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Cruise · AMAWaterways · 7 nights

Paris & Normandy (Smithsonian Journeys)

  • Included excursions with choice of standard tours, bike tours and hikes
  • Seven nights aboard AmaWaterways river ship AmaLyra with multiple stateroom categories
  • Guided visits to Claude Monet's home, studio and gardens in Vernon
From
$7,776 pp twin share
7 nights
When & how much

Choose your departure

Cruise Snapshot
7 Nights

River cruise through Paris and Normandy exploring Impressionist art, historic châteaux and D-Day beaches

  • Monet's Gardens and the charming harbor town of Honfleur
  • Normandy's D-Day beaches and historic WWII landing sites
  • Château de Bizy, the Versailles of Normandy, and medieval Château Gaillard

Trip Details

Departs
Thu 21 Sep 2028
Returns
Thu 28 Sep 2028
Embarks
Paris
Ship
AmaLyra
Operator
AMAWaterways

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 ship AmaLyra.

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

AmaLyra

AmaLyra
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaLyra
Deck plans
4
AmaLyra · Deck plans

Piano Deck

AmaLyra — Piano Deck deck plan

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. 1

    Paris

    Thu 21 Sep
    EMBARKATION - PARIS, FRANCE. Settle into your journey through Northern France as Paris dazzles with its vibrant energy, Monet’s Gardens and the charming harbor of Honfleur inspire your creativity, and Normandy’s dramatic coastline, historic D-Day beaches, and grand châteaux immerse you in art, history, and beauty.
  2. 2

    Les Andelys

    Fri 22 Sep
    LES ANDELYS. In Les Andelys, the dramatic cliffs above the Seine reveal Château Gaillard, Richard the Lionheart’s legendary fortress. Learn about medieval military strategy and architectural ingenuity as you explore the site, or take a guided hike or bike ride along the river, discovering the region’s history and landscapes. End your day with a leisurely Seine cruise, reflecting on Normandy’s rich heritage and the stories etched into its rolling hills and historic towns.
  3. 3

    Le Havre

    Sat 23 Sep
    LE HAVRE. Cross the Seine to Honfleur, a charming fishing town whose picturesque harbor inspired artists like Monet, Corot, and Boudin. In the afternoon, return to Le Havre to discover the city’s post–World War II reconstruction and UNESCO-protected architecture by Auguste Perret. Alternatively, spend a full-day exploring Normandy’s Pays d’Auge region, with its timeless villages and historic half-timbered houses
  4. 4

    Le Havre

    Sun 24 Sep
    LE HAVRE – NORMANDY BEACHES – CAUDEBEC EN CAUX. Let Normandy’s landscapes tell their stories, from the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer to the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during WWII landings can be seen. Discover maritime treasures at the Seine Museum, or admire the quiet cemeteries and wartime relics that mark the bravery of another era.
  5. 5

    Rouen

    Mon 25 Sep
    ROUEN. History comes alive in Rouen. Take a guided walk through its medieval center, from the Joan of Arc memorial square to Monet’s beloved cathedral, or delve into the city’s Jewish heritage at the Maison Sublime. Later, choose between sampling regional craftsmanship on a Normandy tasting tour or discovering the city by bike before visiting the elegant 16th-century Château de Bonnemare.
  6. 6

    Vernon

    Tue 26 Sep
    VERNON. Sail into Vernon for a day of enriching discovery, where you can explore Claude Monet’s preserved home and the gardens that inspired his most iconic works. Tour his studio, view his collection of Japanese prints, and wander the landscapes he carefully designed. Or, revel in the grandeur of Château de Bizy and embrace adventure on a guided bike ride through its sweeping countryside.
  7. 7

    Paris

    Wed 27 Sep
    PARIS. Enhance your understanding of art and culture with a visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his prolific final months and where you can step inside his attic room at the Auberge Ravoux. Or, stay in Paris to view the world’s largest Monet collection at the Musée Marmottan, or follow an enlightening tour tracing Josephine Baker’s life and lasting influence on Black history and French culture.
  8. 8

    Paris

    Thu 28 Sep
    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.
  • Les Andelys bike tour.
  • Scenic Cruising from Les Andelys to Le Havre.
  • Half-Day Honfleur Excursion.
  • Le Havre Architecture Tour.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaLyra.

Stateroom categories available

  • Suite
  • Category A+
  • Category A
  • Category B
  • Category C
  • Category D
  • Category E
  • Single
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 06 Apr 2028 and 19 Oct 2028, 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?

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From (twin) $7,776 pp
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