After the Armada: Rouen – La Rochelle

Six nights from Rouen down the Seine, along Normandy and around Brittany to La Rochelle. After the Armada 2027 this voyage combines river, coast and open sea, on board the four-masted schooner Santa Maria Manuela.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

Route: Rouen – River Seine – English Channel – Normandy – Brittany – Bay of Biscay – La Rochelle
Departure: Sunday 27 June 2027, Rouen, France
Arrival: Saturday 3 July 2027, La Rochelle, France
Duration: 6 nights
Ship: Santa Maria Manuela, four-masted schooner from 1937

Prices per person

Berth in a shared cabin (bunk): € 1,680
Bunk-bed cabin, per person sharing: € 1,920
Double-bed cabin, per person sharing: € 2,490

Lowest price from € 1,680 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.

FROM THE SEINE TO THE ATLANTIC COAST

After the bustle of the Armada the ship glides down the Seine to the sea. Then follows a beautiful coastal route: Normandy, the rugged tip of Brittany and the Atlantic coast down to La Rochelle.

The long summer days make for endless evenings on deck.

THE ROUTE

Rouen

Board in Rouen, the city of Joan of Arc and the Gothic cathedral painted by Monet.

Down the Seine

Past green banks, châteaux and villages to the wide estuary near Le Havre.

Normandy and Brittany

West along the Normandy coast, then around Brittany, past Ushant, heading south.

La Rochelle

Arrival between the famous medieval harbour towers of La Rochelle, a city with centuries of seafaring history.

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 those looking for a full sea voyage along the French coast, with a river passage as a bonus.

GOOD TO KNOW

• La Rochelle has a TGV connection to Paris and an airport.
• 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

Will I see any of the Armada?

You board just after the Armada; arrive a few days early to visit the festival.

Can I continue to Bordeaux?

Yes, from La Rochelle the ship sails to the Fête du Vin in Bordeaux.

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.