Silversea Luxury Cruises À ROUEN

Spend a beatiful evening on this walking tour of Rouen including a visit to the Saint Ouen Abbey and a private organ recital.

Rouen On Foot

Leave the pier for a scenic drive toward Rouen city center. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking guided tour of the historical part of the city, as the night falls. Under the picturesque dusk light, discover the Old Market Place where Joan of Arc was burned in 1431, the Gros Horloge street and its belfry, and the cathedral built across several centuries.

Church of Saint Ouen Abbey

As the last reminiscence of light is fading away, enter the majestic church of Saint Ouen Abbey, one of the most powerful Benedictine monasteries in Normandy between the 14th and 16th centuries.

Organ Recital and Candlelight Visit

This majestic edifice (137 meters long and 33 meters up to the vaulted ceiling) is known for its eighty stained-glass windows, and its great organ (the last one built by Cavaillé-Coll). Listen to a private organ recital before beginning your candlelit visit of the abbey. The sparkling candles caress the walls of the gigantic abbey, and out of a dream, you see it in front of your eyes, overwhelming and monumental. After this enchanting and enlightened visit, you will be driven back to your ship.

Explore the ruins of a medieval castle and one of the most beautiful villages in France during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Château Gaillard, Castle Ruins, River Seine

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Les Andelys. Upon arrival, an exterior visit is made to the ruins of Château Gaillard, a medieval castle. This impressive, medieval stronghold was built during the late-12th century by Richard the Lionheart, King of England and Duke of Normandy, Erected on a hill commanding the River Seine at the Andelys meander, Chateau Gaillard was the key building of the vast defence system guarding Normandy.

Lyons La Forêt, Walking Tour, Free Time, River Lieure

Following your visit, re-board your coach and continue on to Lyons La Forêt, a quaint village named one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages of France'. Following a guided walking tour, some free time is made available to explore your surrounds at your leisure. You can stroll about this beautiful village, and marvel at its facades decked with half-timbering, colourful daub and bricks along the River Lieure. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore the life of Monet from a unique perspective during this half-day excursion to the artist's home and gardens in Giverny.

Giverny and Monet's House

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to Giverny. Upon arrival, proceed to the house and gardens formerly owned by Monet. They have since been converted into a museum, where reproductions of the artist's famous works are displayed. The pink-and-green house also contains a collection of Japanese Prints assembled by the artist. During your guided tour, see the dining room with its yellow-painted wooden furniture, the bedroom, 'blue' reading room and the kitchen with its attractive wall tiles.

Flower and Water Gardens

The adjacent flower garden, replanted according to the original designs of Monet, features a spectacular array of colours. On the other side of the road is a delightful water garden of Japanese inspiration. After your tour of Monet's house, some free time is made available to explore the lovely gardens before re-boarding your coach for the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the picturesque beauty and religious legacy of France during this half-day visit to the Norman abbeys of Jumièges and Saint Georges.

Jumièges

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Jumièges. Nestled amidst a splendid setting on the Lower Seine, it is one of the greatest ruins in France. Built in the 10th century on the ruins of a 7th-century abbey destroyed by Vikings, the new Benedictine abbey became known as the Jumièges Almshouse. During the French Revolution, a timber merchant purchased Jumièges at a public auction for use as a stone quarry. In 1852, a new owner set about saving the ruins, which now belong to the nation. Following your guided tour, re-board your coach and drive to Saint Martin De Boscherville.

Saint Georges Abbey

Upon arrival, proceed for a guided visit to Saint Georges Abbey. This 12th-century Benedictine abbey became the Saint Martin Parish Church during the French Revolution, and was spared from destruction. Today, it remains one of the finest small monuments in the Seine Valley. Erected between the 11th and 12th centuries, the building has a striking unity of style and harmony of proportion. The Chapter House used to open on the former cloister by way of three Romanesque arches supported on groups of columns. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

In 2021, France celebrated the 230th year of its first constitution. Today, revive this period of changes in the History of France and of the world through this very special full day visit of Paris...

Paris City Drive, Conciergerie

As you reach Paris, following a 2.5 hours' drive from the port, your guide will introduce you to the fascinating history of the revolution. During your scenic drive, you will see the Bastille Square, the City Hall Square, Notre Dame de Paris, and will reach the Ile de la Cité to visit the Conciergerie, a Gothic palace transformed from a Royal residence to a Palace of Justice before becoming a prison during the revolution. The Conciergerie became one of the principal places of detention during the French Revolution, where notably the Queen Marie-Antoinette was kept before being executed.

Café Le Procope, Champagne Reception

After your visit, reach the Café Le Procope, the oldest Café in Paris, funded in 1686. There relax with a glass of Champagne served in the private Salon Marat and discover exceptional documents which shed an interesting light on the events of the French revolution, reviving the soul of Le Procope, which was known to be a political club during the 18th century. As your guide tells your their story, you will hold in your hands these few hundred grams of papers which changed France forever, like the famous essay by Sieyes "What is the Third-State ?", or an exemplary of the first French constitution of 1791, among other treasures.

Lunch

After this unique experience, enjoy your lunch.

Paris' Palais Royal Square

After lunch reach Palais Royal Square, which since 1781 has been the popular heart of Paris and several episodes of the Revolution took place there. Here start your "revolution walking tour", taking you to the Galerie de Montpensier which previously housed the Café de Foy where Camille Desmoulins, on July 12, 1789, summoned the people to take up arms. Two days later, the Bastille was falling. Hence French National Holiday, July 14th, Bastille's Day.

Rue Saint-Honoré, Place de la Concorde

Stroll the rue Saint-Honoré, which housed the National Assembly and was the residence of many deputies and politicians of the time. You will see where the 1st French constitution was drafted, and adopted in September 1791, more than 230 years ago. Then head towards Place de la Concorde. The guillotine appeared on this square on January 21, 1793, for the execution of Louis XVI. From 11 May 1793 to 9 June 1794, 1 119 people will be executed in this square - renowned Place de la Révolution - including Robespierre and Marie Antoinette.

After your walking tour, board your coach for the 2.5 hour return drive to Rouen.

Spend a delightful evening in Paris with a dinner cruise along the Seine River onboard a typical Parisian "Bateau mouche" boat.

Paris City Drive

Departure from Rouen for a 2.5 hour drive to Paris via motorway. Once in Paris, begin your orientation tour and see the main sites, such as the Champs-Elysées and the Eiffel Tower, you will understand why Paris is known the world over for its grandeur. You may also view: the Place de la Concorde, a perfect expression of the Louis XV style designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel in 1755 and completed over a period of 20 years; the Opera de Paris Garnier, home of the ballets; Le Louvre, one of the greatest Museums in the world; the Place Vendôme, home of Jewellers and bankers; the Conciergerie, once the prison of Queen of France Marie Antoinette.

Dinner Cruise along the Seine

Then reach the Seine river shores, and board in one of the famous Parisian "Bateau Mouche" Boat for a dinner cruise. Delighted by a singer performing traditional French songs and savouring a delicious French meal, your cruise boat passes by some of the most iconic sites of the city of light. A peaceful and classy way to see Paris at night. After your dinner cruise, your coach will bring you back directly to your ship in Rouen.

Explore the Old World beauty and landmarks of Rouen during a half-day sightseeing excursion through this historic city.

St. Catherine's Hill

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the top of St. Catherine's Hill. Upon arrival, a photo stop is made for panoramic views overlooking Rouen, the capital of Lower Normandy. The city's skyline of towers and spires, along with its two main streets, Rue du Gros Horloge and Rue des Carmes, reflects the centuries-old layout of this historic city. Rouen also features a heritage of fine buildings and numerous museums that house a wealth of artistic treasures.

Rouen Walking Tour

Next, take a guided walking tour through Rouen. Along the way, pass by landmarks that include the Old Market Place, where Joan of Arc was burned in 1431, the Joan of Arc Church, Gros Horloge Street with its belfry, a sculpted archway supporting a 16th-century Renaissance lodge. The belfry is decorated with clock faces that still indicate the time of the day, the phases of the moon and the day of the week.

From here, continue past the Law Courts, seat of Normandy's Parliament, the Gothic-style Cathedral, built from the 12th to 16th centuries, the Saint Maclou Church and more. Following your walking tour, some free time is made available for independent exploration before re-boarding the coach for the brief drive back to the pier.

Explore the Seine River valley on this scenic, leisurely half day excursion.

Saint Catherine's Hill, Thatched Cottage Trail, Seine River Banks

This scenic and leisurely half-day tour will take you through the Seine River valley. Your tour begins with a drive to Saint Catherine's Hill for a very nice view over Rouen. Then drive to the Thatched Cottage Trail and reach the banks of the Seine. You will discover villages, which seems to be coming from a fairytale. Take a step back in time as you admire an array of thatched roof houses, made from clay, wood, stone and straw.

Caudebec-en-Caux

Travel through the evergreen Brotonne forest, which is home to over 90 different varieties of trees, including beech trees and continue along the Brotonne Bridge as you make your way to Caudebec-en-Caux. In the distance notice the top of a 15th century Gothic church before arriving in Caudebec-en-Caux, a charming village with cobbled stoned streets and medieval architecture. Enjoy some time at leisure to either wander along the riverbank or find yourself a quiet café and relax. Your journey ends with a scenic return drive through the valley of the Seine River (time permitting).

Explore Rouen at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rouen at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rouen at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rouen at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.