To the Armada: Dunkirk – Rouen

Four nights sailing from Dunkirk through the Channel and up the Seine to Rouen, arriving for the opening of the Armada 2027, France's largest tall ships festival. On board the four-masted schooner Santa Maria Manuela.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

Route: Dunkirk – English Channel – Seine estuary – River Seine – Rouen
Departure: Sunday 13 June 2027, Dunkirk, France
Arrival: Thursday 17 June 2027, Rouen, France
Duration: 4 nights
Ship: Santa Maria Manuela, four-masted schooner from 1937

Prices per person

Berth in a shared cabin (bunk): € 1,120
Bunk-bed cabin, per person sharing: € 1,280
Double-bed cabin, per person sharing: € 1,660

Lowest price from € 1,120 per person for a berth in a shared cabin. A cabin for yourself, a master cabin or a family cabin for three to four people is also possible; ask us for the price.

SAILING INTO THE ARMADA ON A TALL SHIP

Every few years the Rouen Armada brings together dozens of tall ships from around the world along the quays of the Seine, with millions of visitors. There is no finer way to be there than on board one of those ships.

This short voyage departs close to the Belgian border, which makes it easy to reach.

THE ROUTE

Dunkirk

Board in the maritime port of Dunkirk.

Through the Channel

South-west along the Opal Coast and the chalk cliffs of Normandy. Help with the sails, learn knots or take the helm.

Up the Seine

From the estuary near Le Havre the ship heads upriver, past green banks, villages and wooded slopes.

Rouen and the Armada

You arrive as the Armada begins. After disembarking you can enjoy the festivities on your own.

EXTRA INFORMATION

LIFE ON BOARD

The Santa Maria Manuela is a 68-metre steel four-masted schooner, built in 1937 for the Portuguese cod fishery off Newfoundland and Greenland, the famous White Fleet. After a thorough restoration she has been sailing again since 2010, now with guests. Every cabin has its own bathroom with shower: shared cabins with bunks for four to six people (separate for men and women), cabins with a bunk bed or a double bed, and spacious master cabins for two to four people. A permanent crew sails the ship; you are always welcome to help, but you do not have to. You can help hoist and trim the sails, take the helm, learn knots or climb the mast under supervision. If you prefer to rest, find a spot on deck or in the bowsprit net. Meals are provided on board and eaten together.

WHO IS THIS VOYAGE FOR

For tall ship enthusiasts and anyone who wants to experience the Armada in a unique way.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Book your accommodation in Rouen early: the city is busy during the Armada.
• Dunkirk is easy to reach from Belgium by car or train.
• No sailing experience is needed; the crew explains everything.
• The ship sails under the Portuguese flag and the language on board is English.
• Travel insurance covering medical costs and repatriation is required; cancellation insurance is recommended.
• Travel to the port of departure and home from the port of arrival is not included.
• Ideally arrive a day before departure: the ship cannot wait for late arrivals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does the ship stay in Rouen during the Armada?

The voyage ends at the opening; the next voyage leaves Rouen after the Armada.

Do we sail all the way up the Seine?

Yes, from the estuary to Rouen.

Do I have to help with the sailing?

No. Help is welcome but never compulsory; the permanent crew sails the ship.

Does every cabin have its own bathroom?

Yes. All cabins on board, including the shared cabins, have their own bathroom with shower.

How do I book this trip?

Send us a request through the booking form on this page. Together we will check availability, your choice of cabin and the next steps.

The trip description and route are indicative. The programme depends on weather, wind and sea conditions; the captain has the final say on the route and ports.

All services that make up your trip are provided by independent suppliers. When you book, you enter into a contract directly with the supplier, the ship, under the booking conditions of that ship. As an agent, our service consists of promoting the trips offered by the supplier and acting as a facilitator in obtaining a booking agreement between the customer and the supplier. In doing so, we are always at your disposal with our experience and service.

The Tall Ship Santa Maria Manuela is a four-mast sailing ship built in 1937. This sailingship has a rich history as a cod fishing vessel and sailed mainly in the northern Atlantic ocean. Today you can sail on a cruise in modern comfort. The ship has been thoroughly restored in 2010 thanks to its new owner, the Portuguese group Grupo Jerónimo Martins. With a capacity of up to 50 guests, the sailing ship offers wonderful sailing trips worldwide.