Eight Unmissable Experiences on a Seine River Cruise in France

Seine River Cruise Highlights

1. Be inspired by Monet’s former House & Garden

2. Paint Impressionist art Like Monet

3. Join an in-depth walking tour of Rouen 

4. Immerse yourself in wartime history & D-Day sites

5. Discover charming Honfleur with oyster tasting

6. Visit a local cider farm with tasting

7. Explore magnificent Château Guyon

8. Hike to Château Gaillard, Richard the Lionheart’s former abode

Introducing Emerald Lumi & ‘Sensations of the Seine & Normandy’

Embark on a round-trip from Paris, on board the luxurious Emerald Lumi on an enthralling eight-day river cruise along the Seine through the heartlands of Normandy, a beautiful rural region in northern France peppered with compelling riverside destinations. Whether you’re a history buff, culture and arts enthusiast, active traveller, foodie or wine connoisseur (or all of these), this thoughtfully crafted journey is sure to surprise, delight and enthral.

The ‘8-Day Sensations of the Seine & Normandy’ journey is curated for balance. Enough time to enjoy daily guided excursions onshore and leisure time in port, experiencing all the wonderful local restaurants, heritage and more. Emerald Lumi’s cruising schedule additionally balances time on the water with overnight dockings in four exceptional ports, giving you more time to explore:

• Rouen: Normandy’s historic and cultural capital

• Honfleur: A quaint, Norman port town

• La Roche Guyon: One of France’s ‘Most Beautiful Villages’

• Paris: The romantic ‘City of Light’ and French capital

If you’re seeking a more energetic experience, EmeraldACTIVE activities are available almost daily from each port, led by experienced active guides, from guided e-bike and walking tours through historic ports and a hike to a clifftop medieval fortress, to kayaking along the Seine.

Embrace experiences that reflect the best of Normandy. On shore, join guided excursions through riverside towns and on board, enjoy a fascinating World War II lecture and delicious cheese tastings, savouring authentic flavours connected to Normandy’s timeless rural lands.

Cruise directly into Honfleur, exclusively accessed by Emerald Lumi and only a few other ships due to their custom design. Not only is Honfleur a picturesque old harbour town with well-preserved heritage houses immortalised by artists, it is also the storied gateway to the historic Normandy Allied landing sites.

Your Seine river cruise begins and ends in Paris. To explore this incredible city, add a 3-day Paris extension, seamlessly designed to join your Seine river cruise beforehand, including a centrally located hotel, guided tour, transfers and tour director services. Additionally, you can extend your journey with a 4-day stay in London, the history-drenched British capital.

1. Be inspired by Monet’s former House & Garden  

Your guided tour of picturesque Giverny focuses on the world-famous Monet's House and Gardens. Immerse yourself in the life of artist Claude Monet, the master of Impressionism. This beautifully restored house, where Monet resided from 1883 to 1926, reflects the artist’s personal taste and creativity, filled with period furnishings and artworks donated by artist friends. Stroll through the restored, idyllic gardens: the iconic Water Garden with its Japanese bridge and water lily ponds that inspired some of Monet’s most celebrated paintings and Clos Normand flower garden, bursting with seasonal blooms. You’ll get a  sense of the extraordinary play of colour and light on nature and how this translated to Monet’s unmistakable Impressionist art. 

2. Paint Impressionist art like Monet

Inspired by your Giverny experience, unleash your inner artist, pick up a paintbrush and paint box, and capture the ethereal light and landscapes that moved Monet himself, to create your very own masterpiece. This exclusive hands-on experience is hosted by an expert local artist, who will explain the storied traditions of Impressionism and guide you as you recreate the beauty of Giverny (note: this is a curated Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion at additional cost).

3. Join an in-depth walking tour of Rouen

Accompanied by an expert local guide, discover Rouen, Normandy’s beautiful ‘City of a Hundred Spires.’ Delve into Rouen’s most iconic sites and well-preserved medieval centre. Learn how this former Roman settlement emerged as a major stronghold of Viking invaders during the 9th century and how it’s forever linked with St. Joan of Arc. In 1431, this young French martyr was tried and burnt at the stake; today, you’ll visit significant legacies, including St. Joan of Arc Church and the former pyre site.

Admire Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral, the tallest in France and a Gothic masterpiece, containing the graves of Rollo, the 10th-century Norse chieftain who became Normandy’s first ruler and ‘Richard the Lionheart’, King of England from 1189 to 1199. Monet immortalised the cathedral’s stunning façade multiple times while living directly in front, as well as Rouen’s picturesque riverside promenade and half-timbered houses.

4. Immerse yourself in wartime history and D-Day sites

The success of the historical ‘D-Day’ Allied landings was a major turning point in World War II, opening a crucial Western Front and accelerating the defeat of Nazi Germany. Normandy’s role in this extraordinary military operation makes it one of the most strategically important regions in World War II history, with the beginnings of liberation for occupied Europe.

Join a remarkable full-day experience and war-themed excursion led by an authoritative guide. Stand on Normandy’s infamous shores and feel history come sharply into focus, experiencing key sites where the Allied vessels landed. Visit poignant sites including Bayeux War Cemetery, the Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Pegasus Bridge and peaceful Commonwealth cemeteries honouring the bravery of those involved and hear powerful ANZAC stories and personal accounts. More than a sightseeing tour, experience a moving encounter with a shared history, with a deep connection that will remain with you long after your French journey.

5. Discover charming Honfleur with oyster tasting

Explore the quaint cobbled streets of Honfleur for a fascinating snapshot of this Norman port town and its unique seaside charm. Stroll past well-preserved, half-timbered houses and the picturesque old harbour lined with colourful fishing boats – atmospheric scenes that inspired the Impressionists. As you explore, your knowledgeable local guide deftly weaves in fascinating tales about artists, sailors and merchants who helped shape Honfleur down the centuries.

As Honfleur is also renowned for its premium fresh seafood, enjoy a visit to a local oyster bar for a tasting of freshly shucked, Normandy oysters. Savour the briny flavours of the Atlantic just moments from where the oysters were harvested, paired with a crisp regional wine – another delicious way to sample Honfleur’s authentic charm.

6. Visit a local cider farm with tasting

Deep amid Normandy’s bucolic countryside, experience first-hand the heart of cider country and warm local hospitality, with an exclusive visit to a traditional cider farm.

Stroll through the orchards of this family-run farm, where rows of apple trees thrive in the region’s cool climate and fertile soil. Observe how locally grown, sweet, bittersweet and tart varieties are pressed and slowly fermented into refreshing local cider using age-old techniques. Then celebrate the renowned flavours of Normandy with a tasting of locally-crafted ciders – from crisp and dry to delicately sweet – paired with regional specialities like Camembert cheeses and crêpes.

7. Explore magnificent Château Guyon

From charming La Roche Guyon, step into a storybook setting and the rich history and serene beauty of Château Guyon, a centuries-old estate carved into a chalk cliff above the Seine. Originally a fortified castle in the 14th century, Château Guyon was rebuilt in the 15th century, serving as a strategic stronghold during the Anglo-French ‘Hundred Years War’ and later, a favourite country retreat for Normandy’s nobility. Today, Château Guyon stands majestically as a testament to French architectural heritage and its stately past.

Stroll the tranquil pathways through manicured gardens, enjoying panoramic views across the countryside. Within, discover elegant period rooms adorned with antique furnishings and artwork, a rare glimpse into the refined lifestyle of centuries past. Wander through atmospheric halls, imagining the lives of nobles, soldiers and dignitaries who once passed beneath the stone arches.

8. Hike to Château Gaillard, Richard the Lionheart’s former abode

Join a guided hike to Château Gaillard, the remnants of a medieval fortress constructed by a royal military commander, ‘Richard the Lionheart.’ Following the trail above the Seine, the clifftop stronghold slowly comes into view, its weathered stone walls clinging to the ridge just as they have since the 12th century. Once reaching the tops, wander through the tower, and rampart remains as your expert local guide regales you with tales of siege, strategy and royal intrigue. Your efforts are rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in Normandy across an area of outstanding beauty.

There’s plenty more to experience, discover and see on the new, 8-day ‘Sensations of the Seine & Normandy’ itinerary, as you cruise the Seine enjoying the luxurious comforts of Emerald Lumi and explore this enthralling northern French region.

For more information, contact your local Travel Advisor, call reservations or learn more on our France destination page.