A continent fraught with war for centuries, Europe is today a great monument, filled with the scars of battle, and the blood, sweat and tears of humanity itself.
Even Australia, a world away geographically, has had a role to play in the destiny of Europe, beyond the familial ties of generations past.
The ANZAC spirit is very much alive in the ‘Old World.’ In the struggle for peace, Australia sent its treasures in the form of brave ANZAC soldiers to preserve democracy, and restore peace, not only for Europe but for countries near and far.
France especially bore witness to the horrors of the First World War, and the ANZACS played a significant role in the raging battles fought throughout the French countryside, from the Somme, where over 150,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers died, to Villers-Bretonneux, Dernancourt and Hazebrouck.
Every April, thousands of Aussies make their way to Villers-Bretonneux to observe Anzac Day. Not surprisingly, France is one of the best destinations in which to learn about and honour the service of Australian soldiers.
It’s not just Anzac Day however when tribute is paid to the Australian veterans. Regardless of the time of year, France has many wartime attractions that place a strong emphasis on Australia’s contribution to the war effort.
One of the best places to visit is the newly constructed Sir John Monash Centre. Recently opened, after 27 months of painstaking construction and exhibit formation, the Australian National Memorial near Villers-Bretonneux will become the premier Anzac memorial site and research resource on the Western Front.
Here you can pay tribute to the 10,773 Australians who were killed in battle, many of whom have no marked grave, while also honouring the nearly 300,000 Australian soldiers who served on the Western Front.
Just a 90-minute drive from Paris, the centre will be the cornerstone of the Australian Remembrance Trail. It was placed there to link the important battle sites of the Somme-River Valley in north-western France and southern Belgium.
The site of the centre was conveniently located on the grounds of the Villers-Bretonneux Military Centre and the Australian National Memorial. The memorial also has links to the Second World War, which was used by the French as a look-out post. Visitors can still see the battle scars from German bombing raids.
For those interested in themed tours that specialise in history, battlefield tours and the Anzac Remembrance Trail, the Sir John Monash Centre is a must-visit destination.
SEE MORE WITH SCENIC
Visit Sir John Monash Centre with Scenic
On the Scenic 11-day Normandy & Gems of the Seine river cruise, you will travel roundtrip from Paris to Normandy, with a full-day Scenic Freechoice tour dedicated to the Somme Battlefield, with a visit to the Sir John Monash Centre included.
The tour will take you to the Australian National Memorial and the Sir John Monash Centre located near Villers-Bretonneux where you can pay tribute to the 10,773 Australian soldiers killed, with no known grave on the Western Front during WWI.
The Australian National Memorial is adjacent to the Sir John Monash Centre, both are set on the grounds of Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery. The Sir John Monash Centre tells the story in the words of those who served in the Western front from an Australians point of view.
Day 1 – Paris Highlights
Enjoy a welcome reception aboard the luxurious Scenic Gem. Later that evening, set sail with beautiful Paris as your backdrop.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 – Les Andelys Highlights
Enjoy the opulent amenities of your floating hotel as she glides her way peacefully through the Île-de-France region to Les Andelys.
Freechoice
Hike to King Richard the Lionheart’s Château Gaillard, or journey to Lyons la Forêt, one of the most beautiful villages of France, and visit Fleury-la-Forêt Castle. Sample the region’s speciality, cider, after touring this exquisite example of 17th-century architecture.
Alternatively, join your local guide for a walking tour of Les Andelys, the quaint village set on the banks of the Seine River.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Rouen Highlights
This morning enjoy a walking tour of Rouen, the capital of the Normandy region. Take in the famous sites of Joan of Arc and the historic Rouen Cathedral. Walk the winding medieval laneways and admire the city’s half-timbered houses.
This region is also the gateway to the historic Western Front, and you’re able to gain fascinating insights into the Somme battlefields with an onboard lecture from a local expert. It’s a great opportunity as you’ll have the opportunity to visit the sites the following day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Rouen Highlights
Freechoice
Get a glimpse of what the Somme battlefields might have been like for those caught up in the terrible World War I battle, which claimed the lives of more than 150,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers.
This full-day excursion commemorates the more than a century since, including a visit to the Australian National Memorial and Victoria School in Villers-Bretonneux and Sir John Monash Centre.
Alternatively, explore the collection of Impressionistic paintings, including masterpieces by Renoir and Monet, at the Museum of Fine Arts, which was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Rouen > Honfleur Highlights
Enjoy the scenic cruising toward the open waters of the English Channel.
Freechoice
Later, take the opportunity to explore Honfleur, with its quaint architecture, its relaxed coastal atmosphere and the many colourful fishing boats bobbing up and down on its waters.
Alternatively, immerse yourself in the beautiful la Cote Fleurie region on France’s northern beaches, and discover dashing Deauville, playground of the rich and famous.
Sundowners
The estate of Manoir d’Appreval exclusively welcomes Scenic guests for a unique cocktail event showcasing their prestigious apple spirits in a setting you’ll remember fondly for many years to come. Celebrate your visit to the picturesque Calvados region with a beverage of the same name, and let your eyes drink in the surrounding beauty, from the many flowering apple trees to the blue waters of the English Channel in the distance.
Back on board that evening, kick up your heels on the dance-floor as a fabulous local swing band performs the best of the 1920s in the Panorama Lounge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Honfleur Highlights
Freechoice
Walk the historic Normandy beaches, the site of the D-Day landings, before visiting the Landing Museum at Arromanches. You’ll be struck by the sombre ambience surrounding the 9,387 graves of the Normandy Cemetery and whilst there, take a moment to reflect on the momentous impact of that day, as you look out from your hilltop position above Omaha Beach.
Alternatively, with steep limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically towards the emerald waters of the English Channel below, the beauty of the Alabaster Coast will leave you breathless. Sitting proudly atop this dramatic seascape is the town of Étretat, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour and time at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Honfleur > Caudebec-en-Caux Highlights
Freechoice
Visit Fécamp and its mighty palace. Situated in spectacular surrounds the city’s natural setting contrasts perfectly with its architectural centrepiece, the Benedictine Palace.
Alternatively, travel to the hilltop village of Bolbec and view fabrics at the fascinating Textile Museum before visiting the Normand Traditions Museum nearby.
For the more adventurous, join a guided cycling tour to the charming village of Villequier and visit the Victor Hugo Museum.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Vernon Highlights
In a region rich in visual treasures, enjoy a full morning of relaxation and take in the incredible scenery as you cruise into Vernon. It’s easy to understand why this region of France inspired beautiful paintings by many of history’s most famous artists.
Freechoice
Visit Giverny and Monet’s former residence and gardens. If you’re feeling more adventurous you can explore by bike, with a self-guided cycling tour that starts at Vernon. You can also discover Vernon with Scenic Tailormade at your own pace.
Enrich
Built into a steep rock face, overlooking the mighty Seine River and the small village bearing the same name, Château de La Roche Guyon is a sight to behold.
Experience the opulence and grandeur of yesteryear as you enjoy a live classical concert performed by the region’s most reputable musicians.
The château dates back to medieval times and is so special that you’ll be sure to have fond memories of the experience for a very long time.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Conflans > Paris Highlights
This morning we cruise to the charming medieval town of Conflans, with its distinctive barge houses docked within easy reach of the quaint main square.
Freechoice
Discover the charms of Auvers-sur-Oise and get to see Vincent van Gogh’s room, or step inside the magnificent Chantilly Castle for a guided tour of this remarkable château, set amidst beautiful parklands.
After a leisurely afternoon of cruising, the evening will see you returning to Paris, the ‘city of light’, and you’ll have the chance to view the beautifully illuminated skyline and the soaring Eiffel Tower.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Paris Highlights
Today you have the thrilling choice of either spending time exploring France’s most celebrated city or a discovery beyond the city limits
Freechoice
Shop with a Chef when you visit one of Paris’s local food markets, and enjoy exquisite tastings, or walk the city with a resident expert and hear tales that only the locals know.
Alternatively, you may wish to explore beyond Paris and tour the 17th century estate of Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, Louis XIV’s inspiration for Versailles Palace. Featured in the James Bond movie Moonraker, the Palace of Vicomte has been leaving visitors in awe of its magnificence for centuries.
With remarkable attractions at every turn, you’ll have a chance to explore Paris at leisure this afternoon and create your own unique memories.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – Paris Highlights
Your incredible 11-day journey concludes after breakfast, with transfers to Paris airport. Or why not extend your stay a little longer in the city of love.
Meals included: Breakfast
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