Scenic River Cruise to Rouen via the Seine on Balmoral
We picked up our pilot right on time—10 AM at the Rouen Pilot Station—just as our river cruise along the Seine was getting underway. My shift started at noon, which was perfect timing, as the scenic cruising began right around then too—so thankfully, I didn’t miss much!
We still had about four hours to go before reaching Rouen, which meant I got to be on duty for the best part of the cruise. And honestly, the timing couldn’t have worked out better. Steering the ship while we gently sailed along the River Seine (not the Rhine!) was pretty amazing. The views were incredible—quaint villages, rolling green hills, and every now and then, a glimpse of old churches and historic buildings along the riverbanks.
It’s not every day that work feels like a front-row seat to a guided tour, but that’s exactly how it felt. So, here I am, sharing some of the beautiful scenes we passed as Balmoral cruised through the peaceful waters toward Rouen. I hope these views bring you a little slice of the calm and beauty I experienced.
This was the first view as we started our scenic cruise toward Rouen. We passed the town of Honfleur in Normandy—its waterfront lined with old, charming houses that gave it that timeless, postcard look. A wooden walkway ran along the river, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
In the middle of the scene, a tall church steeple stood out, and beyond that, green fields stretched all the way to the horizon. You could also see the Pont de Normandie, a huge suspension bridge in the distance, adding a modern contrast to the classic scenery. The sky was mostly clear, with just a few clouds—perfect for taking it all in.
As we continued along the Seine, I caught my first view of Caudebec-en-Caux, a quiet little town nestled in the hills of Normandy. The river was calm, and trees lined the shore alongside houses.
At the center of town stood a tall church steeple surrounded by a mix of homes—some traditional, some more modern. From the deck, it was a peaceful, postcard-worthy moment as we slowly passed by.
Looking out from the deck, I spotted a huge open field stretching across the landscape. It looked like prime farmland—maybe for wheat or corn. Peaceful and wide open.
We passed a tiny, cozy village nestled at the foot of a big, white cliff. The houses sat right by the river, looking like they’d been there forever. It was quiet and picture-perfect.
One of my favorite views so far—like something out of a countryside postcard. A little house sat snug against a tall, forested cliff. Its reddish-brown roof popped against all the greenery. I couldn’t help but wonder—does someone live there, watching ships like ours drift by with a warm cup of tea?
Drifting down the river, we passed another charming village. The houses were a mix of old stone and colorful bricks, giving it a warm, friendly feel. In the center stood a stunning church with twin spires reaching up to the sky, glowing in the soft afternoon light.
Behind it, a thick forest rolled up the hillside, and at the very top? A grand old building that looked like a manor—or maybe even a castle. It looked like it had stories to tell.
One of the most striking sights—a huge white cliff rising up from the riverbank. It was dramatic and beautiful.
Right up front, we passed a boat docked with cars lined up onboard, waiting for their turn to drive off. Simple, but full of life.
As we neared Rouen, we entered a more industrial area. One thing really stood out—a massive red ship with “DOF” painted boldly on the side. It looked like a serious workhorse, loaded with cranes and heavy gear for offshore jobs.
Chimneys poked up from a huge industrial site, puffing smoke into the sky. There were big storage tanks and factory structures spread out across the dock. It was busy, in its own way, and a sharp contrast to the calm scenery earlier.
So this is it! The ship is now alongside Port of Rouen. We’re staying overnight here, and I’m sure some of the crew will take the chance to head to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower. I’ve been there before, so no need for me to go ashore this time. It also reminded me of when I visited Giverny and toured Claude Monet’s home—a really special experience. I might share more about those past visits here soon.
Seafarer and Family Man
I'm Dexter— a seafarer by profession, a traveler by passion, and a homebody by choice.
