Rouen, France
Rouen, situated on the River Seine, is the historical capital city of Normandy and was once one of the largest and most prosperous cities in medieval Europe.
It was the seat of the Exchequer of Normandy in the Middle Ages and was one of the capitals of the Anglo-Norman dynasties which ruled both England and large parts of France from the 11th to the 15th centuries.
During the 100 Years’ War, Rouen surrendered to Henry V of England in 1419, who made Normandy a part of England. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake here in 1431.
In the centre of the Place du Vieux Marché the modern church of Saint Joan of Arc dominates the square; the form of the building represents the pyre on which the saint died.
The city was heavily bombed during the Second World War which almost destroyed its famed Notre Dame cathedral, which was the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet.
Below are examples of excursions that have previously been offered from this port of call. A fully detailed programme of the included and optional tours available during your cruise will be sent shortly before your departure.
A Walk Through Rouen
Explore this beautiful city with its skyline of towers and spires on a leisurely walking tour. The city has been important since Roman times and has a fine heritage.
Your tour begins with a scenic drive to St Catherine’s Hill for a panoramic view of the city before setting off on foot to see the historical sights. The old market place, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431 is lined with timber-framed houses.
The modern Joan of Arc Church, completed in 1979, represents the pyre on which she died. The two main streets still reflect the layout of the early city and a16th century Renaissance lodge is decorated with clock faces that still give the time of day, phases of the moon and the day of the week.
You will also see the law courts, seat of Normandy’s parliament, and the famed Gothic cathedral which took several centuries to build. You will then have some time at leisure to explore the independently before returning to the ship.
Included excursion
Duration: 3 hours
Deauville & Calvados
Head first to Deauville, a sea resort famous for "the Planches", a wooden plank promenade, which runs the length of the beach.
The Planches is lined by elegant buildings including the Pompeian Baths and the Soleil Bar – a favourite haunt of the rich and famous. After a short orientation tour you will have about half and hour of free time to explore this charming town independently.
Driving through Payes d’Auge you will next visit a distillery and apple press where you will learn a little about the process of making Calvados – a delicious apple brandy - and of course will be invited to have a taste yourself before heading back to Rouen.
Optional excursion
Duration: 5 1/2 hours
Honfleur
The pretty town of Honfleur owes its glory to brave mariners who, during the 17th-century, set off on voyages of discovery.
Today artists, writers and musicians all draw inspiration from its charming ambience and as you stroll along the picturesque, narrow streets lined with timber-framed houses you are transported back in time to a more chivalrous age.
En route to Honfleur you will cross one of Europe’s longest and most Impressive bridges, the 7,024ft-long Normandy Bridge with its 700-foot towers. Then a guided walking tour will show you the main sights, including the wooden St Catherine’s Church, constructed in the 15th century by carpenters from a local shipyard.
You will see the tile-covered salt warehouses, the old port and pretty quayside and the Lieutenance, a 16th-century house in which the King’s lieutenant, Governor of Honfleur, once resided. Afterwards there will be free time for you to explore independently at your leisure.
Optional excursion
Duration: 4 hours
Monet's Giverney
Monet’s famous Japanese water garden must be one of the most familiar scenes in the world, and today you can see it for yourself on a guided visit to Monet’s house and garden.
Claude Monet, a founder of French Impressionist painting, moved to Giverny in 1883, where his garden became his passion. “All my money goes into my garden,” he said, “but I am in raptures.” A sentiment with which any keen gardener will empathise.
The pink and green house contains his collection of Japanese prints and you will see the dining room with its yellow-painted furniture, the bedroom, the “blue” reading room and kitchen with its attractive wall tiles. The house and garden have been lovingly restored to their former glory.
The flower garden has been replanted to Monet’s original designs and, as you would expect, is a spectacular array of colours. There will also be some free time for you to explore the gardens at your leisure
Included excursion
Duration: 4 hours