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Contact your local Viking travel advisor, call us on 138 747 (AU), 0800 447 913 (NZ) or visit viking.com | 19 The legendary Seine River offers a rich blend of history, culture and natural beauty, and a journey along its waters provides an opportunity to experience the scenic countryside of Normandy while immersing yourself in the unique charms of northern France. Each bend of the Seine carries a chapter of French history, from fortified villages and ancient abbeys to orchards and riverside towns. The river preserves time gently, linking the stories of medieval kings, revolutionary artists and modern life. For Viking guests, this journey is more than sightseeing, it is a guided immersion into France's enduring character, revealing lessons in history, art and daily life along every stretch of water. LES ANDELYS: MEDIEVAL CHARM In the heart of a gentle curve of the Seine lies Les Andelys, a village steeped in medieval charm. Half‑timbered houses line cobbled lanes, their bright windows catching the morning light. Towering above, the ruins of Château Gaillard—Richard the Lionheart's 12th‑century fortress—offer sweeping views across limestone cliffs and the rooftops of Petit‑Andely below. From this vantage point, the strategic brilliance of medieval architecture comes into focus, revealing the region's layered history. LES A NDELYS , FR A NC E LA ROCHE-GUYON, FRANCE ROUEN: HISTORY IN STONE Further along the river, Rouen presents a striking blend of Gothic grandeur and historical resonance. Its cathedral, famously captured in a series of paintings by Claude Monet, dominates the skyline. Nearby, the square where Joan of Arc met her fate remains a solemn landmark, framed by centuries‑old buildings. Walking through Rouen's medieval streets, visitors encounter the intersections of art, faith and politics that have shaped French identity. VERNON & GIVERNY: GARDENS AND INSPIRATION At Vernon, the riverbank blooms with gardens and the silhouette of an old mill evokes a slower pace of life. Just beyond, Giverny welcomes travellers into the world of Claude Monet. His home and gardens, complete with the iconic lily pond and Japanese bridge, offer a glimpse into the daily rhythms and inspirations of the Impressionist master. Here, Viking guests can explore the profound connection between landscape, light and artistic expression.