Great stories are born of unforgettable moments

La vie est belle

Every day presents a new adventure as Scenic Enrich opens doors for unprecedented access to the most unforgettable destinations.

Upon arriving at Bordeaux’s cavernous former marine base, you’ll understand how it feels to be a part of something really special. Once the doors of Les Bassins des Lumières have closed to the public, you’ll be handed a glass of Champagne and plunged into the works of some of the world’s most famous artists, as light and sound fill the bunker’s four 110-metre-long, 12-metre-high chambers – and it’ll be all yours to get truly lost in.

Chocolate aficionados will relish the opportunity to indulge their sweet tooth at the home of one of the world’s leading chocolatiers. Valrhona has been producing some of the finest chocolate from the village of Tain L’Hermitage since 1922 and here, you’ll have exclusive access to the skills of inspiring chefs as they host interactive workshops. Enjoy the flavour of rare cocoa beans, learn the art of enrobing, how to make French confectionery, and taste ‘petit délice’ bon bons – returning home with a newly acquired culinary repertoire.

Wherever you find yourself, your route will unveil spectacular architecture around every bend. Illustrious châteaux and ecclesiastical monuments provide the most unforgettable of stages for classical concerts celebrating French compositions. For one evening only, Scenic guests will have exclusive access to the 16th-century Château de La Roche-Guyon and its surrounding orchard, before the band commences their special performance, just for you.

We have been looking forward to this experience since last year. So grateful that we were able to attend. The music was exceptional, and the setting magnificent.

Marleen M, Scenic Guest Palais des Papes, Avignon #ScenicStoriesForLife

l’Art de vivre à la Française…

To the French, the art of living comes from existing in the moment, savouring the little things and getting as much out of every moment as possible. This ‘joie de vivre’ that has become synonymous with the culture is what has inspired our extensive Scenic Freechoice program, inviting the sights, smells, and conversations of everyday life to your doorstep, literally.

French cuisine is highly regarded the world over – its fresh ingredients, simple flavours, and finesse laying the foundations for many other styles and specialties. In the heart of the Alpilles in Provence, the charming southern village of Fontvieille is home to the property of Mas Saint Jean olive oil mill. Enjoy an olive oil tasting with a member of the Sourdon family, who have been producing their award-winning ‘liquid gold’ for centuries. A fascinating first-hand insight into the generations of tradition, you’ll leave feeling inspired and equipped with delectable Provençal recipes to recreate at home.

As well as sprawling olive groves, Provence is renowned for its fragrant rolling fields of violet that really set the countryside alight with their vibrancy and scent. Dive into rural life at a local farm and join a guide who will host a cosmetic workshop, using the plentiful flora at your disposal.

An almost inconceivably long history has, inevitably, left the country with a colourful past. Embrace the elements during an intensely impactful walk along the D-Day landing sites – or venture even further back to explore the medieval laneways of Rouen as part of an interactive guided tour accompanied by the historic figure, Rollo the Viking. He’ll share stories of Viking raiders and ancient royalty on an active walk, following in the footsteps of Richard the Lionheart and uncovering the characters who shaped the world today. A rich artistic heritage can be traced back to the north as the birthplace of the founder of Impressionist art, Monet. Visit his home and gardens in Giverny and, in Auvers-sur-Oise, gain an insight into how Van Gogh lived his final year from his former bedroom, untouched since 1890.

The largest Gothic palace in Europe, Avignon’s Palais des Papes, will open its illustrious Grand Tinel Room for an exclusive gala dinner. Once closed to the public, take your seat for a three-course meal – punctuated by the dulcet tones of a classical trio.

And in Lyon, the Trinity Chapel will flourish into life as its decadent Carrara marbleadorned 17th-century interior provides a unique stage for an acapella choir performance. A glass of Champagne awaits – the perfect accompaniment to such special surrounds.

Eat as the French do...

The French culture is unique in its relationship with food – eating and drinking together is part of the national identity and woven into every journey. Our chefs are focused on creating spectacular dishes with the freshest ingredients, sourced from local producers. This farm-to-table concept allows us to showcase regional flavours and support local suppliers. Learn the art of truffle cultivation at a farm in Cadillac, before a special dinner on board that celebrates its unique flavour. And in Bordeaux, sample freshly sourced oysters from the Atlantic floor of Arcachon Bay – home to 700 acres of oyster beds – for the most decadent of culinary experiences.

Taste some of the country’s greatest cheese in Normandy and visit quaint Norman villages, home to orchards dating back to the 8th century. Crowned the ‘apple region’, wash a delicious camembert or livarot down with the cider, calvados, and pommeau produced on these historic premises.

On our South of France journey, you will visit Lyon. Known for being the gastronomic heartbeat of France, it has a wonderful selection of restaurants and cafés that spill out into the streets. Great for foodies, you will relish the opportunity to visit the restaurant of Michelin-starred chef Georges Blanc for an unforgettable cooking demonstration.

On board, every meal is a celebration. A cornucopia of choice is on offer as your inspired chefs craft delectable dishes. Our crew finds so much joy in watching new friendships form over a plate of food and a glass of wine, so do as the French do and come together in the ship’s main restaurant, Crystal Dining.

Join us in our speciality fine French restaurant, L’Amour, and enjoy a five-course menu with sommelier-paired wines from the region’s best estates. Taste celebrated wines of Bordeaux and Châteauneuf-duPape, on exclusive tastings in some of the world’s best wine-producing regions and, on board, our sommeliers will pair the perfect wines and Champagne to accompany any dish, all complimentary, of course.

Scenic Culinaire

France is the epicentre of cuisine and fine dining so, as well as gastronomic experiences onshore, our expert chefs will impart their wisdom during private classes, held in our on board cooking space, Scenic Culinaire. In Avignon and Bordeaux, groups of ten guests will be guided through the consummate artistry of French cuisine during shopping trips at local markets, encouraging you to taste the best ingredients as you enjoy the buzz of everyday life. Upon returning to the ship, they’ll host live demonstrations – including a live camera and screen so that you won’t miss a single drizzle or slice as its being created. And of course, the best bit will be the tastings at the conclusion of each class.

We appreciated being invited to l’Amour and the opportunity to have a meal in a more private setting. The meal was absolutely delicious, service was excellent. The atmosphere watching the sunset and enjoying the river was a memory I won’t forget.

Carole G, Scenic Guest #ScenicStoriesForLife

Votre bien-être

We’ve purposefully limited the number of suites on board our Space-Ships sailing in the South of France and Bordeaux, to accommodate an indulgent Wellness Area, including our innovative Salt Therapy Lounge# and Vitality Pool# on the Sun Deck. Exclusively experience the healing benefits of salt therapy – a natural treatment dating as far back as Ancient Greece – restore the natural function of the body during a customised aromatherapy massage‡, or enjoy a workout in our fully equipped gym, as we encourage you to be the best version of yourself.

Onshore, discover another dimension to your destination and explore without breaking a sweat on our complimentary e-bikes. Pedal yourself to keep fit or let your fun and eco-friendly bike do the work for you as you cycle through the acclaimed Lalande-de-Pomerol wine region to the impressive estate of Château Siaurac. Hike through the vineyards of Tournon and enjoy a wine tasting, or kayak along France’s Gardon River towards the ancient Pont du Gard aqueduct.

Sail into the heart of Honfleur

There’s something spellbinding about experiencing where a river meets the sea. With one of the prettiest harbours in France, Honfleur is where the Seine opens into the Atlantic at the English Channel. With winding streets and colourful buildings, there is something to see around every corner. One of the unique features of Scenic Gem is its size, which allows us to sail directly into the heart of Honfleur harbour, something very few ships of its size can do. The subject of several much-loved 19th-century paintings by Claude Monet, enjoy more time to adopt the slower pace of this modest town and appreciate its spectacular harbour, one of the prettiest in all of France.

A place to retreat to

Each one of our Balcony Suites features our Scenic Sun Lounge. Enjoy riverbank views in wide-angle splendour, as luxury and innovation meet when the glass glides down and converts your window into your exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge at the touch of a button.

Follow an exhilarating day with the best sleep you’ve ever had in our ergonomic Scenic Slumber Beds. Pick your perfect pillow from an extensive menu, complemented by a German-made light premium down duvet made from the finest cotton.

Equipped with lavish amenities, such as ESPA toiletries, an Apple TV and a mini bar, restocked daily, each one of our suites is the perfect place to sit back and read a book or sip on a glass of Champagne, delivered by your butler.