Name: Normandy & Gems of the Seine with French Riviera
Brand: Scenic

Overview

Setting sail from Paris, Scenic Gem invites you on a memorable 13-night Scenic cruise through the stunning waters of France. The itinerary features stops at 3 destinations, including Les Andelys and Caudebec-en-Caux, before arriving in Nice. There's a pleasing rhythm to this cruise - days spent exploring ashore, and time on board to relax and recharge between ports. Prices for this cruise start from £6,392 per person.

Scenic

Scenic River Cruises is one of the most luxurious cruise operators in the world.

It’s the cruise line behind the innovative and super luxurious yacht-style ship Scenic Eclipse, a ship that revolutionised the cruise industry when it launched.

That same level of luxury can be had on its fleet of river ships.

The cruise line offers an all-inclusive experience, featuring amenities like spas, terraces, panorama lounges and spacious cabins with private butlers.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Paris

The French capital needs no introduction, but seeing it from the Seine offers a different perspective on the city. The river winds through the heart of Paris, its banks flanked by many of its most iconic sights, from Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.Most cruises start or end in Paris, allowing at least a full day to explore, at your own pace or on an organised excursion. Independent exploration is easy, with the metro, bateaux-mouches and a good pair of shoes all offering ways to see the city on your terms.The Left Bank brims with literary cafés, while the Right Bank has grand boulevards and elegant arcades. And while you shouldn’t miss the city’s big hitters, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Jardin du Luxembourg, don’t hesitate to adventure beyond the headliners, whether you want to browse the shelves at English-language bookshop Shakespeare and Company, sip coffee at Les Deux Magots or take in the view from Montmartre.

Day 2

Les Andelys

Set beneath chalky cliffs on a bend in the Seine, Les Andelys is one of the most picturesque stops on the river. This small Normandy town is best known for the dramatic ruins of Château Gaillard, built for Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century to defend his duchy. From its perch, the fortress offers panoramic views over the Seine Valley.Les Andelys is actually two towns in one: the upper town, where the castle sits and the lower riverside town with its medieval streets, traditional houses and Gothic church. Walking paths connect the two, winding past chalk cliffs and apple orchards typical of the region.Les Andelys is compact enough to explore on foot, and many cruises allow time to hike up to the castle or enjoy a wander along the riverbank.

Days 3-4

Rouen

Rouen is one of the prettiest cities along the Seine, with its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and soaring Gothic churches. Once one of the largest and wealthiest cities in medieval Europe, Rouen is best known as the place where Joan of Arc was tried and executed in 1431.Visitors can explore the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, an immersive museum housed in the former archbishop’s palace or visit the modern church that marks the site of her execution. Rouen Cathedral, famously painted by Monet, dominates the skyline with its intricate façade and towering spire.The city’s size makes it perfect to explore on foot, and it is a favourite stop of cruisers in medieval history or Impressionist art.

Days 5-7

Honfleur

Honfleur is one of Normandy’s most charming ports, often topping the list of favourite stops on Seine cruises. Set on the estuary where the Seine meets the Channel, Honfleur’s appeal lies in its narrow cobbled streets, slate-fronted houses and historic harbour.The Vieux Bassin, or Old Dock, is the heart of Honfleur, with its tall, narrow buildings and the cafés and galleries that line the quay. Nearby, the Church of Sainte-Catherine, built in the 15th century, is one of France’s few remaining wooden churches.Honfleur’s artistic heritage is another draw. Painters, including Monet and Boudin, were inspired by the town.

Day 7

Caudebec-en-Caux

Set on a bend of the Seine, Caudebec-en-Caux is a quiet Normandy town and a common base for excursions into the surrounding region, but the town itself has historic charm, particularly in the Gothic Church of Notre-Dame, with its complex stonework and stained glass.In Caudebec’s centre, you’ll find some timber-framed houses and remnants of medieval fortifications. There’s also a riverfront promenade and a small museum dedicated to local history and traditions.Many cruise lines use Caudebec as a launch point for excursions to the Abbey Route, taking in magnificent monastic sites like Jumièges and Saint-Wandrille, or further afield to Étretat’s cliffs or the D-Day beaches.

Day 8

La Roche-Guyon

Day 8

Vernon

Vernon is a small, picturesque town on the Seine known for its half-timbered houses, historic stone bridges, cobbled streets and lively market atmosphere.Vernon is the gateway to Giverny, just a short drive away, where you'll find Claude Monet’s famous gardens and home. Many river cruises include guided excursions to Giverny, allowing visitors to see the water lilies and vibrant flower beds that inspired Monet’s masterpieces.The town itself has charming cafés and bakeries lining the main square, plus a 12th-century church, Saint-Maclou, with distinctive Norman architecture.

Day 9

Conflans-Sainte-Honorine

At the confluence of the Seine and the Oise, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine has long been a hub for river life. Often called the capital of France’s inland waterways, it has a deep connection to barge culture. Many of the boats moored along its banks are still home to families, and the riverside promenade is lined with old péniches (barges), some converted into museums or chapels.We recommend a visit to the Musée de la Batellerie, housed in a grand château, which tells the story of French river navigation. From Conflans, cruise excursions often head to nearby places of interest, including the Palace at Versailles or the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent his final days.

Days 9-11

Paris

Days 11-14

Nice

Day 1

Day 2

Days 3-4

Days 5-7

Day 7

Day 8

La Roche-Guyon

Day 8

Vernon

Day 9

Conflans-Sainte-Honorine

Days 9-11

Paris

Days 11-14 Nice

Nice

122

Passengers

Crew

2014

Launched

2024

Last refit

2200t

Tonnage

110m

Length

Decks

EUR

Currency

Scenic Gem

Scenic Gem cruises the stunning Seine River in France. This custom-built Space-Ship designed for only up to 124 guests, can access the top of the Seine and has the unique ability to take you to the port commune of Honfleur, thanks to its special design.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

6 star river cruising

10/10 from start to finish, cruise, staff, food , excursions were all excellent. Would highly recommend a scenic river cruise , yes it was expensive but definitely worth it in terms of service, quality of food etc

Scenic Scenic Jewel

Reviews

Romantic rhine

Very good cruise excellent crew great entertainment and superb food and drink

Scenic Scenic Jasper

Reviews

A wonderful river cruise

We spent ten days on the Danube, and although the water levels meant that we did not get as far as our planned destination, we had a wonderful time drifting through some stunning scenery. The service was superb, there was a tremendous range of food, and even the wines varied depending on which country we happened to be in at the time! Now that the Covid years have died down, we plan to travel with Scenic again next year.

Reviews

Reviews

Itinerary was great. Ship was lovely. Good public rooms. Had a balcony cabin but it was small. Food was first class. Staff and crew were friendly, welcoming, professional and efficient. Wonderful cruise.

Scenic Scenic Jasper

Reviews

2022-12-14 12:44:41

This was our first river cruise, having previously done a number of Sea cruises. Yes it was more expensive, but you can see where the extra money goes. From being collected at the airport to being taken back to the airport this was a wonderful cruise. The staff were all friendly, hard working and attentive with a ratio of 2 staff to 1 passenger. Each cabin had a personal butler who was available for any needs, reachable on the phone. The food was excellent, the drinks all included (not just with meals and including the mini bar), as were the gratuities and a choice of trips each day. All the trips that we did were top notch, with local knowledgeable guides. The balcony cabin was spacious and comfortable with a super size bed that you could remotely adapt to your needs. The cruise director, JJ, was always available and presented a fun presentation each evening about the next days offerings. A wonderful Enrich experience on the night in Vienna was a private concert of music, dance and opera in a lovely palatial setting. E bikes were available for personal use or some arranged trips and the scenery down the Danube was spectacular. I cannot fault the whole experience and it has left us wanting more.

Scenic Scenic Amber

Reviews

2022-12-09 15:00:25

An enjoyable trip from Marseilles to Lyon with good food and quality excursions. This was slightly marred on departure by the coach taking us to Lyon Airport actually dropping us about 800 yards away at the railway station [to avoid paying the drop-off charge at the airport?] giving us all - including elderly - a totally unnecessary hike with our luggage

Scenic Scenic Sapphire

Reviews

2022-11-10 10:19:32

Had a lovely time onboard , the staff were excellent but you could tell they were training new people up post covid. The accommodation used to be first rate but is now starting to look aged . The entertainment on the TV ie films and TV was old and the system now feels clumsy to use given todays technology . I think Apple discontinued these controls 5 years or more ago . Hardly any evening entertainment , I recall bing on this cruise line where guest performers arrived most nights on the Rhine . Given the high cost v other boats it no longer represents great value . It might cheaper more cost effective to go to Viking and pay for drinks .

Scenic Scenic Azure