The most beautiful overcast day in Normandy
When most people think of a river cruise through Europe, they usually imagine sunny days sailing down the river and enjoying local wines while admiring the quaint villages and majestic cities along the shore. Well, my late March sailing from Paris to Normandy on the AmaWaterways AmaDante, was not that sunny day experience. However, it was still a perfect way to experience the hallowed ground of the Normandy landing beaches, the American Cemetary, and Museum.
Why? Why would a windy, overcast day be perfect for any destination? Considering what took place on those landing beaches and how the odds were stacked against the allies doesn’t fill you with lightness and joy. It fills you with a sense of profound sadness and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The strong wind, cloudiness, and chill in the air fit the place. I actually think that I would have felt the same chill even if it was a sunny day in June.
I encourage clients to book much earlier than they normally would for 2023 travel. Most resorts and suppliers that I use offer very flexible terms, in case your plans change, so there is little downside to booking early with a small deposit. With lower-than-normal resort inventory, it’s time to be a little more flexible too, so consider expanding your horizons to look at multiple destinations instead of just your favorites. I travel a lot and know the inventory and pricing and even I waited too long to get the exact destination (St Lucia) and resort that I really want. I am sure I will not be disappointed when I get back from exploring a new destination this year (Curacao) though.
American Cemetery, Normandy France
Why Every American should visit Omaha Beach
The further and further out we get from D-Day (June 6, 1944), the fewer heroic survivors of that landing and the fewer American WW2 veterans remain. This means that fewer people are telling the story of D-Day and the Americans and Allies’ work in WW2. At a time where American history is being edited by school boards and we, as a country are hyper-focused on current social policy and issues, the truth of the heroic efforts on the landing beaches is not being told. We need to remember, Learning about and facing the harsh realities that these brave men faced is sobering and is the ultimate reminder of what it means to be American. Our country will never be perfect, but throughout history, we have tried to do the right thing. Visiting the hallowed ground of sacrifice and seeing how the Allies overcame the odds stacked against them is a great reminder of the power of doing the right thing
Omaha Beach, Normandy
There Is More Than The Landing Beaches on the Paris and Normandy River Cruise Itinerary
The Paris and Normandy river cruise itinerary is fantastic and is filled with amazing villages and cities each one with its unique place in history, outside of WW2. Paris is the ultimate starting point for a river cruise. The city is super easy to get to, super easy to get around in, walkable, charming, and surprisingly welcoming. I strongly recommend arriving a few days before your river cruise to not only rest up from your flight , but also to enjoy this amazing city and get acquainted with the history, culture, food, and people.
The other villages and cities along the route included Les Andeleys, Caudabec-en-Caux, Rouen, and Vernon all have a wide variety of sites to see and excursions to enjoy focusing on history, arts, culinary, wine, and religious events. There is something for everyone.
My biggest surprise and take away, was how friendly and helpful the locals were with a wild bunch of American tourists. They tried hard to understand what we were trying to say in French and many were able to respond to us in English, which was very nice of them.
Who Will the Paris and Normandy River Cruise Itinerary Appeal To?
Everyone! There is something for everyone! The itinerary is equal parts relaxation and going with such a wide variety of excursion options and time on your own to explore.
When Is The Best Time To Take A Paris and Normandy River Cruise?
The Paris to Normandy itinerary season is shorter than some of the Rhine & Danube itineraries. It generally starts at the end of March or the first week of April, and ends in early November. March and April will see some rain and windy conditions, but the cost savings available by sailing during this shoulder season make it very worthwhile. The Seine and ALL of the scenery, villages and cities are beautiful and enjoyable regardless of the temperature or amount of sunshine.
Now that you know WHY you want to take a Paris & Normandy river cruise , how should you get started?
Contact me and let’s discuss what you are interested in
Review your passports to ensure that they are valid for at least 6 months AFTER the dates you are available to travel. When in doubt, go ahead and renew. If you need a passport, apply now. I can help get you started and since adult passports are valid for 10 years, and kids under 16 for 5, there’s little downside to getting them pro-actively.
Figure out ALL the windows of time that your travel party can travel. The more options you have the better
Decide on a budget you are comfortable with. Be sure to budget for a few extra nights before or after your river cruise and for some meals and shopping
I would love to discuss your travel interests and I offer a complimentary phone consultation that you can schedule by CLICKING HERE
I hope to hear from you soon!
Cheers! Jennifer