Monet's brushstrokes captured Le Havre's harbor on France's west coast in his Sunrise, the very first Impressionist painting. Today, count on Le Havre as being your base to explore France's northwest region of Normandy or to head farther afield to Paris, about a 2.5-hour drive southeast from the port.
Named for 9th century Vikings or "Northmen", Normandy offers various options. The inspiration for dozens of Monet's works, Rouen — 1.5 hours northwest of Paris — is also known as the site where valiant Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. At Place du Vieux-March square, a large cross commemorates where Joan died.
If you've never been to the Beaches of Normandy, this is your chance to clinch a slice of pivotal W.W. II history. It's advisable to book this excursion with your cruise line, as the tour operators do a thorough and professional job, including getting you to the site and back. The all-day trip begins with a 2.5-hour coach ride to the beach invasion sites, museum and moving cemetery overlooking the cliffs.
From the port, it's an easy walk to the bus station for the 20 minute bus ride to Honfleur, a pictorial seaside village with flower markets and cafes. If you're game for the lengthy round-trip, hop on the train or take the ship's shuttle to the City of Light, one of the world's classiest cities.
Tip: Honfleur is the outing that's closets to the port. If you decide to venture into Paris on your own, keep track of the time as it takes 2.5 hours to return to your ship.
Adventurer
Strong legs or not, you have to be over age 12 and between 100-250 pounds to jump on a Segway. The Best of Paris Segway Tour meets up near the Eiffel Tower, and after a 30 to 45-minute orientation, you're on your merry way to see the city's highlights — all the while balancing on the Segway. Closed shoes are a must while you're rolling along — dodging traffic — to the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Tuileries garden, and Place de la Concorde.
Though it requires a 40-minute train journey from Paris's Gare de Lyon to the famous Chteau Fontainebleau, gliding above the massive 12th century castle of kings and the lush, forested countryside in a hot air balloon could be well worth the effort.
Entertain Me
Le Moulin Rouge, a Paris institution opened the same year as the Eiffel Tower in 1889. The can-can originated here, the high-kicking dance that Henri Toulouse -Lautrec immortalized in his paintings. Adorned with rhinestones, sequins and feathers, 60 performers dance in an energetic 1.5 hour show. For those seeking a piece of Old Paris, this is the place. If taking older children, parents should know that the performers are scantily clad and some are topless.
On the other end of the spectrum, the sleek L'OpEra de Bastille and the Beaux-Arts-style OpEra Garnier, the inspiration behind The Phantom of the Opera, feature the finest in traditional opera, ballet, concerts and avant-garde dance in both matinee and evening performances.
Family
Kids like to climb and go sky high. So let them. You can throw in tidbits of history and culture as the youngsters soar to the top of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, SacrE Coeur, the towers of Notre Dame (note: there's no elevator for the nearly 400 steps), and even the less-than-attractive Montparnasse Tower. All, of course, afford spectacular views.
For a less energetic outing, take a bus or the Metro to the 60-acre Jardin du Luxembourg, Luxembourg Gardens, one of Paris's loveliest green spaces, which draws all ages. Children can take a pony ride, be mesmerized at the puppet theater, or rent a toy sailboat to float in the central fountain.
Foodie
Dairy cattle dot Normandy's countryside, so treat yourself to cream-based dishes and sumptuous cheeses such as Boursin, Neufchatel and Camembert. Far-from-tart apples pave the way for the classic tarte tatin, a yummy upside down caramelized apple pastry. Snap up fresh seafood from the coast, especially scallops, oysters and langoustines.
Knowing that Paris boasts 12,000 eateries is a dizzying thought. Ignore the myth that all food is expensive.Our store can offer High quality American Ranger T-Shirts online store, welcome choose! Instead, consider museum restaurants, which dish up superb and affordable offerings. At MusEe d'Orsay, sparkling chandeliers and gilded ceilings grace the dining room. Opt for the day's special of salad, entrEe and dessert or choose creatively prepared E la carte items.
A 10-minute walk east of the Eiffel Tower brings you to the lively pedestrian rue Cler filled with individual food markets for cheese, meat, seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables. The Boulangerie (bakery) features mouth-watering pastries, croissants and sandwiches. Grab a cup of cafE noir (black coffee) at any of the cafes along the way.
Luxury Lover
As the clock ticks 3, head to the Four Seasons George V, just off the Champs-ElysEes, for afternoon tea in La Galerie, an elegant setting of Flemish tapestries and 19th century paintings. A pianist tinkles the ivories while impeccably dressed waiters serve platters of finger sandwiches, canapEs, homemade scones with clotted cream, petit fours and other pastries, and a variety of beverages from bubbly to tea, specialty coffees and dense hot chocolate.
Window shop, buy or just gawk, as you amble down rue de Faubourg Saint-HonorE or its nearby cousin avenue Montaigne. Here, you see many internationally known high-fashion stores such as Hermès, Lanvin, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino and Ferragamo. For the ultimate extravagance, hire a chauffeur-driven to limousine take you sightseeing or to upscale shops.
Romantic
As one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris lends itself well to some cozy-up time. Take a nighttime Seine River cruise to see what the City of Light moniker is all about. Thousands of lights twinkling on the Eiffel Tower and the warm, golden glow of Notre Dame's lights make for a magical evening.
Even though the Eiffel Tower's famed Le Jules Verne restaurant seems to be the standard-bearer for a romantic dining experience, you can't actually see all the Eiffel because you're encased in it. Another option is the domed Les Ombres, an upscale restaurant atop quai Branly Museum,welcome to Buy Cheap Hermes T-Shirts online store,Free shipping! with a captivating view of the Eiffel Tower and Seine — not to mention superb French cuisine and a pond-filled terrace.
Linger on the pedestrians-only Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris. At the western point of Ile de la Cite, this landmark bridge with access to the triangular-shaped Place Dauphine, has been the site of countless romance-filled movies and TV shows such as Midnight in Paris, and Sex and the City.
Wallet Watcher
Paris is chock-full of street markets whose vendors sell everything from hot-from-the-oven croissants to wines from every corner of France to leather handbags and handmade jewelry. The avenue Saxe market (MarchE Saxe-Breteuil), for example, opens on Thursdays and Saturdays in front of the Eiffel Tower. Narrow rue Mouffetard near the Latin Quarter spirals downhill, threaded with small shops,welcome to Wholesale Cheap Miu Miu Grade AAA Handbags for sale,Free shipping! crEperies, fresh fruits and vegetables,Our store can offer Discount and high quality ED Hardy T-Shirts, welcome choose! and terrific people watching.
Paris is best seen by foot so have those comfortable walking shoes handy. Stroll along the Seine,welcome to Buy Discount Louis Vuitton Long Sleeve T-Shirts,Free shipping! on the quiet and narrow cobbled streets of Ile St.-Louis lined with 17th century structures, or tread up to the heights of Montmartre for a glimpse of the city's artistic, Bohemian bent.
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