Tuesday, April 12, 2011

River Cruising Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This

During our last two cruising days aboard the Viking Spirit, we had many kilometers to make up in our return to Paris. We only had a short stop each day but we had very pleasant weather (sunny and temps in the high 60’s) to enjoy the spectacular Normandy scenery while cruising. We docked for 2 hours in Les Andelys where Richard the Lionheart built a castle high on a hilltop in the12th century. Now, it is in ruins but still SO impressive.

France Spring 2011 002    France Spring 2011 044

view from the river                                                 closer view

Bill & I opted to take the hike up the hill to the castle. We were so glad we did. What a great spot for exploration!

France Spring 2011 039     France Spring 2011 027

The views from there were incredible.

France Spring 2011 022    France Spring 2011 047

After we hiked back down to the village, we had some time to soak in its charm before reboarding the boat.

France Spring 2011 001    France Spring 2011 050

The next morning, we had our final stop in Conflans. Two rivers (the Seine and the Oise) meet here so it’s a busy place with boats and barges of all sizes and types. One of particular interest is a church boat, which serves many of the watermen.

France Spring 2011 002    France Spring 2011 005

exterior of the church boat                                    church boat interior – surprising!

We enjoyed a walk around Conflans before the final leg of our journey back up the Seine to Paris. Again, the scenery was fantastic.

France Spring 2011 027    France Spring 2011 031

striking waterfront homes                                       swans, a common sight during our cruise

We had one final lock to navigate. Here you can see our 1st Captain and 2nd Captain making sure we are in the correct position to pass through.

France Spring 2011 028 

Just before we arrived at our Paris dock Saturday evening, we passed by a 1/3 size Statue of Liberty, a gift from the United States to France in acknowledgment of the one they gave to us. What a welcoming sight!

France Spring 2011 037

1 comment:

The Roberts Family said...

such a neat pic of the statue of liberty with the Eifle tower in background! (Maile enjoyed it!)