Day 1 - To Compiègne
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar on our Standard Premier Class journey to Paris. From Paris a coach takes us to the historic town of Compiègne in the picturesque Picardy region. Here we board the Anacoluthe for a Champagne welcome. The pace of your holiday is set by you alone, you may wish to take part in our included shore excursions, explore independently or simply relax and look forward to enjoying the superb French cuisine and complimentary wines served on board. (E,D)
Day 2 - Compiègne to Pont St Maxence
This morning we have a guided walking tour of Compiègne. You have a little free time to visit the flower market before rejoining the ship for lunch. This afternoon we cruise down the meandering River Oise, passing verdant hills on the way to Pont St Maxence. We moor overnight in this lovely village within walking distance of the 14th century Royal Abbey of Moncel. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Pont St Maxence to Auvers-sur-Oise
This morning we continue along the river, passing the hillperched village of Saint-Leu and the charming town of L'Isle-Adam, with its traditional "guinguettes" - the open-air riverside dance halls so beautifully illustrated in Renoir's paintings. We arrive in Auvers sur Oise, which was the inspiration for many Impressionists and where Vincent van Gogh spent his final few months. We moor in Auvers sur Oise overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Auvers sur Oise to Chatou
An early cruise this morning takes us to Conflans St Honorine at the confluence of the Seine and Oise rivers. Due to its strategic position, the town is considered the capital of France's inland waterways. The right bank of the Seine is usually lined with barges. After a visit to the Navigation Museum, we continue our cruise to Chatou, on the "Ile des Impressionistes", with its elegant mansions and interesting architecture, arriving early evening. We moor here overnight opposite the Maison Fournaise, once the meeting place of the Impressionists, now a restaurant featuring a number of their great works - perhaps take the opportunity to see these paintings over an after dinner drink. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Chatou to Paris
Today our cruise takes us through the Suresnes lock and dam which control the level of the Seine in Paris and onto Sèvres. Here we visit the fascinating Sèvres porcelain factory and museum. After our visit, we return to the Anacoluthe and in the late afternoon we continue to Paris, where we enjoy a memorable cruise at dusk through the illuminated French capital. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Paris to St Mammes
Our cruise continues south from Paris to Melun in the Seine Valley, where we visit the 17th century Château Vaux le Vicomte. This afternoon we cruise to our final port of call, St Mammes, a small town in the upper reaches of the Seine. In the evening we enjoy a farewell gala dinner on board our ship. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - By train to London
After breakfast we leave the Anacoluthe and join a coach for our journey to Paris. At Gare du Nord we board the Eurostar service back to St Pancras International. (B,E)
E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday
Please note:
The 14 May, 20 August, 3 & 17 September and 29 October departures will operate this itinerary in reverse.
