The Knitting group enjoyed a fabulous tour of Paris and Normandy over the 9-day trip. Most of the group arrived in Paris two days before the start of the river cruise and were able to experience a guided tour of some of the lesser-known treasures of Paris, and visit the newly renovated Notre Dame Cathedral.

Designer, teacher, writer, and illustrator Franklin Habit provided the group with an insider’s look at the knitting and needlecraft of Paris. During his presentation the group was able to learn where the locals hunt for the best yarns and fabrics (at the best prices); and see the neighborhood where hidden workshops–some a century old–still produce samples that appear on runways and in showrooms.

The next day everyone left our hotel to visit Montmartre. The tour stated with a ride on the funicular railroad that ascends the hill giving us a wonderful view of the area and its most recognizable landmark, the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur. After lunch the knitters boarded the AmaWaterways AmaDante for the 7-day river cruise of Normandy.

The first stop was the charming town of Les Andelys, where we uncovered the historic Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart. After lunch onboard the AmaDante, the group meet in the Chef’s Table Restaurant for a knitting workshop with Carla Scott as we sailed to Le Havre. The knitters were invited to join in a lighthearted design contest. The winners of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will have their scarflet designs (and instructions!) featured in an upcoming issue of Noro.

The next day the guests were able to have a full day of exploration. Some opted for a tour of Le Havre, while many journeyed to the quaint, seaside town of Honfleur. Many in the group were able to pay respects and watch the laying of the wreath at 11:00am on Remembrance Day, November 11^th, on the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, at the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach. Afterwards the group visited the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can still be seen.

The following morning, in Rouen, the guests had the option to do a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. A few preferred to go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where they were treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider. Later that day the group visited Bonnemare Castle, a 16th-century architectural treasure lined with picturesque poplar trees.

The knitters enjoyed an A to Z Knitting Workshop with Carla Scott the following morning as we sailed to Vernon. On arrival we were able to visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles, enjoying an escorted tour of the palace and gardens.

On arrival back in Paris the guests had a choice of excursions. Some traveled to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. Others enjoyed the exquisite architecture of the Château de Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, also known as "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe." In the early evening, the group experienced the “City of Light” from a unique perspective onboard a modern river boat on the banks of the Seine River near the Eiffel Tower taking in panoramic views of the city’s iconic buildings and monuments, including the Musee d’Orsay and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

All too soon we all had to bid adieu, until our next knitting adventure!