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

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

Days 1-3

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 4

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 5-7

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 7-9

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 9

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 10

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 10

La Roche-Guyon

Day 11

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 11-13

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.

Days 1-3

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 4

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 5-7

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 7-9

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 9

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 10

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 10

La Roche-Guyon

Day 11

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 11-13

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.

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.