Les Andelys 

Excursion 09
Château Gaillard – Battle tested Crusaders

Picturesquely located on a chalk rock commanding the river Seine at the Andelys meander, the Chateau Gaillard was built as an impressive stronghold of the 12th century by Richard the Lionheart, King of England and Duke of Normandy. The palace was part of a defense system protecting the Normans against the French. In 1204 it was conquered by the French King Philippe II Auguste who became Duke of Normandy in the same year. Under Henry IV the fortress was demolished and put under monumental protection in 1852. A 30-minute drive takes you to the palace's parking lot where a 30-minute uphill walk takes you along a rocky path to the ruins of Chateau Gaillard. Passengers for whom the walk is too strenuous can stay in the bus and enjoy the beautiful view over the Seine Valley, the town of Les- Andelys with the castle in the foreground.

The excursion lasts about 2 hours.

 

 

 

Paris

Excursion 12 
Sous le ciel de Paris
Panorama Citytour

This is a round trip via boulevards, avenues and squares, taking you past gardens and famous buildings through the centre of the metropolis with the distinctive flair. You will see the gothic Notre Dame cathedral on the Île-de-la-Cité, the old and the new opera house (Opéra de la Bastille), the ministry of justice, the cathedral Les Invalides, the Place de la Concorde with the Egyptian obelisk which had its original place in front of the temple at Luxor, the baroque Place des Vosges in the architecturally most beautiful part of Paris, the magnificent Champs-Elysées boulevard, the triumphal arch and the Eiffel tower. Please note that the order of sights may vary due to high traffic volume in the city center. If individual sights cannot be accessed, they will be substituted for other sights.

Approx.3 hours.

 

 Rouen 

Excursion 14
City Walking Tour - Flaubert and Flamboyant

The tour takes you atop St. Catherine Hill overlooking the home town of poets Pierre Corneille and Gustave Flaubert. Enjoy fine panoramic views over the city with its many spires before a 2-hour walking tour takes you through the historic city center. The old market square forms the heart of the city and is home to the modern Joan of Arc Church (exterior tour). It was here that Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. The tour leads you down "Rue du Gros-Horloge" lined with attractive half-timbered houses to the Gothic cathedral Notre Dame, one of France's most magnificent late Gothic churches with unique stained glass windows (interior tour). The 15th century "St. Maclou Church" (exterior tour) has an impressive west facade with two towers and doors embellished with intricate wooden carvings. The "Palais de Justice" (Courthouse) is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and seat of the Supreme Court (exterior tour). At the end of the tour you have some leisure time to independently explore the narrow alleys and stroll across picturesque squares.

The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours.

 

 

Vernon 

Excursion 16 
Master of Outdoor Painting
Monet House

Giverny is a small town in the vicinity of Vernon and well known to art lovers. Here you find the house and gardens where the great French Impressionist Claude Monet lived (1840-1926). To inspire him year round the artist, who grew up in Le Havre, planted a sea of flowers around his house, now home to the Claude Monet Foundation. It was here that Monet painted the famous water lilies. During a walk through the gardens you can assure yourself of the authenticity of the original. The land of painters, especially Impressionists, Normandy has over decades attracted many artists eager to capture the region’s hazy light that hangs like a veil on canvas.

Approx. 3.5 hours.

 

 

Le Harve

Excursion 07 
Château, Cidre, Calvados
Honfleur

The bus will take you to beautiful Chateau du Breuil, where one of the most famous Calvados distilleries is situated. After an English-speaking guide has explained the process of making Calvados, you are welcome to sample the noble beverage. From here the bus will take you to Honfleur. After a short walk you reach the historic city centre of Honfleur, a place with a rich seafaring tradition. The picturesque harbour, labyrinthine lanes and traditional half-timbered houses make Honfleurs the epitome of the Normandy town. From the old fishing harbour the tour takes you inside St. Catherine church close by, a wood building in late gothic style with a separate belfry. Before returning to the ship by bus, there is still some time at your disposal.

Approx. 4.5 hours.