Viking Fjorgyn, Seine River Cruise, France [Tuesday Daytime]

[doctorgingerspice]

Indulge in leisurely morning cruising along the Seine. Spend the afternoon in the medieval city of Rouen, preeminent capital of Normandy. Begin with a walking tour through the center of Old Town, where you see the spectacular Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, often painted by Claude Monet, and the famous Gros Horloge, a 16th-century astronomical clock. As you walk among the half-timbered storybook buildings, allow yourself to be transported back through time; see the 14th-century courthouse where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death and the nearby Market Square where she was martyred.

Use your free time to discover more of Rouen or visit one of its museums of art or antiquities. Dine on board or at a sidewalk café. We'll remain docked here for the next few days so feel free to take your time and explore.

Comments

THE SHIP

[doctorgingerspice]

The Fjorgyn, named for the Norse goddess of the Earth, is a 410 foot long ship built in 2020.

Rooms

[doctorgingerspice]

Students are in Veranda Staterooms on the Upper Deck, which have queen or twin sized beds depending on which is funnier, wifi, televisions, and twice-daily housekeeping. This does NOT mean you can throw ragers. The chaperones are in Veranda Suites, also on the Upper Deck,  with queen or twin sized beds depending on which is funnier, wifi, televisions, fully stocked minibars and free champagne and fruit platters daily. It is, after all, why they chaperone.

[OOC: NFB goes into private journals, list of room assignments is here.

Exploring the Ship

[doctorgingerspice]

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Sun Deck

[doctorgingerspice]

Located on the top of the ship, go on up there to get the best views of the passing scenery. Coming into Rouen is definitely a photo op. There's also a walking path if you aren't getting enough exercise on all of the daily excursions.

Aquavit Terrace & Lounge

[doctorgingerspice]

If you're more interested in eating al fresco and not having a multi-course meal, the Aquavit Terrace is for you. There's no assigned seating and they have quick options for grab and go at breakfast like pastries, yogurt, and coffees.  

Restaurant

[doctorgingerspice]

Located on the Middle Deck, the restaurant will serve as the hub for our meals throughout the cruise, assuming you aren't on shore. Each table seats six, and you've been assigned to one (over here). Make friends with your fellow Fandomites! Enjoy the breakfast buffet or order something off of the menu! If you get lunch before disembarking there's a buffet as well with a pasta station and lots of salads, or you can order from a menu. Maybe strawberry tiramisu this time?

ON SHORE

[doctorgingerspice]

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Rouen Walking Tour (2 hours)

[doctorgingerspice]

Explore the medieval quarter of the cultural capital of Normandy. A short transfer with your guide delivers you to the historic city center. Known as the “Ville Aux Cent Clochers” or “City of a Hundred Spires,” Rouen’s most magnificent steeple rises from the Notre Dame Cathedral, a favorite subject of Claude Monet. Visit its breathtaking interior, burial place of Richard the Lionheart, English king and Norman duke. You will also pause to admire the ornate gold face of the Renaissance-style Gros Horloge Astronomical Clock. Admire the Bourgtheroulde Mansion and several beautiful half-timbered houses, and see the 14th-century abbey where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death and the Place du Vieux Marché, where she was burned at the stake. A statue of Joan marks the place of the pyre. At tour’s end, return to the ship at your leisure, a few blocks away on the beautiful Seine River.

Re: Rouen Walking Tour (2 hours)

[outofthequiver]

Libby wasn't Catholic by any means. In fact, she'd been raised to view them as just as bad as pagans with their pantheon of saints. But it was impossible not to feel something stirring inside of her at these grand cathedral and churches, and she couldn't help but feel a strong connection to Joan of Arc in this moment. Sure, she wasn't facing anything as dire as battles and war, and she certainly wasn't under the threat of being burned at the stake for her choices, but the story of a young woman feeling compelled by God to walk a path far different from the one expected of her....

Well. It resonated, and Libby would be lingering there for as long as she could, deep in introspection and prayer.

Re: Rouen Walking Tour (2 hours)

[craic_killer]

Clare was extremely Catholic and she was quite certain that if she didn't go into every church she could find, light a candle and pray a decade of the rosary, God Herownself would tell her mother about it.

So that was Clare's day sorted, after the tour.

Rouen Farm & Countryside (5 hours)

[doctorgingerspice]

Experience the daily life of a working Norman farm as you enjoy a leisurely visit to a bucolic homestead. Normandy is renowned for its creamy cheeses and endless apple orchards that produce delicious cider and calvados, the region’s beloved apple brandy. Join your guide for a scenic drive to Saint-Michel-d’Halescourt, a tiny French commune amid vast fertile fields where these iconic products have their roots. Your destination is the Domaine Duclos Fougeray, a beautiful rustic farm whose 18th-century buildings are made from stone, mud and timber. The owners have been making award-winning cider and other products here for more than two decades and invite you to visit the orchards and watch a lively shepherd dog demonstration. During your visit, you will sample calvados and its close cousin pommeau with homemade apple tart and Norman cheeses. After time to savor your snack and the glorious setting, return to your ship.

Re: Rouen Farm & Countryside (5 hours)

[itsananomaly]

Cutter had ended up not leaving the ship yesterday and he thought he'd try and get out more today and see more of the countryside since he had only ever visited Paris before.

He found it rather refreshing not thinking about Claudia and Helen and anomalies for a change as he walked around and took in the scenery.

Re: Rouen Farm & Countryside (5 hours)

[furrybluefreak]

Farmland? You better believe Kurt was there and loving all the sights. He was feeling maybe a little homesick for the old family farm he had grown up on. But this was amazing and he is was loving every minute and talking pictures every chance he got too!

Re: Rouen Farm & Countryside (5 hours)

[pun_king]

Graham was mostly excited to go out to the farm to see if he could chat it up with the animals there. Compliment the sheep dogs for their excellent performance. Ask about what life was like in France, see if they knew about any floating castles.

He supposed he could also have these conversations with some of the people here, but there was a language barrier. He could understand cow and sheep and dog; he couldn't do the same for French! And, besides, sometimes, animals were just easier to talk to, and they just had a different and unique perspective on the world that Graham appreciated.

Re: Rouen Farm & Countryside (5 hours)

[no_missing_piece]

This visit might not have proved as informative as Beta had hoped it would, at least in terms of technical agricultural knowledge that Zo or Alva might have found useful, but it was certainly very relaxing.

Re: Rouen Farm & Countryside (5 hours)

[mylandmyrules]

Nell was absolutely enjoying her time at the Norman farm. She might have been envying their orchards and wishing there was some way she could make her own cheese for the store. Unfortunately with there being no room for her to raise a few cows, she'd have to give that a pass.

Walking Tour of Honfleur (5 ½ hours)

[doctorgingerspice]

Explore one of Normandy’s coastal jewels where historic houses line the quay amid quaint galleries and eateries. Drive with your guide to Honfleur, whose picturesque old harbor has lured painters for centuries. Today, you can still see enthusiasts leaning into their easels and putting brush to canvas. Its quay is lined with slate-covered facades with red roofs, and colorful fishing boats bob on the current. During a walking tour, pass the wooden Church of St. Catherine, the waterfront houses on the Old Harbor and the narrow streets of the Old Town. You will also see the memorial plaque for Samuel de Champlain, founder of Quebec City. Soak up the atmosphere around Vieux Bassin in the heart of the port and enjoy free time exploring the shops and art galleries. Savor a tasty snack at a local eatery as you take in the views from the terrace before returning to your ship.

Re: Walking Tour of Honfleur (5 ½ hours)

[in_sidon_we_trust]

Ahhh, if there was a harbor, then that was where Sidon wanted to be that day! If anything, he was very interested in some fresh fish markets, because, while he was glad that the others had been able to experience the fine breadth of famous French foods, his own appreciation for such things was naturally a bit....diminished. So this was excellent, and of course he was pleased to learn more about the town and all its stories once the shock of his general presence had managed to wear off a bit.

Re: Walking Tour of Honfleur (5 ½ hours)

[onlyajones]

Jo was definitely interested in looking at some of the shops and while that was what she was spending most of her time doing, she did have a look at the galleries as well even though she didn't really know that much about art.

Re: Walking Tour of Honfleur (5 ½ hours)

[anomaly_research_nerd]

Connor had a feeling he would be exhausted by the time he got back to the shop. But, how many times would he get the opportunity to do something like this? So there he was, taking in all the sights and sounds!

Re: Walking Tour of Honfleur (5 ½ hours)

[guillermothegreat]

Guillermo was definitely keeping busy exploring and trying out as many of the different eateries that he could.

Re: Walking Tour of Honfleur (5 ½ hours)

[kawaii_complex]

Sakaki definitely wanted to see as many different places (and hopefully many different cats) while she was here, so she was very interested in the trip out to the harbor.

Most of her attention seemed to go into visiting all the shops ans trying to find the cutest souvenirs, though.

Re: Walking Tour of Honfleur (5 ½ hours)

[sexy_giraffe]

Tahani was lingering in the art galleries. She loved all non-Kamilah art to see paintings and sculptures and was thinking of doing her degree at the Sorbonne next year.

Explore On Your Own!

[doctorgingerspice]

Did you get distracted by the chocolatier, maybe? Or the farmers market? Just tell us where you are in the header so we can stalk you join in!

OOC

[doctorgingerspice]

Nrrrrgh.