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French Rivers with Normandy & Bordeaux

L2516

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Beautiful evening views of Bordeaux and the river Seine, France Beautiful evening views of Bordeaux and the river Seine, France
20 Jul 2025
Rosyth
13 nights
Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

Join us on this exploration of French riverside cities, where you can marvel at Bordeaux’s facades along the Garonne and soak in the allure of Honfleur’s harbour. What’s more, Balmoral will sail the picturesque River Seine into Rouen – a journey only possible on smaller ships. Indulging in Bordeaux’s famed wine and the distinct flavours of Honfleur’s calvados and camembert will delight the senses. Meanwhile, Rouen is ideally placed for tours to the French capital, where you can absorb Parisian culture with its charming cafés, boulangeries, art, and fashion. Step back in time with opportunities to discover medieval sites such as Mont Saint-Michel from St Malo and the half-timbered houses of Normandy.

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Highlights

Honfleur Waterfront

Riverside Cities

On this Balmoral cruise, you'll have the opportunity to discover a collection of riverside cities that seamlessly combine captivating history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Bordeaux's elegant façades line the banks of the Garonne River, creating a picturesque backdrop to its renowned vineyards. Cruising along the Seine aboard Balmoral unveils scenes of charming French countryside adorned with quaint villages and towering church spires, while Honfleur's quaint harbour beckons with its maritime charm and colourful houses. You’ll also have the chance to join a tour to Paris, ideal for exploring the French capital’s iconic landmarks.

Glass of red wine, Vineyards

Discover the French Lifestyle

During our exploration of riverside cities, you’ll find ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the authentic local lifestyle. In Honfleur, savour the renowned delights of Calvados and Camembert, while Bordeaux invites you to delight in its world-famous vineyards, offering some of the world’s most exquisite tipples, including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, best enjoyed on a wine tasting tour. Meanwhile, Rouen is your gateway to the French capital, where you can indulge in Parisian culture. Discover the vibrant art and fashion scene, and visit one of the many boulangeries, celebrated for their exceptional bread and pastries, a testament to Parisian culinary excellence.

Rouen cathedral, France

Medieval History

From Balmoral, take the chance to explore the rich medieval history of France throughout your journey. Bordeaux's ancient gates offer a glimpse into its fortified history, while Honfleur's bustling harbour showcases the town's maritime spirit that defined its medieval charm. In Rouen, enjoy wandering along the cobbled streets, taking in architectural marvels such as timber-framed houses and Gothic cathedrals. You'll also have the chance to join a tour from St Malo to witness the beauty of Mont Saint Michel, a beacon of medieval architecture rising from the sea.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

Please call our Reservations Team for latest pricing and availability.

What's Included

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED

To make your journey even more special, we include so much as standard on board our cruises.

  • À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Daily casual dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks
  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
  • Daily games & quizzes
  • Swimming Pools
  • Jacuzzis
  • Fitness Centre
  • Fitness Classes

Life On Board

Introducing Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.

Balmoral
Fred. Olsen ship Balmoral sailing at dawn

Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.

710 cabins
1,250 guests
551 crew
43,537 GT
16kts max speed
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Your Cruise, Your Way

Whether you prefer a peaceful spot with a good book or a full day of activities and entertainment, life on board offers plenty of choice, all in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of our smaller ships. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

Your Cruise, Your way

Enhance your cruise

Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.

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