Meet chef Michel Roux on a cruise of the Seine from Paris to Normandy
PARIS, the City of Light, is the start and end point for this fabulous cruise on Europe’s most romantic river. The eight-day break also calls at several charming spots along the Seine including Rouen and Versailles, and the beaches of Normandy on France’s northern coast.
Your memorable trip will coincide with the Rugby World Cup final on October 28 at Paris’s Stade de France, so you can soak up the atmosphere – or even go to the match if you’re lucky enough to have tickets – without worrying about accommodation.
Joining you on SS Joie de Vivre for part of your Seine cruise will be acclaimed chef Michel Roux, who’ll host a live cooking demonstration and a Q&A, so you can learn more about fine French cuisine from an expert.
Setting off from the capital, you’ll sail through the beautiful landscape of rural Normandy and experience the highlights of northern France. As well as the region’s glorious countryside, there’s a wealth of fascinating history, pretty towns and villages to explore along the way, and – naturellement – great food and wine.
Your home for the week will be the lovely SS Joie de Vivre, a ship with hand-crafted furniture and fine antiques, original artwork and signature accents inspired by 20th Century Parisian design.
You’ll find plenty to do on board, with a spa and entertainment centres. The all-suite ship offers fine French cuisine in Le Bistrot or at Claude’s, its glitzy supper club. Staterooms are lavishly appointed with beautiful bathrooms, hand-crafted Savoir of England beds and flatscreen TVs.
During the cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to explore various aspects of northern France’s past, from a captivating tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, to a solemn day spent visiting the D-Day landing beaches and war cemeteries of Normandy, a key site in Second World War history.
Sail the Seine in style: Your floating home for this cruise will be the gloriously decorated SS Joie de Vivre. This sleek boat is decked out in fine antiques, with original interiors inspired by 20th Century Parisian design. While you’re sailing, you can spend time enjoying the spa, wellness centre, wine bar, bistro and entertainment centre.
Visit Versailles: See one of France’s most impressive buildings, the ornate Palace of Versailles, built by Louis XIV and later home to Marie Antoinette. You’ll see some of the palace’s private rooms and get a glimpse of France’s royal past.
Explore Paris: Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the City of Light or have been many times before, there’s something for everyone in this cosmopolitan and romantic capital. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the city, join a local expert for a walk through much-loved neighbourhoods, or pedal your way along the Left Bank – a fresh and fun way to take in the sights.
Be in Paris for the Rugby World Cup final: Your last full day on this trip coincides with the Rugby World Cup final in Paris. There’s sure to be a joyous atmosphere in the city, and if you’re lucky enough to have tickets to the final, this cruise is a great way to enjoy a holiday leading up to the match. You won’t even have to compete for accommodation.
Meet Michel Roux: French-British chef Michel Roux Jr will share his culinary expertise with you during a private cooking demonstration and will answer your queries during a questionand-answer session.