Savour French joys all along the Seine

THE special edition cruise on Scenic Gem, starting and ending in Paris, includes the D-Day anniversary and so much more. You’ll uncover the life of Joan of Arc in the winding, medieval lanes of Rouen, before sailing into Honfleur in the evening, ready for a full day tour of the beaches and landing sites, as well as the Bayeux War Cemetery. The theme continues the next day with visits to memorials and museums, including the Museum of the Battle of Normandy. Or take a visit to clifftop Etretat, a delightful village with stunning views. Sail back up the Seine to Giverny, to visit Claude Monet’s beautiful home and gardens. And an exclusive Scenic event at the Chateau de la Roche Guyon unlocks the grandeur of an earlier era, as you enjoy a live classical concert in opulent surroundings. Conflans is the gateway to Auvers-sur-Oise where you can enter Vincent Van Gogh’s lodgings and see the local landmarks he painted. Or visit stunning Chantilly Castle. Later, there’s a chance to kick back on the sundeck of Scenic Gem with a drink in hand, as you cruise past picturesque villages, arriving into Paris in time to witness the light show at the Eiffel Tower. Next day, you’ll get to know the city like a local, with a resident expert. Or journey to the 17th-century Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, Louis XIV’s inspiration for the Palace of Versailles. Featured in the James Bond movie, Moonraker, it has been leaving visitors in awe of its magnificence for centuries.