The Seine: Paris to Normandy (2012)

We could have benefited more if we had a tour of [Paris] on the day after we all arrived. Pretty much we fended for ourselves and missed out on seeing more of Paris.

Traveler: James Sears from Clover, SC traveled on April 14, 2012

This was our first home visit where the hosts served cookies from a package. We would have enjoyed a homemade dish in order to “discover” the food. We could have purchased the cookies ourselves.

Traveler: Patricia Gray from Scottsdale, AZ traveled on March 17, 2012

We did back to back trip Burgundy & Provence and The Seine. Weather was nice, rain just one day in Honfleur, but did it all anyway....just take your umbrella.Normandy and the American cenetary was very impressive and moving, would like to have had more time there. The villages were great, known for mustard, Calavados, cheese, butter (a must try), Benedictine, of course Monet and Van Gogh. Home ivisits are always a highlight.

The waiters and waitresses on the Bizet were all super......especially Atilla. Food very good.

Paris is a very walkable city and hotel Novotel was nice and convenient. The dinner cruise at night with the Eiffel tower sparkling was a highlight.

Our cabin was disappointing however...our fifth trip with GCT and we had cabin #100, directly under the lobby of the ship, by stairway and elevator. Also when docked our view was the gangway.....very very noisy.

Traveler: Rosemary Beason from Stevensville, MT traveled on April 06, 2012

GCT again (we also took the Paris to Nice cruise) presented "Paris" wonderfully!

This was our 7th river cruise with GCT, and we highly recommend it.

A GCT trip means quality with value, caring, safety, discoverylearning, and enriches our lives, as well.

The ship this time was the award-winning MS Bizet. Who would have expected MS Bizet to give us a City of Light dinner-cruise through Paris? Yes, it did! It was so brilliant, especially the Eiffel Tower at 9:00p.m., with its sparkling lights running up and down the tower! An unforgettable experience. So beautiful! It was priceless and remarkable.

Trip Highlights:
* Giverny - Monet's House and Garden
Perhaps, there is no nicer way than visiting here to relish the spectacular landscape that inspired Monet, from nearby Vernon. An early-bird visit to Giverny before the crowd packs the gardens and house of Monet is the best way to enjoy it......enriched and refreshed our lives. The world-beloved Monet garden and house has 1 million annual visitors, in only seven (Apr-Oct) months!

Other Highlights
* Vincent Van Gogh's life and open exhibit of paintings in Auvers-su-Oise was unique ...very nice walking tour with a passionate local guide. We could feel the crisp air, sky and fields just as we imagine the artist did...in the village where he lived for his last few months.

*And, of course, HonfleurNormandy Beaches, our final destination.
Honfleur - this beautiful harbor town is just steps away from the ship's berth, just as are most of the other ports of MS Bizet. Colorful architecture, shops and markets... fun to explore.

On the 2nd day of our Honfleur stay, we visited the Normandy Beaches, a whole day excursion. Each of us had the honor of presenting a rose at the gravesite in the American cemetery of a soldier who lost his life during the terrible battle to gain these beaches that eventually led to the end of World War II in Europe. The roses were brought by our PDs. Very thoughtful and deeply touching. Later, on our own, we walked the white-sand beach, under a beautiful blue sky.

Weather
The weather was much warmer and drier(!) than the following few weeks, according to the newspaper. We bundled up at the Normandy beaches, but for our two weeks, no umbrellas.

Travel Tip
Always bring the recommended layers for any kind of weather. One young guest took off 6-layers in the bus. Sure good thinking.

And For the New-to-GCT Traveler
A GCT cup of tea is of course the Program Directors. We had 3 PDs total, and they worked as a team. They are all knowledgeable, and, just as important, they know how and when to share that knowledge.

Merci Beaucoup

GCT, PDs & MS Bizet CaptainCrew all ensured that we have the best of the best. Wonderful teamwork! As always, we brought home happy memories of the trip. The food was by all means excellent!

Our Program Director, Jean-Yves, strove to make our journey an unforgettable and pleasurable one, with passion and a genuine attitude.

We may say Grand Circle Travel consists of AlanHarriet, Program Directors and Travelers like us. This is perhaps why travelers keep coming back to GCT and OAT.

This is our discovery...while enriching our lives...meeting other people who have a passion to travel.

Traveler: Koko & John from Cerritos, CA traveled on March 28, 2012

It's hard to decide what made this wonderful trip so special - the wonderful things we saw, our fellow travelers, or the tour guides and ship's crew. Certainly our time at the American cemetery at Normandy and at the beaches, led by an excellent guide, was a highlight. Can't recommend this one too highly.

Traveler: Walter Cantrell from Asheville, NC traveled on March 28, 2012

If you choose this trip, try to go in late spring. In early April we experienced 3 weeks or rain and raw, cold weather. Nevertheless, there was much to enjoy: especially Honfleurs, Giverney and Paris.
The ship was spotlessly clean and comfortable and the crew was always helpful. The cuisine was a big disappointment. In a region of cider, there was none served aboard. While the hot soups and salad bar were excellent, the rest of the fare was mediocre.If you are handicapped, this is not an advisable trip as the cobblestones are difficult to maneuver, particualrly when they are wet anad slippepry We had a marvelous Program Director, Isabelle du Bishopp and our enjoyment was largely due to her efforts and consideration.

Traveler: Joanna Kraus from Walnut Creek, CA traveled on April 06, 2012

We took the Grand Circle Travel (GCT) trip, The Seine: Paris to Normandy, taking the pre-trip extension Paris, France and the post-trip extension Brittany & Mont St. Michel, France, leaving on March 25, 2012 and returning April 12, 2012. The entire trip was 19 days. We traveled in the Paris to Normandy direction. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip. We had wondered if the pace would be too sedate, traveling on 220 miles by river over the duration of the trip, but we found the pace to be about right.
This is only a summary. I have written a very detailed blog using Google Blogger. It is http:jackthetravelingman-seine.blogspot.com. There are many pictures, videos, links and maps.
The time in the pre-trip in Paris was largely free time, and, in hindsight, we probably would do it independently and for at least a week, staying in a modest hotel more convenient to the attractions, as opposed to the very nice, and expensive one more remote from the heart of the city.
Once on the ship there was a good mix of included activities, optional activities and free time. Travelers of all but the most extreme activity levels would be satisfied. Our trip started with 3 nights in a large Paris convention hotel, and then there were 10 nights on the ship cruising from Paris to Honfleur in Normandy, then finishing with 3 nights in a small hotel in St, Malo, and finally 1 night in an airport hotel back in Paris.
As I said, for us the pre-trip in Paris was largely free time, but with a program director to provide assistance. The cruise started with 3 nights in Paris. The first day was largely free time. The second day was a very good but brief tour of Paris by bus, followed by an excellent, optional guided tour of the Louvre. That night there was an excellent dinner cruise of the Seine up through Paris and then back after dark through the illuminated “City of Light”. This was on our cruise ship, the MS Bizet. It was the only cruise ship that we saw doing this.
In the morning, there was a guided optional tour of Versailles by bus, returning to the ship before sailing to Conflans to overnight there. In the morning, we took a relatively short by ride to Auvers-Sur-Oise for a locally guided Van Gogh tour. Some parts of this could be moderately strenuous, but those that don’t want to walk up to the cemetery can stay behind at the church and be picked up by the guide on the way back. After we returned to the ship we sailed for Vernon, pausing along the way to see Rommel’s headquarter as of D-Day. We did not go ashore, but just paused in the river.
The next morning we started with a tour of Monet’s home and gardens in Giverney, a short bus ride from Vernon. This was guided be our program directors, as it is relatively compact and self-explanatory. In the afternoon, we could wander around Vernon.
The next morning, we sailed for Rouen stopping along the way at the quaint small town of Les Andelys, where Richard the Lion Hearted had a fortress. We arrived in Rouen after dark. The next day, we had a guided tour of Rouen including the cathedral with an excellent local guide. After lunch, there was a shuttle bus into downtown, although it was not a long walk.
In the morning we sailed for Honfleur, stopping in Caudebec, another lovely town with a walking tour and a school visit in the morning. In the afternoon, we took an optional bus tour to Fecamp, and its museum quality B&B Distillery and Etretat where Monet painted. We arrived at Honfleur after dark. We docked right in the center of this beautiful harbor town. This was the base for the Normandy beaches, and just a wonderful town to walk around in.
This was the end of the main tour, but we continued to a small hotel in St, Malo for 3 nights to visit St, Malo, Mont Saint-Michel, Dinan and other small towns. The highlights here were St. Malo itself and Mont Saint-Michel. After our time there, we returned to our airport hotel in Paris, stopping at the Cathedral of Chartres for a locally guided tour of this magnificent cathedral. The next day, we were taken to the airport and assisted with the check-in procedure
As I said earlier, this is only a summary please read my blog at http:jackthetravelingman-seine.blogspot.com.
Whether you are interested in the Grand Circle trip, or in any other cruise line, IMHO, this blog is worth reading, as it has many links and pictures particular to these destinations, not just to this cruise.

Traveler: Jack and Ann Donoghue from Beverly, MA traveled on March 25, 2012

If you travel from Honfluer to Paris take the opportunity you have in Honfleur to shop for gifts to take home. The shops there are great & plentiful AND available. Some of the other towns have limited shopping or you may visit during a time when they are closed (Sun & Mon). While in Paris I would prefer to see all the beautiful sites vs. shopping.
The museums do a fine job of tellling visitors about the battles on the Normandy coast, we have all seen the movies depicting the events however; standing on the beach looking up those cliffs adds a dimension one only gets by visiting. Research your local heroes that may have fought on the Normandy beaches before you leave for added realism.
If you are not familiar with the Impressionists don't fear. The Program Directors & Guides do a wonderful job of giving you background and history. The guide we had for our tour of Van Gogh country was terrific; the information she shared and the pictures SHE CARRIED WITH HER gave us a lot of insight.
Walking, walking, walking so much to see, so much to eat so walking is good.
Our experience with the French people was VERY pleasant. Every pastry shop we visited (my husband was on a quest for the perfect croissant) seemed delighted to help us. Folks in the subways in Paris were helpful and cordial.
Of course the home visit is always a highlight of any GCT trip and this was no exception.
Our pickocket experience in Monte Marte was not a disaster since my husband caught the man in the act; with his hand in my husband's pocket!! We were in a crowded place at the entrance to a church so this man was trying to pass for a greeterguide.
We also had a great group of fellow travelers, two who were very special.
Tita & Don Lewis

Traveler: Don Lewis from Milford, DE traveled on March 17, 2012

France is a beautiful country and this particular trip was especially interesting to me because of the places we visited in the beginning of the tour. Visiting the areas and the beaches that were instrumental in ending WWII was a moving experience for me. A huge sacrifice was made by all involved in that war. The beaches are truly hallowed ground. Visiting the scenic villages that inspired artists was interesting too. Paris is a beautiful and exciting city and one I’d like to come back to and explore more thoroughly some day.

Traveler: Phyllis Davis from San Diego, CA traveled on March 17, 2012

Our March 2012 cruise on the Seine on the MS Bizet was highlighted by outstanding Tour Directors and a helpful, positive, and professional ship's crew. For us Honfleur and the Normandy beaches (as well as the superb Caen Peace Memorial Museum) will remain in our memories for a long time. What a moving experience, particularly in company with 4 WWII veterans. Visiting the home of a local family was also a highlight of this trip.

Read carefully what the Grand Circle folks say about this fast-paced adventure which includes quite a bit of walking, some steps, and some uneven local walking surfaces. For first-time Grand Circle travelers, as were we, be prepared for one evening when the lounge will be unavailable for a portion of the evening as veteran Grand Circle travelers (comprising the "Inner Circle") are hosted at a private party. We were among the very few non-Inner Circle travelers on this cruise so one can feel a bit awkward that one evening. Also, bring a map of the Seine River with you as it will cost 5+ Euros on board.

In summary, this is a delightful way to travel as one is cared for from beginning to end and unless you sign up for a pre or post-trip extension, you only have to pack and unpack only once a thanks to traveling on a river vessel.

Traveler: Chip Seymour from Annapolis, MD traveled on March 08, 2012

This was our first GCT tour. We cannot say enough about our program director, Jean-Pierre. His knowledge of the area, his willingness to bend over backwards to make our excursions pleasant, and his every ready smile only enhanced our trip. We met wonderful people and made several long-lasting friendships. Of the 100+ on this trip, we managed to find five people who were from our hometown, which only proves it is truly a small world after all. The highlight of the trip for us was the day we spent at the Normandy Beaches. A remarkable experience. The food on board and the service in the dining room was exceptional. It was a great introduction to GCT.

Traveler: Joseph Schneider from Philadelphia, PA traveled on March 08, 2012

... The cruise into Paris could have been done at night and provided us with another half day in Paris. The Abbey tour was non-productive ...

Traveler: Sue Fess from Little Rock, AR traveled on November 11, 2011

We thoroughly enjoyed our first river cruise along the Seine. It was a wonderfully paced trip with an outstanding variety of sights and experiences. Our trip was the last of the season in November and we were blessed by good weather and the absence of crowds making for a special trip. The Bizet was a beautiful ship and we enjoyed the wonderfully prepared meals each day. The crew was exceptional and we thoroughly enjoyed the company of our fellow travelers. Our trip was Normandy first, boarding the ship in Honfleur. Our experiences in Normandy were outstanding including walking on Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the moving visit to the American Cemetery. All the stops along the river were exciting including Honfleur, Caudebec, Rouen, Conflans and Vernon. Our Hosts and especially John Pierre were bending over backwards to make every moment special. One such example was on our arrival day in Roissy near the Airport. Since most of the people on our tour arrived early in the Morning, All three program directors arranged for a bus to take everyone into Paris dropping us in central Paris. This was not a part of the advertised itinerary, so it was special to enjoy Paris not only at the beginning of the trip, but at the planned days in Paris at the end of the tour. This was our 3rd Grand Circle trip but our first River Cruise and we feel we picked a relaxed but exciting first experience.
David & Judie Burrows
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Traveler: David Burrows from Pittsburgh, PA traveled on November 11, 2011

I thought our first Grand Circle trip, Egypt and the Nile was the best I'd ever been on. This, though much different, was just as good. The time in each place was about right, the ship was very nice with very good food, and ordinary wine. Some nights had entertainment, some not.
The Program Directors worked very hard to be sure we had a good time, and the three of them worked very well together. We felt we could call on any of them at any time.
The itinerary was of course the star. Paris, Versailles, Giverny, Rouen, Honfleur, Normandy.
We are looking forward to our next river cruise with Grand Circle, it's now our favorite way to travel.

Traveler: Rodger Capstraw from Highlands Ranch, CO traveled on October 10, 2011

meals were, at best, average. The majority of the menu was uninspiring and if given a rating woould have to be poor. A Zagats rating of 16 out of 30 would be accurate. I would think the chefs cookin would have been tested before being allowed to work on a ship.

Traveler: Stanley Shapiro from Stamford, CT traveled on May 15, 2011

This was our first river cruise...and WOW! Everything exceeded our expectations. The Bizet was beautifully appointed, the entire crew worked so hard behind the scenes to provide us with exceptional service...they were always friendly, helpful and well organized. The itinerary and pace worked well for seniors...every day was full of interesting activities and discoveries, yet there were opportunities to relax and watch the world go by on the top deck of the boat or from our balcony. Did I mention the food? Fabulous meals with lots of choices and variety. We'll travel this way again.

Traveler: Darthea Tilley from Green Valley, AZ traveled on September 23, 2011

I have taken 4 trips with Grand Circle and this has been my favorite so far. The 3 program directors worked together so cohesively and were extremely knowledgeable. All local guides were very good. The Normandy Beaches were fascinating and Giverny is a must see. There is nothing like walking through Monet's house and gardens in Giverny or down the streets where Van Gogh walked in Auvers and looking at the scenes they painted almost unchanged. If you like history and art, this is the right trip for you.

Traveler: Charla Givens from South Padre Island, TX traveled on September 12, 2011

Great ship, great crew and great tour guides!

Traveler: Patricia Zimmerman from Harrisburg, PA traveled on October 02, 2011

This was my eighth trip with your Company, The best organized and the most enjoyable.
I recommend it hands down to anybody who is interested in River Ship travel, history, top quality food, top personal service and getting to know a different culture from ours.
My specific purpose was to visit the Beaches of Normandy where thousands of our soldriers gave their lives to start turning the direction of WWII on D-Day. I brought pictures of the german bunkers that defended the german positions. The whole experience was hair-raising and the visit to the Memorial grounds, the Museum, the burial site, the monuments erected to the memory of those heroes, difficult to describe.
On the other hand, we all enjoyed the fabulous french cuisine and wines, the impeccable service and the visits to the cities where the ship docked.
I cannot praise enough Alan and Harriet Lewis and their Staff for designing this venture, refurbishing the ship (The Bizet) and maintaining it in a spotlless condition.
I hope to be healthy and able to continue traveling, getting to know new places and making wonderful friends.
One additional perk! We had a watercoloring class and I discovered an unknown ability for this craft. I sent my small watercolor to friends I made on the cruise. They mailed me a heartwarming thank you note.
Lia B Chait
Santa Maria (Orcutt)
California, USA

Traveler: Lia Chait from Santa Maria, CA traveled on August 23, 2011

This trip truly exceeded my expectations. i was glad that i began in Normandy, that was a very intense experience. I wish we could have spent more time at the peace memorial in Caen, there was so much to see. I had not expected that visiting the Invasion beaches on the next day would be so evocative of my childhood memories of WW2 in England. it was a deeply moving experience.
The tour continued with the medieval town of Honfleur, the Bayeux tapestry, Monet's garden at Giverny, it's hard to pick out a high spot. perhaps it was the visit to the Van Gogh country, to the village where he lived for the his last months, to see the scenes he painted alonside reproductions of his paintings. Our local guide was so knowledgeable, she really brought it all to life.
The ship was very comfortable, the food was excellent, the Program Directors excellent, the company of other travelers always pleasant. The final dinner cruise through Paris was the perfect ending.
The only thing that was not up to GCT standards was the hotel where we stayed for the first night in Paris. There was no dinner service on the first night and this is a hardship when people have traveled from the US.

Traveler: Joan Kidd from Half Moon Bay, CA traveled on September 12, 2011

Program Director Ken Dermer was particularly good and very helpful!

Enjoyed the other 2 Directors as well as the Hotel Manager who all did notable jobs.

Tours were well planned.

Could be a little more proactive in securing the BEST routing on flights from US. I had to research and change in order to avoid long layovers.

Overall great trip.

Traveler: George Kenney from Overland Park, KS traveled on September 03, 2011

After our first trip, to the UK, we trusted Grand Circle to provide a solid experience at a fair price.

Beginning with the friendly, introductory letter from our guide Christine B., we felt our anticipation build. We looked forward to a unique, fun-filled experience and we got it.

The ship, the cabin, the crew, the sights, and the food fulfilled our wishes for the trip of a lifetime.

When we tell our friends about it, though, we always say, "We had the best guide, ever!" Our story begins and ends with GCT and Christine.

Traveler: Richard Boyce from San Jose, CA traveled on August 23, 2011

From start to finish, this trip was excellent. Evelyn, our tour guide, was organized, friendly and very professional. The Bizet had a great crew and wonderful food. The offshore tours were conducted by excellent guides. We missed nothing.
Beth

Traveler: Elizabeth Schroeder from Grand Marais, MN traveled on March 04, 2011

Felt like Cleopatra, sitting on the sun deck sailing into Paris! Size of the ship was perfect, crew was perfect, and food was beyond perfect. Our tour director, Christine, was knowledgeable, warm and fun. Thanks to GCT for this experience.

Traveler: Jackie Ticer from Millington, TN traveled on August 19, 2011

This was our fourth GCT river cruise and they never fail to provide a wonderful vacation experience. The itinerary, events, and food are all excellent and we always tell our friends that GCT has the best guides in the business. On the Seine cruise the experience of visiting Normandy was very special for us all.

Traveler: Howard Feuer from Boynton Beach, FL traveled on August 03, 2011

We especially were pleased with the staff on the Bizet. The dining staff made the trip especially memorable.
We will always remember the trip to the Normandy Beaches and the American Cemetery

Traveler: Hugh Silcox from Napa, CA traveled on August 14, 2011

My husband and I took our 4th Grand Circle trip on the Bizet from Normandy to Paris. This was the best trip we've been on. We are experienced travelers and we have visited every continent but Antarctica on past trips. Some of our trips included cruises but none were as nice this cruise.
Everyone on the ship's staff was wonderful including the captain who ate in the dining room often and was friendly to the waiters, the front desk staff, housekeepers and especially the program directors. We felt as if everyone really wanted to make it a memorable trip.
Evelyne Mouton was our excellent program director. She was very knowledgeable about every area we visited and was especially helpful on our trip extension in Paris when we had an emergency.
Kudos to Grand Circle for providing us with a great experience.

Traveler: Josephine Dervan from Asbury Park, NJ traveled on July 14, 2011

This was perhaps one of the best trips we have taken in Europe, and we have taken many.

First of all, the crew was fabulous - every single one of them. The waiters were so much fun that every meal was a delight.

The "boat food" was really so great. We all agreed that it was the best we have had on any trip. The wine was really very good also, no matter what some might think.

Our program directors (Sylvie, Marie-Pierre & Lionel) were a true delight. They made everything so interesting.

The trip itself is, of course, really awesome. Going to Normandy & Omaha Beach is such a moving experience. Everyone should do it.

Our home-hosted visit was very good - one of the best. Our host was so interesting and articulate. We enjoyed every minute of it.

If you haven't taken this cruise yet, do yourself a favor and go.

Traveler: William Ross from Greendale, WI traveled on March 16, 2011

This was our first trip with GCT and a wonderful way to celebrate our 30th anniversary. Our program director,Evelyne, was well- prepared and a seasoned professional.She explained so much and was always there to help.
The ship was nicely designed and the cabins were better than I expected.
The staff and crew were very accommodating from the omelet server to the cabin maid .(Their variety show was quite charming and original.)
The optional tours were mostly worthwhile depending on the tour guide you were assigned. (our guide at Versailles was not that helpful)
My favorite places were Auvers Sur Oise where Van Gogh was highlighted and Honfleur,the quaint seaport town. (I wished we had more time here)
Yet, the pacing of the trip was good and all GCT members could keep up.
From our first steps in Paris to our flight home, we enjoyed all the history, culture and beautiful ambiance France has to offer.
This is how students should study a country if at all possible.

Traveler: Barbara Lobachewski from Bellerose, NY traveled on March 04, 2011

All in all, this was a lovely, relaxing and scenic trip. My husband and I booked our own air and spent a week in Provence before joining the Bizet in Paris. The Bizet is typical of the GCT river boats. Comfortable and well designed. The cabins are small but hold much more than it initially appears. If you bring large, solid suitcases, you will be sorry. Bring soft wheeled duffels that can be unpacked and then shoved under the beds.

Our trip was the first of the season. The crew (mostly Eastern Europeans with a few Brits and Aussies) was brand new and very enthusiastic if not totally competant. The leisurely pace of dinners soon became a joke. I think there were some issues in the kitchen. The food was decent "boat food." Perfectly acceptable for t trip through Eastern Europe but a disappointment for a trip through France. The supplier appeared to be a German company which meant that we had German butter while sailing through Normandy, the butter capital of the world. I think that buying a few local products when we docked in little towns would have made a huge difference. Local baguettes, fresh fish, butter, etc. I know French food and this was not it. And the wine was undrinkable. After two days, we brought a bottle of fine wine into the dining room every night for dinner.

But, eating and drinking aside, the trip was great. Normandy is beautiful, even in the late winter. It was green and lush. And the history was astounding. I learned more about World War II during this trip than from any college course I have taken. Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, the US Cemetery were all sites that cannot be described, they must be visited.

France is expensive and the Euro is strong and we felt we got good value from this trip.

Traveler: Carolyn Dahab from Brightwaters, NY traveled on March 07, 2011

Ah, “sweet” Normandy . . . to fabulous Paris! What a beautiful trip on the Seine! After a wet spring in northern France, the sun shone on our tour for 2 weeks. Absolute perfection! Yes, the volcanic ash cloud played havoc with some return trips, but the tour itself is a gem. Ours took the upstream route, climaxing in Paris. The MS Bizet, tour directors, and ship crew were absolutely top notch. Of course, the food was to die for! Normandy is the land of crème, cider, Camembert, and Calvados—4 Cs you will come to know well.

The itinerary and pacing are marvelous: Caen’s Peace Museum sets the stage for the awe-inspiring Normandy Beaches. Honfleur with its picture-perfect reflections on Vieux Bassin, Bayeux’s tapestry and cathedral, the cliffs of Etretat (right out of a Monet painting), and Fecamp’s Benedictine Palace leave brilliant images on both film and memory. Just learning to pronounce Rouen the French way is as fun as touring the charming old city of Jeanne d’Arc. Return to Rouen’s great cathedral as late-day sun strikes its façade to truly appreciate “flamboyant” Gothic. Climb the steep hill in Les Andelys to explore Chateau Gaillard and continue even higher to see the Bizet just a speck below on the winding river. Then walk along the river to enjoy the architecture, flowers, and swans. Next stop is Monet’s Giverny—oh, my, words can’t do justice to this beautiful place. Just keep the camera clicking. Nearby, the delightful town of Vernon has to be one of the best stops along the river. Besides the home-hosted visit (in my case to an artist’s backyard patio for cake and crème), hike about town. See the amazingly beautiful modern stained glass in the cathedral—so different from all the others you will see. By all means, cross the bridge near where the Bizet docks to discover the old mill, the castle-like fort, and modern sculptures in the park just on the other side of the river. In afternoon sun, they are picture perfect. Next small town is Conflans, the barge community. Again, wander up the hill to the simple church, a dramatic contrast to the lavish cathedrals, and to the museum. Don’t miss the trip to Auvers sur Oise to enjoy where Van Gogh lived, painted, and died. His art posters are juxtaposed by his famous church and along village streets—breath-takingly beautiful. Last stop before Paris: Versailles, where almost-blinding sun bouncing off the gilded gates and facades. Pinch yourself to believe the trio of Louises and Marie-Antoinette lived in this splendor.

Ah, Paris at last. We sailed almost to the base of Eiffel Tower, brilliant in the afternoon sun with the miniature State of Liberty below it. Could any sight have been more dramatic? Well, yes, possible Eiffel ablaze with blinking lights at night! Our MS Bizet is the only tour ship low enough to cruise under the low Paris bridges, and that we did during our farewell dinner. Can’t top that! During the day, get comfortable with the subway map; just make up your mind to see everything you possibly can from Napoleon’s tomb to Sainte Chapell to Notre-Dame, the Garnier Opera House, even the Lafayette shopping gallery (its glass dome is like a cathedral)—and, of course, the Louvre, Orsay, and Montmartre. One morning PD Lionel Auber took us through Bastille, Marais, and Vosges districts—just delightful. Yes, to include all this, you must sign up for the Paris extension, and even it is not long enough. After a couple days in most large cities, I’m ready to move on. Not so in Paris. There’s so much more yet to see and do, I must return.

Traveler: Jane Lehr from Shingle Springs, CA traveled on April 06, 2010

While this was my first experience with GCT, it will not be my last. I enjoyed the pretrip to London as well as the trip from Normandy to Paris.

The trip met my expectations. The GCT personnel is outstanding and I would like to recognize Christine Brouillet who stay with her "rainbow" group until the end.

When the DeGualle airport closed, the passengers were assured that we would be able to remain on the lovely MS Bizet.

We would receive lodging, we would be rebooked as soon as possible and we would be taken to Paris when we were ready to depart. GCT booked our hotel at the airport prior to departure.

We never felt any anxiety about being told to leave the ship and thinking about sleeping at the airport. Everything was handled in a professional manner and personnel on board encouraged us to engage in activities organized by our program directors or to just enjoy Paris.

Our choice was to enjoy Paris four additional days and we are most grateful.

I highly recommend this itinerary and this company. Thank you for taking care of us during this world crisis. When the going got very tough, GCT was there for us.

Traveler: Francine Marasco from Tuscaloosa, AL traveled on April 02, 2010

I came back tired but happy from three weeks in London, Paris and down the Seine River on the nice roomy boat, the MS Bizet, meandering along seeing "sweet, sweet Normandy."

Grand Circle Tours did their usual wonderful tour of the Seine valley, plus a very moving excursion to Normandy beaches, the Memorial and the American Military Cemetery. The ancient churches and winding old stone walls and cobblestone passageways between them survive still and testify to centuries of Norman living.

We enjoyed French food and wine and tasted escargot and mussels, baba au rhum and tarte tatin and wonderful cheeses and ...more ...and more.

The camembert and cider have been around a long time in Normandy, and the sturdy residents have a telltale rosy cheeked glow. The Norman weather is the butt of many jokes. We had clear weather with hardly a drop of rain, but I bought a humorous weather map marked "Risque d'eclaircie" -- risk of clearing -- showing ominous sunshine with only an uncharacteristically small raincloud north near the channel.

We took both the pre-tour to London and the post-tour to Paris, where we navigated on our own. The Underground and Metro were our friends, and we used them to pack in everything we could, from St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey services on Easter to a day in Greenwich, and from the Louvre to a walking tour of Montmartre.

Just when we were set to board our plane to the USA, the volcano in Iceland intervened and we had to stay an extra day in Paris!! Such a shame!

I can't say enough good things about Grand Circle Tours, who made sure we made it home only one day late, and had room and transportation and breakfast for us until we could fly out. What a comfort to know we didn't need to deal with revising all the logistics.

Our program Director Lionel Auber made sure we were informed of the changes in plans and helped wherever we needed to adjust stateside arrangements. He deserves a medal.

Traveler: Carol Whalen from Palm Beach Shores, FL traveled on April 02, 2010

I have traveled at least 12 times with GCT and have taken most of their river cruises in Europe. I was not too excited about going to France but wanted to see the Normandy beaches. Despite poor weather, this turned out to be one of the best river cruises.

The food on the Bizet is excellent. The pacing of the trip, included tours and optional tours, kept my interest at a peak even though I am not an art guy or get too excited about historic stuff.

Having lost my wife in 2003, I travel as a single and have no problem being accepted by the 120 other passengers who are mostly in my age group and share common experiences.

The high light this trip is the visit to the Normandy Beaches where we walked the beach where our young men from American landed during D Day. We visited the American Cemetery where over 9000 of our young people are buried They had a ceremony for us with the playing of the National Anthem and taps. They gave each of us a rose stem to place on a grave of our choosing. None of us had a dry eye!

I travel GCT because of the excellence of their tour directors which can make or break a trip. On this cruise, the three directors, (each group of 40 is assigned a tour director), were just excellent. Aubrey, Marie and Laurent worked as a close nit team. In addition to handling the logistics, they entertained and educated us on the culture, politics, history of France. This was a real discovery experience. Bottom line, despite my original reservations about France, I highly recommend this trip.

Traveler: Charles Zellner from Katonah, NY traveled on March 28, 2010

we really enjoyed the trip. this was our second river cruise and once we learned how to pronounce SEINE we were set to go.
paris is a lovely city but having been there on business in the past, the city itself was not the highlight for us. the stops along the way to the normandy invasion site and the time spent at the memorial made this trip special and a success.
the great walking tour of auvers-sur-oise was an education about the life of van gogh and his brother. the home hosted visit was a little tough as the hostess did not communicate well in english (although i have heard it said that americans also do not communicate well in english) . fortunately one of our tour companions served as a translator and we made it through. my wife and others practiced impressionistic painting one afternoon while i impressed myself relaxing and walking in the village of les andelys. the tour of rouen was good but even better was the trip to the abbey of st. wandrille. the energentic monk who spent time with us was great. the abbey has a legacy of producing saints. the trip to etretatfecamp was marred by morning fog but after it lifted the views were fine. the B & B distillerymuseum was good and tasty. the trip payoff took place in honfleur with the ability to access the invasion battleground and historical sites. the local guide was very informative. there were a couple WWII vets in the group one of which was at the omaha landing. it is hard to stay dry-eyed when going to the cemetary.
the progran directors were excellent and informative. they even sponsored a trivia type game for each of the various stops which added to the enjoymnt of the learning process.

Traveler: Dale Granacki from Fort Worth, TX traveled on March 08, 2010

We returned last month from probably our best trip ever - a river cruise (about 110 passengers) from Paris north to Honfleur on the Seine river. Mimi, our tour director, did a fantastic job.

We had been to Paris about 5 years ago but we went a couple of days early (you can never have enough Paris) on our own and then boarded the boat there where we stayed in Paris a couple more days. We had a fantastic trip to France and I even brought home a "French" cold which started the day before we flew home.

Our hotel, Hotel du Quai Voltaire right on the Seine across from the Louvre Museum, was so central to everything and we walked, walked, walked - 8 miles the day we arrived (we always convert to time zone where we are immediately). We were fortunate to get reservations before we left US at Les Bouquinistes, a Guy Savoy restaurantbistro. It was fabulous and also steak frites at Relais De L'Entrecote at 15 rue marbeuf which was an amazing experience - wonderful steak with a special green sauce.

We had breakfast at Cafe de Flore which many years ago the famous intellectual crowd frequented. We walked through the Tuileries Garden on our way to stroll the Champs Elysees and see the Arc de Triomphe. The smallish towns along the way were great as were Rouen and Honfleur, both a little larger. Rouen is where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. We visited Giverny and Monet's house there as well as the little village where Van Gogh lived near the end of his life and where he is also buried alongside his brother Theo.

From beautiful Honfleur, our last stop before returning to Paris, we visited the D-Day beaches which was quite a moving experience. They planned a short ceremony for us at the American cemetery and gave us each a long-stemmed rose to place on any gravesite we chose. There was a handful of veterans with our group so it was extra special for them. We visited the German gunnery sites and walked all around them - only a couple now intact - an eerie feeling. I walked down under one of them to the area called their dormitory where they either slept andor stored munitions. Then on our way back to Paris we stopped for a couple of hours in Caen at the Peace Museum - an amazing place where we could easily have spent a couple of days.

Our trip was a fascinating exploration of a beautiful country.

Traveler: Robert from Radford, VA traveled on October 15, 2009

This trip was fabulous, a 20 on a scale of 1 to 10! Everything was exceptionally well done....food ,excursions, comfy beds and wonderful food. But I think of all these top quality features the one that makes the difference for GCT was the tour directors. Lionel, Marie Pierre and Christine were the three on our trip and they were all wonderful. My husband and I decided that having a native of the country, who speaks the language and knows the territory, with you the whole time elevated the comfort level and the enjoyment of the experience. Lionel was assigned to our group and he was the best of the best. When we got to Paris I wanted to be able to attend an evening concert at St. Chapelle and this was not included in the itinerary. Lionel booked it for us, set it all up and went with us! He deserves a medal or at least a raise! the tour director made the trip. Add to the wonderment of the lovely villages of Normandy and the beauty and excitement of Paris, the professionalism of GCT and you've got a first class vacation.

Traveler: Eugene and Kathleen from Mentor, OH traveled on October 04, 2009

Generally outstanding tour; but some of the optional side trips did not have enough space for all that wanted to go. .. Versailles was one of those places.

Traveler: Ronald from Anacortes, WA traveled on September 14, 2009

I agree with all the praise for the Bizet and their staff. Our tour directors Isabelle, Marie and Oliver were the best, lots of fun and very informed. Just a couple of notes on information that the booking staff was unable to help me with. The bedding on the comfy beds is wonderful, down comforters and pillows, extra pillows are availble if you ask. If you prefer a cabin that is mostly on the river side, book an odd numbered cabin. I was told that the ship docks on both sides of the river, which is true but we were on the even side and had only 2 nites where we faced the river. All other nites we were right up against the dock with people walking by. If you like shopping, do it in Honfluer as the other little villages have little or no shopping. Highlights of the trip were Normandy and the Monet Gardens (they have a wonderful gift shop there). All in all a great trip with wonderful service. Can you tell I missed shopping?

Traveler: Diane from Redmond, WA traveled on September 14, 2009

Traveling via a water hotel (the Bizet) was a splendid way to get to know fellow travelers and to take advantage of tours and our own time for exploration. The food aboard the Bizet was superb and so was the service. Everyone working on the ship went the extra mile to make our trip the best possible. I felt like I was part of a family the whole time.
This was my first trip to Europe. We were
able to visit the Lourve, tour Paris, visit Monet and Van Gogh's places of inspiration, discover Versailles, visit a French host home, explore an abbey, experience the Normandy Beaches and
visit the American Military Cemetary and
the Peace Memorial Museum in Caen. Plus we explored on our own every chance we found. We really were immersed in the country and its people.
Shopping with Euros was easy and learning a few French words plus some gestures helped us communicate with the people. We had no problems finding ATMs or buying with credit cards.
This was an experience of a lifetime and I am looking forward to another trip on a river with Grand Central. This trip was well worth every penny and then some! I saved all of my Ziploc bags to pack my clothes in when I go on the next trip!

Traveler: Charlotte from Henderson, NC traveled on June 17, 2009

Outstanding combination: history, art, current culture and people, good pacing, good scenery and all the things tourists like. Delightful accommodations, fantastic food, knowledgeable program directors, friendly and helpful crew. The details were taken care of so that we could see, learn, and enjoy, all in the company of compatible people. The combination of planned activities and time on your own was just right. We came home feeling we had gotten to know understand the country, as well as having had a grand time.

Traveler: Helen from Williston, VT traveled on April 27, 2009

After three excellent trips with Grand Circle, and 19 with other companies, we are persuaded that GCT is the way to travel in our retirement years! We took the pre-trip to Loire Valley, the cruise from Normandy to Paris, and the post-trip in Paris. Our guide, Marie, was excellent. The ms Bizet experience was outstanding with a friendly, professional crew. The flow of the itinerary, ending up in Paris, was perfect! Grand Circle pays careful attention to detail, operates at a high professional level, and has extremely competent staff. Our group of 14 included first time overseas travelers and travel veterans, and we are unamimous in our praise of Grand Circle. As a result, it was an enjoyable, educational, memorable, and relaxing trip that deserves a "ten!" We look forward to our next trip.

Traveler: John E from Bakersfield, CA traveled on April 24, 2009

This trip was excellent. I saw so many beautiful cities, and of course, the Program Directors were so kind and helpful. Grand Circle has really spoiled me. I don't want to travel with anyone else.
Cheryl Hilzer

Traveler: Cheryl Diane Hilzer from Bakersfield, Ca. traveled on March 06, 2009

Although we've traveled many times with Grand Circle and enjoyed every trip, this is the first time we've taken a riverboat cruise. What a wonderful experience. After being picked up at the airport we were taken to the beautiful Bizet anchored on the Seine River in Paris. Breakfast was the first order of business afterwhich we were assigned our cabin where we unpacked just once for all but the last night of our vacation. A nice change. The cabin was a masterful use of somewhat limited space. Very nice and quite comfortable.
Without spelling out all the details, simply put, the entire trip was thoroughly enjoyable. The food and service were extraordinary as were the entire staff. I should mention that my wife and I both have dietary restrictions which can be taxing to the usual staff. In this case the restaurant manager and waiters went above and beyond in seeing to it that our needs were more than met. Incredible to say the least.
Seeing the wonders of France by boat was a wonderful experience. We especially enjoyed the tour of Paris by night. The lights were magical. It was noteworthy that everyplace we docked was close to everything worth seeing. It goes without saying that going to the beaches at Normandy was a moving experience. I can't recommend this trip highly enough.
In addition to all of this, the cost was reasonable, given all that was included, and I highly recommend it. It's very likely that we will take another riverboat cruise in the future.

Traveler: Gil from Lee, MA traveled on March 09, 2009