Paris known as to me with its iconic sights, excellent museums, incredible structure, and high quality French meals and wine. No marvel it’s certainly one of Europe’s major attracts.
After I learn the Riviera River Cruises itinerary that begins and ends in Paris, with stops in Normandy, I knew it was for me. I’d go to wondrous locations in Normandy I’d longed to see: the Rouen Cathedral, Bayeux Tapestry, and the D-Day touchdown websites. Plus, I’d get to revisit Monet’s Gardens.
I flew to Paris with my boyfriend, John, and we boarded the Jane Austen round 5 pm. MS Jane Austen, in-built 2015, holds a most of 140 passengers, a great dimension boat so far as I’m involved. I a lot favor small river cruise boats to mega ocean liners. The opposite passengers turn into pals as you run into them throughout meals and excursions.
If you’re questioning in regards to the title, Riviera River Cruises boats are historically named after well-known authors: Emily Bronte, Thomas Hardy, Oscar Wilde, Geoffrey Chaucer, George Eliot, Lord Byron, William Shakespeare, and William Wordsworth.
E-book this cruise your self! MS Jane Austen MS Jane Austen (cruisecompete.com)
2022 Sails: Aug 23, Aug 30, Sep 6, Sep 13, Sep 20, Sep 27, Oct 11, Oct 25
2023 Sails: Apr 4, Apr 11, Apr 18, Apr 25, Could 2, Could 9, Could 16, Could 23, Could 30, Jun 6, Jun 13, Jun 20, Jun 27, Jul 4, Jul 11, Jul 18, Jul 25, Aug 1, Aug 8, Aug 15, Aug 22, Aug 29, Sep 5, Sep 12, Sep 19, Sep 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24
See all River Cruises departing from Paris
This cruise visits: Europe River Cruises, Seine River Cruises
Europe Shore Excursions
We had been warmly welcomed into the glowing foyer, registered, and escorted to our cabin on the higher Diamond Deck. This deck additionally contains an air-conditioned remark lounge and bar. We discovered a queen-sized mattress, ground to ceiling home windows that slide open. There isn’t a balcony space, however you nearly really feel like you’re standing outside while you open the sliding doorways.
We took just a few moments to unpack and settle. One of many important benefits of cruising just isn’t having to switch baggage continually.
Our toilet was small, as anticipated, however purposeful. Whenever you aren’t having a shower, leaving the doorways open provides extra room, or it at the very least feels that manner. L’Occitane equipment, a French luxurious line, had been offered.
A welcome bottle of champagne arrived that we opened instantly. What a stunning approach to have a good time the start of a cruise.
We had been quickly prepared for dinner, because it had been an extended journey day. The primary restaurant rests on the mid-deck, under our cabin. It’s lined with huge home windows. Riviera’s coverage is open seating, so that they received’t assign tables. The restaurant was not busy as many passengers arrived late, so we had a desk to ourselves and loved a scrumptious multi-course meal and wine (included within the drinks bundle at lunch and dinner.) We observed the central space is used for breakfast and lunch buffets.
Whereas we had been drained sufficient to go to mattress, at 10 pm, the captain would start our journey and transfer the boat nearer to the small duplicate of the statue of Liberty (bear in mind, the N.Y. woman was given to us from France) and the glittering Eiffel Tower within the distance. It’s magical to see the illuminated icon glowing like a fireworks show.
The next day, we reached the village of Les Andelys, seeing Chateau Galliard on the hillside. The buildings are ruins of Richard the Lionhearted fortress constructed between 1196-1198 (sure, that previous!). This Riviera cruise options 9 included visits and excursions. On today, Riviera took two teams of company on an tour to the location within the afternoon. One group selected to view the ruins from an overlook after which hike to discover them. The second group simply ignored the fortress. My group walked downhill and again up, then explored the ruins with excellent panoramic views. When prepared, we strolled downhill into the charming city with half-timbered buildings. I’d by no means heard of Les Andelys earlier than this cruise however was charmed.
Later we loved one other four-course dinner, at all times with desk linens, silver service, and wine. You might select from three entrees of the day (one is vegetarian) or choose from the always-available salmon and beef dinners. The eating room employees had been extraordinarily pleasant and useful.
We left the dock in Les Andelys early as a result of a sound and lightweight present could be projected onto the façade of Rouen Cathedral at 11pm. Oh expensive, one other late evening! Nonetheless, don’t miss it should you get the prospect. The explosion of vibrant colours and technological mastery mesmerized the viewers, who watched in shocked silence. Unimaginable! What an sudden bonus and incredible day.
The subsequent morning, John and I received up early to stroll into city so I might {photograph} the cathedral earlier than the realm turned crowded with vacationers. We returned in time to take Riviera’s guided strolling tour of town, studying in regards to the cathedral’s lengthy historical past and Joan of Arc. Joan was burned at stake in Rouen after her trial. A contemporary church stands on the location, architecturally unappealing to me, however as soon as inside, aglow with a wonderful wall of stained glass home windows. We lingered on the finish of the tour, having fun with a espresso, and purchasing.
After lunch, our cruise continued crusing down the Seine in the direction of Caudebec. Many passengers hung out stress-free on the Solar Deck, and gazing on the limestone cliffs and villages alongside the river. Later within the afternoon, however earlier than cocktail hour, the Riviera Cruise Director, Anette, offered an summary of the following day’s tour. That is most useful, together with the maps and detailed descriptions of the websites within the tour packet equipped in every cabin. The bundle is complete and a stunning memento to recall your journey.
The company had been bused to Bayeux the next morning- a two-hour experience. The little city incorporates one other magnificent cathedral, however its calling card is the priceless 950-year-old Bayeux Tapestry. Having finished needlework in my youthful years, I appreciated the intricate element and symmetry all through the 230-foot-long beautiful masterpiece. It tells the story of William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hasting.
Since we’d be out all day, Riviera offered bag lunches. I hate to confess it, however the white bread sandwich was not the best- only one factor slice of meat and cheese. They added fruit, a salad, a sweet bar, and juice.
The D-Day touchdown websites got here subsequent, and Riviera went out of its manner for us People. Whereas the opposite passengers, all Brits, had been taken to Arromanches, British battlefield websites, and the brand new British Memorial, John and I had been pushed to Pointe du Hoc. Right here the U.S. troopers climbed the steep cliffs whereas encountering enemy fireplace. The braveness of those younger troopers overwhelms you while you see the bombed-out panorama and base of the German artillery weapons. I now a lot better perceive what occurred in Normandy.
We moved on to Omaha Seaside, one other U.S. touchdown web site. The sandy expanse shocked me; it was filled with sunbathers and swimmers. A shocking memorial stands on the seashore, honoring the vital occasions that occurred alongside this pretty seashore in 1944. One other monument stands within the open city sq..
The final cease was the 172-acre American Cemetery, with 9,387 American Warfare Lifeless graves. The peaceable cemetery with white crosses stretched so far as the attention can see honors the People misplaced within the Normandy battles. It’s an emotionally tough place to go to, however one which retains alive the reminiscence of those that fought bravely to defend world freedom. We owe them a lot. The previous three days of the cruise provided distinctive excursions now deeply etched in my reminiscence.
Honfleur, a medieval village with slender cobblestone alleys and a central rectangular harbor within the center, offered the following day’s go to. It was market day, so overly crowded for my liking. I’m positive others cherished it! However, had it not been a market day, I’d have loved photographing the streets of half-timber buildings, church buildings, and harbor.
For a change, we reserved dinner within the Lido Bistro on the terrace degree on the again of the ship. I selected chateaubriand, and the whole meal was incredible. The Lido serves an early breakfast should you stand up early and wish meals at 6:30 am. In addition they have an espresso and cappuccino-making machine open 24/7. John was a fan of the espresso.
A cease in Vernon introduced us to Monet’s Home and Backyard named Giverny. His colourful residence incorporates a buttery- lemon yellow eating room and a stunning blue and white tiled kitchen. Upstairs in the home, we noticed the bedrooms and loved the prospect to look out the open home windows over the gardens. The flower gardens provide many pathways to roam round.
An under-road tunnel results in the water and lily pond gardens. These weren’t as colourful as I recalled; maybe the recent climate was responsible. They’re beautiful anyway however are crowded. You possibly can think about Monet sitting in his rowboat and portray the enduring scene. Afterward, John walked as much as Monet’s grave whereas I shopped. The reward store right here is in depth and among the best.
Within the afternoon, we explored Vernon on our personal. The Previous Mill Home is a well-liked web site for photographers, and a bit of fortress subsequent door provides to the scene. If solely Rapunzel had been inside, letting her lengthy hair circulate down the fortress partitions!
Sadly, it was nearing the tip of the cruise. We docked in Paris and spent the evening. Everybody was taken for a bus tour of the numerous Paris websites the next morning. For a break, we stopped at Luxembourg Gardens and noticed just a few kids floating boats on the pond and gardeners at work. It is a well-liked park for Parisians, however they sometimes depart town in August.
The bus tour continued till we got here to the Eiffel Tower. Lots of the company determined to remain and discover on their very own. John and I walked right down to Napoleon’s tomb and loved lunch at an out of doors café. We made a really lengthy stroll again to the boat. If I had been to counsel, it could be to run a bus to select up those that stayed– maybe three hours later.
That night we had been all handled to probably the most incredible dinner. I imagine it was seven programs, ending with flaming Baked Alaska. I used to be very impressed with all of the meals and the meals high quality. It was above my expectations, for positive. (FYI: you should definitely select a cheese course for dessert someday. The cheese is phenomenal, and the chutney completely tops it off.)
The final morning, John and I left the boat by way of taxi as we had been staying in Paris for 2 extra days. The remainder of the passengers had been shuttled to the airport or prepare station.
Captain Ludovic was an actual charmer. He’s solely 33 years previous however has spent his complete life on the water. He was born on a cargo ship. He takes his position very severely; after I interviewed him, he stated, “the factor that the majority worries him are the opposite boats. I do know what I’m doing, however I can’t predict what they may do.”
Cruise director Anette and her assistant Helena had been very thorough, calm, and useful. We didn’t appear to have any issues, however I don’t doubt they might have managed any scenario.
One evening we loved enjoying trivia after dinner. In actual fact, a lot of the company onboard joined in. This was a enjoyable approach to lengthen the night. There’s not a lot leisure on the cruise if you’re anticipating that.
I by no means had time to go to the Emerald Deck for the spa and wellness space. Nonetheless, John and I did go to the machine room with the chief engineer, who defined the ship’s working. He’s very competent and a vital member of the crew.
I’d completely advocate Riviera River Cruises and crusing with them once more. I really feel the boat, the employees, and the cruise line provide an genuine journey expertise at an inexpensive value.
Due to Riviera for sending a packet of journey paperwork earlier than departure that answered all questions. They offered emergency contact numbers simply in case.
Many, many because of Riviera River Cruises for a wonderful journey and AllThingsCruise.com for arranging this pretty cruise.
See sailings right here MS Jane Austen and Riviera River Cruises (cruisecompete.com)
Cowl photograph courtesy Riviera River Cruises / Others courtesy Debi Lander
Debi Lander is a contract author and photographer who makes a speciality of journey, meals and way of life and a contributor to All Issues Cruise
See additionally MS Jane Austen Crusing ~The Seine, Paris and Normandy / Making ready for My Riviera River Cruises Journey – All Issues Cruise
