Gastronomy of the Seine
This is not the kind of trip where you’re rushing from place to place.
This is the one where you plan your day around what you’re going to eat next… where mornings start with coffee on deck and evenings end with wine and conversations that somehow last longer than planned.
I’ve held a small number of cabins on this sailing because it hits that sweet spot I’m always looking for - incredible food, a relaxed pace, and just enough structure that you don’t have to think about a thing once you’re there.
Why I chose this sailing
There are a lot of river cruises out there. This is the one I chose to host for a reason.
Food-focused without feeling over-the-top
A relaxed pace (no rushing through 10 cities in 7 days)
Smaller ship with a more personal feel
A really nice mix of iconic highlights and local experiences
It's the kind of itinerary I'd book for my own holiday.
The ship - Jane Austen
The ship is elegant without feeling stuffy, more boutique hotel than floating palace.
You unpack once, settle in, and everything else comes to you… new views, new meals, new places to explore.
Evenings are relaxed, sometimes in port, so you can head out for a stroll or stay onboard with a glass of wine and watch the river drift by.
It’s the kind of ship that suits this itinerary perfectly - comfortable, relaxed, and focused on the experience rather than the extras.
Riviera Travel has been operating European river cruises for many years and is known for offering a relaxed, culturally focused experience with excellent value and strong inclusions. Their modern ships typically carry less than 200 guests, creating a friendly onboard atmosphere that makes it easy to get to know fellow travellers while still enjoying space to relax. Each itinerary includes expert-led shore excursions in every port, along with regionally inspired dining and attentive service onboard, making it a comfortable and enriching way to explore Europe’s waterways without the complexity of planning it yourself
The Itinerary
A relaxed, food-focused journey along the Seine, with time to explore, enjoy, and not feel rushed.
Day 1 - Paris (Embarkation)
Arrive in Paris and settle onboard your river ship. Ease into the trip with your first glass of wine on deck as the Seine carries you out of the city.
Day 2 - Les Andelys (Château Gaillard & Cider Farm)
Start with a visit to Château Gaillard, perched high above the Seine, then head into the Normandy countryside for cider tastings, apple brandy, and a relaxed introduction to the region’s food culture.
Day 3 - Rouen
Explore one of Normandy’s most beautiful and historic cities, known for its medieval architecture and ties to Joan of Arc, with cafés, markets, and cobbled streets that feel unchanged for centuries.
Day 4 - Normandy Beaches
Visit the D-Day landing beaches and memorial sites. A powerful and reflective day, balanced by the quiet beauty of the coastline.
Day 5 - Honfleur
Discover this picturesque harbour town known for its art scene and maritime history, with colourful buildings, a charming old port, and the kind of atmosphere that feels like stepping into a painting.
Day 6 - Vernon (Giverny & Bizy Castle)
Visit Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, with time to wander the iconic water lily ponds and colourful pathways, followed by a visit to Bizy Castle for a guided tour and a cider and cheese tasting experience.
Day 7 - Paris
Return to Paris for sightseeing and a macaron tasting - a perfect mix of iconic landmarks and sweet treats to end the journey on a high note.
Day 8 - Paris
Disembark and begin your journey home, or continue exploring Paris… because one more croissant is never a bad idea.
Many guests choose to spend a few extra nights in Paris before or after the cruise - it’s the perfect way to ease into the trip or extend it a little longer.
A $500 USD per person hotel credit is also included, which can be used toward pre- or post-cruise hotel stays booked with Riviera, making it even easier to add that extra time.
Pricing & Cabin Options
Pricing below is based on double occupancy and includes your cruise, meals, drinks, and guided experiences throughout the week - so once you’re there, almost everything is taken care of for you.
Emerald Deck Cabin
From $2,899 USD per person
(based on double occupancy)
ONE LEFT AT THIS PRICING
Ruby Deck Cabin
From $3,849 USD per person
(based on double occupancy)
FOUR LEFT AT THIS PRICING
Not sure which cabin is the best fit? I can walk you through the options and help you choose.
Early Booking
Save $150 USD per person when you place your deposit before April 13, 2026
Bonus
Includes a $500 USD per person hotel credit
(which can be used toward pre- or post-cruise stays booked with Riviera)
Solo Travellers
Solo supplement - 25% (Emerald Deck cabins only)
Availability to be confirmed with Riviera
Payment schedule:
Deposit: $300 USD per person (non refundable)
Final payment: December 18, 2026
If you’re interested in joining, reach out and I can walk you through the options and help you decide if it’s the right fit.
What's Included
Full board dining with regionally inspired menus (plus a special Chef’s Dinner)
Wine, beer, and more included throughout your cruise - from morning coffee to evening cocktails
Tea and coffee
On-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
Guided excursions throughout the itinerary
Onboard entertainment and enrichment
Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
What's Not Included
Flights
Transfers
Visa costs (if applicable)
Travel insurance
River cruise gratuities
Dietary Preferences
Riviera is great at accommodating dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan diets, so you will absolutely have options onboard.
I do like to be upfront though - this is a very food-focused itinerary built around traditional French cuisine, which isn’t naturally vegan-heavy. While you’ll be well taken care of, the experience won’t be quite the same as it is for someone eating everything.
If you’re vegan (like me), I’m always happy to chat it through and give you a realistic idea of what to expect so you can decide if it’s the right fit.
Who This Trip is For
This trip is a great fit if you:
Love food and local experiences
Prefer a slower, more relaxed pace
Want everything taken care of without overplanning
Like the idea of travelling with a small, like-minded group
And probably not the best fit if you’re looking to rush from city to city or pack every minute of the day.
Booking Process
I’ve held a limited number of cabins for this group, and once they’re gone, that’s it - pricing and availability will change.
If this trip is even a “maybe,” let’s chat. I can walk you through everything and help you decide if it’s the right fit.
I can also assist with flights, transfers, pre- and post-cruise stays, activities, and travel insurance - so everything comes together seamlessly.
Pre- and post-cruise options will be available mid 2026, but we can absolutely start planning around that now.