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Paris, Normandy & the River Seine

 
4.0 stars(31 reviews)
You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
20252026
Duration
8 days
From per person
£2,499 £2,299
Tour code
SFR26
Mobility Rating 2
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Idyllic villages and historic towns are among the wonders that await in La Belle France on this brand-new river cruise holiday along the Seine

Eight days of unparalleled luxury aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond begin and end in the romantic City of Light, Paris. Cruise along the River Seine, where history, art and natural beauty converge to create an inspiring experience.

While sailing, discover the peaceful landscapes that inspired some of the world's greatest artists. Wander the picturesque town of Auvers-sur-Oise before cruising into Normandy's characterful cities like Rouen, Le Havre and Honfleur. Of course, no sailing along the Seine would be complete without pausing in Monet's Garden.

Unforgettable Experiences

Feeling inspired by Auvers-sur-Oise, the painter’s village
Feeling inspired by Auvers-sur-Oise, the painter’s village
Step into this enchanting village for a guided tour that showcases weathered windmills atop rolling hills, the tranquil riverbanks and humble cottages that inspired Vincent van Gogh
Experiencing medieval treasures in Rouen
Experiencing medieval treasures in Rouen
Wander through the historic city of Rouen on a guided tour, visiting the Museum of Fine Arts with its collections from the Renaissance to the present, and Rouen Cathedral, which inspired Claude Monet.
Soaking up the art and history of Honfleur
Soaking up the art and history of Honfleur
Explore the charming streets and picturesque harbour of Honfleur, a port town whose blend of history, artistry and maritime splendours further inspired the brushstrokes of Monet.
Marvelling at the majestic Étretat Cliffs
Marvelling at the majestic Étretat Cliffs
Experience a true natural wonder, where waves crash against towering limestone arches and natural sculptures carved by centuries of erosion, creating a sense of awe.
Relishing the contrasts of Normandy
Relishing the contrasts of Normandy
Immerse yourself in the landmarks of this historic region on a full-day tour, complete with coastal vistas and charming countryside views, and visit the famous Château Gaillard and the peaceful Monet's Garden.
Discovering Paris or the opulent Palace of Versailles
Discovering Paris or the opulent Palace of Versailles
Admire Paris' celebrated monuments, museums and architecture on a guided tour of the French capital city or spend a morning exploring the impressive grounds of the Palace of Versailles.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1To the French capital, where we board our opulent ship

Your holiday begins this afternoon as you arrive at London St Pancras and meet the Tour Manager and travel group. Joining the Eurostar service to Paris, we can enjoy the views as we cross into France.

As we arrive in Paris, a coach takes us to the riverside, where our ship, the MS Amadeus Diamond, await. We are welcomed with a drink, creating the perfect atmosphere for the start of our holiday. You could take your beverage to the sundeck and relax in anticipation of our upcoming Seine cruise or take some time to get acquainted with the ship's facilities.

After settling into our cabins this evening, we enjoy our first dinner together, complete with a drinks package, and begin cruising down the Seine toward Conflans St Honorine.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Discovering van Gogh's inspiration in Auvers sur Oise

Waking up in Conflans St Honorine at the confluence of the rivers Oise and Seine, an inspirational excursion awaits this morning. After breakfast on the ship, we make our way to quaint Auvers-sur-Oise, a commune in France renowned for its scenic charm and artistic heritage. Narrow lanes with shuttered homes lead our tour through the tranquil landscapes that Vincent van Gogh's masterpieces have immortalised.

We return to the ship in time for lunch and then have a free afternoon to discover the timeless cottages, rustic windmills and verdant fields of Conflans St Honorine at leisure. These scenes inspired the works of renowned impressionist artists, such as Charles-François Daubigny, Paul Cézanne, Camille Pissarro and, of course, van Gogh, whose final resting place is here. Your explorations will quickly reveal why.

Back onboard later this afternoon, we end our day with dinner and drinks as we begin a gentle overnight cruise to Rouen.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY3A day in Rouen, the jewel of Normandy

Enjoy breakfast while overlooking the riverside scenery this morning as we approach Rouen, the former capital of Normandy. We step ashore here for a guided tour, which follows more of the Impressionists' footsteps.

This medieval city is home to the Museum of Fine Arts and a vast collection of Impressionist compositions. We visit Rouen Cathedral, which was depicted in oil by Claude Monet in a series of more than 30 paintings showing the building at different times of the day. We also experience the modern Church of Joan of Arc, with its magnificent 16th-century stained-glass windows.

Lunch is served on the ship, and you then have a free afternoon to continue exploring Rouen at your own pace. You might like to wander the streets and squares, lined with colourful old buildings, or seek out one of the city's many green spaces. Later this afternoon, we return to the ship for dinner, drinks and an evening cruise along the picturesque Seine Valley towards Le Havre.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4Honfleur's artistry and the majestic Etretat Cliffs

The harbour of Le Havre is our convenient base for two excursions today. The first is a trip to the charming port town of Honfleur on the southern bank of the Seine Estuary. Honfleur is located on the historic port and marina - the 'Vieux Bassin' - and our tour this morning showcases its beauty, following in the footsteps of the Impressionist artists who took inspiration from the region.

After lunch on the ship, we enjoy a trip to the breathtaking Étretat Cliffs. Carved by centuries of wind and sea erosion, these limestone cliffs stand tall and are adorned with dramatic arches and towering needle-like formations. Their iconic beauty has inspired countless artists, including Claude Monet. While here, we also have time to marvel at panoramic views of the English Channel and the rugged coastline of northern France before returning to the ship this evening. We sit down to a five-course dinner and then enjoy music performances of French ballads from local chanson singers.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5A step back in time amongst Normandy's legacy and beauty

An early breakfast is served onboard this morning ahead of our day of exploration, which uncovers the history of Normandy on a guided tour. Leaving the ship with a picnic lunch, we wander the narrow cobblestone streets flanked by ancient stone buildings and explore a blend of diverse traditions and historic landmarks. Particular points of interest include a harbour which played a pivotal role in the liberation of western Europe after D-Day, and the city of Arromanches, with its remnants of World War Two Mulberries, offering a poignant glimpse into history.

Instead of exploring, you can choose to unwind onboard as the ship sets sail for Caudebec en Caux. The route is beautiful and provides a chance to soak up the changing scenery.

Those who spend the day exploring Normandy rejoin the ship in Caudebec en Caux in time for dinner and drinks. Tonight, we experience another relaxing overnight cruise to Les Andeleys.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6The ruins of Château Gaillard and Monet’s Garden

Docking in Les Andeleys as we have breakfast this morning, we enjoy a day of exploration at Château Gaillard. This medieval fortress was built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. Discover its imposing ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the Seine River before we continue to Vernon, where we experience Monet's Garden. This area of nature and artistry is reminiscent of Impressionist canvases, with vivid hues bursting from flower beds and Japanese arched bridges framing ponds adorned with water lilies.

We rejoin the ship in Vernon and sit down to lunch as we begin the final leg of our sailing journey. Relax on the sun deck with a refreshing drink as we drift along the Seine, passing rolling countryside punctuated by quaint villages, rustic farmhouses and delightful river landscapes enroute to Paris. We enjoy dinner together this evening as the journey unfolds.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY7The city of Paris or the stately Palace of Versailles

We wake up in the French capital, our final port of call. You can stay onboard this morning to relax or visit the opulent Palace of Versailles, once home to French monarchs. Marvel at Versailles' grandeur while admiring its intricate architecture, magnificent artworks and ornate Hall of Mirrors, and then stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens, embellished with fountains and sculptures.

Alternatively, you can join an optional tour of the City of Light, setting your sights on its most iconic landmarks, including the iconic Eiffel Tower. Our explorations also take us along Champs-Élysées - one of the world's most famous streets - and up Montmartre, the highest hill in northern Paris, to a well-preserved village that recalls the charms of centuries past.

Lunch is served onboard the ship, and then this afternoon is at leisure to immerse yourself in Parisian culture one sight, flavour and experience at a time. This evening is our final night aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY8Homeward bound

After breakfast together, we bid farewell to our crew and disembark our ship for the final time in Paris to begin our journey home. A coach transfer takes us to the railway station, where we join the Eurostar service to London.

This Seine cruise has been one of great beauty, endless culture and remarkable locations. Having walked the quaint streets of Auvers-sur-Oise, explored the historic marvels of Rouen, and seen places like Honfleur's picturesque harbour, the Cliffs of Étretat, Château Gaillard's medieval splendour, and Monet's Garden, your holiday draws to a close as the Eurostar arrives in London this afternoon.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Travel timings in your Holiday Confirmation are provisional and are subject to change. We will confirm your travel times in your final itinerary around 10-14 days before your departure. Eurostar or Flight times will be confirmed to you approximately 30-50 days before departure.

Trains & Ships

More information on the different trains and ships that are used on this tour.

Find out more
MS Amadeus Diamond Cabin DS | Great Rail Journeys
Deluxe Suites - Upper Deck

Travel in luxury and style when you choose one of our Deluxe Suites. Our largest en-suite cabins, at 22 square metres, a walk-out balcony, walk-in wardrobe an river-view lounge area.

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MS Amadeus Diamond Cabin A1 | Great Rail Journeys
Deluxe Stateroom - Upper Deck

These en-suite cabins are stylish and impressively spacious at 15 squre metres, with a panoramic window balcony, walk-in wardrobe and seating area.

Find out more
MS Amadeus Diamond Cabin B1 | Great Rail Journeys
Deluxe Stateroom - Middle Deck

These en-suite cabins are stylish and impressively spacious at 15 squre metres, with a panoramic window balcony, walk-in wardrobe and seating area.

Find out more
MS Amadeus Diamond Cabin C1 | Great Rail Journeys
Classic Stateroom - Lower Deck

Our Classic Staterooms offer quality, and elegance with space to relax in comfort at the end of the day. And we recognise the importance of having somewhere inviting to retire to after an engaging day of cruising or excursions. These 15 square metre en-suite cabins offer a wide picture window and large walk-in wardrobe.

Find out more

Enhance your holiday

London Hotels

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

Read more

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

London hotels
UK rail connections

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

Read more

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

UK train tickets

Reviews

4.0 stars4.0 / 5 · 31 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (13)
  2. 4 stars
    (10)
  3. 3 stars
    (5)
  4. 2 stars
    (2)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

Audrey Taylor

5 stars

Submitted 29/Sep

Hello . It was a delightful holiday from start to finish . the people i met were all very friendly and everybody mixed in really well. the ship , captain , crew , cleaning staff were all excellent and the food was exceptional. How the crew manage to stay as friendly as they do is unbelievable , especially when they have so many passengers to cope with . the cruise managers , yes we had two were very good and made sure that all their passengers were happy. Karen and Andy. the French tour guides we had were also very good , especially one gentleman called Martin, he certainly knows France and his subject , which is history, excellent. i am looking forward to another River cruise later next year but cannot make my mind up yet , they are all so exciting. may i also commend the staff in head office in York , they are so patient and understanding of peoples needs. sorry i cannot add photos , my technical knowledge doesn't show me how to do this but i have some wonderful pictures of the whole holiday especially the Palace of Versailles, wonderful. Many thanks to all in York and London who make these trips wonderful and worth the money. I am a Yorkshire lady , now living in Lincoln , so as they say i am careful with my money but do enjoy Great Rail holidays . Again very many thanks to ALL who make these holidays the joy which they are . Best Wishes to all. AUDREY TAYLOR.

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PG

5 stars

Submitted 29/Sep

I have already done this review once

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Mr Vale

5 stars

Submitted 25/Sep

A very pleasant and interesting holiday which covered various interests.

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Mrs. A. Hammond

5 stars

Submitted 25/Sep

Long walk to carriage on Eurostar. Once on board holiday was excellent, everything included and only spent money on coffees etc in the towns.

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Mark Holloway

5 stars

Submitted 24/Sep

A well organised and enjoyable trip down the Seine taking in historical places.

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Maria

5 stars

Submitted 20/Aug

It exceeded my expectations. The tours were great and the tour guides excellent.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Maria, Thank you for your review. I'm delighted to hear that your Paris, Normandy & the River Seine tour exceeded your expectations and that you enjoyed some wonderful excursions. Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

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River Cruise Holidays 2026

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Experience the magic of cruising along some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways. Glide serenely along the romantic Rhine, explore the blue Danube or meander through the enchanting Douro Valley. With our river cruises, you’ll drift through beautiful landscapes and historic towns.

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