Normandy & Gems of the Seine

Welcome to France and the City of Light. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time to this romantic city, there is always something new to discover. Your journey will also culminate in Paris where you’ll have the opportunity to rediscover the City of Lights all over again.

Board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon and set off on a cruise you will treasure forever.

Please book your flight to arrive into Paris prior to 08:30 PM.

Enjoy a relaxed morning on board as you cruise gently along the Seine to Les Andelys. This exquisite waterside village dates back almost 900 years and is resplendent with well-preserved Norman-era houses and exquisite public buildings and overlooked by the imposing ruins of King Richard the Lionheart’s castle, Château Gaillard. Take a stroll alongside the river, admiring the striking limestone cliffs rising from it, or through the charming centre of town where the buildings are a living catalogue through time.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart': Step back to the age of Robin Hood on this Medieval-themed walking tour with your guide donned in traditional attire. Uncover the historical secrets of Les Andelys and venture up to Lionheart’s castle, Château Gaillard, to wander among the remnants.

Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard: Explore the picturesque Norman town of Les Andelys on the banks of the River Seine with your local guide before reaching the Château that looks over the city.

Cider farm visit: Normandy’s cider production embodies the essence of artisanal craftsmanship and rural charm. Visit a local farm to see the process in action and taste this distinctive effervescent drink.

Renaissance-era Château Gaillon: Explore the extraordinary 16th-century Château Gaillon, one of the earliest Renaissance-style châteaux in France. Admire the remnants of its lavish interior as you learn about its importance to French history.

Normandy’s capital, Rouen, has a history that spans over 2,000 years, from Viking legends to its significant role in both World Wars. It was also the place where Richard the Lionheart was crowned Duke of Normandy and Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. A considerable amount of Rouen was sadly destroyed in World War II, but much of the city has been faithfully restored, including the exquisite Old Town. It’s an engaging and historically rich destination, packed with museums, stylish bistros and coffee shops, and a wealth of churches, including the famed 12th century Rouen Cathedral.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Rouen city tour: See why Victor Hugo once described Rouen as ‘the city of a hundred spires’ on this guided tour. Visit the cathedral district, old marketplace and Saint-Maclou Quarter. Step into a fairytale of Medieval alleys and half-timbered houses. Learn about Joan of Arc and see where she was put to death in 1431. Enjoy free time afterwards.

Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking: Authentically dressed as Viking warlord Rollo the Walker – who was famously too tall to ride a horse – your guide will take you around the city to learn about the Viking raiders who made Rouen their capital. This tour focuses on the city’s Medieval past and before some free time afterwards to explore.

In the footsteps of Joan of Arc: Discover the gripping and heroic story of Joan of Arc on a captivating walking tour through Rouen. Immerse yourself in the dramatic narrative of this young heroine from the magnificent but haunting St. Ouen Church, a silent witness to her faith and trials, to the evocative Old Market Square, the site of her fiery martyrdom.

Back on board this evening, listen to a fascinating expert lecture. WWI Lecture – A day in the life of a Tommy: During this interactive evening, you will gain an understanding into the life of a soldier on the Western Front and learn why this was known as ‘the Great War’. From the curious 1914 Christmas armistice football match to the horrors of trench warfare involving machine guns, tanks, mining and the deadly flamethrower, you will experience the war through the eyes of an Allied soldier, ‘a Tommy’. Try on his equipment and weapons and taste his rations. This immersive experience will bring the history of war to life.

With another full day in Rouen today, you can uncover some of the region’s fascinating military history or explore its artistic legacy.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose to explore your way with today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park: Take a full day excursion to the site of the WWI Battle of the Somme, which claimed the lives of more than 150,000 soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth. Visit the Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), the Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater and Newfoundland Memorial Park, one of the largest areas on the Western Front whereshell holes and trenches are visibly a sign of its sombre past.

Excursion to the Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval: This full-day excursion will follow the same itinerary as the tour above, visiting the Somme Battlefields, the Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre) and the Franco-Australian Museum. After lunch, travel to Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, which contains more than 5,500 Commonwealth graves, then visit Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, and Lochnagar Crater.

Claude Monet and the colours of Rouen: Step into the world of Claude Monet, exploring the city’s iconic landmarks that inspired the famed Impressionist artist. Wander through Rouen’s charming Medieval streets while your guide shares rich historical insights and captivating Monet-related anecdotes. See the breathtaking Rouen Cathedral, immortalised in his famous series of over 30 paintings, and visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Back on board this evening, indulge in an exquisite dessert buffet, where the artistry of a local pastry chef brings classic French cakes to life. Savour a variety of beautifully displayed desserts, each slice a masterpiece that pairs perfectly with fine coffee or a glass of dessert wine.

Please note: The Sir John Monash Centre is a state-of-the-art immersive sensory experience that uses technology to tell the story. In order to maximise your experience, we suggest you download the Sir John Monash Centre app on your phone prior to embarking on your cruise.

Enjoy another relaxed morning on board as we cruise west to Honfleur, a colourful port city on the edge of the English Channel. Over the years the town has captured the imaginations of countless artists and was the birthplace of Impressionism. The bustling harbour and cobbled streets are a confection of half-timbered houses, restaurants, gourmet shops and art galleries. Your Scenic Space-Ship has been purpose-built to cruise further into the harbour, providing an easy walk from the ship to explore the harbour area and network of laneways beyond.

A guided walking tour of the city will show you its charming Inner Harbour, the Church of Sainte-Catherine and the Garden of Personalities, before you can explore on your own with some free time.

Back on board, experience the very best of French cheesemaking traditions with a presentation and cheese tasting, featuring a spotlight on Normandy’s celebrated classics like Camembert de Normandie, Pont-l’Évêque, and Neufchâtel. Later, history comes alive with an engaging lecture about Operation Fortitude and the daily life of Honfleur’s citizens during the D-Day campaign in World War II.

With a full day in Honfleur, this is your opportunity to learn more about the important role this region played in WWII. Your central docking location allows shorter transfers to today's activities for a more seamless experience.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of these excursions:

Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused): Start at the memorial on Utah Beach, where more than 20,000 US troops landed on June 6, 1944, before a visit of Sainte-Mère-Église, the town where 30 US Paratroopers landed during the Normandy Invasion. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre before a short stop at the Omaha Beach Memorial. Omaha Beach is often referred to as ‘Bloody Omaha’, as it resulted in the most casualties during the operation, with 2,400 paying the ultimate sacrifice.

Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including British Normandy Memorial (UK history focused): The small town of Bayeux was the first town to be liberated after the D-Day Landings and became the French capital for the summer of 1944, until the liberation of Paris. Visit the Bayeux War Cemetery and the Museum of the Battle of Normandy, which describes the chronological events from D-Day in detail. Then explore the state-of-the-art Landing Museum at Arromanches, located across the artificial harbour that was built to dispatch reinforcements. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the British Normandy Memorial, the Pegasus Bridge & Museum, and stop at the Ranville War Cemetery.

Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre (Canadian history focused): Begin at Abbey d’Ardenne, which was founded in the 11th century and is now a memorial to the Canadian Prisoners of War from the D-Day landings. Next you will head to Juno Beach Centre, a memorial to where 20,000 Canadian troops landed on that day. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery where the 335 Canadian men who were killed in the D-Day Landings and the early stages of the campaign are buried. You’ll also visit Pegasus Bridge & Museum, which is a site of an important battle.

Bayeux tour: If your interest sits in a different era of history, join a guided tour of Bayeux, including the Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux, built between the 11th and 14th centuries and considered a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture. You will have free time afterward to explore the town of Bayeux.

Begin cruising inland early this morning to the small town of Caudebec-en-Caux. Set on a curve of the Seine, the riverfront is lined with handsome homes, stately gardens and crumbling stone walls. Caudebec-en-Caux dates back to the Middle Ages and a handful of historic buildings survived the bombardments of WWII, including the ornate 15th century Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore more of the region on one of these Freechoice excursions:

Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum: Enjoy an active biking tour to the charming village of Villequier, cycling on an e-bike along the banks of the River Seine, following a flat eight-kilometre each way route. Visit the museum dedicated to Victor Hugo, the famous French poet, playwright and novelist before returning to the ship.

Fecamp and Bénédictine Palace: Take a coach transfer to Fecamp, an historic seaside town surrounded by some of the tallest cliffs in Normandy. Join a guided tour of the Bénédictine Palace, a 19th century architectural masterpiece, famous for producing Bénédictine liquor, said to contain 27 plants and spices. Enjoy a tasting during your visit.

Tales of the French Resistance: Set off on a walking tour and learn stories of the French Resistance, who fought against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. Hear local stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the historic city.

Normandy Abbey Road: Spiritual health and wealth have been important in Normandy since the Middle Ages. Explore this fascinating history with a local guide on the Abbey Road, where many grand abbeys sit on the banks of the River Seine.

Historically a border town between the Duchy of Normandy and the Kingdom of France, Vernon has a rich heritage and many distinctive buildings. Nearby Giverny was the home of Impressionist artist Claude Monet for more than 40 years.

Scenic Freechoice:
Discover more on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Monet's House and Garden: Journey to Giverny to tour the town and visit the home of the founder of Impressionism. Built by Monet, the gardens comprise a Japanese-inspired water garden with lilies, which inspired his most famous works. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your own leisure.

Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny: Take a self-guided biking tour from the ship in Vernon to Giverny (approximately five kilometres each way). When you arrive, you may wish to visit Monet’s House and Garden or wander about this charming town, before returning to the ship.

After exploring these beautiful gardens during this morning’s touring, you may feel inspired to create a masterpiece of your own during an on board painting class.

This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise towards La Roche-Guyon, where this evening’s exclusive Scenic Enrich experience will take place.

Scenic Enrich
Classical concert at Château de La Roche Guyon: Take a short walk from the ship to Château de La Roche-Guyon, which is built into a chalk hillside and dates to the 16th century. Walk through the manicured orchard and vegetable gardens producing fresh juices, then admire the decorative walls, ceilings and tapestries. On arrival you’ll enjoy a drink and sit for a splendid classical concert that focuses on music by French composers.

Wake this morning in Conflans-Saint-Honorine, a Medieval town located at the confluence of the River Seine and Oise. Though it’s just a short distance from the centre of the city, it feels a world away. A castle was built here by monks in the 9th century to protect the relics of Saint Honorine, from whom the town gets its name. It became a popular pilgrimage site in the 11th century, a practice which lasted for more than 700 years. Wander the quiet streets and the riverside pathway, sip coffee at an open-air café, and admire the beautiful ancient church.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities:

Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise: Travel to the village where Vincent Van Gogh painted his final masterpieces. See landmarks that were immortalised in his works, such as the famous Notre Dame de l'Assomption church. The tour includes entry to Van Gogh’s room, an attic that he rented during his final months and which has sat empty since 1890. Enjoy free time afterwards to wander through the village.

Château de Chantilly: Take a guided tour of the castle, a magnificent tribute to France’s cultural heritage, built by Henri d'Orléans, the son of the last King of France. See the fine collections he amassed in his lifetime, explore the gardens and enjoy some free time. (Please note: Chantilly Castle is closed on a Tuesday, and will be replaced with a visit to Versailles Palace and Garden instead)

Active walk with Musée de la Batellerie (inland water transport museum): Join this active tour in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine to visit the Inland Water Transport Museum. Conflans, sometimes called the barge capital of the world, is located on the confluence of Oise and Seine rivers, and water has played a very important role in the lives of its residents.

Château de Malmaison: This historic estate was once the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and his first wife, Josephine de Beauharnais. Renowned for its elegant neoclassical architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, the château reflects Josephine's refined taste and passion for botany. Today, it houses a museum showcasing furniture, artwork, and personal items from the Napoleonic era, providing a glimpse into the private lives of one of history's most famous couples.

This afternoon you’ll spend time on board as your Scenic Space-Ship cruises back to Paris.

Welcome back to Paris, where you will spend the day uncovering this iconic city. First timers may prefer the highlights tour, which allows you to visit renowned sites such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, while those rediscovering Paris may wish to explore the trendy Marais District or Opera Garnier, an opulent architectural masterpiece built in the 19th century. Or take a tour south-east of the city to an exquisite château.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice options:

Trendy Marais with a local Parisian: Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Marais district with a Parisian guide. A melting pot of cultures, fascinating history, opulent architecture, an eclectic arts scene and high-end fashion, the Marais is one of the most diverse districts in Paris.

Highlights of Paris city tour: Join a local guide on a coach tour of the city to see some of its most famous sites, from the Eiffel Tower to the Champs Elysee, the Arc de Triomphe and Concorde Square. You will also view the 1163-built Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, which recently reopened after a devastating fire in 2019.

Opera Garnier: Located in the theatrical heart of Paris, the spectacular Opera Garnier is resplendent with ornately decorated rooms, grand staircases, and glistening chandeliers. Tour this opera house and learn about the magnificent building that was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: Take a coach to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, located an hour’s drive from Paris. This château is credited as the founding French formal garden that was the inspiration for Versailles. The property is laid out in a typical symmetrical fashion with its stunning gardens creating a theatrical setting.

This afternoon is free to explore Paris at your own leisure. Perhaps you’d like to people-watch on the Champs-Elysee from a sidewalk café, head to the top of the Eiffel Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city, or venture to Montmartre, the artist’s district and where the famed Moulin Rouge is located. Alternatively, relax back on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. You will remain docked here overnight giving you one final chance to soak up the atmosphere of the City of Light.

Your journey concludes this morning. Disembark after breakfast, taking with you many wonderful memories of this unique part of France. Transfer to Paris airport or train station for your onward journey.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.