From Monet’s water lilies to Van Gogh’s wheat fields, this Seine voyage turns famous paintings into real-life experiences
Standing in the Absinthe Museum in Auvers-sur-Oise, I raise a glass of the infamous emerald-green spirit known as ‘the green fairy’ and take a cautious sip. The potent drink was favoured by artists, and it feels an appropriate way to begin an afternoon immersed in the world of Van Gogh, the most famous post-Impressionist painter.
Expecting it to taste bitter, I’m pleasantly surprised by the smooth liquorice-like drink. While popular culture has linked absinthe with hallucinations and artistic madness, we learn it was originally developed in the late 18th century as a herb-infused medicinal tonic, prescribed for a variety of ailments, before evolving into the fashionable drink beloved by bohemians. (pic 2)
Outside the museum, and away from the main street, the village northwest of Paris appears little changed from the place Van Gogh knew when he arrived in May 1890. During the final 70 days of his life he produced an equal number of paintings here, making it one of his most prolific periods. We walked along winding lanes past the church and scenes immortalised in his characteristic paintings with vivid colours and thick brushstrokes. We finish in the tiny attic room where he died at the age of 37, having sold only one painting during his life.
For anyone interested in art, or just curious, it’s a moving experience. For me, it was one of the highlights of an art-themed cruise along the Seine aboard VIVA Beyond, the first vessel in VIVA Cruises’ new premium offshoot, VIVA Boutique.
The sailing was particularly timely as the itinerary featured a visit to Monet’s Garden at Giverny. As 2026 coincides with the 100th anniversary of his death, it added an extra layer of significance to a journey already steeped in artistic history.
The garden is one of those places that exceeds expectations. Despite having seen countless photographs, nothing quite prepared me for the riot of colour in far-reaching beds packed with assorted blooms. Nearby, the Japanese bridge arched gracefully over the lily pond that inspired Monet’s celebrated Water Lilies series, while an orchestra of croaking frogs provided an unexpected soundtrack as we walked around.
River cruises often focus on castles, cathedrals and historic towns, but this voyage took a different approach, weaving together the landscapes, villages and cultural influences beloved by the greatest French artists. It’s one of three themed itineraries – art, culinary experiences and culture – offered by VIVA Boutique.
Similarly, many lines package daily shore tours into the overall fare, which can make you feel you’ve wasted money or you’re missing out if you decide to skip some of them. With VIVA, all passengers get one included excursion – in this instance the visit to Auvers-sur-Oise – and you can pay for others or discover places under your own steam. The option for leisurely exploration makes these cruises equally appealing for silver travellers who enjoy discovering France at a relaxed pace.
That balance and choice is also reflected in the onboard experience. Guests can divide mealtimes between three distinct venues: the elegant main restaurant, casual French brasserie and intimate speciality restaurant Moments, where the dinner menu has been curated by Michelin starred chef David Goerne who has an exclusive partnership with VIVA Boutique. French flavours feature strongly throughout, while themed events, such as an oyster and Champagne night, showcase regional produce and culinary traditions.
The 112-passenger VIVA Beyond feels fresh, contemporary and stylish. Soft pastel tones, elegant furnishings and modern artwork create a boutique hotel atmosphere. And this concept extends to the accommodation.
Offering a premium river cruise experience, half the cabins are suites, an unusually generous ratio for a river vessel. I was lucky enough to stay in a spacious Beyond Suite, one of just 10 on the ship. It’s an all-new stateroom category for VIVA, and these suites are the largest rooms in the fleet. It came with thoughtful extras including a dressing room, option for an in-room breakfast, surprise gifts and a cocktail party with the captain, hotel manager and other Beyond Suite guests.
The icing on the cake, in every sense, for Beyond Suite passengers is an exclusive dinner in the kitchen at David Goerne’s Manoir de Retival restaurant, overlooking the Seine. The immersive experience begins with a glass of Champagne and ends eight exquisite courses later. Throughout, David is on hand to cook, serve dishes and chat about the food and wine pairings. If anyone has preconceptions about dinner at a Michelin star restaurant, thinking it might be formal and stuffy, this is the complete antithesis, with a joyful and refreshing take on fine food.
Sailing round-trip from Paris, the cruise combined time in the French capital with calls at destinations including Rouen, Conflans and Le Havre. In Rouen, I wandered through medieval streets lined with half-timbered houses and admired the cathedral that fascinated Monet so much he painted it more than 30 times under different light conditions.
Le Havre offered a striking contrast. Rebuilt after the Second World War, its bold modern architecture has earned UNESCO World Heritage status and demonstrates how artistic inspiration can be found in unexpected places.
Back in Paris, where the ship moored within easy reach of many attractions, there was ample time to explore independently or book a tour. Another particularly memorable excursion saw me clambering into the back of a classic Citroën 2CV for a tour of the city. As we bounced cheerfully through the streets, the journey was as much fun as seeing sights such as Eiffel Tower, cobbled streets of Montmartre and swanky Champs-Elysees.
For silver travellers, VIVA Boutique hits a sweet spot. The pace is unhurried, the cultural content enriching and the inclusions offer good value. Whether your interests lie in art, history, food or just enjoying beautiful scenery from the comfort of a river ship, there’s plenty to enjoy.
As our journey came to an end, I reflected on a week filled with colour, culture and creativity. VIVA Boutique may be a newcomer to the river cruise scene, but it has already painted a very appealing picture of what premium cruising can offer.
Find out more
To book a cruise with VIVA Boutique and get further information from our Silver Travel Advisors, call 0800 412 5678.
