from Rouen to La Rochelle
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Highlights of the voyage
* Travel aboard a historic four-masted schooner to the opening of the "Rouen Armada"
* Experience sailing on the English Channel as well as a scenic voyage up the Seine
* Lend a hand with the sail manoeuvres and discover the traditions of life aboard a tall ship
* Enjoy long June evenings on deck and the changing views of the French coast
* The voyage ends in Rouen, where medieval lanes and a magnificent cathedral await you behind the riverside promenade
* Enjoy life aboard a tall ship and make the most of time for explorations ashore
Trip description:
Leave Rouen after the celebrations of the magnificent Armada.
Travel aboard the Santa Maria Manuela between two historic port cities.
Experience the changing landscape along the Seine – from the river banks to the open estuary.
Sail through the English Channel, around Brittany and out onto the Atlantic.
Take part in sailing operations and enjoy long summer evenings at sea.
Arrive in La Rochelle, a city renowned for its harbour towers and maritime heritage.
After the magnificent Armada in Rouen, experience a voyage aboard the Santa Maria Manuela between two destinations with rich maritime heritage.
From the banks of the Seine to the Atlantic port of La Rochelle, this six-night passage combines river landscapes, coastal sailing and life aboard a historic tall ship.
Our voyage begins with the passage down the Seine, where we exchange Rouen's waterfront promenade for green river banks, villages and the widening estuary.
Once we reach the English Channel, the open sea sets a new rhythm, leading us westward along the Norman coast, around Brittany and south towards La Rochelle.
Familiarise yourself with life on board, savour the long June days and lend a hand alongside the crew – whether setting sails, learning knots or taking the helm.
The captain welcomes you "Welcome aboard the Santa Maria Manuela!"
Relaxed time in the evenings on board
Help the crew handle the sails, try your hand at the helm or simply relax on deck and watch the sea stretch to the horizon.
Participation is entirely voluntary, and our crew will be on hand to assist you at all times.
There are many opportunities to lend a hand. Help the crew set the sails, take the helm or keep watch on the horizon as the ship heads northeast.
Between manoeuvres you can find a favourite spot on deck, browse a book or chat unhurriedly with other guests.
Away from everyday bustle there is time to notice the smaller things: the changing colours of the water, the sound of wind in the rigging and the first lights appearing along the coast.
Whether you want to get hands-on or prefer to relax and watch the activity – there's room on board for active learning as well as quiet moments of reflection.
Over the course of four nights the ship becomes a familiar home.
You might chat with the crew about the route, find out what is happening on the bridge, or stay outside after dinner to enjoy the evening light.
There is no need to plan every hour when the real pleasure lies in the journey itself.
The voyage takes on a new rhythm as soon as we enter the Seine and head upriver towards Rouen.
Green banks, villages and wooded slopes replace the wide horizon, offering an unforgettable backdrop as we approach this historic city.
Our destination is La Rochelle, a city shaped by seafaring over the centuries. Its famous harbour towers, historic quaysides and lively streets offer a welcoming setting to explore the city on your own after disembarkation.
La Rochelle boasts a rich maritime and architectural heritage; the historic harbour, guarded by striking mediaeval towers, forms the vibrant heart of the city.
The city is closely connected to the Atlantic and a centuries-old tradition of seafaring and trade, and during the "Tall Ships Festival" it transforms into an extraordinary meeting place: magnificent tall ships fill the harbour basin and the waterfront comes alive with festive activity.
With its combination of elegant arcaded walkways, historic buildings and a strong maritime identity, the city offers an impressive backdrop for the visit of the "Santa Maria Manuela".
The time-honoured yet vibrant connection to the sea gives La Rochelle a distinctive character and makes arrival under sail a particularly imposing experience.
weather conditions
At the end of June and beginning of July, you can generally expect mild to warm days and long periods of daylight.
Weather conditions along the route can vary – from sunshine to cloud cover and occasional rain.
On the English Channel and in the waters around Brittany it can be cool and windy, whilst it may become warmer as you approach La Rochelle.
Pack clothing in layers, plus a warm fleece jacket and waterproof outer clothing, as well as sun protection, sunglasses and comfortable, non-slip shoes.
Even in summer it can be cool in the evenings and when spending time on deck.
Embrace the adventure of traditional seafaring and experience a very special sailing voyage aboard the "Santa Maria Manuela"!
And if you have any questions: we look forward to hearing from you 🙂
Your INMARIS Team
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More InformationMap from OpenStreetMap. When the map is displayed, data is transmitted to the provider.
More InformationGaff schooner
225 feet

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