What I love so much about travel is even though you may have visited a destination before, there will always be something new to discover.
This was certainly true on my recent cruise along the Seine through the French countryside. And being with my mom to share this memorable experience made it even more special. While this region offers so much to see and do from the historic Normandy Beaches to Monet’s home and garden in Giverny to all the grand château, traveling during autumn you experience the harvesting of apples and all its endless and delicious possibilities. Surprisingly, Normandy is the only region in France that doesn’t produce wine, but that doesn’t mean they don’t produce something equally delightful. Similar to the annual harvesting of the grapes, the Normans harvest the apples yielding an incredible array of ciders, along with its potent sibling, Calvados, an apple brandy, and an abundance of sweet treats from apple pudding to apple tarts.
After a few days of great food, cider and Calvados, it was time to burn up those calories and what better way than cycling along the Seine. Along with a few other guests, we peddled through the quiet village of Les Andelys, once home to the people who worked at Chateau Gaillard, whose ruins sit on top of the hill overlooking the Seine. As anyone who loves to bike will tell you, the rush of energy gives you a heightened alertness and freedom at a pace that still lets you appreciate the view.
Later, as I sit with my mom and our newfound friends on board the AmaLegro, we talk about how amazing it is to be able to experience centuries-old traditions and see them with a fresh perspective every time we travel.
I can’t wait to go back.