Delightful Northern France
Combine cruising, A-ROSA style, along the tree-lined meanders of the River Seine with visits to the historic ports of Rouen, Le Havre, Les Andelys, Vernon, and the glorious French capital – Paris.
As your A-ROSA river cruise vessel carries you gently downriver from Paris and back again, you'll have time to unwind and enjoy all the benefits of your Premium Inclusive package. And, whether that means cocktails and conversation at the bar, a leisurely meal from the ship's gourmet buffet and live cooking stations, or treating yourself to a little extra luxury and a pre-booked private meal in the elegant dining room, you can be sure that your time on board will be yours to fill as you please.
The choice and freedom to explore at your leisure continues on shore at each new port of call. Uncover the true story of Joan of Arc when in Rouen or venture further afield on an organised bike ride, join the included excursion from to artists' retreat Honfleur, before rounding off your week with a full day and evening discovering the famous landmarks, fascinating museums, pavement cafes, jazz clubs, restaurants, celebrated cabarets and spectacular illuminated architecture of Paris, the 'City of Light'.
Taste the Destination
A-ROSA offers widest choice of international dishes compared to most other river cruise operators, plus you can enjoy local dishes exploring France from a culinary perspective, including:
La Flûte de Chaud Pain - a warm baguette with ham and cheese, ideal for a light lunch
Bourride - a shellfish chowder with a rouille sauce is a culinary speciality of Provence, based on seafood, vegetables, and served with aioli and olive oil.
Bouillabaisse - a traditional Provencal fish originating from Marseille.
Boeuf Bourguignon - a classic French beef stew, using wines from Burgundy.
Éclair - cream puff swans filled with delicious chocolate mousse.
Highlights
- Six ports of call
- Two included excursions
- An overnight stay in Rouen
- Included tour to Honfleur and Deauville on the Normandy coast from Les Andelys
- Climb the ancient Chateau Gaillard, nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Norman countryside
- An afternoon in medieval Vernon
- An overnight stay in Paris
- Embark A-ROSA VIVA (2024) or A-ROSA ALEA (2025) in the French capital, Paris
Inclusions
- Seven nights' Premium All-Inclusive cruise accommodation
- Return travel from the UK to Paris
- Included transfers to the ship
- Free Wi-Fi on board
- On-board activities and entertainment
- Gourmet buffet dining with live cooking stations
- Flexible mealtimes
- A FREE unlimited Premium All-Inclusive drinks package including water, soft drinks, speciality teas and coffees, beer, wine, spirits and cocktails throughout the day and evening
- Occasional regional treats and specialities to complement your destination that day
- Afternoon tea with freshly prepared cakes and pastries
- The services of a Cruise Director and experienced English-speaking crew
- All port taxes and surcharges
Day 1
Land in Paris before heading to St Denis, in the north of the city, where A-ROSA VIVA awaits. Settle into your cabin as you commence your journey up the Seine this evening.
Day 2
Wake up to views of the bucolic French countryside as A-ROSA VIVA heads north to Rouen. Arriving in the mid-afternoon, you'll have the chance to enjoy the city's stunning old town and discover the Place du Vieux-Marche, where Joan of Arc was burnt to death, the ornate one-handed clockface of the Gros Horloge and the city’s stunning Gothic cathedral. A-ROSA VIVA will spend the night and most of the following day here, leaving you plenty of time to explore the city’s sights, cafés and bars.
Day 3
Today, spend the morning taking in the very best of Rouen's sights and make the most of a final few hours in the city. Why not take in the Seine's wonderful scenery from the comfort of a local café, or indulge in a little retail therapy while passing the city's shopfronts?
Re-board your ship this evening for dinner aboard and time at leisure on the water.
Day 4
This morning, draw back your curtains to find your river cruiser docked in Caudebec-en-Caux with the elegant curve of the Pont de Brottonne dominating the view. You'll have the opportunity to explore Honfleur, a haven for France's most famed artists, with an excursion which also takes in stylish Deauville on the Normandy coastline and includes an optional Calvados tasting.
A-ROSA VIVA will spend the evening in Caudebec, giving you the freedom to spend a leisurely night exploring before returning to the ship.
Day 5
After a morning's sailing along the Seine, you’ll arrive in the tiny town of Les Andelys. Backed by the remains of Chateau Gaillard, a winding walk up the path to the castle, which was built by Richard the Lionheart as part of his attempts to secure control of Normandy in 1196, offers fascinating exploration alongside breath-taking views.
Enjoy the rest of the morning with a walking tour of Les Andelys before cruising downstream to Vernon, where you’ll spend the afternoon strolling streets lined with medieval half-timbered buildings, cafés and colourful shops, or take a trip to Monet’s gorgeous gardens at Giverny, which lie just a mile or so away on the opposite bank. This evening, A-ROSA VIVA will leave Vernon behind to begin the final leg of your cruise back to Paris.
6
Days
After spending this morning cruising back south along the picturesque Seine, arrive back in the French capital, Paris. A city of romance, sights and hidden secrets, Paris offers landmarks and culture abound. From the art of the Louvre to the history of Versailles, and from the shopping of the Galeries Lafayette to the sophistication of the Café de Flore, ‘la vie Parisienne’ gives every aspect of the city a unique and elegant air.
You'll also have the chance to join an optional tour of the city’s world-famous sights, before taking to the city's street at leisure for a truly authentic taste of Parisian life. As evening approaches, the café-lined streets of the Latin Quarter are the perfect place to enjoy a meal or relax with a drink.
Day 7
Make the most of your final full day on the Seine with time at leisure to further explore Paris. Whether you're revisiting your favourite spots from your guided tour, or making time for some of the city's lesser-known gems, you'll find plenty to do as you round out a truly memorable cruise experience.
Day 8
Spend your final morning taking in Paris' best sights before saying goodbye to all your newfound friends on board as you begin your journey home.
Cruise Overview
Each of A-ROSA's elegant river cruise vessels has been built specifically for the river upon which it sails, offering spacious, contemporary public areas, light, bright cabins and a casual-yet-stylish cruising experience.
