PARIS TO NORMANDY
In July, l was fortunate enough to do a Paris to Normandy 8 day river cruise onboard Avalon Tapestry 11, what a beautiful ship.
I had been looking forward to this cruise for sometime and it did not disappoint.
My suite was all ready and so was l to start this adventure.
It felt good to be able to unpack and hang my clothes up and not have to keep diving into my suit case every time l needed something. I felt right at home.
You have time to explore the city of Paris before you set sail on the Seine.
Evening cruise to Vernon, it was smooth sailing all the way.
Onboard the 3 course meal was delicious with happy hour before this. My first time l have tried an aperitif spritz, very nice.
The weather was perfect, l joined a tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet.
The water gardens were amazing, so many beautiful flowers that he captured in his masterpieces.
We got there early, so we were not trampled by too many other tourists.
There were other tours you could do also.
Evenings onboard were light entertainment, which was enough as l think everyone was still getting over the tours they went on.
Caudebec - so many ancient abbey's along the Seine. We overnight here.
I went on a tour of the old seaside town of Hornfleur. It felt nice to board the coach and view the gorgeous countryside along the way.
The 2nd day in Caudebec you had a choice of joining a guided tour of Normandy's WW11 landing beaches, visiting significant U.S sites including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hobart monument and American cemetery or British and Canadian commemorative sites plus a lot more.
I chose A Taste Of Normandy visiting the famous Bayeux Tapestry, the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and the local distillery where Calvados is made. Not my favourite drink.
Evening cruise to Rouen.
I did a walking tour of Rouen-site of Saint Joan of Arc's martyrdom-Bnd, medieval quarters with its 16th century Astronomical Clock and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
I felt safe walking around during the day by myself to do my own exploring once the tours are finished.
I always found it easy to get myself back to the ship, plus most people spoke English anyway, so if l was not sure l would ask.
Cruising along the Seine, l saw so many beautiful homes that looked like they came out of a fairy-tale.
Everyone was so friendly and loved our aussie accent.
From Rouen to Conflan, where l did a guided tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent Van Gogh. I loved every thing about this tour.
His story was very sad but his art was amazing.
There were other tours on offer which also had positive reviews from my fellow passengers.
This ship holds 120 people and was completely booked out.
I had my first taste of frogs legs, taste just like chicken and snails l have had a few times and love them.
We sailed back from Conflans to Paris overnight.
This was my 3rd trip to Paris so l just decided to do a guided city tour, which suited me.
That evening on board was our gala night and we were entertained by cancan dancers.
There was so much more l did on this cruise but this would end up being a book instead of a blog.
If you would like more information on this cruise please contact me on 0419 386 889 or jmeredith@mtatravel.com.au