Paris, Rouen & Seine Discovery River Cruise

On arrival in Paris, we'll transfer to our ship MS Jane Austen. This ship will be the perfect base for our short break in central France.

Our welcoming, English-speaking crew will be ready to assist you in finding your cabin. After settling in, take some time to explore the many first-class amenities of this floating boutique hotel before sitting down to your first delicious dinner in our stylish onboard restaurant.  

We’ll begin our voyage downstream tonight.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as we cruise along the Seine this morning. After you've perused the breakfast buffet, we recommend heading to the panoramic lounge or sun deck where you can truly appreciate the tranquillity of sailing through France. Rounding the sweeping bends so typical of the Seine, we'll pass lush pastures, high hedgerows and a few of the quaint towns and villages that line its banks.

We will arrive in the town of Vernon during lunch.   

This afternoon we arrive in Vernon, a picturesque riverside town framed by half-timbered houses, a grand Gothic church and views that once inspired some of the greatest Impressionist artists. After mooring here, we travel to the elegant Bizy Castle, affectionately known as the “Little Norman Versailles” for its classical 18thcentury architecture, ornate salons and aristocratic heritage. Our visit includes a delightful dance demonstration and a guided tour of the château’s beautifully furnished interiors – complete with carved wood panelling, Gobelins tapestries and Napoleonic era souvenirs that once belonged to its illustrious owners, including Louis XV and King Louis Philippe. Afterwards, you can wander freely through the tranquil gardens, where fountains, statues and centuries old trees create an atmosphere of serenity and grandeur.

Returning to Vernon, we’ll have a guided tour of this charming Seine side town. Highlights include medieval streets lined with timber framed houses, the striking Collégiale Notre Dame, and postcard perfect views of the Old Watermill balanced over the remains of a medieval bridge. You’ll then have free time to explore independently – perhaps strolling the riverside, visiting the small Impressionist museum, or simply soaking in the atmosphere that captivated artists like Monet.    

During tonight’s dinner, we’ll continue our journey sailing towards Rouen.

Waking up in Rouen, the historic heart of Normandy, you’ll find yourself in a city celebrated for its remarkable medieval character and its pivotal role throughout European history. At the centre of our visit is the magnificent Gothic cathedral, famously captured by the Impressionist master Claude Monet in a remarkable series of paintings that explored how its façade transformed under shifting light and weather. Once briefly the tallest structure in the world after its 19th‑century spire was completed, the cathedral also draws interest for the effigy said to house the heart of Richard the Lionheart.

As we wander deeper into the old town, Rouen’s maze-like streets unveil rows of vintage shops, elegant boutiques, and eateries showcasing the region’s celebrated culinary traditions. One of the city’s most moving locations is the Place du Vieux‑Marché, marked today by a simple but powerful cross commemorating the spot where Joan of Arc was executed for her convictions.

As you enjoy another delicious lunch on board, the ship gently eases away from Rouen and begins its leisurely journey down the Seine. Settle into a comfortable spot on deck or in the lounge as the scenery unfolds – chalk cliffs, peaceful farmland, and charming riverside hamlets drifting by.

During the evening, we pass the dramatic château and village of La Roche‑Guyon, one of the Seine Valley’s most striking sights. Its imposing fortress, carved partly into the rock face, rises above the river in a remarkable blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture. It’s the kind of view that seems lifted from a storybook.

As the river curves through this picturesque landscape, there’s time to simply relax and take in the changing vistas. Should you wish, why not arrange to visit the wheelhouse, the Captain is always delighted to explain to those interested how the highly sophisticated navigation and safety systems operate.  

This evening, we'll enjoy a culinary highlight of the trip, our special Chef's Dinner. The chef serves up his signature dishes, influenced by many regions of France.

In the early hours we will stop overnight in Conflans.  

As you enjoy breakfast, our ship begins its journey toward the magnificent French capital. Settle in, unwind, and take in the gentle river views as we spend a peaceful morning cruising in comfort. 

We reach Paris around lunchtime, and this afternoon you can choose between two included excursions: a panoramic coach experience or a more energetic guided walk. 

If you’d prefer to see the highlights from a comfortable seat, join our panoramic coach tour. We’ll pass many of Paris’ world‑famous landmarks – such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Trocadéro, the Musée d’Orsay, and numerous other celebrated sights. 

For those who’d enjoy stretching their legs, our guided walk brings you closer to the heart of the city. Covering around 2.5 miles, the route begins at Place des Vosges –Paris’ oldest planned square – before continuing past the Hôtel de Ville, across Île de la Cité to UNESCO‑listed Notre-Dame, and onward to the Louvre, the Tuileries Gardens, and other notable locations. 

After dinner, relax with an evening of classic French tunes, performed live by a talented accordionist. Later, why not make use of your included drinks package and enjoy a complimentary drink in the lounge? It’s the perfect way to toast an unforgettable voyage aboard MS Jane Austen.