From the Heart of Paris to the Cliffs in Étretat: The hidden treasures of the Seine Valley

Board MS Seine Princess at 6:00 pm in Paris and settle into your cabins. Prepare for a welcome cocktail given by the crew and presenting your hiking program for the cruise. Have your dinner on board and enjoy the rest of the evening. 

This morning, join the panoramic tour of Paris and discover the legendary sites in the capital: Bercy, the François Mitterrand National Library, the Bastille, the Marais and the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain, the Louvre and its pyramid, Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme, Concorde, the Champs Élysées, l'Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides, the Trocadéro, and of course, the Eiffel Tower.

In the afternoon, join the hiking program as follows:

Hiking along an official French trail, known as the GR2, through the capital is the best way to discover the out-of-the-way aspects of the city. You'll pass in front of the Jardin des Plantes botanical garden, the Bassin de l'Arsenal, and the Bastille. The labyrinth of small streets in the Marais District, the beautiful mansions, and the charming courtyards in the St. Paul District are all quite a contrast to the modern structure of the Pompidou Center. Continue past Les Halles, the Louvre, and the Tuileries Gardens up to the Place de la Concorde. Return along the banks of the Seine, crossing several famous bridges. You'll no doubt recognize the Paris that is so beloved by artists and travelers. 

Non-hiking program: Free time. Discover Paris at your own pace.

Enjoy the cruise in Paris this evening. 

Begin to cruise early in the morning before passing through the impressive futuristic business district of La Defense. Stop in Poissy at the beginning of the afternoon and depart for the excursion to the Château de Malmaison. Once owned by Napoléon Bonaparte, this majestic palace includes what many consider to be the most stunning gardens ever conceived. Return on board and continue cruising to Roche-Guyon. 
Join the rest of the guests for an evening of entertainment. 

MS Seine Princess cruises early in the morning (depending on the tides). Spend morning crossing through the steep limestone cliffs, arriving in Rouen, the former capital of Normandy, at the beginning of the afternoon.arriving in Rouen, the former capital of Normandy, at the beginning of the afternoon.

Hiking program: Transfer to Duclair by coach, the starting point of your hike to Jumièges. This itinerary travels along forest paths-particularly lovely during this season-and will give you the opportunity to discover how well preserved the sites are. The Seine is still crossed by ferryboats, quaint hamlets still hold old stone houses, and the cherry, apple, pear, and plum trees benefit from the microclimate created by the river and add a touch of color to the springtime countryside. After our hike you'll be transferred back to Rouen. (2.5-hour tour, 6.2 miles (10 km), 492-foot elevation gain)

Non-hiking program: Guided tour of Rouen. Begin exploring the historical center of the city in front of its famous cathedral. Rouen has the most historically classified buildings in France, a rich and exceptional heritage, and original and creative gastronomy. The cathedral, built between the 12th and 16th centuries, is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. The Gros-Horloge, whose movement was made in 1389, remains one of the major sites to see. The current archway and the double-sided clock faces were rebuilt between 1527 and 1529. The clock was restored in 1997, and again in 2003.

After the, return on board for dinner.

Hiking program this evening: Guided tour of the city.

Sail this morning through some of the magnificent scenery, with steep cliffs rising above charming typical French villages. Arrive in Duclair at the end of the morning.

Hiking program: The Calidu Trail. The Seine coils through deep forests and wild countryside in the bucolic Boucles de la Seine Normande Natural Regional Park located between Rouen and Le Havre. Leaving from Duclair, take a path that partially follows one of the official French trails, the GR 211, which offers lovely panoramic views of the surrounding valley. As you come back, follow the Seine along a beech-tree lined path dotted with old chapels here and there. (2.5-hour tour, 5.2 miles (8.5 km), 820-foot elevation gain).

Non-hiking program: Join the excursion along the Norman Abbey Circuit. Discover the ruins of one of the most magnificent abbeys in France, as well as the Church of Saint Peter. Continue to the Abbey of Saint Wandrille, where Benedictine monks still live under the strict tradition of work in silence, solitary prayer, and communion.

Return on board the ship at 6 p.m. before the ship casts off for Honfleur.
 

Arive in Honfleur and join the guided tour of the city. Begin at the old harbor, the Vieux Bassin, one of the most charming areas. Next, see Saint Catherine's Church, the largest wooden church in France. The salt warehouses are impressive structures erected using shipbuilding techniques. The Flamboyant Arch on the facade of the Saint Leonard Church is not to be missed.

In the afternoon:

Hiking program: Be transferred by coach to Étretat for a hike along the Côte d'Albâtre and its exceptional views. Walking along another official French trail, the GR21, discover the impressive cliffs and see the immortal symbol off the coast of Étretat, the "Needle". Return to Honfleur at the end of the afternoon. (2-hour tour, 5 miles (8 km), 820-foot elevation gain).

Non-hiking program: The Côte Fleurie. Take the coach to Deauville, where you can have a stroll along its famous boardwalk and catch more than a glimpse of the massive Barrière Casino and Hotel. Continue to the Château du Breuil, one of the most prestigious Calvados distilleries in the region then finish up our tour with a tasting, of course!

Return on board. Tonight is the festive gala evening.

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.