Monday, April 14 - Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - Rouen &Versaillas, France

Rouen is a city which has stirred the souls of many great writers and inspired numerous painters in the past. It is situated on the north bank of the River Seine and is considered as the historic capital of Normandy. It boasts a history as rich and vibrant as its picturesque streets.  Nestled along the serene Seine River, Rouen is known as the "Pearl of Normandy."  It has been a hub of cultural and historical significance for centuries, enchanting visitors with its storied past and architectural wonders.  It boasts a rich architectural heritage, featuring stunning Gothic structures which inspired some of Claude Monet's famous paintings. The city's medieval charm is evident in its well-preserved half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, inviting visitors to explore its vibrant old town.

Rouen was known to the Romans as Rotomagus and emerged as an important trading town during the Roman era, complete with an amphitheater.  Christianity was introduced in the 3rd century by St. Mellon, its first bishop, marking the beginning of its spiritual legacy.  It's strategic location attracted the fierce Vikings in 841, who besieged it and later made it the capital of Normandy in 912.  This dynamic period saw Rouen flourish as a center of Norman power, culminating in  its role during William the Conqueror's reign.

The Middle Ages were both tumultuous and transformative for Rouen.  In 1150, it gained autonomy and established as a self-governing city.  Fires ravaged the city multiple times, including the destruction of its cathedral in 1200.  However, resilience defined Rouen and construction of a magnificent new cathedral (Cathedral of Notre Dame) began in 1202.  In 1204 Normandy was annexed to France, dismantling Rouen's Castle but ensuring its integration into French history.

Rouen thrived economically during this era due to its bustling port and trade connections.  It exported wine and wheat to England while importing tin and wool.  Its textile production competed fiercely with surrounding areas.  However, urban unrest struck in the 14th century with assassinations and pillaging, prompting King Philip IV to suspend its charter temporarily.

The Hundred Years War brought profound challenges to Rouen.  In 1419, Henry V of England seized the city.  It became infamous as the site of Joan of Arc's trial and execution in 1431, a tragic yet enduringly significant event that solidified her legacy as a French heroine.  Twenty years later, Charles VII reclaimed Rouen for France, ushering in a period of cultural revival.  

Rouen's renaissance was remarkable.  It became one of France's main cultural centers.  However, religious strife during the Wars of Religion in the late 16th century led to population decline.  The revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 further exacerbated this exodus by depriving Protestants of their rights.

The city experienced a revival during the 19th century with industrialization, particularly through textile trade.  Yet, history's shadows loomed again during World War II when allied bombings damaged Rouen severely. Miraculously, its iconic cathedral narrowly escaped destruction.

Today, Rouen is a dazzling blend of history and modernity.  Its beautifully restored town center invites visitors to explore architectural gems and vibrant events.  Th city showcases an array of museums that reflect its artistic and cultural traditions, making it a hub for art lovers.  In addition to its historical attractions, Rouen offers a lively social scene with bustling markets, shops, and restaurants.  The recent revitalization of the Seine's quaysides has further enhanced its appeal, providing spaces for leisure and entertainment.  The city remains an extraordinary testament to resilience and brilliance across centuries.With its blend of history, art and modern vibrancy, Rouen remains a captivating destination for travelers and we are excited to explore this port.

Since we are here for three days and have a variety of experiences planned, I will separate our activities. Our amazing cruise line has a spectacular activity planned for us at this port.  They have reserved the entire Palace of Versailles for an evening (after it is closed to the public) and we will have a private dinner there.  We will spend the night in the Dolce Hotel and the next morning we have the option to go on an excursion to Paris!  

Monday, April 14th: Evening at the Palace of Versailles

What an enchanting day unfolded before us!  This afternoon, we embarked on a grand adventure aboard a tour bus journeying toward the resplendent Palace of Versailles for a night steeped in royal splendor.  The two-hour ride whisked us through a countryside that seemed plucked from the pages of a fairy tale.  Rolling hills undulated gently beneath a kaleidoscope of greens--ranging from the electric zing of neon to the soft whisper of pale yellow.  Scattered like golden confetti across the fields, bright yellow blossoms danced in the breeze, their vivid hues painting a breathtaking contrast against the lush grass.  The entire landscape felt alive, a vibrant prelude to the majestic evening awaiting us at the palace. 

After a serene and leisurely journey, tinged with bubbling excitement, we finally arrived at our enchanting hotel for the night.  Turning off the bustling main road, we meandered down a long, slender driveway, flanked on both sides by majestic trees whose lush branches intertwined overhead, forming a natural, leafy cathedral that danced with dappled sunlight.  At the driveway's end stood the Dolce Hotel, a charming masterpiece of traditional French architecture, its stone walls and cobblestone paths whispering tales of timeless elegance.

Stepping inside, we were immediately embraced by an atmosphere of refined grace, where an exquisite afternoon tea awaited us.  A delightful array of delicate finger foods--each a tiny work of culinary art--tempted our taste buds as we savored the fragrant brews and soft murmurs of the elegant room.  After this indulgent pause, we retreated to our room to rest and prepare for the thrilling evening ahead.

 

The dress code was black tie and formal gowns, a call to glamor and sophistication.  As Bob began to don his attire a sudden realization struck him--his crisp white dress shirt was still aboard the ship!  All he had was his navy-black polo shirt.  Undeterred, he slipped back into the polo laying his blackish tie and sleek jacket over it, creating an unexpectedly fashionable ensemble! Once fully adorned in our evening finery, we joined our friends, hearts filled with anticipation for the night's elegant festivities. We boarded our bus and began the drive to our magnificent destination, the glorious Palace of Versailles.

On arrival, our van rolled to a gentle stop before the grand gate of the Versailles Palace, and we found ourselves utterly unprepared for the breathtaking spectacle that unfolded before our eyes.  Towering with majestic grandeur the palace stretched skyward like a shimmering jewel of history and power.  The iron gates, a masterpiece of delicate craftsmanship, stood sentinel--each twist and curl of wrought iron telling tales of artistry and strength, guarding the entrance like silent, noble sentinels. 

The Palace of Versailles dazzled us as a radiant jewel of Baroque splendor. Once inside, the gilded halls and shimmering mirrors celebrated the grandeur of the estate. Its majestic facade stretches over 1300 feet (about 1/4 mile), crowned with 2,143 windows that sparkle like diamonds under the French sun. Inside, the Hall of Mirrors enchanted us with 357 gleaming mirrors reflecting the lush gardens beyond, a masterpiece of light and illusion. The palace's vast, geometric gardens gave order to the space, with fountains dancing in perfect harmony. Stepping into the gilded corridors of the Palace of Versailles felt like traversing a living canvas of opulence. 

Our journey unfolded through the King’s Grand Apartments, where walls shimmered with frescoes of mythological triumphs, and the Queen’s Apartments, adorned with delicate floral motifs and silk draperies that whispered of Marie Antoinette’s private world. Every surface dazzled—crystal chandeliers scattered light like fractured rainbows, while marble fireplaces stood as monuments to warmth and grandeur. Beneath our feet, ancient wooden floors creaked with the ghosts of courtiers, their footsteps echoing through centuries of intrigue and splendor.

The Hall of Mirrors stopped us in our tracks—a Baroque masterpiece where 357 shimmering panes reflected not just sunlight but the very essence of Louis XIV’s ambition. Here, the air seemed to hum with history as traditional dancers twirled in the minuet, their precise movements a living homage to the elegance of Versailles’ golden age. The mirrors, once symbols of France’s defiance of Venetian glass making dominance, now framed a scene where past and present collided in a waltz of light and motion.

Later, the Grand Ballroom unveiled itself like a jeweled finale. Long tables stretched beneath vaulted ceilings, each adorned with Marie Antoinette’s beloved fresh flowers and cascading fruit. Silver cutlery gleamed beside crystal goblets, their surfaces catching the glow of countless candles. Our cruise director’s instructions—delivered with the gravity of a royal decree—prepared us for the evening’s culinary ballet: courses arriving like acts in a play, from aperitifs to decadent desserts, each paired with wines that flowed as freely as the Seine.  As champagne bubbles danced on our tongues, the palace seemed to lean in, its walls alive with the murmurs of feasts past—a symphony of clinking glasses, rustling silk, and the timeless allure of Versailles.

As twilight draped its velvet cloak over the gathering, our feast unfolded amidst a symphony of cultural splendor. The air shimmered with the rhythmic pulse of traditional dances, Baroque-clad performers swirling like living brushstrokes across a canvas of candlelight. Between courses, the past awakened through baroque melodies – the crystalline notes of a harpsichord dancing with the throaty resonance of a theorbo, their antique harmonies weaving through the night like gilded threads.

Then, as the evening reached its crescendo, the legendary Axelle Saint-Cirel emerged – the mezzo-soprano who had become France's modern-day muse. Her voice, a dark honeyed contralto that once halted rainstorms over the Seine, poured forth in liquid gold. 

We sat spellbound as the artist who had scaled the Grand Palais' rooftop during the Olympic ceremony, her tricolor silhouette blazing against Parisian skies, now stood before us. Each phrase carried echoes of that historic night when she transformed La Marseillaise into a celestial call to arms, her Dior-clad figure channeling Marianne's revolutionary spirit. In this intimate setting, her artistry burned brighter still – a living testament to France's cultural soul, where heritage and modernity embrace in perfect harmony.

 

After the last bite of dinner melted away, we embarked on our journey back through the labyrinthine maze of rooms, winding our way toward the waiting van that would whisk us back to our cozy hotel. As we strolled past the glittering troves of treasures we had admired earlier, their enchanting allure beckoned us once more, captivating our eyes and hearts anew. The evening had unfolded like a spellbinding tale, a magical chapter destined to be etched indelibly in the tapestry of our memories forever.

As the van glided smoothly back toward our hotel, a serene hush settled over the cabin, wrapping us in a cocoon of quiet reflection. The night’s enchantment lingered in the air, a shimmering thread weaving through our thoughts. We had just been swept away by a once-in-a-lifetime experience—an extraordinary adventure that felt like a dream painted in vibrant hues. Though our hearts brimmed with excitement, eager to burst forth and share every magical detail with our friends, tonight we chose a different path. We savored the silence, letting the memories dance gently in our minds like flickering candlelight. Tomorrow, with the dawn’s first light, we would be ready—ready to unfold our story and share the wonder that had forever touched our souls. 

Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 - Rouen, France

After a dazzling night that sparkled with unforgettable moments, we rose early the next morning, eager to stretch our adventure by exploring the enchanting city of Paris before rejoining our ship for our evening sail to the next port. Yet, the magic of the previous evening had woven a spell of complete exhaustion over us—both body and soul fatigued from the extraordinary experience. So, with heavy but grateful hearts, we chose to forgo the Parisian detour and return to the ship early.

The journey back was a leisurely two-hour drive from our hotel, during which our onboard guide wisely held back from sharing more tales, gifting us instead the luxury of quiet reflection. We basked in the rolling vistas unfurling outside the windows, savoring the serene landscapes as they whispered stories of the region. This tranquil interlude allowed us to relive the enchantment of last night, scrolling through the treasure trove of photographs we had captured, each image a vivid brushstroke on the canvas of our memories. Our gratitude swelled for the Silversea team, whose tireless dedication and masterful orchestration had crafted such a breathtaking world cruise event, etching it forever in our hearts.

 Once safely aboard, the ship’s gentle hum awaited our next departure, but time still lingered before setting sail for the next port of call. Bob, restless with curiosity, seized the chance to explore the historic town of Rouen, hopping on the shuttle to wander its charming streets. Meanwhile, I remained on the ship as I began weaving this blog, capturing the essence of our journey.

So, as I am writing, Bob roams the streets of Rouen, France, ready to share his discoveries from this timeless city. Here's Bob:

Rouen's crown jewel is the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Cathedral, its lace-like Gothic façade soaring skyward, immortalized in the shimmering brushstrokes of Claude Monet in his multiple paintings.  

 

Strolling through Rouen’s medieval heart, you’re embraced by a maze of half-timbered houses and winding lanes, each corner revealing hidden gems like the Renaissance Gros-Horloge—a golden astronomical clock arching regally over the bustling street below the antique village where tourists positioned themselves for the best photo angle.

 

Rouen’s vibrant spirit pulses in the Place du Vieux-Marché, where the modern Church of Saint Joan of Arc rises boldly, commemorating the city’s most famous martyr.  The church was closed but many people were seated in the many cafes lined up facing the church. 

Majestic churches, the stately Palais de Justice, and world-class museums like the Musée des Beaux-Arts beckon culture lovers, while lush parks offer tranquil retreats. Rouen’s blend of grandeur, resilience, and charm make it a living canvas of French heritage.  Many shops lined the cobble-stone pathways but, interestingly, a number of shops began closing at 2:00 pm for a couple of hours.

 

 

 

During the past two days we have had an experience of a lifetime.  We have been blessed to enjoy a magical almost surreal, private event at the Palace of Versailles.  The palace is not just a palace:  it is a breathtaking symphony of art, power, and history, forever echoing the glory of an earlier time.  We toured the public rooms and feasted on a scrumptious meal in the elegant Grand Ballroom.  The ballroom is famous for its opulent design and serves as a space for receptions, state functions, and even the signing of treaties.  We were privileged to enjoy dinner in this extraordinary and historically significant room.  Throughout the evening we enjoyed music and dance by an impressive group of entertainers.  The following morning, Bob also had the opportunity to explore the charming village of Rouen  before we sailed.

 

After one of the most extraordinary experiences we have had on a cruise, it's time for us to leave the fabulous country of France and sail to our next port, which is located in The Netherlands.  Amsterdam is a lovely city, filled with romantic canals, charming architecture, and lots of bicycles.  We are looking forward to our return visit to the Keukenhof Gardens to enjoy the thousands of tulips, which are in full bloom, as well as thousands of other lovely floral arrangements.