Compare Family Fun Along The Seine: Paris To Normandy 2023 by Tauck vs Girls getaway trip to Paris & Champagne by Paris-Toujours

Day 1 Arrive Paris and embark

Tour begins: 4:00 PM. A transfer is included from Charles de Gaulle International Airport, and Gare du Nord and Gare du Lyon train stations to the ship. Tonight you'll meet your Tauck Director and your fellow family river cruisers at a welcome reception and dinner.

MEALS : D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Paris, France

Day 2 A day in Paris

The historic city of Paris is at your feet today, literally! Two sightseeing choices today – get an overview of its famous landmark sites on a guided walking tour, viewing the Arc de Triomphe and gargoyled Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris (no inside visits on this walking tour). Or, if you wish, pedal along the Seine on a guided bicycle ride, passing by the Musée d'Orsay, the Tuileries Garden and the towering Eiffel Tower. The rest of the day is free for you and your family to experience "Paree" as you please.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Paris, France

Day 3 Eiffel Tower visit & cruise the Seine

Originally built to be one of the main attractions at the Paris World's Fair in 1889, today the Eiffel Tower has transcended it's status as an attraction, becoming one of the most recognizable historical landmarks in the world, attracting nearly six million visitors annually. See this global icon for yourself during a morning visit before a free afternoon allows you the chance to explore Paris as you wish. Tonight, embark your riverboat as it cruises to your next stop – Vernon.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Paris, France

Day 4 Monet's Giverny & Les Andelys

Traveling in France is a feast for the senses. In Paris you've already seen – and "hunted" for – some of the most famous art in the world at the Musée du Louvre. Today you'll hear a lot about the artist Claude Monet when you visit his pink house and painted gardens in Giverny. Dock in Les Andelys this afternoon for a choice of sightseeing – hike up to Château Gaillard and listen to stories about Richard the Lionheart, King of England, who built the fortified castle; or take a guided walking tour of the village of Les Andelys. Dinner is back onboard your riverboat as we head for Caudebec for a full day at Normandy's historic D-Day beaches.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Giverny, France, Les Andelys, France

Day 5 WWII and Normandy

You'll feel history all around you today as you learn about the heroes of Normandy's Allied Invasion of June 6, 1944 during up close exploration of D-Day beaches. Visit D-Day sites including Pont du Hoc and Omaha Beach, plus a poignant stop at the hallowed American Cemetery. Following lunch, the afternoon is spent exploring one of Europe's most unique museums, the D-Day Academy; here you'll have a hands-on opportunity to learn first-hand about World War II. You'll actually touch World War II artifacts, from weapons to wireless radios; put on a workable wireless headset as you climb aboard a Willys jeep or Dodge Command car for a ride between the apple trees; and sample rations that the troops ate while serving here. Drive to Caudebec late afternoon and return to the riverboat to set sail for Rouen.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

Day 6 Time traveling in Rouen

Wake up in Rouen, the "museum city of a hundred spires," this morning and walk off your riverboat right into the heart of history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rouen grew up along the Seine and was an important city for the Romans, Vikings and Normans as far back as the 3rd century! It became the capital of Normandy in the 10th century and many buildings remain from its heyday in the Middle Ages. William the Conqueror used to hold court here. Richard the Lionheart left his heart here and Joan of Arc was burned at the stake here. Explore the sites today on a guided tour that takes you to Rouen's Notre Dame Cathedral – painted by Claude Monet more than 30 times – Joan of Arc Square and the church where she died – you'll also embark on a photo scavenger hunt.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Rouen, France

Day 7 Château de Versailles... visit or guided bicycle ride

Travel today to Louis XIV's ornate palace, the Château de Versailles, where you'll have a choice of a guided visit inside the palace or a guided bicycle ride. If you choose the palace visit, be sure to take a walk in the garden – it is just as impressive as the palace, covering 1,976 acres with some 200,000 trees, 50 fountains and 210,000+ flowers. And if you choose to explore by bicycle, you'll also visit Marie Antoinette's farm, created in the style of a miniature Norman village. Bid a fond au revoir to the River Seine at a farewell reception and dinner onboard ship tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Versailles, France

Day 8 Journey home

Tour Ends: Paris. Disembark this morning in Paris. Transfers are included from the riverboat to Charles de Gaulle International Airport, and Gare du Nord and Gare du Lyon train stations; allow a minimum of three hours for your flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Paris, France

Day 1: Arrival Day In Paris

On arrival at the airport private welcome and transfer to your hotel in the centre of Paris. Free time to relax and wander in the lively streets around your hotel with many suggestions. Why not enjoy a glass of wine or a delicious cocktail on a terrace overlooking the city.

Day 2: Shop In Le Marais And Cheese Tastings

After a typical French breakfast with croissants and many other pastries, your expert guide will pick you up for a private shopping tour in Le Marais district. This neighbourhood will impress you with its architecture, as it is dotted with numerous private mansions (“hotels particuliers”) dating from when Henri IV made this an aristocratic neighbourhood. It is also now known for its eclectic and lively ambiance with many vintage shops and trendy designers. Your guide will take you around the best boutiques and will help you find the perfect outfit that no one else will have back home.

In the afternoon, you will be meeting Pierre the cheese master in the hip 10th arrondissement. The cheese cellar is in a beautiful 17th century vaulted cellar – this is one of the last maturation cellars existing in Paris. You will learn about the Cheese maturation process and finish your experience with a cheese tasting paired with French wines.

Day 3: Rodin Museum And Pampering Afternoon

This morning you will be visiting with a private guide the Musée Rodin. Nearly 300 works from Rodin’s collection are on view in this mansion designed along the lines of classical architecture. Most famous works can be seen like ‘the Thinker’ or ‘The Kiss’. The garden of this museum is also definitely worth a visit!

After visiting Le Musée Rodin, enjoy a cosy afternoon in a charming spring cottage setting in the heart of Paris. This place is the ultimate sanctuary of well-being to enjoy on girls getaway. During 2-H an expert will take care of you and you will get a manicure/pedicure and makeup. Beyond well-being spa services, you will be able to taste delicious pastries and tasty teas.

End the evening at Girafe restaurant for a lovely dinner overlooking the twinkling Eiffel Tower.

Day 4: Day Tour To Champagne

After breakfast begin your girl’s day tour to Champagne! Your chauffeur will transfer you to the train station – you will then take the train to Reims in Champagne. Starting from Reims, this private champagne tour will enable you to discover the highlights of Reims as well as the beautiful champagne vineyards. Visit family run estates and taste different varieties of champagne. Finally, discover a prestigious champagne house (Moet&Chandon/Dom Perignon) and cellars, as well as the Gothic Notre Dame cathedral in Reims, one of the city’s designated UNESCO world heritage sites. Train back to Paris.

Day 5: Yoga & Sunset Cruise

Start the day with your private coach for a 2H yoga class. The class will be taken in the famous Luxembourg garden or on a Parisian rooftop with an amazing view. Your coach will of course adapt his class according to your wishes and bring all the necessary equipment. At the end of the class enjoy a fresh fruit and vegetable juice to fill up on vitamins.

Free afternoon to relax and make the most of Paris with many suggestions.

In the evening, meet your skipper for a private cruise on the Seine. The cruise will take place during sunset, so you get to see the city from a beautiful and different angle. Whilst admiring the different monuments, enjoy a French “aperitif” with cheese, ham, and wine! What a way to finish your girls getaway trip in France!

Day 6: Back Home

Pick-up by your chauffeur and transfer to CDG airport for your flight back home.