrilling enrichment activity whether a regional wine and cheese tastings Dessert selection on Viking River Cruise on the Seine (Photo: Adam Coulter) and it can often consume my days trying to figure out where to eat when I’m visiting so that I don’t miss a regional specialty It turns out I had no reason to worry about missing a single bite of anything Garlic-drenched escargot, spoon-tender duck that was cooked for days, crackling creme brulee, and cream-filled profiteroles––the best of regional French tastes were highlighted every day on my Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruise and no two menus were alike since the cuisine represented the town of the day Not to mention the grand buffet,Taste of Normandy featuring a variety of Normandy specialties that greeted us in the dining room when we alighted in Vernon on our way to Giverny creamy reblochon cheese – the only problem was choosing what to sample first Breakfast on the Aquavit Terrace (Credit: Viking) The intimate size of a river cruise on the Seine was also a delightful surprise As someone who prefers a personality- and service-filled boutique hotel to a massive high rise tower a Viking river cruise felt like I had stepped into my favorite land-based hotel there was never a possibility of waiting in a line the small size lends itself to a convivial atmosphere of like-minded travelers I found that whether I was sharing a communal table in the main restaurant it was easy to strike up a conversation about the French countryside or simply the view we were all enjoying out the window Just like my favorite hotels, I found that Viking river cruise staterooms are attentive to comfort and style My room included a delightfully plush bed; plenty of storage in dressers that ran the length of the wall and in closets that had shelves and deep hanging rods; and even heated bathroom floors Since all of Viking’s staterooms are “outside” cabins And there’s always something happening on the river – there’s no such thing as a day of scenic sailing on the Seine Just kicking off my shoes and stretching out on the bed brought an evolving look at the rolling scenery American Cemetery in Normandy (Photo: Chris Gray Faust) as the drama of the war played out around them Another highlight: The Chateau de Malmaison the home of Napoleon and Josephine just outside of Paris; a hidden gem I don’t think I would have found on my own where our guide talked about Josephine like she was Kim Kardshian (which is to say beautiful and way smarter than anyone gave her credit for.) endless sightseeing from the comfort of a cozy room and a ringside seat to all of the wonders of Paris and the Seine It’s easy to say that although this was my first river cruise in France Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Follow the Seine River west from Paris and you'll discover charming villages and spectacular scenery and verdant flowering gardens before eventually emptying into the English Channel It's the kind of scenery that calls out for photos It certainly had that effect on some of the world's greatest impressionist painters all spent time along this 75-mile stretch of riverbank Their Seine-inspired art is so iconic, and prolific, that sailing on Viking's Paris and the Heart of Normandy cruise can feel a bit like deja vu even if you've never set foot in France before you'll spot landscapes you've seen hanging in museums cathedrals that have inspired multiple paintings and towns that have served as homes to painters themselves or even just a fan of Monet's waterlilies a cruise along the Seine is like being able to spend days in your favorite gallery Here are some of the highlights of an art-filled Impressionist river cruise along the Seine Paris is the perfect place to launch an impressionist art tour Start with a leisurely stroll from Port de Grenelle to the uncrowded Musee Marmottan Here you'll find not only a vast array of impressionist paintings but a literal treasure trove of Monet's works — the largest collection of the artist's paintings in the world bequeathed by his son and filling an entire underground gallery in the former hunting estate of the Duke of Valmy the flowering gardens of Paris' Tuileries and a particularly noteworthy "Bras de Seine Pres de Giverny," a painting of the misty banks of the river near his home the galleries show other impressionist painters These works all set the stage for the cruise to come and many of the paintings foreshadow the sights along the Seine Eiffel Tower Paris by Night (Photo: Viking) Can't miss experience: Paris is always inspiring, especially at night aglow with twinkling lights, so don't miss Viking's optional excursion, Paris Cruise by Night an open-air sail along the city's storied river banks whose grand Gothic Towers are especially picturesque on a moonlit night seeing the dazzling Eiffel Tower lit up at night The Chateau and turret at La Roche Guyon (Photo: Adam Coulter) If your first views of La Roche-Guyon's majestic 12th-century chateau set between the meandering Seine and the imposing white limestone cliffs leaves you thinking this is one of the prettiest spots in France The town has officially been named "Plus Beaux Villages de France" or one of France's most beautiful villages as well as the town's quaint main street with its collection of shops and narrow homes all looks much like it did in the late-1800s when Monet immortalized the picturesque village on canvas (You can see it in person a little later in Rouen.) Don't miss experiences: Inspired by the scenery Don't miss Viking's onboard enrichment including creating your own impressionistic painting and attending an expert lecture Monet's water lily pond at Giverny (Photo: Chris Gray Faust) Vernon's cobblestone streets are the jumping off point for Giverny the famed home and gardens of Claude Monet Vernon isn't just a place to dock though it has a charm all its own with ancient timbered buildings and lovely twisting walkways to explore on an included walking tour with Viking Upstairs is the petit Musee de Vernon where you'll find two Monet paintings here to prime you for the gardens and Giverny's Museum of Impressions (there are no original Monet works located at Giverny) as well as works by other French impressionists inspired by the town and surrounding area and explore the gardens before sampling local Normandy food delicacies and drinks Astronomical Clock in Rouen (Photo: Viking) with churches and steeples and myriad spots that enchant visitors including a spectacular 14th-century astronomical clock tower and a Medieval quarter that feels like you've stepped into another century it's the Rouen Cathedral that truly steals the limelight in a city bursting with worthy sights The magnificent Gothic structure is noteworthy for its three massive towers – the tallest, center one is 490 feet high, making it the tallest in France — located just a short walk from where your Viking Longship docks Viking included walking tour with a local guide is a fantastic way to get to know this delightful city that was so loved by Monet The artist was so impressed by the central grand edifice that he rented a room across from the cathedral so he could paint it at varying times of day capturing the moments when the light changed from morning to day to evening he created more than 30 paintings of the cathedral Several of these can be seen right in the city that inspired them Rouen's Joan d'Arc Square (photo via Shutterstock) Don't miss experience: Rouen is an art enthusiast's paradise with six museums filling the downtown's Museum Quarter But if you only have time for one stop while you're in Rouen here you'll find paintings of highlights from Viking's cruise along the Seine including a Monet painting of La Roche-Guyon The museum even has a fresco of the "Impressionist Seine" adorning its walls showing where the era's great artists spent time while painting the scenery Find all the information you need—plus helpful tips—to plan your visit Explore the works in our collection and delve deeper into their stories Join us for a wide range of programs—there's something for visitors of all ages Airlines Cancel Flights to Israel After Missile Strike Near Airport Bowman’s Travel Brief: Avoid Newark Airport Mastering the Art of Group Travel Bookings Fiesta Americana Travelty Celebrates Travel Advisors The Top 24 Most Powerful Travel Agencies of 2024 The Strategic Art of Pre-Planning Luxury Vacations: A Perspective for Travel Advisors The River Seine conjures dreams of gilded bridges in romantic cities it was also a major raiding and trading route for the Vikings as a strategic location for some of World War II’s most infamous characters and where the events that began the end of the war occurred yet its importance belongs not only to those of the past I had the fortune of being invited on a press trip with Viking River Cruises, on the line’s seven-day Paris & Normandy sailing on the second voyage of its 2024 European sailing season It was my first time in Europe and in France, and I learned so much The Eiffel Tower above the River Seine in Paris The itinerary began with two days in Paris before heading to the region of Normandy following the route that the original Vikings once took after they raided Paris in the early Middle Ages before heading back for one more day in Paris high water levels meant we had to port in Le Pecq Porting in Le Pecq didn’t stop any scheduled activities We also had opportunities to visit other towns where Vincent Van Gogh spent his last seventy days and where he and his brother While you can expect the overcast skies and occasional inclement weather that is typical of springtime full of the beauty that has given it a reputation for romance It’s also busy preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics The world’s largest sporting event is expected to draw millions of spectators were surrounded by concrete barricades and made transiting by bus or car a bit more challenging many of the streets we drove would become pedestrian-only for attendees The Hotel de Ville in Paris decorated with 2024 Paris Olympics decorations I enjoyed a walking tour of the area directly outside our ship which was about fifteen minutes away from the Eiffel Tower on foot I also took a panoramic tour of the city—the photo opportunities were amazing—and went on a short trip to the Palace of Versailles but it was a wonderful introduction to the city We left Paris by night and sailed to our second destination: the small town of La Roche-Guyon The town is home to less than 500 inhabitants and its own château The château is also accompanied by a beautiful 300-year-old manicured garden My first view of the French countryside was beautiful; everything was vibrantly green and the white blossoms of the garden’s pear trees were in full bloom I’d chosen to take an optional tour while in La Roche-Guyon learning about its former inhabitants (including Erwin Rommel) and also about how people in the past ate their meals The Chateau of La Roche-Guyon and its 12th-century tower One thing I loved about Viking’s tours: they always offer optional experiences depending on ability level we had an option to climb the town’s 12th-century watchtower that was built to keep the region safe from English invaders after we’d returned to the ship to eat lunch one that took me inland to the small town of Auvers-Sur-Oise our guide took our small group around the areas of the town where Van Gogh had lived she gave us an introduction to the people now called Normans: Vikings who found better opportunities in trade and diplomacy along the Seine than their raiding had given them in the past Auvers-Sur-Oise itself is charming; it offers a chocolate shop several parks and plenty of things to do for a Van Gogh lover small bronze circles with the name Vincent had been pounded into the pavement These were places where he’d once set down his easel to paint Van Gogh lived in this town during the last seventy days of his life and we spent the evening there before departing to Rouen it boasts over 100,000 residents and a history dating back to ancient Rome I spent my first day there enjoying the town’s historic center which largely consists of old stone walls and the half-timbered buildings that are typical of Norman construction from the Middle Ages onward There is also a more modern side to Rouen: these parts which are home to newer buildings that are markedly different from their half-timbered older siblings had been bombed during World War II and rebuilt in the decades that followed The half-timbered houses and medieval buildings of Rouen Yet Rouen’s claim to fame goes back centuries prior to the Second World War: its gorgeous 11th-century Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and its historic city center is forever memorialized as the location where Joan of Arc was famously burned at the stake There is now a church dedicated to her where she was killed practice your French language skills and just enjoy French living so it’s easy to walk around and immerse yourself in the city’s charming atmosphere The next day was the most popular excursion of the entire cruise the majority of cruisers I talked to said it was the main reason why they’d chosen the itinerary It was Viking’s curated WWII Memorial excursion one for the American participation in D-Day and the other for those within Commonwealth countries The flags of participating countries in WWII outside the Caen Memorial Museum in Caen The American tour included a visit to the Caen Memorial Museum a visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and to Omaha Beach where one of the worst battles had been fought The vast majority of my fellow cruisers had chosen to take one of the two offered excursions The day began earlier than usual with a quick breakfast then we got into our coach bus and whizzed down scenic country highways north until we reached the Caen Memorial Museum and learned about the human toll the Second World War had on the world and the local impact it had on the French—and Normandy “Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves,” statue at the Normandy American Cemetery We ate a private meal at the museum, then headed towards the Normandy American Cemetery which is managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission Each of the nearly 10,000 cemetery markers face west: towards home The Walls of the Missing ring around the backside of the towering bronze “Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves,” statue an homage to those who lost their lives on the beaches of Normandy on June 6 Viking held a special memorial service for those who participated in the war and for those who served in the military afterward Several cruisers stood in a row as we honored their service some of whom had served in WWII on D-Day itself "Les Braves," a metal sculpture on Omaha Beach where two memorial sculptures stood as a testament that many people had lost their lives to defend freedom worldwide like a scene from an impressionist painting becoming once more what it had always been: a place where the sea touches the land in an endless cycle of ebb and flow Our sixth day of the cruise brought us to Les Andelys a small area comprising two towns that had blended together over the centuries (Le Petit-Andely and Le Grand Andely) which was built in the last years of the twelfth century by Richard the Lionheart The ruins of Chateau Gaillard in Les Andelys and I spent the morning wandering the storybook town enjoying the flowering trees and tulips that bloomed in every direction I looked and the rare blue sky and sunshine beaming overhead a few were open or opened in the afternoon and I popped into a few to find some locally made souvenirs along with some more traditional ones (fridge magnets are always a great souvenir) I headed back into the town for a walking tour which took us up to the Château Gaillard on a steep unpaved shortcut that I took along with two others and it got us to the top of the castle in less time The view of the Viking Radgrid and the small town of Les Andelys from Chateau Gaillard Yet by the time I made it back down to the town I sheltered under an eave of a building and waited it out happy that I’d worn my waterproof boots and only had to worry about my wet clothes and hair While none of the weather ruined my cruise I would advise travelers visiting during the spring to pack accordingly: at least one raincoat and waterproof boots I then made it to the town’s boulangerie to console myself with a pain au chocolat and a chouquette we took a short bus ride to the Château de Malmaison He’d lived with her there for years during their marriage and it was there where he made the decision to sell the Louisiana Territory to America with a sizable garden with tulips everywhere I took an optional excursion to the Louvre which included a dinner at a traditional brasserie in Paris While the Louvre was crowded (it was the day after Easter I’m happy to have visited with a guide who was well-versed in dealing with the crowds The statue garden inside The Louvre Museum I loved getting to sit down and eat in Paris for the brasserie dinner portion of the tour My dinner consisted of a tomato and mozzarella salad a leg of lamb and a large profiterole for dessert—a delicious ending to an amazing week I will carry the memories I made in France for a lifetime It was an incredibly easy journey: I didn’t have to worry about how to get to the ship from the airport or how to transit to the places I wanted to visit or even how best to communicate with French shopkeepers (I received a lot of great tips from our cruise director— a happy “Bonjour!” goes a long way) but I found myself constantly walking in step with history and found myself standing where Joan of Arc was killed or stepping on the same sand where so many young men died in one of the worst conflicts in modern history—that left an impression on me Le Grand Palais viewed from across the famed Pont Alexandre III in Paris or any so-called Old World—is a lot like that beach ingenuity and all the complexities of life ebb and flow around it centuries of births and deaths and creation and destruction all memorialized for the traveler to discover For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter Viking Thanks Travel Advisors at 2024 Travvy Awards Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary She can be reached at lpfalz@ntmllc.com Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information Marine Le Pen at the launch of National Rally’s campaign for the June European elections Photographer: Christophe Simon/Getty Images Marine Le Pen is leading Macron in the polls for June’s European elections Will the far-right leader translate that support into winning the presidency in 2027 XLinkedInEmailLinkGiftFacebookXLinkedInEmailLinkGiftBy and March 11 2024 at 5:01 PM EDTBookmarkSaveTimothée Houssin spends his Friday nights dashing between towns and villages in Normandy attending as many local celebrations and events as possible the French politician is seeking to cement his place in the district he won by fewer than 500 votes in 2022 The 35-year-old is proud of what he’s achieved so far helping constituents navigate state bureaucracy and championing their concerns in the National Assembly over a lack of doctors in the Eure region a representative of Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party believes he is on a mission that goes beyond regional borders France — River line Avalon Waterways today nearly doubled its capacity on France's Seine River with the unveiling of a new ship Christened in a dockside ceremony in Les Andelys the 128-passenger vessel joins the line's 140-passenger Avalon Creativity which has been sailing on the Seine since 2009 "France is an exciting destination (right now)," Avalon managing director Patrick Clark told more than 100 invited guests including the mayor of Les Andelys and other dignitaries from the surrounding Normandy region pleased and proud to be part of developing tourism (on the Seine) and bringing new visitors." Avalon's expansion on the Seine comes as the line also is nearly doubling its capacity on France's Rhone River with the addition of a second ship there Both of the new vessels are part of Avalon's new Panorama class of ships which began debuting in 2011 and feature a large number of extra-wide cabins called Panorama Suites The Avalon Tapestry II has 50 of the Panaroma Suites which offer 200 square feet of living space That's about 30% more than the standard river ship cabin "We're very proud of this beautiful new ship," Clark told attendees "It's a unique design that no other river cruise operator has." Avalon is touting the Panorama Suites as a key difference between its vessels and those of other river lines in Europe that cater to North Americans The suites make up nearly 80% of the cabins on Avalon's Panorama class ships and have several unusual features wall-to-wall panoramic windows that stretch 11 feet wide and open up 7 feet wide 11-year-old Avalon is known for a young fleet of ships with a stylish and the Avalon Tapestry II is no exception author of the bestselling Outlander series of novels served as the Avalon Tapestry II's godmother today during the christening ceremony in Les Andelys The postcard-perfect town is located on a bend in the Seine River and is home to the ruins of a famed 12th century fortress built by English king and Norman duke Richard the Lionheart Avalon executives and representatives from the ship's builder in the Netherlands The Avalon Tapestry II will set sail Saturday on its first voyage with paying passengers Inspired by the landscapes of the French masters Elger Esser captures the brooding seascapes and bucolic country scenes of his beloved countryside – with timeless results it's natural to assume that a Seine River cruise is strongly focused on la capitale Whether you've traveled to Paris before or this is your first visit is what a marvelous voyage it is beyond the city limits Gothic cathedrals and the pastoral countryside of Normandy I spent one pre-cruise night in Paris both to salve jet lag and reconnect a bit with this enchanting city Then our trip took us into the Seine Valley Normandy and the fishing village of Petit Andely before heading back for one more overnight in the City of Light choosing to cruise the Seine was an easy decision Paris can be overwhelming and as many times as I've visited on this trip I was grateful to have the company of fellow passengers and a terrific guide on our day there the itinerary was not just a fantastic introduction to French towns and villages -- some I'd heard of while others were new discoveries It was also a convenient and seamless way to get to know Normandy checking into new hotels and navigating les autoroutes on my own after-dinner drinks in the lounge and on tours I'd head up to the sun deck or out on the balcony with a good book I've cruised a lot and the one travel tip I'll offer is this: Plan to get to your destination at least one day before you board your ship because disruptions happen and you don't want to miss the boat -- or miss days of your vacation and arriving the day before gave me a chance to relax nap and aimlessly wander around enchanting neighborhoods I chose the Hyatt Paris Etoile just on the outskirts of Paris small boutique hotels you typically book in Paris has killer views (you can choose Eiffel Tower or Montmartre -- both were divine) that it was a 10-minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe and that it was full-service it was also a Viking pre-cruise hotel and I had the benefit of advice from the very nice folks who manned the service desk Paris is a great power-strolling city and with a map in hand I headed toward the Arc de Triomphe on the Place Charles de Gaulle Inspired by military successes in the early 19th century (and various other military-minded honors have been added from subsequent wars) Napoleon gets credit for its creation but he ultimately abdicated well before it was completed in 1831 What's actually more interesting is the people-watching across 12 lanes of traffic that surrounds it The Arc de Triomphe has a viewing tour and you can pay to climb the 284 steps for pretty nifty Parisian views (make sure not to cross the street on foot; there's an underground tunnel in the Champs-Elysees Metro) dubbed the world's most beautiful avenue Maybe it once was elegant and special; today it felt like a Times Squarian tourist trap you'll find no end of amusement but I kept on walking I'm making my ritual Paris pilgrimage to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann and sprawling over several blocks (you can access the different departments via under-road tunnel) the original building actually has a theatrical in-the-round feel Its centerpiece is a 43-square-meter glass dome from the Art Nouveau era in the main hall I would have lined up to step out onto the Glasswalk a walkway that hangs out into the middle of the store with great views of shoppers below and the dome above the terrace on the seventh floor is mostly casual eateries with a grand view overlooking Paris Here's a tip: If you don't feel like dining there's a small area where you can still admire the scene one of the things I really like about the location of the Hyatt is its proximity to the gracious and not-very-touristy neighborhood of Neuilly-sur-Seine A recommendation led me to dinner at Le Durand Dupont a brasserie that one reviewer described as a "chic staple" and which I'd say was the perfect first-day-with-jet-lag in Paris meal While other Viking travelers were still sightseeing in Paris on the pre-cruise aspect of their trip I hailed an Uber and ventured to where Viking Rolf was waiting I knew exactly what to expect (and half the fun is that since all Longships are largely identical aside from artwork If you're only checking-into-a-cruise experience is on a big the check-in process on a riverboat will stun you with its simplicity grabs your luggage and you're onboard with a quick trip to the service desk to get your cabin key and flash a passport Another thing so relaxing about a river cruise is even as your travels take you from place to place you don't have to lift a finger: You unpack once and settle in Most standard staterooms on Viking Longships have private balconies or French verandas (essentially a floor-to-ceiling window that opens) are sleekly designed with plenty of storage and feature power showers with heated tile floors Even more glam is the veranda suite category onboard It's a true suite with separate living room and bedroom It was an embarrassment of riches for this solo traveler it was a great spot to stretch out on the couch with balcony doors open and watch the world go by One of the things I love about traveling alone is the chance to meet others and yet I also prize solo time one of the challenges is I'm a bit shy at first That's another reason why I love this ship design At mealtimes you can jump into the social fray in the Restaurant on Deck 2 or you can nab a precious table for two at the Aquavit Terrace and enjoy a quiet alfresco dinner under the sun and stars the terrace was a bit of a secret and I almost had it to myself (that would change quickly as it became quite the hot spot for lunch and dinner) What will soon become a cherished tradition is the nightly predinner port talk in the lounge where you can sip a glass of wine and hear all about what the next day will bring We loved the chef's recommendations about what to order for dinner and our gentle introduction to French cuisine we'd enjoy throughout the week included escargot Tomorrow's a power-sightseeing day with all tours headed into the heart of Paris today marks a new Parisian discovery: a morning review of Paris' most iconic spots and an afternoon trip to Montmartre It was a full day of touring for most of us; those who preferred to explore independently could take a complimentary shuttle between ship and city center Those who were more gentle adventurers could opt for a motor coach tour of the city's highlights and still other options included guided visits of the Louvre our bus dropped us off in the 5th arrondissement A short stroll to nearby Shakespeare and Company revealed a breathtaking view of the French Gothic Notre-Dame de Paris the cathedral that so horrifically burned in 2019 Line up along the Seine embankment to take-in its still-stunning beauty You can't get any closer because it's closed for repair I met our guide for the trek to Montmartre or I should rather say "my" guide because I was the only person on the tour -- How amazing it is that Viking didn't simply cancel the tour because not enough people signed up which represents the highest point in the city and for that reason alone Its iconic attraction is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris (Sacre-Coeur) a wonderful spot for a few minutes of quiet reverie The most picturesque part of Montmartre is its charming hilltop village just a few minutes' walk away It's known for inspiring artists like Picasso It also inspires living artists; there are more than 40 who daily set up their easels in the Place du Tertre You can have a portrait drawn for 50 euros (about $60) or so If you have ever dreamed of becoming a painter you may want to stay in Montmartre forever We had a very pleasant lunch of mussels and crusty bread at one of the touristic restaurants on the square and meandered around the village discovering Paris' only in-town vineyard and other quiet spots before heading back to the Metro to pick up the last Viking shuttle this is definitely a night when you want to dine alfresco on the Aquavit Terrace As soon as we moved from our cocktail hour "what's next" presentation to dinner There was nary a breeze to ruffle our chateaubriand which runs from Burgundy's Dijon through Paris where it divides into two (creating the nomenclature of "left bank" and "right bank") and then on to Normandy and the sea is the second-longest river in France (the Loire River earns top honors) we learn that it's France's busiest inland waterway and of course the region we cruise through is where the impressionist art movement was born What's particularly surprising is how relatively little modern life we see from our perch on Viking Rolf the occasional cathedral but 21st century -- anything -- seems tucked away Expectations of this Normandy village aren't particularly high since the reason we're here is its proximity to Claude Monet's paradisiacal gardens of Giverny while on my next Seine River cruise I'd like to spend an entire day in the absolutely darling village of Giverny (our tour was just a half-day) I'm glad I didn't miss out on Vernon A quick walk around town (Viking also offered a guided tour) featured delightfully ancient 500-year-old Norman half-timbered buildings that betrayed their age by leaning There were a couple of really interesting local bistros with Michelin connections The Gothic Collegiate Church of Our Lady is worth a peek The best discovery of all was the Musee Alphonse-Georges-Poulain a museum above the tourist information center which is the only place in the area that actually displays original Monet paintings; it also features works by Eduoard Vuillard and Pierre Bonnard I loved the impressionist art class that was offered -- there were some pretty magnificent passenger-created watercolors The afternoon was all-things-Giverny and Viking which has straddled the Seine since the relatively recent 1950s The towpath veered in and around the river was mostly flat and gave us a wonderful look at the village itself Golden stone houses with flower boxes brimming with geraniums line the village's main street We pulled up for a quick "rest stop" in front of Hotel Baudy which today is just a restaurant (and a lovely one at that) American artists working in Paris made pilgrimages to Monet's country place in Giverny and needed somewhere to stay and eat and drink Sometimes they traded their own paintings to pay bar tabs which explains the visual chaos of some of the pieces still hanging here today There's even an art studio in the back garden It's about a half-mile from Monet's home and when I found myself with a half-hour to kill for a Kronenbourg at the bar having the bike meant I could get there with time to spare Giverny itself: The artist was a big proponent of the plein air movement considered quite revolutionary at the time in that painters actually went out into nature and urban cityscapes to paint Our guide told us Monet was inspired to design the gardens so that he didn't necessarily have to travel to have something to paint It's not a formal French garden that you'd associate with What was unique at the time and is still beautiful to this day is how natural it feels even as a team of gardeners works around visitors to keep it maintained The second garden is even more iconic: The water garden inspired Monet to create numerous series of works of art you've probably seen this garden before in a museum which has been restored so you can imagine the scenario here during his life (check out his choice of art -- none of his works are displayed here and the view from the second-floor bedrooms There's a massive gift shop that has none of the natural elegance of the gardens you've just absorbed and outside you can visit touristic restaurants for ice cream and such boutiques and other art museums are enticing As our small band of cyclists headed back to Vernon we started to develop the camaraderie that I've noticed often happens on active-oriented tours more than on more rigidly structured activities As a solo traveler surrounded by nine other people a lot like me in that we preferred to ride a bike to the garden with stops along the way for small discoveries there was banter and joking and introductions and where-are-you-from When we paused for a surprise refreshment break of hand-baked macarons and the most delicious apple cider and Pommeau (a hard cider) precariously perched Mill House over the Seine with fewer than 200 passengers Viking Rolf is by no means a big vessel but our outing today made it feel even cozier Normandy's biggest city and its capital you can take a two-hour walking tour of the medieval city's old town a half-day excursion to the fishing village of Honfleur and another trip out to a farm in the gorgeous Normandy countryside to taste homegrown cheeses though: We spend two days in Rouen because it's the closest we can get to our trip to Normandy's D-Day beaches You might want to consider pacing yourself here "Les Miserables" writer Victor Hugo is quoted as calling it "the city of a hundred spires" and that gives you a sense of the ambiance but of course doesn't tell all of the story Despite being heavily bombed by the Allies in World War II of the now-ubiquitous Norman half-timbered buildings If the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady (also known as Rouen Cathedral) looks familiar that's because it is: Monet's Rouen Cathedral series consists of 30 paintings through which he experimented with light play on the medieval facade Rouen also celebrates the life of Joan of Arc who was burned at the stake on the city's Place du Vieux Marche Nearby is the supermodern 1970s Joan of Arc church The paradox of such a contemporary-looking church on this historic square is frankly quite jarring and maybe that's meant purposefully as the heroine considered a savior in the Hundred Years War (between the 14th and 15th centuries) and there's plenty of chain store shopping aimed more at locals than tourists It's well-known for its plethora of antiques stores; head to streets like Rue Damiette around the Church of Saint-Ouen de Rouen like the man who was sculpting a dog out of sand that looked so lifelike which I did a double take and then dropped money into his tin cup Viking Rolf overnighted at our docking spot in Rouen What's a bit surprising to me is that the food onboard French with contemporary twists and "everyday" options has been so good that I've barely eaten off the ship perfectly captures my interest in savoring a meal here: "Dining at the restaurant that introduced the late Julia Child to French cuisine feels a little like striking a match on the site where humans discovered fire." Indeed as she recounted in her memoir "My Life in France," Child who had literally just gotten off a transatlantic crossing in Le Havre as she and her husband were relocating to Paris in 1948 "the most exciting of my life" and sparked her passion for introducing French cuisine to American palates Maybe La Couronne milks the Child connection a little bit -- there's actually a Julia Child menu available if not cooked by the same chef -- and the effort exudes a whiff of touristic marketing in a Norman building dating back to the 14th century makes you forget all about the 21st century (and if you've seen the movie "Julie and Julia," where a scene is shot at the supposed La Couronne you'll notice that it's not this one but when the waiter understood I wanted him to call the shots The experience remains a highlight of my trip I took a quick detour to Rouen Cathedral where from June to September there's a late-night color and light show reflected off its facade Today is the penultimate experience of our Seine River cruise I say that because it's the one day where we all come together for a tour of the World War II theater best known as the Normandy beaches awe-inspiring artistic masterpieces and the culinary inspiration of Julia Child hold no candle to the reverence and honor we'll pay tribute to on this jam-packed outing today's all about the brutal effort that helped the Allies turn the tables 11 hours from start to finish back in Rouen It was touching to see that Viking created two tours the other focused on events of interest to British and Canadian passengers It was a good reminder that this day is not just about the American war effort but also a meaningful battle for Canadian and British militaries Travelers who are Canadian or British went to Sword and Juno beaches (with a side trip to see the Bayeux tapestry) Omaha and Gold beaches before winding up at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial The trip from Viking Rolf in Rouen to Normandy takes about two hours It's a pleasant journey on new and comfy Viking motor coaches; I loved that seats had access to outlets to charge phones and iPads watched "Saving Private Ryan," the Tom Hanks film about D-Day All distractions ceased as we got off the autoroute and onto country roads in Normandy the most jarring sight upon arriving in Arromanches is as much a vacation spot for beach-goers as it is for a powerful nod to our history is another surprising reminder of what happened here on June 6 and yet this juxtaposition between history and life today is absolutely compelling Viking hosts us all for a set-lunch at a golf resort; if you have any dietary restrictions make sure to let the Viking culinary team know before the Normandy visit The most intensely moving experience of the day -- and that's saying something -- is the post-lunch visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial we all felt the sobering realization that 9,387 crosses are dedicated to American soldiers who lost their lives on D-Day and in the ensuing Battle of Normandy Another 1,557 men who were never found are memorialized on the Wall of the Missing Don't miss this: A ceremony was held for our group around the bronze memorial "Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves," and all passengers who had served or are still serving in the military were asked to participate Honoring military history and sacrifice of all who serve was a meaningful way to end the day People were lost in their own recollections I think a lot of us forgot we were on a light-hearted vacation and absorbed this era in person in a way that no movie or history book could transcribe I wasn't alone in feeling that I'll never forget this day Les Andelys was the perfect easygoing place the smaller of two villages marked by the ruins of Chateau Gaillard hovering above you can climb up to the ruins for simply gorgeous views of the Seine Valley's white cliffs or amble around town shopping at darling boutiques and dining off-ship at bistros and pizzarias via a kayaking expedition on the nearby Eure River it attracted just about the same group of us who'd cycled into Giverny and it was placid and peaceful and you didn't really have to work too hard officers of Viking Rolf hosted a Viking Explorer Society welcome-back reception for past passengers and it seemed like most of the passengers were there sipping elegant cocktails and trading bon mots If yesterday's blissful laid-back nature helped us recharge which is relatively unremarkable for tourists -- its proximity to Chateau de Malmaison and the Palace of Versailles means it's easy to start tours here After a quick walk around Mantes-la-Jolie I got back onboard looking for a few hours spent on the river and the ship set out for our final port of Le Pecq here's the thing: What can get lost on any river cruise amid all the sightseeing discoveries is the simple pleasure of gliding along the river There are views from river bank to river bank and it can be as glorious as a cathedral perched on a hilltop or an ancient half-timbered mansion or even watching other boats It occurs to me that the Seine feels even quieter than most; despite the fact that it's France's busiest commercial waterway we haven't seen many other riverboats I curl up on the balcony and read a little bit from the book I still haven't finished in one of the rocking chairs in the Aquavit Terrace I sip a cocktail with a pair of passengers who a little shopping for gifts at the Viking store on Deck 2 and the contemplation tense and laden with pressures of daily life I feel like a shirt that's been ironed to remove all the creases The week we've spent is a jumble of kaleidoscopic colors My only regret is I can't stay onboard and do it all over again is an award-winning editor and writer who’s been covering the cruise industry for morre than 20 years She’s began trawling Europe’s rivers while on assignment for The Washington Post and counts a dozen voyages along the Danube alone (and only two on the Seine; she's looking to increase her frequency on France's most iconic waterway) from imperial cities to villages so beautifully preserved they could be a film set We traveled on Europe's most popular rivers -- the Danube Rhone and Seine -- and share our stories about our discoveries with plenty of tips and insights to help you plan your own voyage On the Danube River: Two Longtime Pals Make Discoveries About Europe and Friendship On the Rhine River: Our Culinary, Castle and Cathedral Discoveries Are Just the Beginning On the Rhone River: Mother and Son Take Their First River Cruise Together On the Seine River: Paris Is Just One of Many Standouts on This Solo Cruise And don't miss our exclusive new series: Cruise Critic's Ultimate River Cruise Guides The guides give expert advice on what to do in ports of call when cruising Europe's rivers from insight on the marquee attractions that are typically featured on included tours to off-the-track discoveries to make on your own Check out: Cruise Critic's Ultimate Danube River Cruise Guide Check out: Cruise Critic's Ultimate Rhine River Cruise Guide Check out: Cruise Critic's Ultimate Seine River Cruise Guide When looking for the best cruise lines for seniors, Cruise Critic sought out those that cater more to adults than children, though several of our choices feature activities for seniors as well as families. Many can also accommodate limited mobility issues with advanced notice Read on for our list of the eight best cruises for seniors and find the one that checks all of your boxes before booking your next cruise Viking Longship in Les Andelys (Photo: Viking) Viking cruises offer inclusive pricing, covering all meals, beer and wine during lunch and dinner, port charges, internet access, lectures, activities and at least one shore excursion in every port Accommodations and transfers are included in the package Viking’s new expedition ships have a protected slip that allows passengers to board small Zodiac vessels inside as opposed to doing so while exposed to outdoor elements Cabins with sunrooms and windows that lower for fresh air Holland America Line (HAL) has long been one of the most popular cruise lines with seniors both for the destinations where they travel and entertainment options onboard and typically do not have many young children (although Holland America Alaska cruises attract multi-generational families cruising together) Why HAL Is Great for Seniors: Holland America’s shore excursion program appeals to well-traveled individuals looking for more comprehensive information about a destination, the local culture and customs. Trivia takes place at all hours, and HAL has onboard partnerships with BBC Earth, B.B. King's and Rolling Stone As one of the best lines for accessible cruising in the industry wheelchair-friendly staterooms are available on all Holland America cruise ships Passengers can make arrangements ahead of time with the Access & Compliance Department to secure wheelchairs scooters and other amenities to support any disability issues This department will provide several outside companies the line works with and help coordinate the process before departure cruisers can bring their own wheelchairs or scooters Silversea cruises are all-inclusive senior-friendly cruises at their best ultra-luxury ships in both ocean and expedition categories discerning traveler in search of an upscale experience with highly personalized service Its ships sail to more than 900 destinations on all seven continents and provide many once-in-a-lifetime experiences The all-inclusive pricing covers all-suite accommodations, gourmet dining, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and wines, onboard lectures, gratuities and -- on expedition cruises only -- excursions with Zodiacs Why Silversea Is Great for Seniors: Silversea's suites come with a dedicated butler that handles everything from unpacking luggage to making dinner reservations and keeping your preferred beverage well-stocked during the cruise The Silver Shore Concierge can make arrangements for individually curated tours as well as Mid-Cruise Land Adventures tours that are arranged between ports of call so cruisers can meet the ship at the next destination The main dining room and themed dining options are impressive. Depending on the ship, specialty restaurants include the French fare at La Dame; Indochine and Seishin, serving Asian-inspired cuisine; or It Terrazzino, honoring the Italian heritage of the family-owned cruise line. New ships boast S.A.L.T. a culinary adventure program that delves into local cuisines All of Silversea's ships accommodate wheelchairs and scooters, though passengers are requested to notify the cruise line before booking. The line's low single supplement is an attractive incentive for widows and widowers Men of a certain age are onboard many cruises to serve as gentlemen hosts dining and dancing with the single ladies onboard The Cunard cruise fleet appeals to traditionalists, but that doesn't mean the experience isn't modern and fun. While the Queen Mary 2 specializes in crossings between New York and Southampton the other ships in the fleet bring the line's British flavor to other regions of the world Why Cunard Is Great for Seniors: There are plenty of reasons why Cunard offers some of the best cruises for elderly travelers. Queen Mary 2 is built for leisurely sea days as well as one of the largest libraries at sea And no one wants to miss the traditional tea in the Queens Room or the fish and chips in the Golden Lion Pub One feature of all Cunard cruise ships is the more formal vibe Seniors who want to get their dressy duds out of the closet will be in heaven; the most casual nights onboard still require a cocktail dress For seniors cruising solo, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria all have single-occupancy cabins The line also has gentlemen hosts to act as dancing and dining companions for single ladies Compass Rose on Seven Seas Navigator (Photo: Cruise Critic) Regent Seven Seas is one of the best cruise lines for seniors who want to pay once and forget about any additional charges during their trip Its six all-suite ships boast the world's most inclusive cruise experience gratuities and most shore excursions are included in fares although you will see an occasional family traveling with younger children making it one of the best cruise lines for seniors who want to take along the grandkids Why Regent Seven Seas Is Great for Seniors: Regent offers a true luxury experience the convenience of all-inclusive pricing and a high ratio of staff members to passengers to increase the pampering factor The ships themselves are gorgeous, with high-end artwork and sumptuous furnishings. Regent’s newest ships, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Grandeur are well known for their extravagant and massive Regent Suites Regent Seven Seas dining options are top notch and plentiful with all dining options included in the fare Extravagant Sunday brunches include Champagne and caviar you can order meals from the dining room directly to your suite through room service The atmosphere is more country club casual than formal accessible suites are available on all ships and can accommodate a wheelchair or motorized scooter bars and casinos are also easy to navigate and accessible Tauck ms Emerald (Photo: Tauck River Cruises) These cruises lean toward the luxury end of the cruise spectrum excursions and gratuities included in the fare Why Tauck Cruises Are Great for Seniors: Tauck prides itself on doing everything for its guests from the time you touch down to the time you leave Tauck guides will even give passengers euros for lunch These Tauck guides also perform multiple duties onboard attending shore excursions and handling the lagniappe extras Shore excursions on Tauck river cruises are thoughtful and interesting and often go a step beyond what you might find on other lines passengers may be given a rose to place at the gravesite of a veteran Dinner off the ship might be held at a Michelin-starred restaurant in a vineyard this means having menus that appeal more to U.S Main Dining Room on American Constellation (Photo: American Cruise Lines) American Cruise Lines is one of the best cruise options for seniors who want to explore the history and heritage of the US The cruise line sails two types of riverboats -- traditional and modern -- as well as coastal cruise ships Fares for the riverboats include a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay (select itineraries only) All sailings offer at least one shore excursion in every port; complimentary evening cocktails and wine and beer at lunch and dinner; soft drinks Why American Cruise Lines Is Great for Seniors: All of the ships in the American Cruise Lines fleet have been built at the company's own American shipyard and the crew are also American and most have cabins and suites that are among the largest among river ships The line is also great for solo travelers with a nice variety of single cabins without a single supplement You'll find both wheelchair-accessible cabins and elevators to all passenger decks Enrichment is a standout on American Cruise Lines Shore excursions to historical sites and museums are common Wi-Fi is complimentary and each ship has several libraries and chart rooms for browsing Passengers can tour the pilot house with the captain while onboard Exterior of AmaWaterways AmaMagna (via AmaWaterways) AmaWaterways pioneered river ships with double balcony staterooms with one traditional step-out balcony side-by-side with a French balcony door This allows indoor seating that's ideal for inclement weather or for passengers with mobility issues The cruise line's ships are elegantly appointed with expansive public areas for enjoying views of the rivers and shorelines with a focus on food and beverage tours and educational explorations of each destination Food and entertainment onboard the ship reflect the areas where the ship is sailing with guest entertainers and lecturers coming on board at various times during the cruise Why AmaWaterways Is Great for Seniors: Senior cruisers on AmaWaterways will appreciate the extra attention taken to offer tours for every ability Guests choose between regular-paced walking tours gentle-paced walking tours and tours with full transportation provided Tour guides will even arrange car or van service if a passenger is too tired at the end of a tour for the return walk back. More active senior cruisers can enjoy complimentary bicycles and themed golf cruises AmaWaterways does allow children over age 4 in all cruises allowing for multi-generational river cruises with the grandkids as well There is a minimum age limit of 12 years old for Africa Safaris and Wildlife cruises ABOARD THE AVALON TAPESTRY II — Thinking about a river cruise through France's Normandy region offers a deck-by-deck look at the newest vessel on Normandy's Seine River: Avalon Waterways' Avalon Tapestry II Christened last week in Les Andelys the 128-passenger ship is the first of Avalon's new Panorama class of vessels to sail on the Seine and features the line's signature the Avalon Tapestry II is a modern and stylish ship with a spacious lounge and bar It's sailing seven-night trips along the Seine out of Paris that include stops in Les Andelys the cathedral town of Rouen and Caudebec (gateway to the D-Day landing beaches) Designed as a research tool for vacationers considering a voyage the Avalon Tapestry II photo tour is the 124th in our ongoing series of ship galleries Click HERE to see the Avalon Tapestry II photos above in larger format would be the marquee attraction when you're booking your trip to learn that much of a Seine River cruise is spent in the ports of Normandy delightful French cuisine await you as you leave the lights of Paris in your wake Multiple cruise lines offer cruises on the Seine River with itineraries ranging from seven to 10 nights The ports on a Seine River cruise are wonderfully choreographed to balance touring with quaint stops that invite relaxation Cruise Critic explored the cruise ports of the Seine River From the Palace of Versailles to the war-torn Beaches of Normandy on the English Channel these are the seven most fascinating ports and destinations to expect on your Seine River cruise Needless to say there's so much to do in renowned Paris, France you won't be able to see it all during your Seine River cruise from Paris but you can get quite the grasp of the City of Lights The itinerary includes solid time in and near the city (sometimes split between the beginning and end of the cruise) but you may want to add days before or after if seeing the sights of the city itself is important to you Look for cruise lines that build those extra days into the package for you Things to Do in Paris on Your Seine River Cruise: Your ship may offer organized tours to make it easy to get an overview of the city and its long list of legendary sites Obvious choices of sights to see include the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe At the top of the list for in-depth exploration must be the Louvre whose palatial foundation dates to the 12th century With 650,000 square feet of exhibition space it's known for a lot more than da Vinci's "Mona Lisa." allows you to experience key pieces of original art by Claude Monet either before or after visiting the artist’s homeland during your Seine River cruise Make a pilgrimage to the Notre Dame Cathedral; while you can't go inside until late 2024 allowing a stunning view of the building’s exterior Active Pursuits in Paris: Paris is one of the world's most walkable cities and its neighborhoods Explore them all on foot for a more in-depth and authentic Parisian experience Insider Tips: Paris has Uber and it's a great alternative to taxis (though the city's metro system is easy to figure out and helps avoid clogged roadways) Be wary of pickpockets -- they're everywhere and both offer land-based extensions for even more time in Paris Scenic offers a Shop with the Chef opportunity during the ship’s time docked in Paris The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles on a Seine River cruise (Photo: Flickr/Satoshi Nakagowa) is home to the medieval Collegiate Church of Our Lady of Mantes but river cruises really dock here for proximity to Versailles and Napoleon's Château de Malmaison Things to Do in and Near Mantes la Jolie or Conflans: Spend the day at the Château de Versailles, one of the top tourist draws in and around Paris. This UNESCO World Heritage Site began as a humble hunting lodge before becoming the home of kings you visit the state apartments and the striking Hall of Mirrors a 240-foot-long glass- and chandelier-filled corridor that pays tribute to France's political The recently revitalized Queen's Apartments And no visit to Versailles is complete without a turn in its lavish gardens such as The Four Seasons Fountain and the Mirror Pool Take a tour of Napoleon Bonaparte's last home in France before his exile Chateau Malmaison is less a palace and more a home than Versailles Active Pursuits: Cycle your way around the Chateau de Versailles; you can rent bikes onsite Insider Tips: Various tour options to visit Versailles run from 5 to 6.5 hours If this is the final night onboard your ship you may find it moves deeper into the city to the port of disembarkation while passengers are off touring you are welcome to stay onboard and enjoy the move Monet's garden in Giverny on a Seine River cruise (Photo: Viking) Vernon's main draw is its proximity to Giverny where impressionist painter Claude Monet created his beautiful gardens It's known for its half-timbered buildings the oldest of which dates to the 12th century Giverny and Vernon: Monet's expansive colorful garden is the focal point of a visit here The artist spent 43 years creating and maintaining the garden Clos Normand is home to flowers and plants from all over the world and the Japanese-inspired water garden is across the road There's also a massive Monet-themed gift shop visit the Musee du Vernon to see two of Monet's works (interestingly none of his works are shown in Giverny): "Nymphaea," 1908 (painted in his garden) and "Effet de soleil couchant a Pourville" (the cliffs of Pourville at sunset); stay to enjoy the Norman ambience in this historic building Another plus: The tourist office is located on the ground level Giverny and Vernon: As in many stops along the Seine The ride here is through pastoral farmland and quaint village streets Insider Tips: Monet is buried at Giverny's Eglise Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny Honor him with a visit to his flower-festooned grave but also wander into the church itself; it's serene Tauck offers painting classes onboard following your visit to Giverny, allowing you to explore your own version of impressionism. Gate 1 cruises on the Seine give you a full day in the region with morning tours to Giverny and free time in the afternoon to explore Vernon independently and at a bit lower price than many other European river cruise options Les Andelys consists of a fishing village and a larger town which are separated by a marsh (and 30-minute walk) Ships dock in the smaller Le Petit Andelys a charming port with half-timbered houses and It's the perfect place for a low-key day Things to Do in Les Andelys: Walk up the mountain to the ruins of Chateau Gaillard for the incomparable views of the Seine Valley and its white cliffs Active Pursuits in Les Andelys: Walk along the riverside towpath and through the village Kayaking on the nearby Eure River is possible either independently or through a ship’s excursion Insider Tips: The range of interesting shops in Le Petit Andely is surprising and worth the stroll through town Adventures by Disney offers a few chartered Seine River cruises with everything you’d expect when the Disney name is attached the Disney team offers lessons in making macarons onboard the ship following excursions The largest city in Normandy and its capital, Rouen dates back to the 12th century with a heritage that spotlights the disparate trio of Joan of Arc It's a favorite stop on any Seine River cruise canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church as a young girl with a belief in the divine guidance of God led the French army to success during a Hundred Years' War battle at Orleans Monet's connection with Rouen lies primarily with his fascination with the facade of the Gothic-Norman Cathedrale Notre-Dame; he painted a series of oils as she wrote in "My Life in France," "the most exciting meal of her life" -- which also inspired her passion for French cuisine Things to Do in Rouen: A walking tour of Rouen's medieval quarter takes in the city's most iconic sites such as Notre Dame Cathedral (buried inside is Richard the Lionheart) and the Gros Horloge astronomical clock A statue in the Place du Vieux-Marche marks the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake presents an odd contrast to the square's otherwise historic ambience particularly cheese and apples; available ship’s tours might feature a visit to a Norman farm with plenty of opportunities for tasting Active Pursuits in Rouen: Cycling on towpaths lining the Seine Insider Tips: The farthest any ocean ship can get up the Seine is Rouen; it can be exciting to see both riverboats and ocean-going vessels in port If you can’t get enough of impressionist art, CroisiEurope has Seine River cruises dedicated to the art and artists with afternoon lectures as the ship sails to the next port Honfleur is so picturesque it has been memorialized by impressionist artists like Georges Seurat Its appeal is not just its medieval ambience half-timbered Norman-style buildings and cobbled streets; it's also the light While Honfleur has some historic attractions it's also a perfect port for simply strolling through the lanes sipping coffee at a sidewalk cafe or doing a bit of shopping Things to Do in Honfleur: On a walking tour It was built entirely out of wood in the 15th century The Eugene Boudin Museum honors the impressionist painter who was a native of Honfleur Active Pursuits: Stroll around the old harbor front and make sure to explore backstreets Insider Tips: Honfleur's only downside is that very few river ships can dock here There may be an hour-long bus transfer to Honfleur this is a port of call for both ocean and river travelers (via day trip) These itineraries obviously offer less time in Paris Omaha Beach in Normandy (Photo: ho visto nina volare/Flickr) More than almost any other port of call on a Seine River itinerary, Normandy is a reason that many cruisers book this particular river cruise in the first place Normandy is securely implanted in our minds for the role that Allied troops played in D-Day The invasion of German-occupied France is chronicled in numerous places from landing beaches to museums and cemeteries Beyond its prominent place in World War II the region was settled by Vikings in the 10th century and played a central role in the War of 1066 when the British attempted to seize France What's a delightful surprise about Normandy is its beautiful rural countryside along with its beaches Plenty of locals and travelers alike come here to swim and sunbathe -- even if rusted out World War II pontoons still dot the beaches Things to Do in Normandy: Many Seine River cruise ships offer two full-day tours: one geared toward Americans The American tours visit Juno and Gold beaches which is where the D-Day Museum is located There's also a stop at Omaha Beach and a visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer Lunch is generally provided as part of the ship’s excursion and there's free time to wander through the meticulously maintained gravesites This is a case where the ship's tours really are incredibly well-organized with exceptional guides particularly on the American tour in Arromanches where you can stroll through the pleasant seaside town and buy Normandy souvenirs Breton-striped blue shirts and Calvados (the region's famous apple brandy) Active Pursuits in Normandy: As incongruous as it may seem you can pack a beach towel and a swimsuit and go for a swim at Arromanches and Omaha Beach Insider Tips: No one tells you how beautiful the countryside is in Normandy so that portion of the long drive to the D-Day beaches is very pleasant It’s wise to bring a charging cord and spare phone charging battery because you’ll be away from the ship and snapping photos for the duration of your excursion 7 Nights  Europe - AllGastronomy Of The Seine - Ms Jane AustenLeaving from: Conflans-sur-Seine, FR →+6 ports 1 Aug, 202516 Oct, 202515 Apr, 202623 May, 202630 Jun, 202628 Jul, 20262 Oct, 2026(7)Riviera TravelJane Austen7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllThe Seine, Paris & Normandy - Ms Jane AustenLeaving from: Paris →+6 ports 10 Nights  Europe - Western MediterraneanMediterranean - Western CruiseLeaving from: Portsmouth (England) →+7 ports 6 Sep, 2025AzamaraAvalon Tapestry II7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllParis To NormandyLeaving from: Paris →+6 ports 8 Nights  Europe - AllActive & Discovery On The SeineLeaving from: Paris →+6 ports 28 Jul, 20258 Sep, 20254 May, 202615 Jun, 2026(4)Avalon WaterwaysJoie de VivreJoie de VivreJoie de VivreJoie de VivreJoie de Vivre14 Nights 14 Nights  Europe - AllGrand FranceLeaving from: Paris →+12 ports 22 Mar, 2026Uniworld Boutique River Cruise CollectionAmbitionAmbitionAmbitionAmbition12 Nights 12 Nights  Europe - AllCoastlines Of France, Belgium & HollandLeaving from: Newcastle (England) →+9 ports 3 Sep, 2026Ambassador Cruise LineStar LegendStar LegendStar LegendStar Legend21 Nights 21 Nights  Baltic SeaStar Collector: Culinary Capitals Of Spain & Franc...Leaving from: Amsterdam →+13 ports 14 Aug, 2025Windstar CruisesStar LegendStar LegendStar LegendStar Legend19 Nights 19 Nights  Baltic SeaStar Collector: Kilts, Celts & CrepesLeaving from: Edinburgh (South Queensferry) →+12 ports 5 Aug, 2025Windstar Cruises.css-ad1o0y{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;height:-webkit-max-content;height:-moz-max-content;height:max-content;margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-6);}Star LegendStar LegendStar LegendStar Legend17 Nights 17 Nights  Baltic SeaStar Collector: French Nights And Uk DelightsLeaving from: Bordeaux →+13 ports 3 Jun, 2026Windstar CruisesCruise Critic FavoriteStar LegendStar LegendStar LegendStar Legend10 Nights 10 Nights  Baltic SeaBritish Isles MedleyLeaving from: Rouen →+8 ports 10 Jun, 2026Windstar CruisesStar LegendStar LegendStar LegendStar Legend25 Nights 25 Nights  Baltic SeaStar Collector: Atlantic Europe: Northern Spain, W...Leaving from: Lisbon →+18 ports 26 May, 2026Windstar CruisesScenic Gem10 Nights 10 Nights  Europe - AllNormandy & Gems Of The SeineLeaving from: Paris →+6 ports 29 Oct, 2025Scenic RiverScenic Gem9 Nights 9 Nights  Europe - AllHighlights Of Normandy & The Seine With Highlights...Leaving from: Paris →+6 ports 27 Jun, 202521 Jul, 20251 May, 202621 Jul, 202623 Sep, 2026(5)Scenic RiverStar LegendStar LegendStar LegendStar Legend10 Nights 10 Nights  Baltic SeaImpressionist FranceLeaving from: Amsterdam →+6 ports Rouen is one of the world's ancient cities and has lots of historic buildings, points of interest and ruins Sales tax is nearly 20 percent here and is automatically tacked on to most purchases Though you might be tempted to head straight to Paris from Rouen, it's a cool city in and of itself Cars here mostly use diesel, not unleaded gas. We're sorry to say rental agencies don't point this out, so check. A mistake will cost you lost time and almost $300 in repairs. The Metrobus system winds through the city of Rouen via buses and light rails. There are always plenty of taxis. Bicycles can be borrowed through the city-wide shared cycle service of 14 stations and 175 bikes, Cy'clic. Paris from Rouen: It is 84 miles/135km (about 1 1/4 hours) via train Paris. Trains to and from Paris/Rouen run frequently and reservations aren't required. The first train from Rive Droite Station on rue Jeanne-d'Arc to St. Lazare in Paris is usually just before 6 a.m. The last train out of Paris is close to 9 p.m. For exploring Normandy beyond Rouen, it is best that you rent a car. A good bet is a local company, Argus Rentals, located both in town and at the airport. (00 1 (213) 210 2427) Count on approximately $70 (58 euros) for a one-day economy-car rental. Major brands such as Hertz and Avis are in Rouen, but can cost twice as much as Argus. There are buses to and from Rouen to other towns like Honfleur and Deauville. The Boos Airport offers connections within France and other European destinations (and the States) via Le Havre or Lyon airports with Air France and various charter companies. The airport is located about 5.5 miles/9km from the center of the city and easily accessible from in and out of the town's center and port by shuttle buses (to and from the SNCF station) or by taxi. The national currency in France is the Euro. Currency exchange can be made in most banks, post offices and train stations. For the best exchange rate, use ATMs found almost everywhere. In France, a 19.6 percent sales tax (VAT) is tacked on to many purchases -- however, if you spend $175 (145 euros) or more at any one participating store, you can get the VAT refunded (with some exceptions). though English is understood here and there It's not uncommon to find that more than most waiters shopkeepers and taxi drivers don't speak English And to complicate things for those already fluency-challenged -- there's a dialect in Normandy that can be difficult to decipher even when you consider yourself moderately fluent in French It's considered impolite by the French to assume everyone speaks English -- so it's best to begin by first asking if English is understood madame or mademoiselle (for young girls) should follow bonjour Merci should always precede a departure from any shop There's plenty to see and do if you want to spend the day in the area and everything you need is close at hand Taxis are readily available outside the entrance to take you to the city's center (a ten-minute ride or 25-minute walk) Great experience - despite a "lock" issue 1fr));}@media screen and (min-width: 576px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(1 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(2 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(3 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 1284px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(4 The ship features a modified hull design and new engines all of which are designed specifically to allow the ship to sail France's Seine River and dock right within the heart of Paris (water levels dependent) The 168-passenger ship carries fewer people than Viking's 190-passenger Longships yet still offer all the trademark features that cruisers have come to expect including Viking's Scandinavian design and the glass-enclosed Aquavit Terrace at the front of the ship the ship continues to offer a selection of true suites thanks to a unique offset cabin corridor design Do not expect any of the features that you can increasingly find on other river cruise lines such as an onboard spa plunge pools or bicycles; Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen has long stated he prefers to use the extra space for accommodations and public areas What it does offer is plenty of open space including an airy two-story atrium topped with a glass skylight and bookended by a cozy library area and computer nook and an elevator The adjacent Viking Lounge offers a casual place to meet and mingle with fellow passengers and flows out to the Aquavit Terrace the Restaurant features full floor-to-ceiling windows Viking Radgrid sails Seine itineraries from Paris to Rouen The ship begins its cruise in the heart of Paris some 10 minutes’ walk from the Eiffel Tower (though note high water levels sometimes forces the ship to moor 11 miles west of the city center in the suburb of Le Pecq) The ship overnights in the city then heads north west along the Seine to the tiny picture-postcard-perfect village of La Roche-Guyon topped by the Chateau de La Roche Guyon and the tower of the castle above; it leaves after lunch for Vernon with a pretty center and the stop off for one of the highlights of this cruise: Monet’s Garden at Giverny a beautiful city with 800 half-timbered houses and a truly stunning cathedral Rouen is the furthest it can sail and the setting off point for the Normandy Beaches but it's worth noting it’s still two hours from here to the beaches The following day the ship turns round and heads back toward Paris Viking Radgrid follows the exact same deck plans of all other Viking Longships (though slightly smaller) with a main lounge on Deck 3 which leads out to the part-enclosed Aquavit Terrace and a small library area and computer nook There is an elevator connecting Decks 2 and 3 The rest of the interior of the ship consists of cabins; there are no “extras” such as a gym or wellness area On the Sun Deck there are covered and uncovered seating options along with a jogging/walking track that encircles the outer perimeter of the deck including economical river-view cabins and cabins offering French and step-out balconies as well as some of river cruising's only true suites All cabins aboard Viking Radgrid offer Scandinavian decor and amenities like a 42-inch interactive flat-panel television a series of economically priced river-view staterooms measure 150 square feet and have fixed half-height windows situated near the top of the room All rooms are equipped with soft mood lighting options; complimentary glass water carafes replenished daily; QuietVox listening devices; a safe; and plenty of storage space in the room's closets and drawers Passengers will also find North American power outlets and USB outlets available for charging devices (including beside the bed) the ship's French Balcony staterooms are on the tight side but offer good value for those who must have a room with a window that opens The ship's larger Veranda Staterooms are 205 square feet and include a full step-out balcony with two chairs Moving up the accommodations ladder are Viking Radgrid's suites Veranda Suites are suitably spacious with 275 square feet of living space and dual French and full step-out balconies These rooms are true suites in the sense that they offer separate living and sleeping areas Two 42-inch flat-panel interactive television sets are included The best cabins onboard are the two 447-square-foot Explorer Suites situated all the way aft Outfitted with a 270-degree wraparound balcony and dual 42-inch flat-panel television sets they are among the largest suites on the Seine Passengers booking these suites are also entitled to special perks with Viking throwing in a complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package free laundry service and room service breakfast -- the latter of which is a novelty among European river cruise ships Cabins to avoid are the Deck 1 standard cabins near the aft crew stairwell which may be noisy from footfall Viking Radgrid offers two dining venues onboard: a main restaurant and an alternative venue glass-enclosed Aquavit Terrace (which serves the same food) and is the only venue with tables for two (all tables in the Restaurant are for four or more) lunch and dinner are served in both the Restaurant and the Aquavit Terrace with meals varying between buffet-style offerings with made-to-order items for breakfast and multi-course dinners Cuisine reflects a blend of European and North American favorites with some dishes offered in a nod to Viking Radgrid's host country of France such as “French Night” where you will be able to sample the best of Normandy cuisine creamy Normandy sauce) and Medallion de Porc au Cidre (pork medallion in cider) loveliest desserts such as crème caramel and tarte tatin chicken breast and salmon fillet available like complimentary Champagne or mimosas at breakfast and free-flowing beer wine and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner An optional package known as Silver Spirits can be purchased for a reasonable price making additional beverages free to order (except for top-of-the-range liquor and wines) that if you have the Silver Spirits package you can order anything off the wine menu without an asterisk the Aquavit Terrace offers up casual breakfast lunch and dinner in a light-filled setting that features 180-degree walls of glass that can be fully opened turning the venue into a lovely alfresco dining space (but note the space is limited to just a handful of small tables which are at a premium – we saw one passenger gatecrash a private event to sit at the table for more than an hour just to ensure he had it for dinner) Passengers should try to dine here at least once Viking also offers a “French Tea” on this itinerary but with a French twist – think eclairs and light pastries Around-the-clock coffee (including specialty coffees) teas and water are available at stations situated just outside the Viking Lounge Snacks like cookies and muffins are also staple items at these stations Viking labels every allergen and food type and there is always one or two vegetarian options available per meal (tell your server ahead of time) The shore excursions offered on Viking Radgrid are outstanding the highlight being the trip to the Normandy Beaches There is usually one included excursion per stop with one or two optional excursions (for fee) with a less active option for those who walk slower/have mobility issues You can of course branch out on your own as this is a very leisurely itinerary with two- sometimes three overnights so it’s hard to miss the ship (except when it moves in one day) many of the villages are tiny and can be seen on foot in a few minutes The Normandy Beaches: There are two options here – the U.S both of which take all day and involve a two-hour drive there and back.U.S Tour: This tour includes a stop at the Caen Memorial Museum which includes an exhibition specifically focusing on D-Day and the weeks after; and another on the war in general There is also a short film with archive footage about the landings Then it is on to the American cemetery at Colville-sur-Mer which overlooks Omaha Beach and is where 9,400 American servicemen are buried You can walk round the rows and rows of white crosses and Stars of David but not among them (unless you are a relative) There is also a wall for those whose bodies were never recovered Viking had organized a special memorial service for passengers Commonwealth Tour: This stops at Bayeux for the Tapestry where the museum offers insights into Canadian life before You can also visit the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian cemetery which was taken by the British so as to prevent a German counterattack the first village to be liberated by the British Paris: Viking offers a number of tours here at both ends of the cruise – the bus tour of the city and a visit to Napoleon’s Chateau are included; there are also a number of optional tours These include “Scenic Paris and Highlights of the Louvre” “Flavors of Paris” and a walking tour of Montmartre Hill Scenic Paris and Highlights of the Louvre are a must you will be dealing with vast crowds in both venues at any time of year Flavors of Paris is a wonderful tour for those who want to get a little more under the skin of the city or have perhaps already seen the marquee sights The walking (and Metro) tour takes place in the boho-chic area of St Germain and includes stops in a market to sample local cheese followed by a stop in a patisserie and a specialist cheese store Monet’s Garden: This is an included tour and includes a visit to the enchanting gardens and estate that inspired one of history’s great painters the village that Monet called home from 1883 until his death in 1926 you will explore the artist’s home and gardens now a museum dedicated to the great painter Worth noting: The Monet Foundation is not available before April 1 or after November 1; during that time Other tours: Rouen Farm & Countryside is a visit to a cider farm and gives you an insight into the importance of calvados and cider in Normandy; Picturesque Hornfleur is a long day (5.5 hours) but lives up to its billing; Hornfleur is a beautiful coastal town Viking also includes walking tours to the Chateau and Tower in La Roche and Richard the Lionheart’s castle in Les Andeleys there are only a limited number of lectures – the Cruise Director provides most of the enrichment in her port talks – detailed insightful looks at where we the ship is headed to next These port talks take place every evening before dinner there is an enrichment lecture on the Impressionists who were deeply inspired by the architecture and scenery along this stretch of the river; and also a cooking class one day on how to make a local dessert Passengers head up to the lounge after dinner the Cruise Director comperes a well-attended Family Feud The bar tenders will mix up a good selection of cocktails which are included in the Silver Spirits Beverage Package Do not expect late night dancing; most guests are tucked up in bed by 10.30 p.m The minimum sail age for Viking River cruises is 18-years-old there are no lips to maneuver to get to the main public spaces The tricky aspect for wheelchair users is getting on and off the ship At UKC/UKH we are all experienced internet users and as such we understand why some people want to use Ad Block to remove annoying and distracting advertising that proliferates on some web sites We don't feel that UKC/UKH should be considered as such a site We have developed a site that has subtle and appropriate advertising; we don't use pop-ups we don't force you to read adverts before you can see content and we don't use third party ad servers dishing up totally inappropriate advertising We have worked incredibly hard over the years to make sure that we keep a good balance between advertising and editorial content Please could you consider disabling Adblock when visiting UKC/UKH Hugo Da Roit introduces an unexpected climbing paradise in France's far north.. But have you ever heard about climbing in Normandy Normandy is a region of France located in the northwest; it's mostly flat and filled with crops and cows William the Conqueror and more recently for the Normandy landings during WW2 You may also know the region for its cheese and its alcohol from apples and pears Normandy is bordered by more than 600km of coast The west of Normandy is part of the Armorican massif and offers numerous bocage rugged and verdant relief bringing most of the climbing opportunities here in Normandy The east part of Normandy has an even flatter relief but comes with a lot of cliffs which border the laces of the Seine (the main river going from Le Havre to Paris and beyond) cliffs close to the sea are numerous but some are forbidden and a lot of them have really poor rock The region does not boast any major climbing spots like Fontainebleau … But by combining all of the climbing sites we have it is worth considering a climbing trip to Normandy it is very much worth bringing your climbing shoes to climb here You can also find some longer routes (up to 35 metres) and a lot of the climbing is easy of Mortain was climbed in the '40s and the first routes on the cliffs along the Seine in the '50s The history of climbing in Normandy is similar to that of France; free climbing arrived in Mortain thanks to Didier Laisné Jean-Pierre Bouvier alias "la mouche" and other stout guys at the beginning of the '70s even before Jean-Claude Droyer (one of the forerunners of free climbing in France) came here in 1975 and it was also led by the Mortain group in the western part of Normandy were sent between the different protagonists resulting in the democratisation of free climbing without any broken jaws the 'yellowing' (it was common at this period in France to paint in yellow the pitons you didn't use to let people know Jean-Michel Gossellin and Roland Trivellini Normandy also participated in the rise of sport climbing levels with routes like Papa Litz (7a) or Linceuil noir (7b) on the cliffs along the Seine which were among the first routes of this level in France almost all the climbing sites are well bolted by following the federal recommendation Some sites used to have some space between the bolts but thanks to the work of dozens of volunteers federations and climbing professionals you can now come to Normandy without any fear so be careful when climbing and belaying and come with some common sense of all sizes (from a few routes to several hundreds) But there are many cliffs where climbers can express themselves up to 8b+ in routes and 7C in bouldering and several cliffs by the sea to discover and develop Come with me for a tour of the best climbing spots in Normandy The first climbs on the cliffs along the Seine seem to date from the 1940s from the beginnings of rock climbing as a discipline in and of itself The first pitons were installed in the '50s and '60s and bolts began to appear in the early '80s after a vast project in 2009 with the help of the Eure department and the beginning of an annual maintenance program the bolts are reliable and comply with federal recommendations so you can fall and flfly without any problem These cliffs are very frequented by the local climbers but also by the climbers of the Paris region which is one hour away by car This can be confusing at the beginning and no trace of chalk will guide you on this white so everyone can find what they are looking for Easy sectors for children are regularly overcrowded as well as the overhangs for the octogradists The cliffs are located on slopes classified "Natura 2000" a partnership has been set up between climbers and the "Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels" an association that protects the environment to contribute to the preservation of the calcicole grasslands and endemic species (the famous "Violette de Rouen") The climbing federation committee of the Eure department is a major actor in the monitoring and preservation of the Peregrine Falcon alongside the "Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux" and awareness-raising operations are carried out for climbers The rock is very specific on the cliffs of the Seine: white and powdery limestone like chalk with flint strata You will find bouldery routes and longer technical routes on porous rock with holes and flints The heights of the routes go from 10m to almost 25m south and west and therefore receive sun during the day It is not uncommon to see climbers in T-shirts or shirtless as early as February except for the sectors classified as adventurous terrain ("Terrain d'Aventure") (Conelles and the M) rock falls are to be anticipated and helmets are highly recommended Note: there are sublime viewpoints on each sector with a fantastic panorama of the banks of the Seine Le Val Saint Martin : 150 routes from 4 to 6c Le Thuit : 25 routes from 6c to 8b for the strong climbers La Spéléologue and la Bisexto : For the climbers who like two finger pockets and monos La Micro Falaise : not very high but the climbing is nice Connelles and the M : the two historical sectors to revise the classics in TD+ " Asile" at La Spéléologue 7a "Princesse Nolwenn" at the Microfalaise 6b There is everything you need on the cliffs along the Seine to come and climb with children The cliffs are located on the right side downstream from the city "Les Andelys" and on the right side at the opposite of the bank of Poses Because of the mainly southern orientation and the rock which dries quickly It is also available in the tourist office of Andelys The Seine valley, with the Gaillard castle, is a very popular tourist spot. A multitude of accommodations, from camping to bed and breakfast are proposed. More information and reservations here outdoor sports are really common and well-developed The "Seine à vélo" cycle route from Paris to Le Havre passes near the climbing sites The leisure centre of Léry-Poses organises services for all or some of these activities Rouen and Paris are close if you want to do some sightseeing the vast majority of the routes do not exceed the 7th grade this cliff has been a popular destination for many climbers So it is not the difficulty that attracts crowds to one of the most famous cliffs in the West of France You are entering "Suisse Normande" (Norman Switzerland) far from the clichés evoking a flat countryside the river that ends its course in the Channel Multiple valleys decorate a beautiful landscape The crag is all the more preserved as it is located in a sensitive natural space managed by the Calvados departmental council This is one of the reasons why climbing on the Rochers des Parcs is limited to the westernmost sectors of this immense rocky bar Even if the oldest climbers were able to explore the rest of the cliff until the '90s it is now reserved for the free development of nature Clécy consists of more than 130 routes with - rare in Normandy - routes of several pitches you don't go for several hundred metres of vertical flight the atmosphere is different from a more traditional site Many people appreciate coming for their first experience of belaying in a multipitch and many come back after having got a taste for it Clécy is a site without many difficult routes but it offers many that are accessible to the average climber it must be said that many people find the routes a little undergraded These grades are often here thanks to a long and rich history which started more than 70 years ago It is true that if the routes may seem easy to those who repeat them tirelessly they offer difficult route reading to those who are used to more conventional routes.. especially for people coming from climbing gyms a route of low difficulty does not mean it's easy or without issues The structure of the cliff consists of ledges Clécy is a climbing site with a particularly rich history It was the "high" Normans (those who lived in the eastern part of Normandy) who were really the first to clean and climb the cliffs from their first "ascents" (people came here to prepare for the mountains) they discovered the remains of pitons which showed that people came here before them the cliff has experienced all the evolutions of climbing especially during the sport climbing revolution the easy sectors have been particularly developed for its magnificent routes such as the Archiduchesse or the Dalle des Parisiens The choice here is varied both in difficulty and in the climbing styles offered It is however the one where climbing really started here in the '50s it is now enjoying a second youth thanks to the work of François Leonardon The access is more complicated and it will not make this sector a frequented area But for climbers well experienced in the sixth degree stunning routes await them in a slightly wilder atmosphere Clécy is located 30 minutes south of Caen. The two sectors presented in this article are located along the Orne river. The access is described in the topo, but also on the caffmeux website Because of the southern orientation of the two sectors the number of climbers is particularly high It is important to remember that sharing and cooperation must remain the rule Available at the tourist office of Clécy A retrospective of the history of Clécy has been written by Sébastien Gras and is available on the caffmeux website already mentioned (free of charge or in print on demand) Clécy is an excellent place for tourism and offers a multitude of accommodation outdoor sports are also really well developed La voie verte (cycling road) installed on the axis of the old train is close to the two sectors The Lionel Terray centre and Vertig offer services for all or part of these activities You can visit the crag then finish by visiting the Normandy WW2 landing beaches Flamanville is mainly known for its nuclear power plant and unfortunately is unknown Located in the northern part of the Armorican massif the magnificent granite of Flamanville is part of a massif of around 5 kilometres in diameter This massif is mainly visible on the coast and is a huge playing field for climbers You need to come by car and park near the sémaphore which is now a gite and a restaurant You'll have a splendid view and you'll notice that there are some cliffs hiding below you Around 3,5 kilometres of granite is accessible with pebbles of a size you can't even imagine The coast is also filled with granite boulders and there is still a lot of potential There are multiple sectors and some can be 35m high The site is classified as adventurous terrain which means we only do traditional climbing here There are some bolts here and there when some parts of a route can't be protected There are a few anchors at the top of the sectors for abseiling You mainly need to build the anchors by yourself: bring a lot of slings for wrapping around features you can only top rope, but it will be worth it The granite and the climbing is incredible and unique The trails are almost invisible at the right of the semaphore Bring pruning shears and don't come in shorts There are around 70 routes today on 7 sectors and many more are waiting for a first ascent By going left to right from the parking, you can find the sector "Les terrasses" which is perfect for a traditional climbing introduction Routes in this sector are mainly in the 4 and 5 grade range Flamme éternelle 5a/E1 and L'état sauvage 5c/E1 are among the best routes on this sector You can climb up to 6b+ with "Au sombre héros de la mer" which is the only bolted route in Flamanville Then you can go on to the sector "La crique"; abseiling is the easiest way to get here The atmosphere is nice as you are in a creek of sorts; you'll feel isolated from the world which is the biggest sector here in Flamanville It's a sector with routes up to 7b and 35m high In the middle you'll find a beautiful slab Then on the left side you'll find a massive overhang with no routes going through yet On the right part of this overhang you'll find 10 routes or so Around 25 routes are in the guidebook for this sector and many more are waiting for you for a first ascent the talented photographer who followed us for the shooting did the first ascent of a chimney on the right side of the sector and it cannot wait for its first repeat You can bivy at the top of the sector; you'll sleep accompanied by the sound of the tide Be careful about the tide as you can find yourself stuck You can climb at high tide on some sectors such as sector Bivouac on Alto Aesto 5b/E1 for instance Jean-Christophe Laville is the main actor here Some climbers from the Alpine Club of Cherbourg like Jacques Lebever spent a lot of time cleaning and developing the site The Alpine Club of Cherbourg did a recent guidebook which is available online The topo from Jean-Christophe Laville is available on the CAFFMEUX website If you want to know more about the history of this site, click here notably the magnificent "sentier des douaniers" (GR223) one of the most beautiful GRs in France. The forest and the park of the castle of Flamanville have nice walking paths but there are also trails for mountain biking Saint Clair is today the most successful and the most interesting We are currently developing another site with even greater potential but it is still a little early to talk about it the remainder of an ancient mountainous massif to which the Fosse Arthour and Mortain also belong offers here a great variety of holds and climbing styles: slab Marcel Toquet designed the first yellow circuit in the '70s then Jacques Lebègue in a second wave notably opened two magnificent circuits (green and red rated respectively Off-circuit boulder and sit starts were also born at the beginning of the year 2000 and offer additional difficulty often in the 7th degree or more Out of the hundred or so boulders offered in the three sectors of the site "Accroche toi au pinceau" is a more difficult boulder in a 45° panel with tiny and super sharp crimps The sit start is much more difficult and is still waiting for a repeat after several years Each of these boulders is a real reference for their level there is enough to keep you busy for several days Easy sport routes of the quarry sector have seen the passage of generations of children hosted by the local day care centre and the Alpine Club (CAF) of the Pays de Flers the vertical face of the eponymous rock allows those who prefer sporty routes to find something to enjoy up to the 7th grade The recent re-bolting led by Vincent Lefort and Sébastien Gras allows us to climb within current safety standards It was during this re-bolting that new types of routes appeared in the magnificent roof of Barnabé bolted two routes to test their ice axes Saint Clair is located 15 minutes from Flers. The access is described in the topo, but also on the caffmeux site. climbing there is sometimes difficult in winter after a rainy period For the three sectors mentioned in this article, access on foot takes 1 to 10 minutes The guidebook is also available from time to time at Isatix Saint Clair also has a mining past whose vestiges are still visible not far from the climbing areas Walking in the forest allows you to discover this heritage The forest also lends itself well to mountain biking and hiking You can find more activities via the Flers tourist office From the castle square to the foot of the "Aiguille" like an archeologist going through the geological layers The stories about its climbing are similar to a form of mythology: that some kids baited by a few coins reached its summit is not improbable and the legend says that they jumped from the opposite plateau! On the other hand someone could have gone up and down with a mix of audacity and talent The first attested proof of a "modern" ascent of the Aiguille was displayed in front of me in Doctor Collot's office in Chamonix in 1977: a photo of a young Savoyard on "Gobbi"... a crack which could only attract Chamoniards "lost" in Mortain during WWII pitons and hammer and establishing the line "from the bottom".. its "liberation" (free ascent) in 1975 by Jean Claude Droyer was the confirmation that the new game that we (the Bouvier brothers and I) kids of Mortain had just invented - we knew all the routes by heart and we didn't pull on the gear anymore - had a certain future You can't leave the Aiguille without having done "L'arête des aigles" and "Pompischpratz".. continue your discovery by following the river and climbing "Eldorado" waterfall and light filtered by the vegetation… a multi-sensory experience and the quality of the climbing is up to par la Marque jaune" (opened by Jean Christophe Laville in 1993, ground-up onsight with his new toys and...his talent!) and "Grand méchant roux" are to be done It is impossible to resist what you had ignored while descending the big smooth slab "Divine Child" for the beauty of the movement and the name but how can you leave without having tasted the excellent "A fonds la caisse!" which will conclude a beautiful day of climbing I haven't mentioned the numerous more accessible routes (in particular in the sector "Mysteries of the East") which will confirm to you that by climbing in Mortain you begin.. The guidebook is available online and is brand new You can also find it in the local tourism offices the biggest waterfall in the west of France You can also visit la Vallée de la Sée Mortain is close to the famous Mont Saint Michel You can see it on sunny days at the top of Mortain and Avranches for its rich religious history More information. Nestled in the heart of the Normandy bocage "la Fosse Arthour" is at the centre of a rocky bar where we find Domfront-en-Poiraie and Mortain-bocage on either side the "first mountains" of the "Communauté d'Agglomération Mont Saint-Michel-Normandie" overhang a protected territory They stand in front of the green valley of Saint-Georges-de-Rouelley This legendary site is one of the most remarkable natural sites in the Manche department Its "wild and mysterious" character is conducive to perpetuating various legends .. "la Fosse Arthour" is presented as a cluse where the Sonce river flows This is key to its role in the Arthurian legend And if I were to propose to you to climb to the King's room where Arthur lived his last hours. Made of Armorican quartzite sandstone This explains the amazing contrast between the site and the gentle relief of the surrounding hills the surrounding clubs are involved in this approach and promote a harmonious practice of climbing in order to allow the preservation of rare and/or protected species The Fosse Arthour owes its reputation to its accessibility: -its number of "easy" routes: 126 routes from 3 to 5c Identified as a beginner's site for climbing, there are a variety of profiles: overhangs With more than 150 routes now bolted according to federal standards a panel of grades going from 3 to 7b, there is something for everyone The sectors on the big bar and the roadside remain the most visible The different orientations of the walls allows climbing all day depending on the weather conditions the quiet corner and to start your journey in the calm of the Wakefield sector Then you can move on to the small Barre to have fun with your family (from 3 to 6c on 10m pitches).. During the heatwave you can shelter on the boulder of the Institute and presents 15 routes with various styles It was however a very active sector in the '70s between the achievements of Abbé Roussel and the piton war You will still find traces in the slab: Didier Laisné Jean-Pierre Bouvier and his Mortain companions attacked the bolting of the cliffs.. with the support of the Normandie-Maine park Taking advantage of the coolness of the river you will be able to climb the most continuous overhangs at the roadside: from "La paupière" to "Noces feras-tu" (opened by Jean-Pierre Bouvier and Didier Laisné) passing by "Génération perdue" in any case woe to the defeated: "vae victis" is the most impressive route of the sector. In the evening we finished by lounging on the warm walls of the big bar and doing the great classics there are still ten or so routes that are not bolted for trad climbing Located on the GR22 linking Paris to the Mont Saint-Michel the sector abounds in hiking trails (pedestrian wish to make it discoverable to more people by rehabilitating two lodgings of 4/5 people and a lodging of groups of 26 with a pedestrian route allowing direct access to the Fosse Arthour So come and discover King Arthur's playground It is perfect to have one or two days at La Fosse Arthour then go to Mortain The guidebook is brand new, the last edition is from 2020. You can buy it online at the local hostel or the nearest tourism offices This week's Friday Night Video takes us to France where Pablo Recourt has set himself the challenge of finding the country's.. Earlier in the year James Pearson and Caroline Ciavaldini embarked on a biking and climbing trip around the south of France... Due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19 rock climbing is currently either unadvised or banned in France More destination articles like this please I'd be interested to know more about more trad climbing venues in the area The rock at Mortain and FA is quite cool - I'd describe it as a sandstone metamorphosed to glass - it retains much of the sand texture but is bullet hard and doesn't turn to sand under your fingers like the rock in RedRocks does and fine in the wet unlike other sandstones Clecy reminds me of the Dewerstone in it's aspect - you start amongst the trees and pop out into spectacular views The bolting is somewhat 'sporting' on the 6a and below routes still - plenty of opportunity to hit ledges and the like in places if you come off due to the spacings but not if you've grown up on grid-bolted modern steep stuff It's a short walk from the decent campsite to the main sectors The VF on the other side of the river is good fun and I think can be done for free with your own gear (memory fails me on this) It has a big zipline descent over the river available to those that pay for it There's also a model train attraction in Clecy but we didn't have time to check it out There's big sea cliffs at Cap De La Hague (you can see them from Guernsey but I suspect the nuclear reprocessing plant above would make those out of bounds There's potential for a handful of routes and some bouldering there (see the page I created on here) Then I believe it's all sand until the low headlands around St.Malo which may have bouldering or very short routes there's bits and bobs in old quarries at Dol De Bretagne The Channel Islands have far more climbing the channels islands have far more Climbing for trad For La Hague: you can get informations about nez des voiries here: https://sites.google.com/view/caffmeux/escalade-en-normandie/nez-des-voidries You can find coastal boulders too: https://sites.google.com/view/caffmeux/escalade-en-normandie/anse-des-moulinets Great article, some trip ideas there for sure. Paul Signac is known for his luminous depiction of subjects ranging from cabaret performers to seascapes Signac is famous for his use of Divisionism (the central practice of … wetlands and amazing coastline in Normandy and Picardy offer great hiking – plus excellent fish cafes and crêperies for refuelling in afterwards Canal de la Somme Photograph: Mike RaynerPart of the Canal de la Somme runs from Abbeville to the Somme estuary The very minor road will take you to a small parking area next to a swing bridge From there you can walk in either direction or across the bridge into the open countryside beyond The canal is tree-lined and you will only be disturbed in your enjoyment of the countryside and wildlife by the occasional cyclist or pleasure cruiser The towpath is suitable for wheelchairs and the proximity of the car park makes it suitable for those with limited mobility Opposite the car park is a small picnic area If you want a round trip take the bus to Boismont You could alternatively hire a bike or a pleasure cruiser at St Valery.Mike Rayner Monet loved the view from there and would have been excited by the window Braque designed for the little church.John Pelling Photograph: Dave LeggettThe Forêt d’Eu is the perfect place to get away from the crowds one of the many landmarks at crossroads throughout the forest the route (one of the Grandes Randonnées de Pays) follows a pretty track before descending to the village of Mienval then joining a tiny road back up to the starting point.Dave Leggett The Sentier des Douaniers Photograph: Guy Thouvenin/Getty ImagesYou can join the Normandy coastal path (Sentier des Douaniers) at any point of its well-marked way but my favourite is the final part for its breathtaking views of Mont St-Michel stretching out into the Atlantic as the sun sets and haunting shadows stretch across the waves In spring the heather is in full bloom and the neatly divided 20km footpaths are comfortable for all shoes winding past old churches before tempting you with simple fish cafes or crêpe stalls.funinfinland I’ve been going to Normandy on holiday for many years and Beuvron-en-Auge is one of the most beautiful villages in the region Note: wear bright clothing on the roads and wear reflective material at night but dogs are welcome in the village and even in the restaurants Our dachshund had a refreshing drink at the “doggie fountain” in the village square Photograph: AlamyPlace Jean Mermoz is a pretty little square in Villers-sur-Mer that is particularly memorable for its dinosaur made from flowers and its wonderful cafes and fish restaurants Walk east along the promenade past magnificent beach houses up into Blonville-su-Mer which has some great old German defences on the clifftop playground of the wealthy Parisians and home to an international film festival After Deauville you come into Trouville-sur-Mer a delightful little fishing town where they land the catch on the harbour and sell it in the restaurants opposite with a detour up the hill in Blonville to see the concrete bunkers it is one of the best walks you can do in Normandy.aningeniousname Photograph: AlamyWe cycled from our base in Barfleur past Quettehou to Morsalines (“the dead salts”) Then we took a little path to the shore and walked south along the tidal flats Cordgrass thrives in the salty sand and makes for a satisfyingly bleak view over the wide horizon Eventually we were scrunching over low ridges of shells to take a right-hand lane leaving the beach going up through the hills to the hamlet of Beauvais then down again through woods and past cabbage fields to a little brook Turning right again to bear north along the stream we found a stile to eat our sandwiches by then headed back to find our bikes at Morsalines It was about a 5km round trip.ProfMcTeach Last Updated on 20th October 2022 by Sophie Nadeau oodles of history and charming towns all come together to form a ‘must-see’ region to the North West of Paris Here’s your ultimate guide to the most beautiful towns in Normandy Situated on one of the most Northernmost points of France Normandy has long held a certain mystery and allure that draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors in on an annual basis Famously known as being the home of the ‘Bayeux Tapestry’ the town of Bayeux is a rich blend of history Located in the Calvados region of Normandy the town is located just a few miles from the English Channel Bayeux was founded by Gallo-Romans in the 1st Century and you should head here if you love museums Of all the most beautiful towns in Normandy on this list, the picturesque city of Rouen is probably my favourite it’s fair to say that Rouen has seen its fair share of history Filled with little cobbled lanes and timber-framed houses you can’t go wrong by dedicating a couple of days to visit this ancient city the city was once home to Joan of Arc and is now the final resting place of Richard the Lionheart A towering castle overlooks the charming town of Les Andelys. Everyone knows that the English King, Richard the Lionheart spent much of his time in Normandy (and is buried in the grand cathedral of Rouen) in a fortified castle in Les Andelys that he resided you’ll find half-timbered houses and various museums Deauville is where all the Parisians head to for a summer getaway Chic and just over an hour away from Paris the town has been a popular vacation resort since the 1800s In Deauville, you’ll find a series of boutique stores, a golf course and a candy coloured boardwalk dating all the way back to the 1920s. In order to truly enjoy the best of Deauville, I highly recommend incorporating it into an itinerary for a long weekend in Normandy you’ll find the charming town of Trouville-sur-Mer Also referred to as simply ‘Trouville’ it’s a popular tourist destination for locals and international visitors alike Some of the best things to do in the charming town include eating at one of the many restaurants visiting the local culture museum and having a go at riding Rosalie bicycles (a four-seater Located by the sea, the inhabitants of the charming town of Honfleur are known as Honfleurais. The town easily makes the list of being one of the most beautiful towns in Normandy on account of its stunning architecture and ancient buildings Honfleur is home to the largest wooden church in France and dates all the way back to 1027 AD Sitting sleepily beside the seaside and famous the world over, you can’t go wrong by spending a couple of days exploring all that Étretat has to offer but France has Étretat and its chalky columns jutting out of the sea Aside from the many coastal walks and hidden caverns, you’ll also find a blissful beach and cute town. Nearby, you’ll also find the Château du Tilleul an ancient French mansion house with a rather curious past Giverny has existed in some form or another all the way since Neolithic times But what really brought the town to the forefront of people’s minds is its association with Claude Monet the famous artist spent many of his final years in the town painting his surrounds and admiring the landscape The secluded island of Mont Saint Michel is located approximately half a mile off the coast of France the conical shaped piece of land is cut off twice daily from the rest of Normandy by the rising sea Mont Saint Michel is easily one of those ‘must see’ France attractions the ancient town of Beuvron-en-Auge is all timber-framed houses and small cobbled lanes It’s often cited as being one of the most beautiful villages in France The town is also well known for its cider scene (an annual ‘Fête du Cidre’- cider festival is held in the autumn) as well as its many boutiques Varengeville-Sur-Mer (as its name suggests) is right by the sea Situated a short drive away from Dieppe and often called ‘Varengeville’ for short the Normandy settlement is located along the Alabaster coastline of France Best-known for its proximity to the ocean (the beaches surrounding the Norman town are simply breathtaking) other points of interest in Varengeville include the 16th-century manorhouse known as Manoir d’Ango and the final resting place of cubist painter Georges Braque in the churchyard Enjoyed reading about the best towns in Normandy Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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I concur with most of your choices of towns to visit Giverny must be the biggest tourist trap in all of France Having just returned from a month touring Normandy and Brittany our visit to Giverny was the low point of the trip but they don’t control the number of people entering the grounds that show up without a ticket The congestion inside the house and gardens was insane You can barely move through the small rooms and staircases I haven’t made it to Rouen or Etretat so now will need to go back when the pandemic is over Honfleur is my favorite – absolutely fell in love with it and didn’t want to leave I visited on tour June 2016 and loved everything I saw especially Rouen I had no idea that Normandy was this beautiful I had seen pictures before of Mont Saint Michel on Instagram but not the other spots I think you have now totally sold this region to me I started this site back in 2015 with one mission in mind: I wanted to create useful travel guides with a historical and cultural focus Today it has blossomed into my full time job and together with a small team of writers (including my husband and sister) we craft articles to help you travel better throughout Europe © 2015- 2025 Sophie Nadeau. 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