1. Awe-inspiring architecture in Paris
2. The Seine - Where famous artworks come alive
3. Historic Palaces and Roman Ruins in Provence
4. Bordeaux's fine wines and elegant Chateaux
5. Featured itineraries

Paris is many an artist’s muse. The City of Light has been immortalised in countless works of art, and its power to inspire is as potent as ever. While the Louvre is an essential visit for art lovers, many of the French capital’s greatest works can be found on its streets.

See the Eiffel Tower as it looms over the city skyline. Or admire the view down the majestic plane-tree-lined avenue des Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe, a monument of imposing grandeur commissioned by Napoléon in 1806 to honour those who fought for France. Nearby is another of Paris’ most cherished buildings, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. The medieval church is a Gothic masterpiece. Its distinctive spire has been a defining landmark of the city for more than 800 years. Although ravaged by fire in 2019, Notre-Dame is once again to welcoming visitors following a mammoth five-year restoration project.

The 11-day Normandy & Gems of the Seine river cruise begins and ends in Paris among these iconic attractions, giving you time to explore with a local expert as your guide.

“I don’t believe I shall ever leave Giverny,” said Claude Monet of his home on the banks of the Seine to the northwest of Paris. Understand why the artist found this enchanting landscape as one of many inspiring art discoveries, to enjoy on a river cruise along the Seine.

With its ponds, bridges and bright floral arrangements, guests will find this very captivating on a Scenic Freechoice ‘Monet’s House and Garden’ tour. The art-filled discoveries continue in Honfleur, a charming port town on the Atlantic coast considered the birthplace of Impressionism, as well as in Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his final months.

Another highlight is Château de Chantilly, a spectacular complex surrounded by glassy ponds and home to the second-largest collection of artworks after the Louvre.

All that’s missing from the sun-kissed, lavender-scented landscapes of Provence, along the Rhône River from Chalon-sur-Saone to Arles, is a frame. On the Spectacular South of France river cruise, sail these visually spectacular waterways to Avignon, home of the World-Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes).

This towering gothic palace was built when the Papacy abandoned Rome, choosing to make Avignon their home for nearly 70 years; it’s easy to see why. Go beyond the traditional visitor experience on an exclusive Scenic Enrich event and be wowed by a private classical concert and gala dinner in Gothic splendour.

Step back even further into France’s architectural history on this 11-day journey, to a time when Provence — or Provincia Romana as it was then known — was a strategic stronghold of the Roman empire. From Arles, with its monumental first century BC amphitheatre to the Pont du Gard, a 50-kilometre-long aqueduct, the Roman era persists in the region today.

Swirl and sip your way through the viticultural heartland of France on the 11-day Beautiful Bordeaux cruise along the Gironde, Dordogne and Garonne Rivers. This trio of postcard-pretty waterways is framed by neat rows of vines and perfectly preserved châteaux. Here, some of the finest red wines come to life in beautifully preserved historic estates.

At Château d’Agassac, a 13th-century buttercream stone castle and vineyard in the Médoc countryside, guests can enjoy an exclusive Scenic Enrich experience of a magical twilight string quartet performance on the grounds.

A visit to Bordeaux is elevated by a guided visit to Château de la Roche Courbon, an immense fortified 15th century castle built on a high cliff overlooking the river. The fairytale setting is completed by manicured gardens that rival the grandeur of the château, with expansive lawns, ponds, stone statues and bright flower beds.

From the iconic landmarks of Paris to the living postcards of the Seine, Provence’s historical treasures and Bordeaux’s grand wine estates, a river cruise reveals France’s captivating cultural heritage. Embark on this unforgettable journey and be inspired by the rich artistic legacy on display at every turn.