Paris to Normandy, by Cruise Ship!

This European River Cruise will Combine time in France’s splendid capital with discoveries of quaint villages along the Seine and in the picturesque Normandy region, and the poignant WWII landing beaches. Experience Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise, Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny, and Joan of Arc’s historic Rouen. Taste the apple cider, Calvados, and camembert for which northern France is famous.

When Monet and his family settled in Giverny in 1883 the piece of land sloping gently down from the house to the road was planted with an orchard and enclosed by high stone walls.

A central alley bordered with pines separated it into two parts. Monet had the pines cut down, keeping only the two yews closest to the house to please Alice.

From this Clos Normand of about one hectare, Monet made a garden full of perspectives, symmetries and colours.

In 1893, ten years after his arrival at Giverny, Monet bought the piece of land neighbouring his property on the other side of the railway. It was crossed by a small brook, the Ru, which is a diversion of the Epte, a tributary of the Seine River. With the support of the prefecture, Monet had the first small pond dug ; even though his peasant neighbours were opposed. They were afraid that his strange plants would poison the water.

Later on the pond would be enlarged to its present day size. The water garden is full of asymmetries and curves. It is inspired by the Japanese gardens that Monet knew from the prints he collected avidly.

Visit all these beautiful places with Sceptre Tours, the leader in European River Cruises! They have the experience and background to make your river cruise a time to remember! Choose Sceptre Tours for your next European River Cruise!