The Seine & Normandy - Landscapes of William the Conqueror
Flights from Manchester→Paris → La Roche Guyon → Giverny → Rouen → Caudebec-en-Caux → Le Havre → Les Andelys → Paris→Return to Manchester
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
Sold Out
per person
Overview
Experience a seven-night voyage along the Seine aboard the MS R.E. Waydelich L.J.
Flowing from the heart of Paris through the picturesque Seine Valley, with its orchards, rolling countryside and striking chalk cliffs, the River Seine has witnessed the rise and fall of kingdoms, inspired some of the greatest Impressionist painters and has long been at the centre of Normandy's history, connecting the castles, monasteries and historic towns of the region. This voyage, which Noble Caledonia has timed to coincide with the 1000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror, offers the opportunity to explore the landscapes that shaped one of history's most remarkable figures whilst discovering the region's rich heritage from the comfort of Noble Caledonia’s elegant river vessel, the MS R.E. Waydelich L.J.
Beginning in the enchanting city of Paris, guests will moor in the heart of France's capital before cruising through the Normandy countryside, a charming area of gently undulating woods, orchards, pastures and clear streams. Each bend in the river reveals something of interest: picturesque villages, monasteries, abbeys and architecture that spans from the Medieval to the ultra-modern. Highlights of Noble Caledonia’s itinerary include a visit to Monet's retreat at Giverny, where he lived for more than 40 years, exploring the historic streets of Rouen with their reminders of Joan of Arc and discovering the magnificent ruins of Jumieges Abbey and the birthplace of William the Conqueror at Falaise. Guests will explore Caen, one of the principal centres of his rule in Normandy and where he founded the magnificent Abbaye aux Hommes. There will also be the opportunity to discover the charming harbour town of Honfleur and the imposing Chateau Gaillard, Richard the Lionheart's mighty fortress overlooking the Seine.
Highlights
- Travel from London or Manchester to Paris with convenient flight options or Eurostar rail connections.
- Experience life on board the MS R.E. Waydelich, your boutique home for this scenic Seine river cruise.
- Explore the Medieval heart of Paris with guided visits to the iconic Sainte Chapelle and the historic Cathedral of Notre Dame.
- Discover Claude Monet’s home and his famous water lily gardens in Giverny, a sanctuary of Impressionist art.
- Tour the historic Chateau in La Roche Guyon, a site renowned for its wartime history and dramatic cliffside setting.
- Walk through the "City of a Hundred Spires" in Rouen to see the 14th-century astronomical clock and the site of Joan of Arc’s martyrdom.
- Visit the majestic ruins of Abbaye Jumieges, famously described by Victor Hugo as the most beautiful ruin in France.
- Follow the legacy of William the Conqueror with excursions to his birthplace in Falaise and his final resting place at the Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen.
- Stroll through the charming streets of Honfleur to view its colourful harbour and the historic St Catherine Church, France’s largest wooden church.
- Ascend to the ruins of Chateau Gaillard, the imposing fortress built by Richard the Lionheart, overlooking the Seine in Les Andelys.
Explore further
Destination guides
More river cruises
The ship
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London or Manchester to Paris, France.
Fly by scheduled flight from London or Manchester to Paris or join the Eurostar at St Pancras International Train Station. On arrival, transfer to the MS R.E. Waydelich L.J. moored in Paris. Meet your fellow guests during the welcome dinner on board and enjoy the evening ambience of the ‘City of Lights'.
- 2
Day 2 Paris.
This morning there will be a guided tour into the Medieval heart of Paris, with a visit to Isle de la Cite. This island in the centre of the Seine is one of the oldest districts of Paris, and home to some of its most famous landmarks. Visit Sainte Chapelle, one of the oldest surviving sections of the Medieval royal palace, and the private chapel of the royal family of France. Marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture and impressive stained-glass windows that once protected a collection of sacred Christian relics. We continue to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, one of Paris's most well-known landmarks. Enjoy some free time here or cross the river to the Latin Quarter, where the famous Shakespeare and Company bookshop can be found on the opposite bank. Return to the ship for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon on board as we sail toward La Roche Guyon, arriving this evening.
- 3
Day 3 La Roche Guyon & Giverny.
From our berth in La Roche Guyon, we have a choice of tours today. Discover the charm and beauty of this corner of Normandy with a visit to nearby Giverny. It was here that impressionist artist Claude Monet lived and worked from 1883 until his death in 1926. His beautifully laid out Norman and Japanese-inspired gardens became the subject of his famous Water Lilies series of paintings. Today the home has been lovingly maintained as a museum. Wander the garden pathways and visit the house where the great painter spent over half of his life. Alternatively, join a guided walk through the village of La Roche Guyon, known as one of the most beautiful in France, and visit the Chateau, which was partially carved from the chalk cliffs along the riverbank. The village was an important toll station for shipping along the Seine and was a key strategic location during World War II, when the occupying Germans set up a command centre in the tunnels behind the Chateau. Today the Chateau's ornate frontage overlooks tranquil riverside orchards. Return to the ship this afternoon, and sail through the meandering Seine valley, admiring charming villages and steep chalk cliffs as we sail to Rouen.
- 4
Day 4 Rouen.
This morning, take a stroll ashore in Rouen, the ‘City of a Hundred Spires'. From its capture by Rollo, the first Duke of Normandy, to the execution of Joan of Arc during the Hundred Years War, the city has been pivotal to the combined history of both France and England, which is evident through the many historical monuments that can be found among its streets. Explore the cathedral, which contains the tombs of several prominent dukes and members of the Angevin Royal Family. Wander through the Medieval centre, along the Rue du Gros Horloge to see the 14th century astronomical clock, which remains in working order to this day. Our guided walk will conclude in the old market square, where Joan of Arc was famously burned at the stake in 1431. The square today is home to a church dedicated to Saint Joan and surrounded by original half-timbered Medieval buildings. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon sailing through green landscapes of the lower Seine.
- 5
Day 5 Caudebec-en-Caux.
Awake today in Caudebec-en-Caux, nestled in a bend of the river and surrounded by peaceful bucolic scenery. The town was once a wealthy trading port, and its charming streets and architecture reflect its prosperity during the Medieval and Early Modern periods. After breakfast enjoy a stroll through the Medieval streets and admire the town's flamboyant Gothic church. Later we travel to the ruins of Abbaye Jumieges. This prominent Benedictine monastery was founded in the 7th century, and was visited by William the Conqueror in 1067, who consecrated a church on its grounds one year after the Battle of Hastings. The site was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, and eventually abandoned during the French Revolution, however its impressive limestone architecture still stands overlooking the river, leading Victor Hugo to describe it as ‘the most beautiful ruin in France'. Return to the ship for lunch and catch the scent of sea air from the sun deck as we make our way toward the Seine Estuary and Le Havre.
- 6
Day 6 Le Havre for Normandy.
This morning there will be a choice of tours from Le Havre into the heart of Normandy. Follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror and discover his birthplace in the Norman town of Falaise, where he was born in 1027. Explore the 12th century castle, built atop the site of the original, and learn about William's early life and the castle's strategic importance through interactive exhibits throughout the keep. Continue to the nearby city of Caen, the former capital of Normandy. After lunch in a local restaurant, we will explore Caen's Medieval city centre and learn of its importance during the Medieval period and its restoration and reconstruction after World War II. Visit the church of Sainte Etienne and the Abbaye aux Hommes, which was commissioned by William and his wife, Mathilde, and became his final resting place following his death in 1087. Alternatively, join a half-day tour to the nearby town of Honfleur, which is famous for its colourful houses lining the old harbour. Enjoy a walk through the town centre, visiting the old harbour, customs house and the St Catherine Church, the largest wooden church in France. Sail this evening.
- 7
Day 7 Les Andelys.
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as we cruise upstream towards Paris. This afternoon we will moor in the picturesque town of Les Andelys. Nestled in a sweeping bend of the river, and surrounded by towering chalk cliffs, the town of Les Andelys has been an important waystation since the early Medieval period and was extensively fortified under the reign of Richard the Lionheart. The town was pivotal to the defence of English-held Normandy, and was protected by the imposing Chateau Gaillard, one of the most important castles of the Medieval period. This afternoon we will stroll through the charming Medieval streets and market squares of the town, before climbing to the promontory to visit the ruins of Chateau Gaillard. Return to the ship this evening and enjoy the farewell dinner on board as we return to Paris.
- 8
Day 8 Paris to London or Manchester.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight to London or Manchester. Alternatively transfer to Paris Gare du Nord Station to join the Eurostar to St Pancras International Train Station.
Meet your Experts
A distinguished team of guest lecturers, expedition leaders and specialist hosts will be travelling with you on selected departures — enriching your voyage with their insight, expertise and company.
Imogen Corrigan MPhil FRHistS FRSA
Imogen served for nearly twenty years in the British army, retiring in the rank of Major at the end of 1994. She then went to the University of Kent to study Anglo-Saxon and medieval history and art, graduating with 1st Class Honours. She became a freelance lecturer, running study tours for several travel companies and lecturing for the Arts Society and Noble Caledonia.
The Ship
R.E Waydelich L.J.
For our journey we have chartered the delightful MS R.E Waydelich L.J. (formerly known as the MS Elbe Princesse II). Launched in 2018, the vessel accommodates a maximum of 74 passengers, providing a warm and intimate atmosphere on board. With plenty of light and a large Sun Deck, there is ample opportunity to watch the world gently pass by as you relax on board your comfortable floating hotel.
Deck plan
Life aboard R.E Waydelich L.J.
Launched in 2018, the MS R.E Waydelich L.J. offers an intimate river cruising experience for up to 74 passengers. With a light-filled lounge and a spacious Sun Deck, this ship provides a comfortable and relaxed environment for exploring European waterways.
Quick facts
Built
2018
Passengers
74
Crew
25
Length
101 metres
Tonnage
800 Gross tonnes
Suites
Cabins are spread across the Main and Upper Decks, all featuring outside views and individual climate control. Most cabins measure 14.5m2, though three single cabins and cabin 202 are 12m2.
- •Upper Deck cabins feature French balconies with sliding floor-to-ceiling windows.
- •Main Deck cabins are equipped with large windows.
- •All cabins include an en-suite bathroom with shower, hairdryer, safe, and television.
- •Beds consist of two separate mattresses forming a double, which can be separated upon request.
Life on board
The vessel features a relaxed, informal atmosphere spread across three decks. Guests can socialise in the bright, panoramic lounge or enjoy the outdoor space on the Sun Deck.
- •Public areas include a lounge with a bar, a restaurant, and a Sun Deck with furniture.
- •Onboard shop available for souvenirs and practical items.
- •Daily briefings are provided by the Cruise Director.
- •Expert local guides accompany shore excursions using a Quietvox audio system.
Dining
All meals are served in a single-sitting restaurant on the Main Deck, featuring a mix of regional and international cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, while dinner is a served set menu.
- •Drinks are included from 10.00 am to 11.00 pm, excluding premium brands.
- •Tea and coffee are available on a self-serve basis throughout the day.
- •Tables are arranged for four, six, or eight guests.
- •Specific dietary requests should be provided in writing at the time of reservation.
Practical information
The ship provides a range of services to facilitate a comfortable stay, including 24-hour reception access and included gratuities. Please note the ship is not equipped with a lift.
- •Dress code is comfortable for the day, with dressier attire for the evening.
- •Electricity is 220v with 2-pin outlets; adaptors are recommended.
- •Wi-Fi is complimentary in public areas, though service may be intermittent.
- •Smoking is strictly prohibited in cabins and public areas, with designated spots available.
- •No doctor is on board, though some crew are first-aid trained.
- •No laundry or dry cleaning services are available.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
No departures currently listed — please enquire for upcoming dates.