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Paris, Rouen & Seine Discovery River Cruise

Paris, Rouen & Seine Discovery River Cruise

About This Cruise

Experience life on the River Seine during a scenic river cruise. Visit Vernon, the town that inspired Impressionist artists, explore the medieval splendour of Rouen, and discover Paris, France’s iconic capital city. 

Travelling on the recently refurbished MS Jane Austen, you’ll enjoy first-class service on our five-star ship as we cruise along the Seine.  

Our first stop is Vernon, where we’ll moor before travelling to Bizy Castle for a delightful visit that includes a dance demonstration and a guided tour of the château’s elegant interiors. Returning to Vernon, we'll embark on a guided tour of this medieval town. We then continue to Rouen, one of Normandy’s most captivating medieval cities, where a guided tour reveals its half‑timbered streets and soaring Gothic cathedral immortalised by Monet.

And then it’s back to chic Paris. The sightseeing here is endless – the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées, the Eiffel Tower and more. You’ll definitely tick a few things off your bucket list! In between, you can put your feet up and enjoy the quintessential French countryside from the panoramic lounge or take advantage of our comfortable onboard facilities. France is one of the world’s most popular destinations, and our four-night river cruise is the perfect introduction. 

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Couples

    Luxury service and an intimate, small-ship feel

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

  • Solo travellers

    Riviera Travel offers dedicated solo cabins or solo fares

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

MS Jane Austen

Departure Date

9 November 2028

Cruise Line

Riviera Travel

Duration

4 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

France

Paris

Arrive in Paris - Arrive in Paris and board your ship in the late afternoon. If you're here before then, enjoy free time in Paris.Once we board the ship, 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.

France

Vernon

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 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.

France

Rouen

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.

France

Paris

Paris - 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.

France

Paris

Return home - Flight time permitting, enjoy free time in Paris before your journey home.

Overview

Experience life on the River Seine during a scenic river cruise. Visit Vernon, the town that inspired Impressionist artists, explore the medieval splendour of Rouen, and discover Paris, France’s iconic capital city. 

Travelling on the recently refurbished MS Jane Austen, you’ll enjoy first-class service on our five-star ship as we cruise along the Seine.  

Our first stop is Vernon, where we’ll moor before travelling to Bizy Castle for a delightful visit that includes a dance demonstration and a guided tour of the château’s elegant interiors. Returning to Vernon, we'll embark on a guided tour of this medieval town. We then continue to Rouen, one of Normandy’s most captivating medieval cities, where a guided tour reveals its half‑timbered streets and soaring Gothic cathedral immortalised by Monet.

And then it’s back to chic Paris. The sightseeing here is endless – the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées, the Eiffel Tower and more. You’ll definitely tick a few things off your bucket list! In between, you can put your feet up and enjoy the quintessential French countryside from the panoramic lounge or take advantage of our comfortable onboard facilities. France is one of the world’s most popular destinations, and our four-night river cruise is the perfect introduction. 

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Suite

Deluxe Suite (Diamond Deck)

For the ultimate in space and river cruise luxury, on the Diamond (top) deck there are four deluxe suites, at 22.5 square metres (242 square feet) a full 50% larger than a standard cabin, beautifully appointed and incredibly comfortable, plus for a final homely touch, soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. You will love them.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Spacious ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • EU plug sockets
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service
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Suite

Superior Suite (Diamond and Ruby Decks)

For more space you can upgrade to a suite available on all decks, featuring the same facilities as standard cabins but being larger at 18.5 square meters (199 square feet). The extra space is purely devoted to the living area, so you really notice the difference.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • EU plug sockets
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service
Suite

Superior Stern Suite (Diamond Deck)

For more space you can upgrade to a suite available on all decks, featuring the same facilities as standard cabins but being larger at 18.5 square meters (199 square feet). The extra space is purely devoted to the living area, so you really notice the difference.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • EU plug sockets
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service
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Suite

Superior Suite (Emerald Deck)

For more space you can upgrade to a suite available on all decks, featuring the same facilities as standard cabins but being larger at 18.5 square meters (199 square feet). The extra space is purely devoted to the living area, so you really notice the difference.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Fixed window
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • EU plug sockets
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service

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Balcony

Standard Cabin (Diamond and Ruby Decks)

At 15 square metres (161 square feet), your luxuriously appointed cabin is amongst the largest, most comfortable and best appointed on any European river cruise vessel - with all the high quality facilities you would expect from a top hotel, and more.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • EU plug sockets
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service
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Outside

Standard Cabin (Emerald Deck)

At 15 square metres (161 square feet), your luxuriously appointed cabin is amongst the largest, most comfortable and best appointed on any European river cruise vessel - with all the high quality facilities you would expect from a top hotel, and more.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Fixed window
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • EU plug sockets
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service

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varies

Main Restaurant

On the Ruby Deck is the main restaurant. Here, against a breath-taking scenic backdrop through the magnificent tinted panoramic windows, the chefs will amaze you with fine dining of the highest order, using freshly prepared seasonal produce to create the very best of European cuisine. The sumptuous breakfast buffet, with omelettes and fresh eggs prepared to order, ensures a great start to the day and at lunchtime the salad and dessert buffet allows you to opt for something lighter, or choose a hearty lunch from the pasta station or the à la carte soup and main courses – just as you desire. A four-course dinner is excellently executed with silver service, whilst our ‘open seating’ policy ensures a relaxed dining experience which you will always look forward to.

Bar

Observation Lounge and Bar

On the Diamond Deck is the magnificent panoramic observation lounge, the heart of the ship with wonderful views through floor to ceiling windows of the ever-changing landscape as you move along the river. This is where the ships superb design really is so evident. You’ll love the quality feel, the genteel ambience, the rich carpeting, the marble-tiled bar and the choice of sumptuous leather armchairs and soft modern settees. What could be better than to lose yourself in conversation with like-minded new friends, sip a coffee, perhaps play chess or bridge, or just relax whilst admiring the incredible scenery? And after a delicious dinner, appreciate our pianist, a gentle dance on the purpose-designed dance floor, or just enjoy a quiet read in the peaceful La Brasserie at the rear of the ship, ideal to while away an hour on a comfortable terrace absorbing the sights and sounds of Europe’s great rivers.

Sun Deck, Pool Deck

Sun Deck

The Sun Deck – and especially the forward viewing area - is perfect for watching the historic riverside villages, steep vine-clad valley sides and other scenic wonders glide serenely by. It’s well equipped with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, deck games including shuffleboard, a small splash pool where you can cool off, and a full bar service. Sometimes we hold barbecues here too, weather dependent of course – a great way to meet new people over a glass of wine. 

Please note: The Sun Deck is only accessible by stairs.

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Shop, Reception

Reception and Boutique

The reception and boutique can be found on the Diamond Deck.

Spa, Wellness, Salon

Wellness Area

The Emerald Deck boasts a very special feature of the Jane Austen - its purpose-designed and extensive spa and wellness area You can reserve the spa for your private use to take a sauna or use the steam room, or perhaps visit the on-board hairdresser (small additional fee).

Please note: The Emerald Deck is only accessible by stairs.