A Creative Knitting Retreat Through the Heart of France

HOSTED BY

Lesley Snyder of Rosehaven Yarn Shop and Jolyn Gardner of Leo & Roxy

Dates

May 6–13, 2027

Duration

7 Nights

Route

Paris to Paris

Fares

From $7,599 CAD

Request Availability

Limited to approximately 20–30 knitters. Deposit by September 30, 2026.

Croissants and Colourwork on the Seine

Cruise the Seine aboard AmaWaterways’ elegant AmaLyra while sharing the journey with a welcoming community of knitters. Explore Paris, Rouen and Normandy, visit places such as Les Andelys and Monet’s gardens in Giverny, and balance included excursions with optional colourwork workshops, relaxed stitching time and the pleasures of French food, culture and scenery.

Hosted Experience

Welcome gathering with fellow knitters
Optional colourwork workshops and demonstrations
Host presentations, Q&A and informal stitching time
Knit kits and project details to be announced and sold separately

Travel Experience

Seven nights aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaLyra
Included excursions with a choice of activity levels
Time to explore independently or relax on board
Professional booking and pre-departure support

Meet Your Hosts

Lesley Snyder and Jolyn Gardner

Fibre artists, independent yarn dyers, instructors and shop owners

Lesley Snyder is the owner of Rosehaven Yarn Shop and the master dyer behind Baa’d Girl Yarns. She is known for creating inclusive maker communities, teaching technical fibre-arts classes and hosting knitting retreats that combine education, creativity and travel.

Jolyn Gardner is the co-owner of Little Red Mitten in St. Thomas, Ontario, and a talented hand-dyer with Leo & Roxy Yarn Co. Her warm teaching style, eye for colour and passion for helping knitters try something new make her workshops and fibre adventures welcoming for makers of many experience levels.

Together, Lesley and Jolyn create relaxed, social experiences where knitters can learn, laugh, connect and make lasting memories.

Starting Fares

Prices are per person in Canadian dollars, based on double occupancy.

French Balcony · Category B

$7,599 CAD

Per person, double occupancy · Taxes and gratuities included

French Balcony · Category A

$7,699 CAD

Per person, double occupancy · Taxes and gratuities included

Pricing Includes

Luxury river-view stateroom
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Most scheduled shore excursions
Port charges and onboard Wi-Fi
Cruise Manager and onboard wellness activities

Not Included

Airfare and airport transfers
Optional pre- or post-cruise hotel stays
Travel insurance
Alcohol outside included meal service and hosted cocktail periods
Optional knitting workshops and knit kits

A non-refundable deposit of $750 per person is due upon booking. Final payment is due in January 2027. Prices and availability are subject to change until booked.

Interested in Joining This Hosted Cruise?

Request current availability, cabin options and booking details.

Check Availability

A Preview of the Journey

River cruising, French culture and time to create.

Paris and the Seine

AmaLyra in Rouen

Les Andelys and Château Gaillard

Explore the Itinerary

Expand each day to learn more about the journey.

Day 1 · May 6 · Paris

Embark AmaLyra in Paris. The ship is scheduled to depart at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Day 2 · May 7 · Les Andelys and Rouen

Visit Les Andelys from approximately 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Choose from options such as Château Gaillard or a guided bike tour. Arrive in Rouen for an evening visit from approximately 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Day 3 · May 8 · Le Havre

Enjoy an overnight stay in Le Havre with excursion choices that may include Honfleur, the UNESCO-listed city centre, a bike tour, Normandy landing beaches or a full-day Pays d’Auge experience.

Day 4 · May 9 · Le Havre

Continue exploring Le Havre and the surrounding Normandy region before the ship’s scheduled departure at approximately 9 a.m.

Day 5 · May 10 · Rouen and Caudebec-en-Caux

Choose from experiences such as a medieval Rouen walking tour, the Seine Museum, a Tastes of Normandy excursion or a visit to Bonnemare Castle. The ship is scheduled to remain overnight in the region.

Day 6 · May 11 · Vernon and Giverny

Cruise toward Vernon, arriving at approximately 1 p.m. Excursion choices may include Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny, Château de Bizy or a guided bike tour.

Day 7 · May 12 · Paris

Return to Paris for a choice of included experiences such as an artists’ walk in Auvers-sur-Oise, Château de Malmaison, a bike tour or a Bateaux Parisiens cruise.

Day 8 · May 13 · Paris

Disembark in Paris. Optional post-cruise arrangements can be added separately.

Itinerary, times, ports and excursions are subject to change by AmaWaterways.

Colourwork, Creativity and Community

Optional knitting workshops will be led by Lesley and Jolyn. Workshop details, project information and knit-kit pricing will be announced separately.

Guests are welcome to participate as much or as little as they choose. There will also be plenty of informal time to knit, share ideas and enjoy the company of fellow makers.

Is This Trip Right for You?

This experience may be a strong fit for travellers who:

Love knitting, yarn and fibre arts

Enjoy premium river cruising and thoughtful service

Value a welcoming community and shared experiences

Want flexible excursion choices and time to relax

Are travelling as a couple, with friends or solo, subject to availability

Enjoy learning, creativity and meeting fellow makers

Helpful Planning Notes

A few practical details to consider before reserving your place.

Arriving in Paris Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the suggested gateway.

Extend Your Stay Optional one-, two- or three-night pre-cruise hotel arrangements in Paris will be available.

Activity Level Excursion choices vary, but historic towns may include cobblestones, stairs and uneven surfaces.

Who It Is For This hosted experience is designed for adults and is best suited to travellers aged 18 and over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join on my own?

Yes, but solo space is very limited and a solo supplement applies. Hosted knitting trips are welcoming environments for travellers who arrive without knowing anyone.

Do I need to be an experienced knitter?

No. Workshop details and skill requirements will be shared once the project is finalized. The hosted activities are optional, and travellers can participate at the level that feels comfortable for them.

Can a non-knitting companion join me?

Yes. Companions are welcome to enjoy the cruise, included excursions and onboard amenities without participating in the knitting program.

Are the hosted knitting activities included?

The hosted workshops and knit kits will be offered at an additional cost and are completely optional. Details will be announced once the project and kit are finalized.

How much free time will I have?

You can participate as much or as little as you like. Choose from included shore excursions and onboard activities, join optional knitting sessions, or simply relax with your knitting and enjoy the scenery.

Are flights and transfers included?

No. Airfare and airport transfers are not included. Joanne and her team can assist with flights, transfers and optional pre- or post-cruise arrangements.

What travel documents are required?

A valid passport is required. Visa and entry requirements depend on citizenship and may change, so each traveller is responsible for confirming the documents required for France before departure.

Is the trip suitable for travellers with mobility limitations?

Historic towns may include cobblestones, steep walkways and stairs. River ships also have accessibility limitations. Contact Joanne’s team to discuss your individual needs before booking.

Reserve Your Place

Contact Joanne or Jodi for current availability, confirmed pricing and booking details.

Joanne O’Brien

Vacation Consultant

Toll-free1-888-739-3117 ext. 155

Office905-631-1700 ext. 155

Emailjobrien@expediacruises.com

Jodi Turkstra

Associate Consultant

Toll-free1-888-739-3117 ext. 134

Emailjturkstra@expediacruises.com