Windstar Cruises Northern Europe: 7 nights from Rouen with Star Legend
Aug 19, 2026

Rouen

Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, is one of the most fascinating stops for those who choose to go on a cruise from France. Rich in art, history and culture, this city offers numerous attractions to visit, unique flavors to discover and a strategic position for exploring the region.

Rouen Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. This Gothic masterpiece, painted by Claude Monet, is an icon of Normandy and one of the tallest cathedrals in France. Walking through the streets of Rouen, you cannot miss the Gros Horloge, a medieval astronomical clock that is located in the heart of the city. Another unmissable attraction is the Joan of Arc Church, built on the site where the saint was executed in 1431.

Rouen is located in the north of France, about 135 km from Paris, along the Seine River. Thanks to its strategic position, it is one of the most important port cities in Normandy, making it an ideal starting point for river cruises along the Seine or maritime cruises to the United Kingdom and Scandinavia.

If you only have one day available in Rouen before your cruise, you can organize an itinerary that allows you to see the best of the city. Start with a visit to the Rouen Cathedral and continue with a walk in the historic quarter, famous for its half-timbered houses. Stop at the Old Market, where you can sample local products and see the church dedicated to Joan of Arc. End the day with a walk along the Seine, admiring the sunset over the river.

Normandy cuisine is famous for its fresh and flavorful ingredients. Among the typical dishes to try is the Canard à la Rouennaise, a duck recipe cooked with a wine sauce. Don't forget to taste the local cheeses, such as Camembert and Neufchâtel, accompanied by a good bottle of cider, the traditional drink of the region.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a French city located in Lower Normandy. In the past it was Norman, English and finally French property and had an economic boom at the end of the Hundred Years' War.

In the 17th century, Honfleur was enriched thanks to trade with Canada, the Antilles, Africa, and the Azores and was one of the main ports for the slave trade. One of the most characteristic aspects of the city are the houses that overlook the Seine, giving the impression of being in front of an Impressionist painting. It is no coincidence that some of the greatest painters, such as Monet, Courbet, and Boudin, chose it as a destination where to find inspiration. The cultural and architectural heritage of Honfleur includes churches and museums, including the Musée de Vieux Honfleur, which collects the enterprises of local travelers or the Eugène Boudin Museum, where there are paintings by local painters dating from the 19th to the 20th century. Honfleur is a town and measure of man and between alleys and cobbled streets, it encloses a unique allure.

St Malo

Guernsey

Lorient

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is city on the Atlantic Ocean and its port hosts big ships. The city had initially the name Burdigala and was established in III Century B.C. by the Gallic people.

It was a neuralgic centre for the International commerce of tin and lead. After the arrival of the Romans, Bordeaux becomes one of the richest cities of Gallia and is robbed many times by populations such as Visigoths and Vandals. With the passing of time, the City starts economic relationships with England trading in salt and wine and, in XVI Century, also the colonial sugar and slaves start having a leading role in the sustenance of the city.
Bordeaux has a liveable city centre that can be visited by foot and that offers beautiful attractions and energy. At night, the city get crowded with young people filling up the main squares and the bars where you can taste excellent wines and plunge in the romantic atmosphere that the city assumes after the sunset. You can’t miss out Château de la Brède, a gothic style castle dated back to XIV Century, surrounded by a moat and an English garden. The philosopher Montesquieu lived here and tourists can visit his library and his bedroom that are just like they were in XIX Century.
We suggest to visit also the beautiful Saint Eloi Church. Established in XII Century, the construction and renovation works lasted until 1400’s. The current structure is dated back to this period. The church is one of the stop-overs of Santiago de Compostela walking tour and is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Bordeaux offers a wide variety of gastronomic and wine choices. There are many restaurants and bars where you can taste the best wines on the market and an amazing cuisine.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is city on the Atlantic Ocean and its port hosts big ships. The city had initially the name Burdigala and was established in III Century B.C. by the Gallic people.

It was a neuralgic centre for the International commerce of tin and lead. After the arrival of the Romans, Bordeaux becomes one of the richest cities of Gallia and is robbed many times by populations such as Visigoths and Vandals. With the passing of time, the City starts economic relationships with England trading in salt and wine and, in XVI Century, also the colonial sugar and slaves start having a leading role in the sustenance of the city.
Bordeaux has a liveable city centre that can be visited by foot and that offers beautiful attractions and energy. At night, the city get crowded with young people filling up the main squares and the bars where you can taste excellent wines and plunge in the romantic atmosphere that the city assumes after the sunset. You can’t miss out Château de la Brède, a gothic style castle dated back to XIV Century, surrounded by a moat and an English garden. The philosopher Montesquieu lived here and tourists can visit his library and his bedroom that are just like they were in XIX Century.
We suggest to visit also the beautiful Saint Eloi Church. Established in XII Century, the construction and renovation works lasted until 1400’s. The current structure is dated back to this period. The church is one of the stop-overs of Santiago de Compostela walking tour and is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Bordeaux offers a wide variety of gastronomic and wine choices. There are many restaurants and bars where you can taste the best wines on the market and an amazing cuisine.