France : Normandy

Paris to the Sea Along the Seine River

Trip code: C07PN

Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Printed route
directions

SUMMARY

  • Embrace the romance of the City of Light, Paris.
  • Cycle along peaceful 'Seine a velo' routes with iconic, picture-perfect views.
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant scenes that have inspired countless Impressionist painters.
  • Unwind on the stunning Normandy coast in Deauville, a glamorous seaside resort where relaxation and elegance await.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts included
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Comprehensive route directions
  • Bike hire included

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Discover the perfect blend of cultural and natural heritage along the Seine a Velo trail, which connects the romantic city of Paris to the charming village of Giverny, the vibrant city of Rouen, and the glamorous seaside resort of Deauville on the Normandy coast, all while winding gracefully alongside the iconic Seine River.

This world-famous waterway links bustling cities and stunning tourist attractions, offering a journey through the history of art. Immerse yourself in the very moments of joy that inspired great painters, experiencing the colourful scenes and landscapes that sparked their creativity and brought their masterpieces to life.

With its unique combination of historical landmarks and breathtaking scenery, this cycling route is destined to become a must-ride trail for cycling enthusiasts.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Paris

Welcome to the captivating world of Paris, a city where every cobblestone echoes with history and every street reveals a new adventure. Each neighbourhood offers its own unique charm, a distinctive chapter in the city's rich tale of art, culture, and life. From the bohemian allure of Montmartre to the timeless elegance of the Latin Quarter, and the ancient spirit of the Ile de la Cite, Paris is a vibrant tapestry of emotions waiting to be discovered. This isn't just a city, it's a living masterpiece, where even the stones have stories to tell, every corner holds a work of art, and every meal is a celebration of culinary excellence.

You stay at .

hotel details

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Hotel Le Senat , Paris

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Market
Bank
Cash machine
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Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
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The 4 star Le Senat is simply stunning! There are just 41 rooms, all stylishly furnished and a couple of suites with terraces, if you really fancy splashing out! All have satellite television, mini bar, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer, plus Internet access.

The hotel has its own small bar - adorned with photographs of eminent artists, being in the heart of the artists' quarter - plus a reading room with complimentary internet access.

Breakfast is taken in the basement, where you'll find a copious buffet of viennoiseries, cereals, fruit salad, ham, cheese, bread, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit juices, tea or coffee. If you prefer, you can have a continental breakfast served to your room at no extra charge.

Le Senat is perfectly located on a quiet side street just a stone's throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens and metro, and a five-minute walk from the vibrant Latin quarter, where you'll find a plethora of restaurants to suit all budgets.

Day 2: Paris - Mantes la Jolie - Vernon (47km/29.2mi)

After a quick 35-minute train journey from the heart of Paris, you’ll meet our representative in Mantes-la-Jolie for your bike delivery and briefing. From here, the stunning chalk cliffs will lead you on an unforgettable journey to Haute-Isle, home to the fascinating troglodyte church. Next, you’ll reach La Roche-Guyon, where the impressive château awaits. Finally, you’ll arrive in Giverny, a must-see destination for art lovers, where a visit to Claude Monet’s house is a highlight.

Monet, with his love of gardening and colour, designed both his flower garden (Clos Normand) and water garden as living masterpieces. Strolling through his home and gardens, you’ll feel the very atmosphere that inspired the Master of Impressionism, surrounded by vibrant floral displays and the famous water lilies that became his greatest muse.

You stay at Hotel Normandy.

hotel details



hotel Normandy, Vernon

HOTEL WEBSITE      

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Hotel Normandy is located at the gateway to Normandy and is close to both Claude Monet’s Garden and the Museum of Impressionisms.

Day 3: Vernon - St Pierre du Vauvray (48km/29.8mi)

Cycle through picturesque villages, breathtaking Normandy landscapes, striking white chalk cliffs, and charming stone and half-timbered houses, with boats gently moored along the riverbanks. In Les Andelys, you’ll be welcomed by the imposing Château-Gaillard, a fortress built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. Perched high on its rocky promontory, this historic stronghold played a pivotal role in the epic struggle between the French and English for control of Normandy.

As you continue your ride, you’ll be treated to spectacular clifftop views overlooking the Seine, with its winding loops guiding you towards your next unforgettable destination.

You stay at Hostellerie St Pierre.

hotel details



Hostellerie St Pierre, St Pierre du Vauvray

HOTEL WEBSITE      

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TV
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On the banks of the Seine in the charming village of Saint-Pierre-du-Vauvray, along the “Seine à Vélo” bike path, stands a magnificent Anglo-Norman building, recently renovated with exquisite taste. THE HOSTELLERIE SAINT-PIERRE offers 15 comfortable and spacious rooms, each equipped with generous showers or baths, and sometimes with balconies or patios. The restaurant will delight food lovers with a seasonal menu crafted from local produce, alongside a plentiful and varied breakfast buffet. Let yourselves be lulled by the gentle sounds of barges and péniches gliding along the tranquil and peaceful River Seine, in this enchanting countryside setting.

Day 4: St Pierre du Vauvray - Rouen (56km/34.8mi)

As you cycle through the medieval town of Pont-de-l'Arche, you’ll be drawn to a peaceful waterside break where the Eure and Seine rivers meet. Don’t miss a visit to the stunning Notre Dame de Bonport Abbey, founded by Richard the Lionheart. Your journey will then take you to Rouen, a vibrant city rich in history, where you can wander through its beautifully preserved medieval heart.

Stretching alongside the Seine, Rouen is Normandy’s cultural, historic, gastronomic, and lively capital. The city’s historic districts are filled with tempting shops, charming cafes, and delicious restaurants, while its weekly markets offer an abundance of local delights.

You stay at Hotel Gustave Flaubert.

hotel details



Hotel Gustave Flaubert, Rouen

HOTEL WEBSITE      

Shops
Mastercard
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Hairdryer
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TV
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The 4 star hotel, ideally located in the historic center of Rouen, close to the place du Vieux- Marché, the literary hotel, Gustave Flaubert, pays tribute to the writer in the city where he was born and where he spent the major part of his life. Modernity and comfort, punctuated by a few literary notes, provide the guests the time to dream or read. Just 10 minutes from the cathedral Notre Dame of Rouen, the Hotel Gustave Flaubert shares with us his passion for the author of Madame Bovary and Salammbô.

Day 5: Rouen - Jumieges (52km/32.3mi)

The steeples of Normandy’s capital give way to the bustling port atmosphere melts into the charming sandstone and half-timbered villages that are characteristic of Normandy. In the picturesque village of La Bouille, you’ll cross the Seine on a quaint little barge before continuing along the scenic “fruit trail.” Depending on the season, you'll ride past orchards of apples, pears, plums, and cherries. To complete your adventure, hop on a second barge with your bike and head to Jumièges, home to one of Normandy’s oldest and most impressive Benedictine abbeys.

You stay at Hotel Le Clos des Fontaines.

hotel details

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Hotel Le Clos des Fontaines, Jumieges

HOTEL WEBSITE      

Shops
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Nestled in the heart of the loops of the Seine, Domaine le Clos des Fontaines welcomes you for a relaxing and invigorating stay in the heart of Normandy. Set in a 6,000m² estate between Duclair and Le Trait, our 3-star hotel offers you the extraordinary setting of the region's typical buildings, combining brick, half-timbering, dressed stone and slate. Ideally situated halfway between the Côte Fleurie and the Côte d'Albâtre, take the time to enjoy the tranquillity of the Normandy countryside on a getaway that will awaken your senses.

Day 6: Jumieges - Honfleur (61km/37.9mi or 72km/44.7mi)

Cycle through the serene Normandy countryside, where forest and marshland meet in perfect harmony. The route hugs the bank of the Seine, offering stunning views of the river as it winds its way through peaceful landscapes. Far from the hustle and bustle of Normandy’s larger cities, the Marais Vernier lies at the meeting point of the Seine and the Channel — a tranquil nature reserve, a true hidden gem.

Here, you’ll navigate a gently rolling landscape dotted with natural beauty and traditional Norman architecture. At the Seine estuary, take a moment to marvel at the magnificent Pont de Normandie, standing tall in the distance. Just beyond, the charming port town of Honfleur awaits, with its picturesque streets and historic harbour offering the perfect spot for a well-earned break. It’s a place that has inspired countless Impressionist artists, who captured the essence of this Norman treasure on canvas.

You stay at Hotel L'Ecrin.

hotel details



Hotel L'Ecrin, Honfleur

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar


Behind the hotel’s elegant façade, you’ll find spaces that mix charm, history, authenticity and modern comfort. In this enchanting setting, enjoy a blissful day before getting the perfect night's sleep. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast on the veranda or in the garden, rest by the outdoor heated pool, relax in the wellness area (featuring a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi), get lost in a book or magazine in the lounge, try out some snooker or enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the bar.

The charm of an 18th century Norman mansion at the heart of a park : During your stay, you'll notice lots of furniture and antiques evoking Honfleur, renowned as being the town of painters and Impressionists.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 7: Honfleur - Deauville - Trouville (47km/29.2mi)

Set off across the lush, rolling meadows of the Pays d'Auge, where racehorses gallop and cows graze, all contributing to the creation of Normandy's world-famous cheeses. The route then leads you to Pont-l'Évêque, a perfect stop for food lovers and Calvados aficionados.

From there, continue on to the glamorous seaside resort of Deauville, where the beach and iconic parasols beckon you to leave your bike behind for a refreshing swim and a well-earned rest. Just across the harbour, Trouville awaits, offering a tempting opportunity to indulge in delicious seafood platters at the bustling fish market!

You stay at Hostellerie du Vallon.

hotel details



Hostellerie du Vallon, Trouville

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe


This traditional Normandy-style architecture hotel is located 700m from the beach and offers a heated indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, billiard room, newly equipped fitness room and outdoor lounge with bar and fireplace in the winter.

Day 8: Leave Trouville

Return to Paris by train or extend your stay in Trouville.

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Le Senat, Paris; Hostellerie du Vallon, Trouville.

hotel details



Hotel Le Senat , Paris

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Market
Bank
Cash machine
Mastercard
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


The 4 star Le Senat is simply stunning! There are just 41 rooms, all stylishly furnished and a couple of suites with terraces, if you really fancy splashing out! All have satellite television, mini bar, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer, plus Internet access.

The hotel has its own small bar - adorned with photographs of eminent artists, being in the heart of the artists' quarter - plus a reading room with complimentary internet access.

Breakfast is taken in the basement, where you'll find a copious buffet of viennoiseries, cereals, fruit salad, ham, cheese, bread, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit juices, tea or coffee. If you prefer, you can have a continental breakfast served to your room at no extra charge.

Le Senat is perfectly located on a quiet side street just a stone's throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens and metro, and a five-minute walk from the vibrant Latin quarter, where you'll find a plethora of restaurants to suit all budgets.



Hostellerie du Vallon, Trouville

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe


This traditional Normandy-style architecture hotel is located 700m from the beach and offers a heated indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, billiard room, newly equipped fitness room and outdoor lounge with bar and fireplace in the winter.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £550.

TRAVEL DETAILS

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

REVIEWS

Very good.
Friendly and happy to answer questions

30 Nov 2024

Always first class

Peter Bryant, 8 Mar 2024

I had looked at the holiday online and had many questions. Megan was able to answer these and had been to this particular location previously. She promptly sent details and a quote following our conversation.
As agreed Megan called several days later and was again able to clearly answer my questions.
She was enthusiastic and made the whole experience of discussing a booking very easy.

thankyou

21 Feb 2024

My enquiries, which were not particularly straightforward, were handled promptly and expertly.

10 Jan 2024


Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Printed route
directions

7 nights from £1599

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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