Family Fun Along The Seine: Paris To Normandy

From $4,410 per person

8 days

1 countries

Ships: ms Serene, ms Sapphire

Book your cruise
Family Fun Along The Seine: Paris To Normandy

Journey Summary

  • Day 1 - Arrive Paris and embark ms Sapphire
  • Day 2 - A day in Paris
  • Day 3 - Bicycling or a spy walk
  • Day 4 - Monet's Giverny & Les Andelys
  • Day 5 - WWII and Normandy
  • Day 6 - Time traveling in Rouen
  • Day 7 - Château de Versailles... visit or guided bicycle ride
  • Day 8 - Journey home

Itinerary Highlights

Explore all things français along the River Seine on a remarkable family river cruise through northern France.. . w alk through the gardens of Giverny, inspiration for many Claude Monet paintings… time travel along the beaches of Normandy for a deeper understanding of World War II and events that affected generations, past and present… Your cruise begins in Paris with either a guided walking tour or a guided bicycle ride along the Seine. In artist Claude Monet's Giverny go inside his house and discover the inspiration for his garden paintings. Hike up to Château Gaillard of Richard the Lionheart fame in Les Andelys or take a walk in a village steeped in history and country charm. All generations of your family share poignant memories exploring the beaches of Normandy, touring the American Cemetery and visiting the D-Day Academy where a hands-on visit takes you back to the year 1944 and the D-Day Invasion. In Rouen you'll see historic sites immortalized by Joan of Arc, and take a 3-D tour of the city's Roman period. Your family goes inside Louis XIV's gilded palace Château de Versailles to see how the royals lived, then take a walk through the gardens or a bicycle tour including Marie Antoinette's farm.
Book this cruise

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Skip to dates and prices

Day 1

Arrive Paris and embark ms Sapphire

Tour begins: 4:00 PM. A transfer is included from Charles de Gaulle International Airport, and Gare du Nord and Gare du Lyon train stations to the ship. Tonight you'll meet your Tauck Director and your fellow family river cruisers at a welcome reception and dinner.

Day 2

A day in Paris

Today your family embarks on an exciting sightseeing adventure through Paris, a city brimming with history, charm, and fun for all ages. Stroll together along bustling boulevards, explore lively neighborhoods, and marvel at impressive architecture that sparks curiosity in both kids and adults. From fascinating landmarks to hidden treasures, every stop offers moments to learn, laugh, and create lasting memories. It's a day designed to bring your family closer while discovering the magic of Paris – from elegant boulevards to charming cobblestone streets, every corner tells a story of artistic endeavours, history's great stories, and an unforgettable blend of elegance and charm. If you wish, go bicycling along the Seine this afternoon – then join us for a "magical" evening aboard the riverboat. 

Day 3

Bicycling or a spy walk

Your family is off for an adventure of their choosing this morning, including a guided bicycle ride along the River Seine or a walking tour and spy game in hilltop Montmartre, where cobbled streets, the stunning white Sacré-Couer Basilica, colorful street artists and corner bistros await your discovery. Everyone enjoys a guided visit to Musée du Louvre this afternoon before returning to the riverboat for dinner and cruising to your next stop, Vernon.  

Day 4

Monet's Giverny & Les Andelys

Traveling in France is a feast for the senses. Today you'll hear a lot about the artist Claude Monet when you visit his pink house and painted gardens in Giverny. Dock in Les Andelys this afternoon for a choice of sightseeing – hike up to Château Gaillard and listen to stories about Richard the Lionheart, King of England, who built the fortified castle; or take a guided walking tour of the village of Les Andelys. Dinner is back onboard your riverboat as we head for Caudebec for a full day at Normandy's historic D-Day beaches.

Day 5

WWII and Normandy

You'll feel history all around you today as you learn about the heroes of Normandy's Allied Invasion of June 6, 1944 during up close exploration of D-Day beaches. Visit D-Day sites including Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach, plus a poignant stop at the hallowed American Cemetery. Following lunch, the afternoon is spent exploring one of Europe's most unique museums, the D-Day Academy; here you'll have a hands-on opportunity to learn first-hand about World War II. You'll actually touch World War II artifacts, from weapons to wireless radios; put on a workable wireless headset as you climb aboard a Willys jeep or Dodge Command car for a ride between the apple trees; and sample rations that the troops ate while serving here. Drive to Caudebec late afternoon and return to the riverboat to set sail for Rouen.

Day 6

Time traveling in Rouen

Wake up in Rouen, the "museum city of a hundred spires," this morning and walk off your riverboat right into the heart of history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rouen grew up along the Seine and was an important city for the Romans, Vikings and Normans as far back as the 3rd century! It became the capital of Normandy in the 10th century and many buildings remain from its heyday in the Middle Ages. William the Conqueror used to hold court here. Richard the Lionheart left his heart here and Joan of Arc was burned at the stake here. Explore the sites today on a guided tour that takes you to Rouen's Notre Dame Cathedral – painted by Claude Monet more than 30 times – Joan of Arc Square and the church where she died – you'll also embark on a photo scavenger hunt.

Day 7

Château de Versailles... visit or guided bicycle ride

Travel today to Louis XIV's ornate palace, the Château de Versailles, where you'll have a choice of a guided visit inside the palace or a guided bicycle ride. If you choose the palace visit, be sure to take a walk in the garden – it is just as impressive as the palace, covering 1,976 acres with some 200,000 trees, 50 fountains and 210,000+ flowers. And if you choose to explore by bicycle, you'll also visit Marie Antoinette's farm, created in the style of a miniature Norman village. Bid a fond au revoir to the River Seine at a farewell reception and dinner onboard ship tonight.

Day 8

Journey home

Tour Ends: Paris. Disembark this morning in Paris. Transfers are included from the riverboat to Charles de Gaulle International Airport, and Gare du Nord and Gare du Lyon train stations; allow a minimum of three hours for your flight check-in.

Dates and Prices

(per person*)

Showing 0 results :

* Per double occupancy. Some pricing may reflect single traveler rate.

Ship

Your cruise ship

ms Serene
Tauck
About this ship

ms Serene

A new 125m riverboat in Tauck's Destination Fleet, this ships debuts in 2026 with a new deck plan optimized for the utmost in spaciousness – with 80% of her cabins measuring 225 square feet or larger – and accommodating no more than 124 guests. Guest amenities inside her 20 300-square-foot Tauck Suites include spacious bathrooms with separate showers and walk in closets. She also sports 30 roomy 225-square-foot cabins, and 12 180-square-foot cabins. Two decks have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies that open on to a balcony in the fresh air and idyllic riverscapes; all have in-room minibar, adjustable heating and cooling, private bathroom and shower with pampering toiletries. Onboard entertainment includes enrichment lectures, piano music nightly, in-room movies, culinary demos, local entertainment and "themed" fun.

Book this cruiseMore About this ship

Deckplans

Deckplan

consultation

Need information to make a decision?

Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.