Travel to Paris by Eurostar or fly from Manchester. Transfer to the mooring to board the river cruiser for your seven-night cruise, which begins with a welcome drink and introduction to the crew.
(D)
Impressions of the Seine
France
7 nights 4 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookSailing through scenery which inspired Impressionist artists, Monet and Manet, Gaugin and Renoir, this is a river cruise through the romance of France, from the country’s inimitable capital, via historic towns, abbeys, chateaux, and harbours, to coastal Honfleur
Overview
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Overview
Rolling round the Paris basin, about midway on its 776km route to the English Channel, the splendid Seine cuts through the capital at just 24m above sea level; held between high embankments, busy with bateaux-mouches boats, crossed by the 17th century Pont Neuf (among 37 bridges), and passing Notre Dame Cathedral, the Musée d’Orsay and Eiffel Tower. From its ‘traversée de Paris’ section, it becomes the Basse (lower) Seine, looping and meandering through beautiful bucolic scenery, passing orchards, abbeys, and grand chateaux, and dropping through locks on its slow flow to Rouen. Now deep enough for oceangoing vessels, it is the tidal Seine Maritime until journey’s end beneath the impressive Pont de Normandie, the long bridge linking Honfleur and Le Havre. Your river cruiser for this return journey is either the elegant MS Seine Princess or MS Botticelli, which carry you in style to visit Claude Monet’s house and garden in Giverny; haunting monasteries on the Road of Abbeys; Honfleur’s old harbour, chic Deauville, and a castle distillery of Calvados on the Coast of Flowers; medieval monuments in the heart of historic Rouen; and a glimpse of rural Normandy life in riverbank villages and the Château Martainville museum.
Highlights
- Wander through Paris
- Visit the Claude Monet Foundation
- Enjoy a tour of the ‘Côte Fleurie’
- Taste some Calvados
- Explore the landing beaches
- Discover Rouen
Itinerary
Day 1 - Travel to Paris by Eurostar or fly from Manchester. Transfer to the mooring to board th
Day 2 - Spend a full day at leisure in Paris, to take in the sights and sounds of the city. Per
Spend a full day at leisure in Paris, to take in the sights and sounds of the city. Perhaps combine a stroll in the Place de la Concorde and Tuileries Gardens, with a viewing of Impressionist works at the Orangerie Museum; see the superb Monet collection at the Musée Marmottan (closed on Mondays); or join us on one of the optional tours. In the morning tour by coach, which shows you the past and present of Paris through its religious, prestigious, and cultural monuments, from the Louvre to the Latin Quarter, the Bastille, Marais and Trocadéro to the Champs Elysée, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower (pre-bookable). In the afternoon there is a tour to the Château de Versailles. Travel by coach to Versailles and enjoy a guided tour of château, including the King’s Grand Apartment, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Queen’s Apartments, where the guided tour will finish. There will be some time to explore the fabulous formal French gardens (pre-bookable only). This evening, enjoy a pre-dinner Jules Verne drinks party aboard.
(B, L, D)
Day 3 - Cruise to the Vernon area to visit the Claude Monet Foundation in Giverny. The artist’s
Cruise to the Vernon area to visit the Claude Monet Foundation in Giverny. The artist’s home from 1883 to 1926, the charmingly restored house and gardens seem still to be steeped in the calm and character of his tenure, when his passions for plants and painting came together in exquisitely colourful compositions, on canvas and in the equally artistic works of his flower and water gardens. Continue downriver toward Honfleur, sailing through timeless bucolic landscapes in the Loops of the Seine Natural Park.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 - Continue to sail to Honfleur, ‘the cradle of Impressionism’, at the mouth of the Seine
Continue to sail to Honfleur, ‘the cradle of Impressionism’, at the mouth of the Seine Maritime. An afternoon guided tour of the ‘Côte Fleurie’ takes you to the glamorous resort of Deauville, famed for its fine sand beach, luxury shops, charming villas, and boardwalk beach huts; and to the 16th/17th century Chateau du Breuil, a beautiful castle and prestigious distillery of Calvados Pays d’Auge, where we include a tasting.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 - Today there will be a full day trip to the landing beaches. Travel by coach to Pointe d
Today there will be a full day trip to the landing beaches. Travel by coach to Pointe du Hoc, which was the scene of one of the landings on June 6, 1944. After our visit, we'll pass through Omaha Beach, Colleville sur Mer and its American cemetery. After lunch, we'll continue to Arromanches, site of the famous battle with its artificial port installed to allow the invasion of land troops and their equipment. We'll stop at Arromanches 360° where you'll be able to watch a film in its circular room. We'll get back to Honfleur via Gold Beach, Juno Beach (Gray sur mer- Courseulles sur Mer - St Aubin sur Mer) and Sword Beach (Ouistreham Lion sur Mer - Luc sur mer). Arrival in Honfleur in the early evening. Cruise toward Caudebec.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 - Travel by coach to Honfleur for a morning walking tour of the town, its St. Catherine C
Travel by coach to Honfleur for a morning walking tour of the town, its St. Catherine Cathedral the country’s largest wooden church, its picture-perfect old port lined with 16th-18th century townhouses. Re-join the vessel in Duclair and sail toward Rouen. Afternoon arrival in Rouen, the ‘City of a Hundred Bell Towers’, for a city tour including the Gothic façade of Notre-Dame Cathedral, many times painted by Monet; the iconic Great Clock in its 14th century belfry; the marketplace where, in 1431, Joan of Arc was burned for heresy, and the Jeanne d’Arc Church in the Place du Vieux-Marché, built 550 years later to celebrate the saint. Farewell drinks party this evening.
(B, L, D)
Day 7 - Cruise to Les Andelys, with its 12th century fortress, high on a hilltop, built by Rich
Cruise to Les Andelys, with its 12th century fortress, high on a hilltop, built by Richard the Lionheart. Travel by coach through rural villages along the Andelle River, and visit the 15th century twin-towered Château Martainville, now a museum of 500 years of Normandy’s history, artistry, traditions, and everyday life. Continue cruising to return to Paris. Gala Dinner aboard.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 - Disembark in Paris and transfer to the airport or Eurostar station for your return jour
Disembark in Paris and transfer to the airport or Eurostar station for your return journey.
(B)
Day 1 - Travel to Paris by Eurostar
Travel to Paris by Eurostar or fly from Manchester. Transfer to the mooring to board the river cruiser for your seven-night cruise, which begins with a welcome drink and introduction to the crew.
(D)
Day 2 - Spend the day at leisure or on one of our optional tours
Spend a full day at leisure in Paris, to take in the sights and sounds of the city. Perhaps combine a stroll in the Place de la Concorde and Tuileries Gardens, with a viewing of Impressionist works at the Orangerie Museum; see the superb Monet collection at the Musée Marmottan (closed on Mondays); or join us on one of the optional tours. In the morning tour by coach, which shows you the past and present of Paris through its religious, prestigious, and cultural monuments, from the Louvre to the Latin Quarter, the Bastille, Marais and Trocadéro to the Champs Elysée, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower (pre-bookable). In the afternoon there is a tour to the Château de Versailles*. Travel by coach to Versailles and enjoy a guided tour of château, including the King’s Grand Apartment, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Queen’s Apartments, where the guided tour will finish. There will be some time to explore the fabulous formal French gardens (pre-bookable only). This evening, enjoy a pre-dinner Jules Verne drinks party aboard.
(B, L, D)
*8 June - Guided tour of the Château de Malmaison. Built in the 17th century, Joséphine de Beauharnais acquired this castle in 1779. In 1800, it became the headquarters of the government and a conference room. The library restores the industrious atmosphere by which Bonaparte enjoyed to be surrounded. The council room is shaped like a military tent where receptions, dances and country-style games took place. The musical lounge offers Josephine's "troubadour” paintings and her well-known harp for visitors to admire. Here, many paintings from these times are on display. After her divorce in 1809, Joséphine continued to live in her house, where she died in 1814. The Napoleonic museum was inaugurated in 1906; it is furnished, decorated and adorned with the paintings that Joséphine bought and loved. The charm and authenticity that have been preserved in this castle will certainly delight you (pre-bookable).
Day 3 - Visit the Claude Monet Foundation and continue to Honfleur
Cruise to the Vernon area to visit the Claude Monet Foundation in Giverny. The artist’s home from 1883 to 1926, the charmingly restored house and gardens seem still to be steeped in the calm and character of his tenure, when his passions for plants and painting came together in exquisitely colourful compositions, on canvas and in the equally artistic works of his flower and water gardens. Continue downriver toward Honfleur, sailing through timeless bucolic landscapes in the Loops of the Seine Natural Park.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 - Enjoy an afternoon tour of the Côte Fleurie and Chateau du Breuil
Continue to sail to Honfleur, ‘the cradle of Impressionism’, at the mouth of the Seine Maritime. An afternoon guided tour of the ‘Côte Fleurie’ takes you to the glamorous resort of Deauville, famed for its fine sand beach, luxury shops, charming villas, and boardwalk beach huts; and to the 16th/17th century Chateau du Breuil, a beautiful castle and prestigious distillery of Calvados Pays d’Auge, where we include a tasting.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 - Spend the day on an excursion to the landing beaches
Today there will be a full day trip to the landing beaches. Travel by coach to Pointe du Hoc, which was the scene of one of the landings on June 6, 1944. After our visit, we'll pass through Omaha Beach, Colleville sur Mer and its American cemetery. After lunch, we'll continue to Arromanches, site of the famous battle with its artificial port installed to allow the invasion of land troops and their equipment. We'll stop at Arromanches 360° where you'll be able to watch a film in its circular room. We'll get back to Honfleur via Gold Beach, Juno Beach (Gray sur mer- Courseulles sur Mer - St Aubin sur Mer) and Sword Beach (Ouistreham Lion sur Mer - Luc sur mer). Arrival in Honfleur in the early evening. Cruise toward Caudebec.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 - Visit Rouen and enjoy a farewell drinks party
The morning is spent cruising to Rouen. Afternoon arrival in Rouen, the ‘City of a Hundred Bell Towers’, for a city tour including the Gothic façade of Notre-Dame Cathedral, many times painted by Monet; the iconic Great Clock in its 14th century belfry; the marketplace where, in 1431, Joan of Arc was burned for heresy, and the Jeanne d’Arc Church in the Place du Vieux-Marché, built 550 years later to celebrate the saint. Farewell drinks party this evening.
(B, L, D)
(B, L, D)
Day 7 - Travel to Château Martainville before a Gala dinner
Cruise to Les Andelys, with its 12th century fortress, high on a hilltop, built by Richard the Lionheart. Travel by coach through rural villages along the Andelle River, and visit the 15th century twin-towered Château Martainville, now a museum of 500 years of Normandy’s history, artistry, traditions, and everyday life. Continue cruising to return to Paris. Gala Dinner aboard.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 - Return home from Paris
Disembark in Paris and transfer to the airport or Eurostar station for your return journey.
(B)
Notes:
Cabins are available from 5pm on arrival and until 9am on departure (before/after this, luggage storage on board is possible).
Whilst the vessel carries more, the group size specified refers to transfers and excursions.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
Optional excursions are subject to minimum numbers and might get cancelled at short notice.
Reviews
Vessels
MS Seine Princess
A premium vessel launched in 2001 and refurbished in 2012 to a high standard. The MS Seine Princess is registered in France with a mainly European crew and announcements in French and English. For 20 years Jules Verne has been the main UK partner of the innovative French cruise company, CroisiEurope, established over 40 years ago, now boasting the largest European river fleet (over 40 ships), yet still operated by the same family. All drinks, except premium brands are included throughout the cruise. Enjoy International and French cuisine with a choice of wines in an elegant one-sitting dining room. Breakfast is a buffet, lunch and dinner waiter service with the occasional buffet. Reception, lounge bar with small dance floor, sun deck, lift and WiFi (free/limited). 67 air-conditioned cabins over two decks with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, satellite TV and picture windows. 24 twin/double cabins (140 sq. ft.) on the Upper Deck and 43 twin/double cabins (140 sq. ft.) on the Main Deck.
MS Botticelli
Launched in 2004 and refurbished in 2016 to a high standard, the MS Botticelli is registered in France with a mainly European crew and announcements in French and English. For 20 years Jules Verne has been the main UK partner of the innovative French cruise company, CroisiEurope, established 40 years ago, now boasting the largest European river fleet (over 40 ships), yet still operated by the same family. All drinks, except premium brands are included throughout the cruise. Enjoy International and French cuisine with a choice of wines in an elegant one-sitting dining room. Breakfast is a buffet, lunch and dinner waiter service with the occasional buffet. Reception, lounge bar with small dance floor, sundeck and WiFi (free/limited). 75 air-conditioned cabins over two decks with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, satellite TV and picture windows. 24 twin/double cabins on the Upper Deck and 50 twin/double cabins and one single cabin on the Main Deck.
Optional Extras
Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.
Optional Excursions
Optional Morning Panoramic Tour of Paris
Departure by coach with a guide to discover the mythical sites of the capital. Since its foundation as Lutèce on the Ile de la Cité, two thousand years of history have seen ecclesiastics, sovereigns and heads of state leave their mark on the city, building churches, erecting monuments and palaces, creating prestigious museums and outlining sumptuous perspectives. Its distinguished couturiers, perfumers and jewelers have strongly built up Paris's reputation for taste and elegance. A city of festivities, theaters and famous cabarets, Paris also glows from the sparkle and shine of its well-known revues. Our coach will take you past Bercy, the F. Mitterrand National Library, the Bastille, the Marais, the Latin Quarter, St Germain, the Louvre, the Pyramid, the Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme, the Concorde, the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Invalides, the Trocadéro and of course the famous Eiffel Tower. Return to the boat at Quai de Grenelle.
Afternoon tour to Versailles (August, September and October 2025)
Departure by coach in the company of your hostess for a visit to the Château de Versailles. Listed as a World Heritage Site for thirty years, the Château de Versailles is considered to be one of the finest achievements of French art from the 17th century. Louis XIII's former hunting lodge was transformed and enlarged by his son Louis XIV, who fixed the Court and government of France here in 1682. Until the French Revolution, one king followed another, each embellishing the Château in his turn. When you arrive, your guide will take you through the King's Grand Apartment. These seven successive rooms were intended to serve as a Parade Apartment, that is to say for the sovereign's official business. This is why it was decorated with the most splendid riches and based on the model of Italian palaces of the time. During daytime, it was open to all, French and foreigners, who came to see the king, and it was reserved for the Court three evenings a week. Afterwards, you'll go through the Hall of Mirrors, known in the 17th century as the "Great Gallery" and which was where courtesans would wait, meet or just pass through every day. This 75m-long, 10m-wide and 12m-high hall was designed by Mansart in. The principal feature of this hall is the seventeen mirror-clad arches that reflect the seventeen arcaded windows that overlook the gardens. You tour will end with a visit to the Queen's Apartments, where the Queen would host the ladies of the Court when she rose in the morning and granted private audiences. After visiting the Château, you will still have a little free time to discover the fabulous formal French gardens created by André Le Notre for Louis XIV. Return on board by coach.
Afternoon Tour to Malmaison (June 2025)
Built in the 17th century, Joséphine de Beauharnais acquired this castle in 1779. In 1800, it became the headquarters of the government and a conference room. The library restores the industrious atmosphere by which Bonaparte enjoyed to be surrounded. The council room is shaped like a military tent where receptions, dances and country-style games took place. The musical lounge offers Josephine's "troubadour” paintings and her well-known harp for visitors to admire. Here, many paintings from these times are on display. After her divorce in 1809, Joséphine continued to live in her house, where she died in 1814. The Napoleonic museum was inaugurated in 1906; it is furnished, decorated and adorned with the paintings that Joséphine bought and loved. The charm and authenticity that have been preserved in this castle will certainly delight you. Available on June 2025 departure only.
- Travel Guides -
You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.
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Dates & Prices
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
London St Pancras Int from £ 2185
Price Includes
Rail or air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 7-night cruise, full board and drinks on cruise vessel, excursions, Jules Verne Representative, local expert guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Optional Excursions
- Afternoon Tour to Malmaison (2025) - £70
- Optional Morning Panoramic Tour of Paris (2025) - £55
- Afternoon tour to Versailles (2025) - £115
Tour Only
- Save up to £125
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Stay Extra Nights...
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.