Paris & Seine Discovery River Cruise - MS Jane Austen
Holiday Highlights
- Take a guided tour of elegant Bizy Castle, with its classical 18th‑century architecture and ornate interiors, followed by a tour of Vernon.
- Immerse yourself in the centre of Paris, seeing famous sites like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Champs Élysées.
- Enjoy relaxing cruising along the River Seine as the scenery changes from Parisian grandeur to quaint French towns.
What's Included
- Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
- Free drinks package
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
- All visits and excursions as mentioned
- Return flights or Eurostar with regional rail options
- Coach travel as mentioned
- Transfers from the airport to and from the port of embarkation
- English-speaking expert guides
- The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Paris - On arrival in Paris, we'll transfer to our ship MS Jane Austen. Fully refurbished in late 2024, 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 be moored here overnight and begin our voyage downstream in the morning.
Day 2
Vernon - 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 18th‑century 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. 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.
Every single aspect of the MS Jane Austen is designed to the highest possible specification and our own exacting standards to bring you the very best and most enjoyable river cruising experience, in the most luxurious comfort. We have worked tirelessly with our Swiss partner, Scylla AG, one of the world’s most experienced luxury river ship builders with a pedigree stretching back over 50 years, to design the perfect vessel, with virtually no expense spared.
A small number of bicycles are available on board for our guests. Please enquire at the reception desk for information.
View a 360 tour of the MS Jane Austen