Highlights of Normandy & the Seine with Highlights of Paris

The glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the night sky, romantic couples walking hand in hand along the banks of the Seine and chic locals walking the runway that is the Champs-Élysées are just some of the images conjured when thinking about Paris.  

Today is yours to explore at your own pace and marvel in this great city.

After breakfast, explore Paris with your choice of Scenic Freechoice excursions. 

Freechoice:
Guided tour of Paris: Journey via coach through the City of Light. You’ll see some of the city’s most scenic districts and monuments. Drive along the banks of the beautiful Seine River and pass Palais Garnier, the 19th century opera house, the Louvre, one of the world’s largest art museums, and the impressive Les Invalides complex.

Secrets of Montmartre:  Step back in time as you trapse the winding cobblestone streets of the district that has been home to many famous artists for centuries and once you see the beauty of this district you will understand why. See some of the quirky characteristics of the district including the greenspace in the middle of the city, the vineyard of Montmartre that produces some 27 varieties of wine.

Today you have time to explore this magical city at your leisure before transferring to the Scenic Gem. You will be welcomed on board by our friendly crew who are excited to share an unforgettable cruise along the Seine River.

Wake this morning in Conflans-Saint Honorine, a medieval town located at the confluence of the rivers 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.

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.

Chantilly Castle and Gardens: Take a guided tour of the castle, a magnificent tribute to France’s cultural heritage, built by Henri D'Orleans, 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)

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. Much of Rouen was sadly destroyed in World War II, however 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.

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 the 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 you will enjoy some free time afterwards to explore.

Tastes of Normandy: The abundant region of Normandy is famed for its high quality dairy industry and fruit orchards. On this tour, visit local producers to taste some of the delicious soft cheeses, cider and calvados.

Back on board this evening, listen to a fascinating expert lecture.
WWI Lecture – Day in the life of 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.

Honfleur, the most picturesque of the Côte Fleurie's seaside towns, is a time-burnished place with a surplus of half-timber houses and cobbled streets that are lined with a stunning selection of stylish boutiques. Much of its Renaissance architecture remains intact—especially around the 17th-century Vieux Bassin harbor, where the water is fronted on one side by two-story stone houses with low, sloping roofs and on the other by tall slate-topped houses with wooden facades. Maritime expeditions (including some of the first voyages to Canada) departed from here; later, Impressionists were inspired to capture it on canvas. But the town as a whole has become increasingly crowded since the Pont de Normandie opened in 1995. Providing a direct link with Upper Normandy, the world's sixth-largest cable-stayed bridge is supported by two concrete pylons taller than the Eiffel Tower and designed to resist winds of 257 kph (160 mph).

Honfleur is a colourful port city on the edge of the English Channel. You will enjoy a spectacular arrival with the specially designed Scenic Gem cruising even further into this harbour. 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. It’s an easy walk from the ship to explore the harbour area and network of laneways beyond. 

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, where 2,400 tragically passed.

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 of the 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, site of an important battle, 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. 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, site of an important battle.

Walking tour of Honfleur: 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.

Honfleur, the most picturesque of the Côte Fleurie's seaside towns, is a time-burnished place with a surplus of half-timber houses and cobbled streets that are lined with a stunning selection of stylish boutiques. Much of its Renaissance architecture remains intact—especially around the 17th-century Vieux Bassin harbor, where the water is fronted on one side by two-story stone houses with low, sloping roofs and on the other by tall slate-topped houses with wooden facades. Maritime expeditions (including some of the first voyages to Canada) departed from here; later, Impressionists were inspired to capture it on canvas. But the town as a whole has become increasingly crowded since the Pont de Normandie opened in 1995. Providing a direct link with Upper Normandy, the world's sixth-largest cable-stayed bridge is supported by two concrete pylons taller than the Eiffel Tower and designed to resist winds of 257 kph (160 mph).

Arrive in the small town of Caudebec-en Caux early this morning. Set on a curve of the Seine, the riverfront is lined with handsome homes, stately gardens and crumbling stone walls. Caudebec -eCaux 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-eCaux. 

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

Fecamp and Benedictine 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 Benedictine Palace, a 19th-century architectural masterpiece, famous for producing Benedictine liquor, said to contain 27 plants and spices. Enjoy a tasting during your visit.

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.

Rural e-bike cycling: Join your local guide as you ride through the spectacular scenery surrounding Caudebec-en-C. Cycle across historic bridges, past traditional houses with straw roofs and get an insight into local life.

Lillebonne tour: On this walking you will discover the secret Roman history of Normandy as told by one of Caesar's very own Roman legionaries in full armour and costume. Follow in the footsteps of Caesar himself and enter the largest Roman amphitheatre in northern Europe where over 10,000 spectators watched gladiators fight to the death.

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.  

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 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.

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

Enrich
Take a short walk from the ship to Château La Roche-Guyon, which is built into a chalk hillside and dates to the 16th century. Walk through the manicured orchard and vegetable gardens, 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. 

Welcome back to Paris, where you will spend this afternoon exploring this iconic city. First timers will love the highlights tour, which allows you to tick off bucket-list items such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, while return visitors may want to discover 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.

Freechoice:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice

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, 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.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: Take a coach to the Château 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 manicured hedges creating a theatrical setting.

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.