River cruise through Paris and Normandy exploring Impressionist sites, historic beaches and French culture
Monet's Gardens and charming harbor town of Honfleur
Normandy D-Day beaches and Joan of Arc's historic site
Château de Bizy, the Versailles of Normandy
Trip Details
Departs
Sat 7 Nov 2026
Returns
Sat 14 Nov 2026
Embarks
Paris
Ship
AmaDante
Operator
AMA Waterways
Paris always sizzles while Normandy beckons with its stunning coastline, incredible food and artistic beauty. Monet’s Gardens and the charming harbor town of Honfleur, will inspire you the same way as they inspired the great Impressionists. For inspiration of a different kind, witness the site of Joan of Arc’s historic martyrdom, or travel to the unforgettable beaches of Normandy where Allied forces landed during WWII’s D-Day invasion. Relive the grandeur of royalty at Château de Bizy, once referred to as “the Versailles of Normandy.” Blend a passion for the good life with culture, art, architecture and timeless landscape in Northern France.
This river cruise journeys through France, calling at Paris, Les Andelys, Le Havre, Le Havre, Rouen, Vernon, Paris and Paris.
You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaLyra and AmaDante.
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Life in transit
Your transportsAmaDante
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaDante
Deck plans
4
AmaDante · Deck plans
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026.
Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaLyra
Deck plans
4
AmaLyra · Deck plans
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026.
Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Day by day
Itinerary
1
Paris
Sat 7 Nov
EMBARKATION - PARIS, FRANCE. Board the ship in Paris for your Paris & Normandy cruise.
2
Les Andelys
Sun 8 Nov
LES ANDELYS. Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys. After your adventures, set sail along the meandering Seine for a scenic cruise.
3
Le Havre
Mon 9 Nov
LE HAVRE. During your time in Le Havre, set out on an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice of a bike tour through Le Havre.
4
Le Havre
Tue 10 Nov
LE HAVRE – NORMANDY BEACHES – CAUDEBEC EN CAUX. Experience the Normandy region with a variety of excursions. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, you will visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you will visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and, finally, Arromanches. Alternatively, you can set out on a full day excursion to the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration in Caudebec-en-Caux, you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum.
5
Rouen
Wed 11 Nov
ROUEN. Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. You also have the choice to go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour. Then visit Bonnemare Castle, a 16th-century architectural treasure lined with picturesque poplar trees.
6
Vernon
Thu 12 Nov
VERNON. Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. You will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades. Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside. PLEASE NOTE: Monet's Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
7
Paris
Fri 13 Nov
PARIS. Travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Or enjoy the exquisite architecture of the Château de Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, also known as "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe." Active travelers may instead choose to pedal through Paris from the seat of their bike on a guided cycling tour. In the afternoon, experience the “City of Light” from a unique perspective when you board a modern river boat at the Port de la Bourdonnais, located on the banks of the Seine River near the Eiffel Tower. With exterior seating and viewing platforms, your one-hour cruise will be a dream come true as you glide along the river and underneath Paris’s ornate bridges. From the boat, you will take in panoramic views of the city’s iconic buildings and monuments, including the Musee d’Orsay and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
8
Paris
Sat 14 Nov
PARIS – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. B,L,D – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Château Gaillard tour.
Château Gaillard hike.
Scenic cruising.
Honfleur excursion.
Le Havre “UNESCO City of Architects” tour.
Bike tour.
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaLyra and AmaDante.
Stateroom categories available
Suite
Category A+
Category A
Category B
Category C
Category D
Category E
Single
Paris & Normandy (Christmas Time) stateroom
From the operator
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 15 Oct 2026 and 14 Nov 2026, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Ready to lock in?
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
