My Disneyland Paris and Normandy River Cruise

Linda Wangsgaard
September 11, 2024

My visit to Disneyland Paris was magical, blending the charm of Disney with the elegance of French culture. From the moment I walked down Main Street, U.S.A. and caught sight of Sleeping Beauty Castle, I was swept into a world of fantasy. The castle itself, with its unique French design and the dragon lurking underneath, felt like a fairytale come to life. Continuing down the path to It’s a Small World brought back all the memories from my childhood adventures at Disneyland California. I can never tire of that ride.

Disneyland Paris

I then headed to Big Thunder Mountain. It was easily the best version I’ve ridden—set on an island in the middle of the river, it felt more thrilling, especially with those sharp turns and unexpected drops.

Next was Phantom Manor, Disneyland Paris’ eerie take on the Haunted Mansion. The spooky Western theme was a fresh twist, with the storyline more mysterious and atmospheric than the U.S. versions. I loved the darker, more intense vibe.

Of course, I had to ride Pirates of the Caribbean. This version felt more detailed, with a longer ride time and stunningly immersive sets. The combination of pirate battles and enchanting music made it one of my favorite experiences.

In Walt Disney Studios Park, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror offered pure excitement. The suspense built with every second in the eerie hotel! The atmosphere of the abandoned hotel was so well done, with cast members playing their parts well. I opted for the Chicken Door prior to entering the elevator (did you know you can do that😊).

Overall, Disneyland Paris delivered both excitement and charm, blending familiar Disney magic with uniquely European touches.

My River Cruise Begins

Then on to my next great adventure, a River Cruise from Paris to Normandy: A Journey Through Time and Beauty. As the boat gently pulled away from the dock in Paris, I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. I had always dreamed of exploring France by river, but this was more than just a journey on the Seine. It was an opportunity to see parts of the country that I had only read about—the tranquil countryside, quaint villages, and, of course, the historic shores of Normandy. I stood on the deck, a couple of swans swimming in the water, the crisp morning air brushing my face, and watched as the Eiffel Tower gradually faded into the distance. Paris was behind us, but the adventure was just beginning.

Paris Fades, the Countryside Awaits

Leaving behind the grandeur of Paris was bittersweet. The city’s stunning architecture—Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the bridges that arched gracefully over the Seine—was so beautiful it felt surreal. But as the boat glided away from the bustling city, I found myself anticipating the peace and quiet of the countryside. The Seine stretched out ahead of us, bordered by fields and trees, with the occasional village dotting the landscape. The atmosphere changed immediately. Gone were the city sounds, replaced by the gentle lapping of the water against the hull.

Giverny: Walking in Monet’s Garden

One of the stops along the beautiful Seine was Giverny, and I had been looking forward to this moment. I’ve always loved the work of Claude Monet, and now I was walking through the very garden that had inspired some of his most famous paintings. The colors were extraordinary—lush greens, soft pastels, and, of course, the iconic water lilies. It was easy to see why Monet had fallen in love with this place. I wandered through the narrow paths, feeling as though I had stepped into one of his paintings. I could almost imagine him standing by the pond, brush in hand, capturing the reflections of the water.

Lle-de-France: Castles and Legends

Further down the river, we stopped in the charming town of lle-de-France. Perched high on a cliff above the Seine were the ruins of Castle of La Roche-Guyon, the once-imposing fortress built by The Duke of La Rochefoucauld and his daughter. I hiked up to the castle and stood at the top, gazing down at the river winding below me. The view was absolutely breathtaking. The village looked tiny from up there, nestled into the curve of the river, and the countryside spread out endlessly. It was hard to believe that such a peaceful place had been the site of so much conflict centuries ago. The ruins still stood proudly, a reminder of France’s medieval past.

Rouen: The Ghost of Joan of Arc

Rouen was a city I had always wanted to visit, and it did not disappoint. As we approached the docks, the spires of Rouen Cathedral came into view, towering above the city. I remembered the stories of Joan of Arc, her trial and execution taking place here in 1431. Walking through the narrow streets of Rouen, I could feel the weight of history around me.

We stood in the square of the Rouen Cathedral admiring her beauty. The cathedral itself was a masterpiece. We were in awe at the sheer magnitude and thinking about the history it had witnessed.

Normandy: Standing on the Shores of History

As we cruised closer to Normandy, the mood on the boat became quieter, more reflective. Normandy, particularly the D-Day beaches, had been on my mind since we set sail. This part of the journey felt personal, like visiting a place I had only known through stories and documentaries.

When we arrived at the beaches, I stood on Omaha Beach, the sand stretching out before me, and thought about the soldiers who had landed here in 1944. The American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, with its rows of white crosses, was a somber sight. The silence was deafening, and I found myself deeply moved, overwhelmed by the enormity of what had happened here. It was one thing to read about the Normandy Invasion; it was another to stand on the very ground where history had been made. I left feeling grateful for the sacrifices made and with a sense of awe for the bravery that had unfolded on those shores.

A Journey of the Senses

Beyond the history and stunning sights, the cruise was a feast for the senses. Every meal onboard was an opportunity to indulge in French cuisine. I tasted fresh cheeses from Normandy, and warm, flaky pastries in small village bakeries. One evening, as we cruised under a canopy of stars, I sat on the deck, reflecting on the incredible places I had visited. The soft sound of the water against the boat and the cool breeze made it feel like the Seine itself was telling me stories of its past.

The End of a Journey

As we approached the end of the cruise, I found myself feeling so very grateful for this opportunity. Full of new experiences, of history and beauty. The journey from Paris to Normandy had been everything I had hoped for and more—a slow, thoughtful immersion into the heart of France, where every stop along the river revealed a new layer of its story.

When the boat finally docked for the last time, I stood on the deck, watching the gentle ripples of the Seine and its beauty. This river cruise had been more than just a trip—it had been a journey through time, history, and the soul of France.

I cannot wait to return and explore this beautiful part of the world again.

Linda Wangsgaard

I have worked here for 20+ years. It has given me the opportunity to love so many different cultures and ways of life. I love working with people, and travel. That makes being a travel agent a perfect fit. My favorite places to visit are Italy, Alaska, NYC, Costa Rica, San Diego, Mexico, Hawaii, NewPort Beach Area, East Coast for fall foliage, the Washington DC area, and the Great Pacific Northwest. I also love river cruising and anything Disney. I would love to help you plan the vacation of a lifetime!

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