Jane Austen, The Seine, Paris & Normandy River Cruise ex Paris Return

7 Night Cruise sailing from Paris roundtrip aboard Jane Austen.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN PARIS
Embark the ship in Paris, moored near the city centre. The friendly crew will welcome you on board, helping you settle into your spacious and exquisitely furnished accommodation – you’ll immediately feel at home. This evening you enjoy your first sumptuous dinner, served in the ship’s restaurant.

DAY 2 – LES ANDELYS
During the night our ship slips her mooring and, as you enjoy breakfast, the landscape passes by serenely and you quickly get used to this luxurious sightseeing experience. Rounding a sweeping bend so typical of the Seine, we reach the town of Mantes-la-Jolie with its imposing church – so large and architecturally impressive it could be a cathedral – while straight ahead is a medieval stone bridge. The central section of the bridge was destroyed during the Second World War and never repaired – it’s the first of many poignant reminders that this region of France has been a battleground for centuries.

Beyond Mantes we encounter another typical feature of the Seine as it flows seaward – picturesque chalk cliffs, almost resembling a giant’s teeth. Beautiful villages like La Roche Guyon slide by, surrounded by bocage countryside of lush pastures and high hedgerows, countless cider orchards, half-timbered barns and ancient wooden farmhouses. We’re truly in the heart of one of France’s historic and stunningly attractive dukedoms – Normandy.

While you’re enjoying your first delicious lunch, the captain has skilfully berthed at Les Andelys, a small town dominated by one of the most spectacular sights along the entire valley – Château Gaillard. This afternoon we discover the story behind this remarkable castle, with entrance fee included. The remarkable Château Gaillard guards the apex of the river bend and was built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th-century to defend Rouen from the French. Besieged many times during the turbulent history of northern France, Château Gaillard is now one of the most dramatic ruins in the region. 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.

DAY 3 – ROUEN
We awake in Rouen, Normandy’s capital, one of Europe’s finest medieval cities and scene of many momentous events over the centuries. Pride of place on our guided tour of the city belongs to its stunning Gothic cathedral, which was immortalised by the great Impressionist Claude Monet in a series of 28 paintings showing the facade at varying times of day and in different weather conditions. Briefly becoming the world’s tallest building when the soaring spire was added in the 19th century, the cathedral is also notable for the recumbent statue reputedly containing the heart of Richard the Lionheart.

Rouen’s beautifully tangled alleyways are a revelation, lined with antique shops, tasteful boutiques and, of course, countless restaurants serving exceptional local cuisine emphasising the country’s outstanding gastronomic heritage. The Place du Vieux-Marché is one of the city’s most poignant spots; a large cross marks the point where the ‘Maid of Orléans’ Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for her beliefs.

During another superb lunch we cast off to navigate through yet more twists and turns, chalk cliffs and a landscape of forest-covered hills that are designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty and sanctuaries for diverse wildlife, including deer and wild boar. Another highlight of the valley soon greets us – the ethereal ruins of Jumièges Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, it was consecrated in the presence of William the Conqueror and was an important political and religious centre until it was sacked in the 16th century. In the late afternoon we moor in the pretty town of Caudebec-en-Caux, so after dinner why not take a stroll to explore this lovely spot, with its typical market square, richly decorated church and the Maison des Templiers, one of the oldest houses in Normandy.

DAY 4 – BAYEUX & ARROMANCHES
After breakfast you’ll be ready for a full-day tour exploring two of the most important aspects of European history – the Bayeux Tapestry and the D-Day landings. (Please note lunch is not provided today.)

Bayeux itself is a delightful town with a historic core that escaped the ravages of war, so you can marvel at its many splendid buildings including the grand Gothic cathedral. But, of course, Bayeux is most famous as the home of the tapestry telling the story of the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066 in glorious detail. Among its 75 scenes are the coronation of Harold following the death of Edward the Confessor and his subsequent demise at the Battle of Hastings, which led to William of Normandy invading England and becoming king. The 230-foot-long tapestry is made up of nine panels of extremely delicate embroidery – gazing at its wonderful depictions of the battle and the period’s architecture, weapons and everyday life, you’ll appreciate why the Bayeux Tapestry is arguably the finest relic of the Middle Ages.

This afternoon we drive to Arromanches, where you will have free time for lunch. Then enjoy a visit to a museum dedicated to the ‘longest day’ where you can still see remnants of the two Mulberry harbours constructed for the landing craft.

Leaving Arromanche, we continue to the British Normandy Memorial – unveiled in 2021, the 77th anniversary of the D-Day landings. From here you have best point of view to Gold Beach, one of the five main landing sites on D-Day, when Allied forces surged into Normandy to begin the liberation of occupied Europe. Casting your eyes across the sand to the water’s edge, it’s sobering to consider that on 6 June 1944 around 25,000 British troops came ashore on this one beach with 400 killed by the defenders. We will then drive back to the ship moored in Caudebec.

After a day recalling such momentous events and the stories surrounding them, thoughts turn again to the culinary delights awaiting you in the refined comfort of the ship’s restaurant.

DAY 5 – HONFLEUR
Honfleur is often regarded as the most picturesque spot on the northern French coast, and after breakfast we make the short journey to this delightful town and enjoy a guided tour. Its old harbour, sheltering both fishing boats and luxurious pleasure craft, is beautifully preserved and surrounded by a perfect waterfront of pastel-coloured 16th- to 18th-century houses, many converted to seafood restaurants. Watch the talented artists capturing the captivating views along the waterfront, while the intricate maze of streets behind is also well worth discovering. Honfleur’s most famous son is Eugene Boudin, one of the forerunners of Impressionism and a friend of Claude Monet, who also painted the harbour many times.

After returning to the ship for lunch, we slip our mooring and begin our passage back upstream, retracing the river’s winding course, its huge variety of wildlife, enchanting scenery and forests, all reflected in differing colours in the sparkling waters.

DAY 6 – GIVERNY & VERNON
One of the great delights of river cruising is the magical sensation of waking up in a different place from where you were the night before. This morning the ship has moored in delightful Vernon, and we take the short drive to Giverny to visit Monet’s garden and house. The artist himself called his garden his ‘most beautiful masterpiece’, and it’s certainly one of the world’s most photographed and painted, ideally viewed in the delicate morning light. In the Japanese-inspired water garden, shaded by great weeping willows and surrounded by bamboo, rhododendrons and azaleas, is the lily pond where he painted his extraordinary Les Nymphéas (Water Lilies) series. There’s ample time to wander here, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere while marvelling at the light bouncing off foliage of every hue and the magical reflections dancing off the water.

After another leisurely lunch on board, you can explore Vernon’s quaint buildings before embarking on our cruise to Paris. As the sun sets on the shimmering Seine and the Norman countryside recedes into dusk, it’s a perfect time to reflect on your few days cruising among the creamy chalk cliffs and charming villages of this splendid river.

DAY 7 – PARIS
We have arrived in Paris and this morning we take a sightseeing tour of this amazing capital, one of the world’s most iconic cities. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées, Sacré-Coeur – you’ll see all these and much more. The grand Place de la Concorde, the largest square in the city, shows off 18th-century French architecture at its best, and just over the Seine on the Left Bank you’ll find the Musée d’Orsay, home of the world’s finest Impressionist art collection. Then there’s the eccentrically modern and yet stylish Pompidou Centre, famous not only for its exhibits but also for street entertainment. Notre-Dame Cathedral and the delicate spire of the sublime Saint-Chapelle dominate the Ile de la Cité, while the exquisite Tuileries Gardens are perfect for a stroll.

After lunch on board you could visit fine shops such as the Galeries Lafayette or those in the smart arcaded Rue de Rivoli, or perhaps wander around the café-lined streets of bohemian Montmartre. Paris is everything you imagine it to be – romantic, inspiring, vibrant – even outrageous – but best of all Paris is unique, and a fitting finale to a wonderful cruise. This evening is the Captain’s Dinner, hosted of course by the Captain himself. Featuring specialities of the regions through which we have travelled, it’s a truly memorable experience.

DAY 8 – RETURN HOME
This morning at the appropriate time, we disembark in Paris and you continue your onward journey.

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How can one adequately sum up the brand new for 2015, wonderfully elegant five-star MS Jane Austen? How can we describe this extraordinary vessel that’s truly one of the finest ships of its type afloat anywhere in the world?

Quite simply, every single aspect and element 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 rivership builders with a pedigree stretching back over nearly 40 years, to design the perfect vessel, with virtually no expense spared.

You’ll feel the unmistakable understated opulence of this extraordinary vessel as you board through the spacious, marble-floored lobby. Stylish furnishings using environmentally friendly materials are beautifully combined with the most advanced safety systems… and the work of a wonderful designer’s eye conjuring up the classic lines and sophistication of a luxurious ocean liner. As always, the finesse is in the detail – beautifully crafted tropical hardwoods, wrought iron, highly polished copper and brass, all beautifully illuminated then added to soft leather furnishings and imaginative colour schemes, promotes a subtle, chic ambience of exceptional taste.

Intuitive, unobtrusive service is graceful, efficient yet friendly as you might expect from a Swiss operated ship with 35 staff serving just 140 guests. This outstanding ratio of 4:1 allows a personal touch which makes such a difference to your cruise. Plus unlike other vessels typically carrying up to 200 passengers, you’ll enjoy simply far more space – as well as a smaller, more intimate dining experience.

In addition to the spacious Sun Deck, there are three superb air-conditioned decks on the Jane Austen – the Diamond (top), Ruby (middle) and Emerald (lower). A stylish glass lift and a wide, elegant wrought-iron railed staircase connect the Diamond and Ruby decks, whilst the Sun and Emerald Decks are accessed by staircase.

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 Lido Bar 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.

On the Ruby Deck is the main restaurant – with cuisine of the absolute highest order, attentive service with just four or six people at most tables, and yet again the elegant surroundings of glass, marble, deep wool carpets and crafted hard-wood panelling evident throughout the ship.

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 sunloungers, deck games including shuffleboard and giant chess, 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.

Another very special feature of the Jane Austen is its purpose-designed and extensive spa. You can reserve the spa for your private use to take a sauna or use the steam room, or perhaps visit the onboard hairdresser (small additional fee).

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There’s so much more to experience on a Riviera Travel River Cruise:

What’s the best way to travel through the heart of Europe and discover its greatest delights? You’ll find it hard to beat a European river cruise along some of our continent’s most timeless, appealing waterways. After all, people have travelled Europe’s mighty rivers for centuries to trade, explore and sometimes conquer. Steeped in history and culture and flowing through stunning scenery, they form natural highways that connect great cities and beautiful towns, each with its own unique and rewarding character.

While you sit back and relax on your river cruise of Europe, the views change constantly as amazing destinations come to you. The pace is slower, with plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and contemplate the world as it passes serenely by. If you’re feeling energetic, there are new opportunities every day to explore riverside ports with knowledgeable guides or at your own speed. If not – you can just take it easy.

Your European river cruise might take you down the majestic Rhine or Danube, to atmospheric cities like Coblenz and Vienna. You’ll pass astonishing ‘fairytale’ castles and learn their mystical stories. There’s the meandering Moselle with its impossibly steep riverside vineyards, the lesser known River Main twisting through Germany’s rural heart. In France, the Rhone flows majestically almost from the Burgundy vineyards to the heart of sun-kissed Provence, while the iconic Seine will transport you from Paris through the countryside of impressionist painters to medieval Rouen and historic Bayeux. Then there’s the picturesque and largely undiscovered Douro with its dramatic cliffs, lush hillsides, medieval walled villages and terraced vineyards.

You experience all this in the most relaxing manner possible on your river cruise through Europe, on board some of the most spacious ships gracing Europe’s waterways. No sea-sickness or rough water – just comfort and luxury with superb service and dining on an unforgettable journey through time and culture.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Jane Austen - Emerald Deck

Jane Austen - Ruby Deck

Jane Austen - Diamond Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Diamond Deck Cabin

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.

Ruby Deck Cabin

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.

Emerald Deck Cabin

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. These have smaller windows than Standard Cabins on the other decks.

Diamond Deck Superior Stern Suite

Located on Diamond Deck. These are the same size and have the same features as the suites

Diamond Deck Superior Suite

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

Deluxe Suite

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.

Diamond Deck Cabin Sole Occupancy

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.

Emerald Deck Cabin Sole Occupancy

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. These have smaller windows than Standard Cabins on the other decks.

Emerald Deck Superior Suite

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

Ruby Deck Cabin Sole Occupancy

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. These have smaller windows than Standard Cabins on the other decks.

Ruby Deck Superior Suite

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