Paris, France -

This afternoon, embark the vessel and get settled into your cabin. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a specially-prepared Welcome Dinner.

Conflans -

Arrive in Conflans, at the confluence of the Oise and the Seine. Visit the little town of Auvers-sur-Oise, an inspiration to many of the famous Impressionist masters, including Cezanne, Pissarro and Daubigny. The most famous of these artists is Vincent van Gogh, whose final resting place is located here. Visit Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh lived in a very simple and small room only lit by sky light. Inspired by the picturesque site with its inhabitants and surroundings, Van Gogh painted close to 80 canvases here, which come alive in the winding streets of the village.

There are only a few places more touching than this haven of peace, just 35 minutes outside of Paris. Most famous for being the resting place of Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo, the small village idyll was home to many painters in the 1800s. Relive with your guide the final moments of the life of the artist by following the pictorial and mortuary trail of van Gogh. Be moved by his tragic fate as you climb the path leading to his grave. Experience a multimedia journey into the Château d’Auvers which traces the lives of the great masters who left their mark in the town’s history: Daubigny, Pissarro, Cézanne, Monet, Van Gogh etc. The commentaries will immerse you for 65 minutes in the ambiance of 19th Century Parisian life, with more than 500 paintings set to motion, special, visual and sound effects, popular music and songs of the time.

Duration:   approx. 4.5 hours

Rouen -

This morning we reach Rouen, often called the “Ville musée” (Museum Town). If you enjoy museums, visit one of the many art, history, and antiquities museums scattered through the city. Visit the cathedral that inspired Claude Monet and the modern Church of Joan of Arc with its magnificent 16th-century stained-glass windows. See the “Gros Horloge,” the astronomical clock, and the Parliament of Normandy. Also in Rouen is the “Place du Vieux Marché”, the site where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. This afternoon venture down the romantic “Abbey Trail” for a view of countless churches, castles, and abbeys.

The historical capital of Normandy and a prosperous medieval city, Rouen is known for its many monuments and architectural treasures. The historic city center is a “must-see”. Don’t miss its fascinating heritage with Gothic churches and mansions, restored, half-timbered houses and well-maintained public gardens. We will start the morning with a walking tour, including an inside visit to the magnificent cathedral that inspired Claude Monet, and the modern Church of Joan of Arc with its magnificent 16th-century stained-glass windows. Our local expert will explain the historical legacy of this city, made famous by such figures as the Vikings, the Dukes of Normandy, Joan of Arc, the writers Corneille and Flaubert and the artists Géricault and Monet.

The walking tour will also cover the “Gros Horloge”, the astronomical clock, pride of the Rouennais, and the Parliament of Normandy, one of France’s rare civil constructions in Gothic style in the late Middle Ages. The Church of Saint-Maclou, a striking, flamboyant church dedicated to a Breton saint and known as Malo, is considered one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Rouen. Following this exploration, we encourage you to spend your free time at the “Place du Vieux Marché”, the site where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake.

Duration : approx. 2 hours

Le Havre, France -

Although the harbor of Le Havre was greatly destroyed in World War II, it was rebuilt and continues to be an important port city in Normandy. Explore the Normandy coastline with a walk along Ètretat’s cliff-top paths for a view of steep chalk rocks with impressive needle-like formations, which have inspired many well-known artists. Nearby, is the city of Honfleur, where the Seine meets the Atlantic. This harbor town is regarded as a jewel on the Côte Fleurie and is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

20 kilometers (twelve and a half miles) north of Le Havre, situated on the coast of Normandy. Étretat is renowned for its coastal scenery, in particular its white cliffs. Both the cliffs and the village are scenic highlights of the region and should not be missed. Join us to feel the magic of this place, full of history and legends. This exceptional natural site will take your breath away. Begin with stunning views of the cliffs and rock formations from the clifftop path. Continue with a guided walking tour of the town.

Historically a fishing village with medieval houses and fishing cottages, Étretat became a popular seaside resort during the 19th century. Its popularity was enhanced by the large number of famous artists and authors who were inspired by Étretat. Monet, Maupassant, Victor Hugo and Flaubert were all lovers of the region around the town. Monet painted several well-known pictures of the coast and cliffs around Étretat. It is an attractive, small town where you will have some leisure time, allowing you to browse through the shops and perhaps purchase some souvenirs. From the pebble beach and the promenade you can enjoy the cliffs on either side once more.

Duration: approx. 4 hours

Follow your guide and enjoy a stroll through the charming city of Honfleur. This gorgeous maritime city is a town of painters and Impressionism, and possesses that something extra that makes it irresistible. The changing light on the Seine estuary inspired Courbet, Monet, Boudin and many others.

Your guide will lead you through its narrow streets, steeped in history, and in the footsteps of sailors, painters, artists and musicians. Stop at the world-famous Vieux Bassin (old port), the Lieutenancy building, from which Samuel de Champlain set out to discover Canada, the Old Salt Stores and St Catherine’s Church, with its unusual architecture and separate bell tower which was built by sailor-carpenters. Today, dozens of galleries and artists’ studios continue to display a wide range of classical and modern paintings. Honfleur is also the perfect place to find local arts and crafts and specialties such as cider, Calvados, caramels and more. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy your time and relax in one of the little cafes.

Duration: approx. 4 hours

Les Andelys - Today, your vessel anchors in the little town of Les Andelys in the shadow of Chateau Gaillard, the one time home to Richard the Lionheart. Relax in town or venture farther afield to nearby Giverny, home to Impressionist Claude Monet, until his death in 1926. The beautiful surroundings and vivid flora, were inspiration for some of his most famous works. Return to the ship in Vernon for lunch. Round out your Normandy experience with a visit to the spectacular Palace of Versailles. Originally a small hunting lodge, the palace was extended to its current size by the "Sun King" Louis XIV and is now one of Europe's largest palaces. Onboard, the Captain's Gala Dinner is a wonderful finish to a fantastic day.
Stay Les Andelys :  8am - 9am
Stay Vernon:  11.30am - 13.30pm
Excursions
 Excursion to Giverny & Monet's House and Garden with picture stop at Château Gaillard :

Step into the past with a short drive to the white stone remains of the English king’s stronghold: Château Gaillard. It was built at the end of the 12th century on a limestone promontory, overlooking the Seine. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside. Completed in one year, Richard Lionheart exclaimed: “How beautiful she is, my one-year-old daughter. What a gaillard (well-fortified) castle.” Behind these walls, Blanche and Marguerite, the adulterous daughters-in-law of Philippe le Bel, king of France, atoned for their sins.

After a short picture stop you continue to Giverny, a village nestled in the heart of the Vexin, and a source of inspiration for one of the foremost Impressionist painters. When Claude Monet glanced out of the window of his train and caught sight of the village of Giverny, he decided then and there that this was where he wanted to live and work. And so he did, from 1883 until his death in 1926. The beautiful surroundings, vividly colored flora and gentle atmosphere of the place became one of the biggest sources of inspiration for his work. Enter the intimate world of this great epicurean. Your guide will share stories of the affection Clemenceau had for his friend, the exchanges and verbal jousts with contemporaries Berthe Morisot, Marie Cassatt and Paul Cézanne. Tour the blue living room, the studio living room, the dining room and kitchen – rooms which reflect the personality of Monet.

Duration: approx. 4 hours

West of Paris, surrounded by a beautiful green setting, the Château de Malmaison invites you into the intimate life of Josephine de Beauharnais, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. The “small” mansion that Josephine purchased in 1797 was just a run-down estate in desperate need of care and devotion when she set her eyes on it while her husband Napoleon was off fighting in Egypt. And that is precisely what Josephine brought to the property, transforming it into a “source of riches for all of France”. Napoleon Bonaparte took there many major decisions for France from 1800 to 1802. Josephine continued to live in the Château of Malmaison even after her divorce and did not cease to develop it until her death, turning the rooms and park into a real gem of the First Empire period.

Your Guide will lead you in the discovery of their daily life during the consulate and First Empire. Discover the music room and the council room shaped like a military tent where receptions, dances and country-style games took place. You will also visit Josephine’s bedroom where she died in 1814, passing through the Marengo room and its weapons that belonged to Napoleon.

Enjoy some free time in Josephine’s cherished gardens. She cultivated a nostalgia for the luxurious island of her childhood. Upon her arrival at the Château de Malmaison, she wanted to replicate the landscape of her native land Martinique with its rich flowers and birds. She called upon Europe’s best gardeners and soon bundles of flowers arrived from all over the continent. Daffodils, hyacinths, camellias and tulips still flourish in her garden. The property achieved enduring fame for its rose garden, where Josephine grew all varieties of roses known at the time.

Duration: approx. 4.5 hours

Paris, France - In the early morning, it is once more "Bienvenue" to the French capital. Explore the sights of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the bustling Champs-Élysées. Another interesting area to explore is quirky artists'district of Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur, located on the highest hill in northern Paris. On your last evening, enjoy an illuminated Paris from the ship or the streets, where you can fully see the "City of Lights" in all her glory.