We flew into Paris on 3/30/26 and stayed at a charming little hotel called Belinda. I decided to take along my newly published book PASSION PURPOSE PROMISE With a Song of Peace to show it oL! The staL spoke perfect English, the food in the restaurant was great, and it was a perfect place to meet our driver and guide for a 3-hour tour of Paris before boarding Avalon’s Tapestry II.
The quick jaunt around included an English-speaking guide who took us to the greatest viewing places for the EiLel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Café du Musee, Notre-Dame (yes, we found the famous Hunchback on the side!) and the Shakespeare book store in the heart of Paris where he spent many hours in his writing career. Avalon’s “Suite Ship” Tapestry II, with 128 guests including 2 Royal Stes, 32 Panorama Stes, and the rest Standard Stes is very comfortable with great staL, lounging “extras” and food and wine choices galore.
Entertainment on the ship was both fun and interactive, especially when Larry Love ended up on “stage” with a red skirt doing the “can can.” We enjoyed the home of Napoleon Boneparte and French guides did not disappoint in furthering our French orientation along the Seine. There are “Notre Dame” churches in most every small town, and we loved the interesting history behind Rouen and architecture in the quaint town. Joan of Arc’s gravesite was on the tour and the cathedral was one of the most unique I have seen in travels around the world.
The coastal town of Honfleur was especially picturesque with boats everywhere as well as a merry-go-round and Farris wheel. Of course the French pastries did not disappoint either as we roamed the streets and had free time to explore.
An interesting note about river cruising …is that ships park parallel to each other, and it is quite common to walk through the main lobby of several diLerent brands of ships as we explored France countryside. Evenings revolved around a “Happy Hour” of being back onboard and enjoying the vibe from others who had been out exploring, followed by dinner in the main dining room. Food on the ship was AMAZING, from start to finish. And the staL did not disappoint in the world of river exploration.
Before visiting Normandy, a speaker shared history in the evening lounge area. Other forms of entertainment were also well received by all onboard. Then along came Easter morning where we were greeted at breakfast with colored eggs and a special send-oL for the day’s exploration to Normandy. The inlet near LeHarve where the troops landed still has bunkers used from the war and barracks where the men hunkered down and stayed. Omaha Beach ceremonies gave cause for reflection as we explored the grounds where the cemetery is picturesque and trees manicured to perfection.
The US Flag rises high above the area where a reflecting pool and maps bring history alive. A ceremony was held on the beach, and two men placed a wreath at the Memorial Service where TAPS was played after which voices chimed in with “God Bless America.” This opportunity seemed doubly blessed on Easter Sunday and certainly brought silence and remembrance on a period of time when so many perished. It was cold and windy, damp and chilly, which seemed apropos and somber for the occasion. This moving experience, a short distance from the Seine River in France, was simply amazing. Do NOT miss it, when YOU plan your trip to France. Or let Miles of Love Travel plan your next river or ocean cruise. We love helping others with a Song of Peace in our hearts! And while you are at it, pick up a copy of my new book PASSION PURPOSE PROMISE WITH A Song of Peace. Perhaps you can follow along on our Ambassador of Peace journeys around the world as you bask in your own spiritual awareness. God had blessed us royally and we hope we can bring a bit of peacefulness to YOUR Day as you share our travels. CLMPeace12@gmail.com