Hafen
Rouen

Explore the ruins of a medieval castle and one of the most beautiful villages in France during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Château Gaillard, Castle Ruins, River Seine

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Les Andelys. Upon arrival, an exterior visit is made to the ruins of Château Gaillard, a medieval castle. This impressive, medieval stronghold was built during the late-12th century by Richard the Lionheart, King of England and Duke of Normandy, Erected on a hill commanding the River Seine at the Andelys meander, Chateau Gaillard was the key building of the vast defence system guarding Normandy.

Lyons La Forêt, Walking Tour, Free Time, River Lieure

Following your visit, re-board your coach and continue on to Lyons La Forêt, a quaint village named one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages of France'. Following a guided walking tour, some free time is made available to explore your surrounds at your leisure. You can stroll about this beautiful village, and marvel at its facades decked with half-timbering, colourful daub and bricks along the River Lieure. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

This truly once in a lifetime experience will begin with a late afternoon departure from Silver Dawn in the Port of Rouen on 14-April and a brief 1.5 Hour Transfer to your overnight Accommodation. For guests purchasing the overnight experience we're pleased to provide overnight accommodation in the Five Star, Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace, situated on the perimeter of Versailles' famed Gardens. Following an Afternoon at leisure guests will transfer to the Palace for a private tour of the staterooms before joining your fellow guests for a bespoke and period appropriate dinner in the Gallery of the Battles. Imagine enjoying the world-renowned architecture and art collection with no more than 350 of your fellow Silversea guests when an average day at the palace hosts over 15,000 visitors.

 A true multicourse, Gastronomic experience curated by none other than Potel eh Chabot, France's most celebrated catering company with ties to 1856 as Napolean III's preferred caterer. A true meal fit for the Royal Court of Versailles will unfold with period music and minuets in what is sure to be a memorable evening.

The next morning, following breakfast, guests will have the opportunity to return to Rouen or spend an afternoon in Paris at leisure where we have made arrangements to drop guests off and pick them up adjacent to Plaza Vendome.

Explore the life of Monet from a unique perspective during this half-day excursion to the artist's home and gardens in Giverny.

Giverny and Monet's House

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to Giverny. Upon arrival, proceed to the house and gardens formerly owned by Monet. They have since been converted into a museum, where reproductions of the artist's famous works are displayed. The pink-and-green house also contains a collection of Japanese Prints assembled by the artist. During your guided tour, see the dining room with its yellow-painted wooden furniture, the bedroom, 'blue' reading room and the kitchen with its attractive wall tiles.

Flower and Water Gardens

The adjacent flower garden, replanted according to the original designs of Monet, features a spectacular array of colours. On the other side of the road is a delightful water garden of Japanese inspiration. After your tour of Monet's house, some free time is made available to explore the lovely gardens before re-boarding your coach for the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Normandy has long been a mecca for painters. Impressionism was born here, with Claude Monet’s painting of Le Havre’s port – titled Impression Soleil Levant – giving rise to both the movement and its name. Your immersion into the era begins with a brief drive to historic central Rouen for a guided 75-minute walk that captures the essence of this “Capital City of Impressionism,” famed for stirring the souls of revered writers and artists alike. Arrayed along the Seine River, this is an ancient city whose flamboyant architecture remains deeply inspiring to this day. Feel the character yourself as you walk along narrow streets lined with hundreds of timber-framed houses. And, of course, stop to admire the intricate Gothic majesty of the 12^th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a landmark portrayed by Monet in over 30 canvases.

To enhance your Impressionist experience, a special lunch at La Couronne is next on the day’s menu. This iconic establishment, founded in 1345, is France’s oldest inn and has hosted heads of state and innumerable gastronomes, artists, and other notables over the centuries. Today is your turn as you spend the next hour and a half savoring a repast inspired directly from Claude Monet’s cookbooks.

A scenic 75-minute drive across the French countryside to the village of Giverny follows. Your goal is the Monet Estate, the house and gardens formerly owned by the artist, now a museum. During your two-hour visit, you can explore the stunningly colorful flower gardens, replanted according to Monet’s original designs. Also here are the water garden and Japanese footbridge immortalized in painting after painting. Monet’s home offers its own timeless pleasures. The pink and green exterior gives way to an interior showcasing Japanese prints, a dining room adorned in yellow wooden furniture, the artist’s bedroom and “blue” reading room, and a kitchen clad in attractively decorated wall tiles.

A 1.5-hour drive back to the pier concludes this adventure in Impressionism

Explore the picturesque beauty and religious legacy of France during this half-day visit to the Norman abbeys of Jumièges and Saint Georges.

Jumièges

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Jumièges. Nestled amidst a splendid setting on the Lower Seine, it is one of the greatest ruins in France. Built in the 10th century on the ruins of a 7th-century abbey destroyed by Vikings, the new Benedictine abbey became known as the Jumièges Almshouse. During the French Revolution, a timber merchant purchased Jumièges at a public auction for use as a stone quarry. In 1852, a new owner set about saving the ruins, which now belong to the nation. Following your guided tour, re-board your coach and drive to Saint Martin De Boscherville.

Saint Georges Abbey

Upon arrival, proceed for a guided visit to Saint Georges Abbey. This 12th-century Benedictine abbey became the Saint Martin Parish Church during the French Revolution, and was spared from destruction. Today, it remains one of the finest small monuments in the Seine Valley. Erected between the 11th and 12th centuries, the building has a striking unity of style and harmony of proportion. The Chapter House used to open on the former cloister by way of three Romanesque arches supported on groups of columns. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Spend a delightful evening in Paris with a dinner cruise along the Seine River onboard a typical Parisian "Bateau mouche" boat.

Paris City Drive

Departure from Rouen for a 2.5 hour drive to Paris via motorway. Once in Paris, begin your orientation tour and see the main sites, such as the Champs-Elysées and the Eiffel Tower, you will understand why Paris is known the world over for its grandeur. You may also view: the Place de la Concorde, a perfect expression of the Louis XV style designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel in 1755 and completed over a period of 20 years; the Opera de Paris Garnier, home of the ballets; Le Louvre, one of the greatest Museums in the world; the Place Vendôme, home of Jewellers and bankers; the Conciergerie, once the prison of Queen of France Marie Antoinette.

Dinner Cruise along the Seine

Then reach the Seine river shores, and board in one of the famous Parisian "Bateau Mouche" Boat for a dinner cruise. Delighted by a singer performing traditional French songs and savouring a delicious French meal, your cruise boat passes by some of the most iconic sites of the city of light. A peaceful and classy way to see Paris at night. After your dinner cruise, your coach will bring you back directly to your ship in Rouen.

Experience the splendid beauty, architecture and history of the Paris during this self-guided, full-day excursion to the 'City of Light'.

Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysées and Eiffel Tower

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 2.25-hour drive to Paris. Upon arrival at the Ile de la Cité, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a true Gothic masterpiece. Afterward, explore this eternally romantic city and its boundless culture at your leisure. Must-see sites may include the Champs-Elysées, world-renowned Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, home of some of the rarest and best-known art and sculptures ever created.

Famous Landmarks

Additional landmarks worthy of a visit may include the Arc de Triomphe, Musée d'Orsay, Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, Sainte-Chapelle, Jardin du Luxembourg, Latin Quarter, Centre Georges Pompidou, Le Marais, Palais Garnier, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Les Invalides, Musée Rodin, Parc de la Villette, Musée de l'Orangerie, Parc Monceau, Tuileries Garden, and much more.

Cafés and Restaurants

During your self-guided walking tour, stop by one of the city's many delightful cafés and and/or sumptuous restaurants for lunch at your own expense. At the conclusion of your visit, return to the Ile de la Cité, then re-board your coach and commence the approximately 2.25-hour drive back to the pier.

Experience the splendid beauty, architecture and history of Paris at your leisure during this self-guided, full-day excursion to the 'City of Light'.

Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysées and the Seine

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 2.25-hour drive to Paris. En route, your guide provides advice on tailoring your time here to suit your desires. Upon arrival at the drop-off point, Cours la Reine, take a brief panoramic tour to get acquainted with the layout of the city. Afterward, leave your guide in the city centre, and explore this eternally romantic city and its boundless culture at your leisure. Marvel at the Notre Dame Cathedral, a true Gothic masterpiece, browse the famous bookstore, Shakespeare & Company, and shops lining the Champs-Elysées, or take a delightful stroll along the romantic Seine.

Famous Landmarks

Must-see sites include the world-renowned Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, home of some of the rarest and best-known artwork and sculptures ever created. Additional landmarks worthy of a visit may include the Arc de Triomphe, Musée d'Orsay, Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, Sainte-Chapelle, Jardin du Luxembourg, Latin Quarter, Centre Georges Pompidou, Le Marais, Palais Garnier, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Les Invalides, Musée Rodin, Parc de la Villette, Musée de l'Orangerie, Parc Monceau, Tuileries Garden, and much more.

Cafés and Restaurants

During your self-guided walking tour, stop by one of the city's many delightful sidewalk cafés for a glass of wine with hors d'oeuvres, or a sumptuous restaurant for lunch at your own expense. For your added convenience, three Paris Metro tickets per guest are included to make it faster and easier to get around the city. At the appointed time, meet your guide at a prearranged location, then re-board your coach and commence the approximately 2.25-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore the Old World beauty and landmarks of Rouen during a half-day sightseeing excursion through this historic city.

St. Catherine's Hill

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the top of St. Catherine's Hill. Upon arrival, a photo stop is made for panoramic views overlooking Rouen, the capital of Lower Normandy. The city's skyline of towers and spires, along with its two main streets, Rue du Gros Horloge and Rue des Carmes, reflects the centuries-old layout of this historic city. Rouen also features a heritage of fine buildings and numerous museums that house a wealth of artistic treasures.

Rouen Walking Tour

Next, take a guided walking tour through Rouen. Along the way, pass by landmarks that include the Old Market Place, where Joan of Arc was burned in 1431, the Joan of Arc Church, Gros Horloge Street with its belfry, a sculpted archway supporting a 16th-century Renaissance lodge. The belfry is decorated with clock faces that still indicate the time of the day, the phases of the moon and the day of the week.

From here, continue past the Law Courts, seat of Normandy's Parliament, the Gothic-style Cathedral, built from the 12th to 16th centuries, the Saint Maclou Church and more. Following your walking tour, some free time is made available for independent exploration before re-boarding the coach for the brief drive back to the pier.

Rouen is a city, which has stirred the souls of many great writers and inspired numerous painters in the past. It is situated on the north bank of the River Seine and is considered as the historic capital of Normandy.

Rouen Walking Tour

After a short drive from the pier, follow your guide on a walking tour of the old part of the city along the narrow streets lined with more than 700 timber-framed houses, large and small, all characteristic examples of medieval building techniques.

Rue Saint Romain, Rue du Gros Horloge

Walk down rue Saint Romain, one of the town's most fascinating streets with the beautiful St-Maclou church of Gothic-Flamboyant style and along busting and popular Rue du Gros Horloge, which features a unique medieval defensive clock tower and nearby law court situated in an outstanding renaissance building.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Enjoy an inside visit of Notre-Dame cathedral of Rouen (built between the 13th and the 16th centuries) which is considered as one of the finest achievements of the French gothic art. The attraction of Rouen cathedral lies in its infinite variety including an immense façade bristling with openwork pinnacles and framed by two totally different towers: the tour St-Romain on the left and the tour de Beurre on the right.

Old Market Square

Before enjoying some free time, you will stop at the "place du Vieux Marché". It was on this old market square that Joan of Arc was burned alive following her trial as a heretic in 1431.

Your tour concludes with a brief drive back to the ship.

In Rouen, there is no recipe more local than the Canard à la Rouennaise (Rouen-Style Duck). Historically called “Caneton à la Duclair” (Duclair-style duckling), is dating back to the XIX century, created by Henri Denise, owner of an hôtel restaurant in the small village of Duclair, located 30 minutes away from Rouen, along the Seine River.

From the origin of the duck to the cooking, the entire process is so specific and traditional that in 1986, the Canardiers Order was created to ensure the preservation of this typical culinary art and the respect this local savoir-faire's core principles.

La Couronne

On this tour, you will be driven in the heart of Rouen’s old town, to the oldest inn in France : La Couronne.

After a brief presentation of the institution, you will be taken to a private lounge for an uncommon but memorable culinary experience.

Maitre Canardier

Before lunch, you will make the acquaintance of a “Maitre Canardier” belonging to the Canardiers Order. He will introduce you to its traditional outfit and his medal of the Order and explain to you the establishment of this tradition and how they foster its transmission. Different variant of the receipt exists nowadays but the Order makes sure that specific basic rules are respected.

Norman Gourmet Lunch

Your lunch will start with an Apéro Normand (Norman aperitif) with a traditional Norman cocktail and some appetizers.

Your main course of the day, the Canard à la Rouennaise will be prepared right in front of your eyes, like if you were in a private and intimate show-cooking. You will assist to what makes the preparation of this recipe so particular and famous. You will witness the Maitre Canardier exert a flambé, the carving of the breasts before putting the carcasse of the duck in the dedicated press to extract the blood, that is then used to thicken the final sauce.

End your lunch with another culinary specialty of Normandy: the Soufflé Normand (Norman Soufflé) a dessert between a soufflé and an apple Charlotte flavored with the famous Norman alcohol, the Calvados.

Explore the Seine River valley on this scenic, leisurely half day excursion.

Saint Catherine's Hill, Thatched Cottage Trail, Seine River Banks

This scenic and leisurely half-day tour will take you through the Seine River valley. Your tour begins with a drive to Saint Catherine's Hill for a very nice view over Rouen. Then drive to the Thatched Cottage Trail and reach the banks of the Seine. You will discover villages, which seems to be coming from a fairytale. Take a step back in time as you admire an array of thatched roof houses, made from clay, wood, stone and straw.

Caudebec-en-Caux

Travel through the evergreen Brotonne forest, which is home to over 90 different varieties of trees, including beech trees and continue along the Brotonne Bridge as you make your way to Caudebec-en-Caux. In the distance notice the top of a 15th century Gothic church before arriving in Caudebec-en-Caux, a charming village with cobbled stoned streets and medieval architecture. Enjoy some time at leisure to either wander along the riverbank or find yourself a quiet café and relax. Your journey ends with a scenic return drive through the valley of the Seine River (time permitting).

Your adventure into exquisite French grandeur begins with a 60-minute ride by motorcoach across the Upper Normandy landscape. Upon arrival at the Château du Champ-de-Bataille, you’ll immediately see why this castle is so often compared to Versailles. A masterpiece of 17^th-century architectural artistry, the building was created as a testament to the wealth and power of its original owner, Alexandre de Créqui, and features an imposing square courtyard enclosed on one side by the castle and on the other by the stables. The resulting form is delightfully classic, with perfect lines and a play of colors and volumes creating a satisfying whole.

The captivation peaks as you enter the building for an hour-long guided visit – and discover how the baroque style reaches from floor to ceiling to showcase very beautiful decorative collections. The period style within has been augmented with great flair by the castle’s owner since 1992, renowned French interior and garden designer Jacques Garcia. His tasteful restorations add a more contemporary touch to the timeless character of the original décor.

A further vantage point on this superb property comes during your introduction to its sprawling 45-hectare (111-acre) formal French gardens – one of Europe’s most notable private parks and yet another demonstration of Garcia’s design expertise. After your guide’s orientation to the Domaine, you’ll have time to discover the great terrace, lushly embellished planters, and groves of manicured foliage and trees at your own pace. Afterwards, the drive back to Rouen and the 21^st century takes a bit over an hour.

Explore Rouen at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rouen at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rouen at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rouen at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.