Paris - Normandy I Barge Cruise

A journey through quintessential France

Cruise the French countryside and on through Paris, the "City of Light" (7 days - 6 nights). This cruise will take you through Ile-de-France, the heart of France, and pastoral Normandy along the River Seine. You will discover scenery that inspired many famous Impressionist painters, visit sumptuous chateaus and enjoy a night cruise through Paris. This 50-passenger barge-hotel combines the comforts of a mini-ocean liner with the charm of a river boat. The elegant interior with its seasoned wood tones and old world charm provides ample space to relax. Large windows give all around views of the passing scenery. The piano bar, the exercise room and outdoor hot tub add to the ambiance of unprecedented comfort.

TYPICAL BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)

Day 1 - Saturday: Paris to St Mammes. Meet at the Gare de Lyon train station in Paris at 3 pm and transfer by motor coach to the river boat moored in the small town of St Mammes at the junction of the River Seine and the River Loing, near Fontainebleau. After a champagne welcome aboard, you will have time to settle into your cabin and perhaps take a stroll along the river before dinner, either in St Mammes or in Moret sur Loing, a nearby small medieval town that was once home to Alfred Sisley, the Impressionist painter.

Day 2 - Sunday: Vaux le Vicomte, Paris. Morning cruise on the Seine River. Afternoon excursion to Vaux le Vicomte Castle, which was built by Fouquet, the finance minister of Louis XIV, and which was the model for Versailles. This sumptuous castle has an exceptionally well-furnished interior and magnificent gardens. Return to the river boat at Evry, cruising to enter Paris at dinner time. After dinner aboard the barge, enjoy an unforgettable Paris-by-night cruise.

Day 3 - Monday: Paris to Chatou. Morning coach tour of Paris followed by a cruise to Chatou. In the afternoon, visit the Chateau of Malmaison and take a walking tour around the town of Rueil. Malmaison was the home of Empress Josephine and on occasions, Napoleon himself. After her divorce from the Emperor, Josephine retired to Malmaison in 1810. The First Consul and the seat of the French Government in conjunction with the Tuileries also resided here from 1800 to 1802. This chateau is situated in one of the loveliest settings in France. Dinner aboard the barge.

Day 4 - Tuesday: Mantes to Vernon/Giverny. Cruise to Mantes, arriving midday, and visit to Giverny, the home and gardens of Claude Monet, the most famous of all the Impressionist painters. Discover the inspiration for his masterpiece "The Water Lilies" and the Japanese Bridge. The French government spends in excess of $2 million each year to keep the gardens exactly as they were before Monet died in 1926. The simplicity of his house is surprising. Return to the river boat moored in Vernon, gateway to Normandy, in late afternoon. Vernon is a delightful town with a medieval center. Dinner aboard the barge.

Day 5 - Wednesday: Vernon to Poses. This morning, cruise from Vernon to Les Andelys, with its famous Château Gaillard. After a brunch aboard the river boat, take an excursion to the charming city of Honfleur, with a walking tour of the harbor and picturesque streets. Return to the barge in Les Andelys, passing over both the Normandie and Tancarville bridges. Enjoy a welcome back tasting of cider and a late afternoon cruise to Poses. Dinner aboard the barge.

Day 6 - Thursday: Poses to Rouen. Morning cruise to Rouen, capital of Normandy. In the afternoon, walking visit of the city, including Notre Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece. See the Palais de Justice - once Normandy's Parliament - and the medieval center, with time for shopping before returning to the river boat in late afternoon. This evening will be our farewell gala dinner on the barge.

Day 7 - Friday: Transfer to Paris. After breakfast aboard the barge, return to the Gare de Lyon in Paris, arriving around noon - end of cruise.

On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.

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Highlights

• Rouen, the capital of Normandy
• Honfleur, the cradle of Impressionism
• Napoleon and Josephine's Malmaison Chateau
• Giverny, Claude Monet’s home and gardens
• Paris, “City of Light” - evening cruise
• Château de Vaux le Vicomte, beautiful interiors and magnificent gardens
  

Included

• Accommodations with private bath or shower and all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
• Wine with lunch and dinner
• Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified
• Transfers: barge to/from Gare de Lyon in Paris

Not Included

• Transportation to/from Paris transfer point
• Health and travel insurance
• Barge crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
• Bar drinks on board the barge
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities when available
• Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above

Barge features

• Cabins: 23 twins/2 doubles (115/130 sq. ft.) 50 passengers
• 14 crew members
• Size: 210 ft. x 24ft.
  
• 3 Decks
• VCR, stereo, piano bar, conference room
• Spa/Jacuzzi, fitness room
• Air conditioning and central heating
• Air-conditioned coaches for excursions
  

2008 Cruise Departures (subject to availability)

Every Saturday from May 24-Oct 4

This river boat can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group.

Standard/Individuals	Charters/Groups

We have personally visited this river boat and the Normandy region in France where the cruise takes place. See pictures from our trips:

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