Paris & Seine Discovery River Cruise - MS Jane Austen

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Arrive in Paris - On arrival in Paris, we'll transfer to our ship MS Jane Austen. Fully refurbished in late 2024, this ship will be the perfect base for our short break in central France. 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 be moored here overnight and begin our voyage downstream in the morning.
• Day 2
  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 18th‑century 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.   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.
• Day 3
  Paris - If you're an early riser, why not stroll around Vernon before our breakfast departure towards the iconic French capital? Then, there's time to sit back and relax as we enjoy another morning of scenic sailing in the comfort of our beautiful ship. Mooring in Paris after lunch, we'll take a guided tour of Paris in the company of a local expert. We'll see many of the outstanding monuments Paris has to offer - including the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro, the Musee D'Orsay and much more before returning to the ship for another exceptional dinner. On your last evening, you could make the most of our Superior drink package and share an included drink with your fellow explorers in the lounge. Raise a glass to an enjoyable journey on MS Jane Austen.
• Day 4
  Return home