Cruising the Seine from Paris through Normandy

One of the best perks of this job? Getting to experience the trips we send our clients on. I’ve just returned from an 8-day fam with Riviera Travel, cruising the Seine from Paris through Normandy and let me tell you, it was nothing short of stunning. I travelled with a great group of eight other agents, and while we were technically there to “work,” I think we all agree we were completely swept away by the experience.

We sailed on the MS Jane Austen, and from the moment we stepped aboard, it was five-star service all the way. The staff were warm, attentive, and seemed to genuinely love what they do nothing was too much trouble. The food? Absolutely gorgeous. From beautifully plated breakfasts to three-course dinners with French flair, every meal felt like a treat.

What really made the trip special, though, was the people. There’s something about river cruising that makes it easy to strike up a chat over coffee, at the bar, or while admiring the scenery. By day two, it felt like we all knew each other.

The itinerary took us through some of the most charming and historic parts of France:

– Les Andelys gave us sweeping views from Château Gaillard and that quiet, small-town charm you can only get in rural France.
– Rouen was all medieval magic and history — with its Gothic churches and winding lanes.
– On Day 4, most of the group headed to the D-Day beaches or did the Taste of Normandy tour (cheese and cider aplenty!), but I chose something a little different — a personal pilgrimage to Lisieux, the home of St. Thérèse. Visiting the Basilica and walking in her footsteps was incredibly moving and something I’ll never forget.
– Honfleur looked like a postcard — colourful boats in the harbour, art galleries on every corner, and just enough sunshine to make it feel like a dream.
– Giverny and Vernon were pure French fairytale — especially Monet’s garden. Honestly, most of the villages we visited looked like they were straight out of Beauty and the Beast.
– We wrapped up back in Paris, with a panoramic tour and some free time to soak in the sights before saying goodbye.

This was the kind of trip that reminds you why people fall in love with river cruising. The pace is relaxed, the views are constant, and you only unpack once. Add in incredible service, food, scenery, and a bit of personal discovery, and you’ve got something really special.

Who would love this trip?

– First-time cruisers – River cruising is a gentle, relaxed introduction to life onboard.
– History lovers – From D-Day to Joan of Arc to Monet, every stop has a story.
– Culture seekers – With art, architecture, and incredible food, it’s full of enriching moments.
– Those in need of a recharge – It’s as social or as quiet as you want it to be. Wake up to calm river views, enjoy a glass of wine on deck, and let the world float by.

If France, food, history or just a bit of pampering is on your list, this itinerary is well worth considering. And if you’ve got something personal you’d like to see or do, like my visit to Lisieux, there’s space to make it your own.

We wrapped it all up with one last wander through Montmartre, berets on (of course), tucking into proper French onion soup at a little corner café. The artists, the cobbled streets, the music in the air, what a way to experience Paris. No wonder it’s called the City of Love.

Already planning who I’d recommend it to… and secretly planning when I can go back!

About the MS Jane Austen:

– Capacity: 140 guests
– Cabins: 70 elegant staterooms and suites
– Built: 2014, refurbished to a high standard
– Features: Panoramic lounge and bar, sun deck, restaurant, wellness area
– Style: Boutique, contemporary European décor
– Atmosphere: Relaxed, elegant, and refreshingly unpretentious