My husband and I are planning a trip to France this fall. There will be four of us-all over 60 years old but active. We would like to spend time in Paris on our own and then travel to the Normandy area. We were thinking of a river cruise on Uniworld or Grand Circle with the optional extention of three days in Normandy. We were also considering driving or taking a tour from Paris to Normandy. What do you think of the river cruises? Do you know of any good tours from Paris to Normandy?

I have no experience of these cruises, but I think they take a week to go from Paris to Honfleur. The actual cruise takes about two days and the rest of the time is spent making coach tours. Therefore, the cruise is really more of a tour using the ship as a hotel.

I think you could see more and enjoy yourselves more if you were to drive instead of taking a tour.

We will probably drive to Normandy from Paris. How is the southern river cruise from Arles to Lyon?

I don't know anyone who has been on the Rhône River cruise, but it looks as though it would be very pleasant, and we've been tempted to give it a try.