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Paris & Normandy (Smithsonian Journeys)

Paris & Normandy (Smithsonian Journeys)

About This Cruise

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.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    AmaLyra is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

AmaLyra

Departure Date

6 April 2028

Cruise Line

AmaWaterways

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

France

Paris

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.

France

Les Andelys

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.

France

Le Havre

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

France

Caudebec-en-Caux

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.

France

Le Havre

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.

France

Le Havre

Le Havre, founded by King Francis I of France in 1517, is located inUpper Normandy on the north bank of the mouth of the River Seine, which isconsidered the most frequented waterway in the world. Its port is ranked thesecond largest in France. The city was originally built on marshland andmudflats that were drained in the 1500’s. During WWII most of Le Havre wasdestroyed by Allied bombing raids. Post war rebuilding of the city followed thedevelopment plans of the well-known Belgian architect Auguste Perre. Thereconstruction was so unique that the entire city was listed as a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site in 2005. 

France

Rouen

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.

France

Vernon

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.

France

Paris

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.

France

Paris

PARIS – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)B,L,D – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.

Overview

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.

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Suite

Suite

Spacious Staterooms and Suites
Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Violin Deck
  • Suite
  • French Balcony

Balcony

Category A+ Staterooms

Balconies and Panoramic Views
Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Violin Deck
  • Category A+
  • French Balcony

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Balcony

Category A Staterooms

Balconies and Panoramic Views
Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Violin Deck
  • Category A
  • French Balcony

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Balcony

Category B Staterooms

Balconies and Panoramic Views
Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Violin Deck
  • Category B
  • French Balcony

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Balcony

Category C Staterooms

Balconies and Panoramic Views
Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Violin Deck
  • Category C
  • French Balcony

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Outside

Category D Staterooms

Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Piano Deck
  • Category D
  • Fixed Windows

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Outside

Category E Staterooms

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Piano Deck
  • Category E
  • Fixed Windows

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Balcony

Single Stateroom

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Cello Deck
  • Single
  • French Balcony

classic

Journey Restaurant

Experience award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions you sail through. Every dish is crafted from the freshest local ingredients and presented with elegance, turning each meal into a celebration of flavor, artistry, and place.

Regional Flavors and Fresh Ingredients
Taste the essence of every destination through cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients and using regional traditions, bringing the authentic flavors of your travel destination directly to your table.

Perfectly Paired Wines and Beverages
Pair dishes with regional wines, beers, or handcrafted cocktails, thoughtfully chosen by our sommeliers to complement each dish and enhance your dining experience throughout the journey.

chef

The Chef’s Table

Enjoy an intimate, multi-course dinner where culinary artistry shines at The Chef’s Table, available on select sailings. Watch as our chefs prepare each course before your eyes, pairing exquisite flavors with impeccable service.

Bar, Lounge

The Lark Lounge & Bar

This versatile space hosts a bar, dance floor, plenty of comfortable couches and big windows on three sides and is used for everything from the morning port talks, daytime reading and chatting to scenic cruising, afternoon tea and evening entertainment.

Musicians

Enriching Entertainment

Onboard Performances and Musical Evenings
Throughout many voyages, the ship’s lounge transforms into a stage for local ensembles, jazz duos, and classical quartets

Select sailings have Music Hosts, conductors and musicians who guide you through historical context, lead onboard performances, and deepen your connection with the region’s musical heritage.

Live Regional Performances On Ship
Even on non-themed sailings, enjoy musical offerings like local performances, curated playlists, and connections to the musical stories of the rivers you traverse.

Shop

Boutique

The onboard boutique offers a variety of souvenirs for guests to purchase.

Reception

Reception

The Reception can be found on the Violin Deck.

Solarium, Whirlpool/Jacuzzi

Sun Deck

Enjoy the whirlpool on the Sun Deck as we pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.

Gym, Wellness

Fitness Classes

Start the day with intention through gentle stretching, yoga, or quiet moments on deck, surrounded by fresh air and flowing scenery.

Gym

Fitness Room

Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.

Wellness, Salon

Massage Services and Hair Salon

After a marvellous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.