What Makes the Seine So Special?
For pastoral scenery, medieval ruins, historic World War II sites and more, the Seine is a river cruising dream. A meandering, storied waterway, the beautiful Seine makes its way through 240 miles of the Norman countryside, passing quiet apple orchards, Monet’s Giverny home, the Normandy beaches, purveyors of luscious Brie and Camembert cheese, the remains of Richard the Lionheart’s castle - Château Gaillard - and even Napoleon’s final residence - Château de Malmaison. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of the Seine River and why you’ll love it.
Highlights of River Cruising Along the Seine
Paris: One of the true gems of cruising the Seine is the chance to spend time in the City of Light. Start your voyage here and enjoy a couple of days experiencing the best of Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to the Notre Dame Cathedral, from the Champs-Elysees to the Louvre. Peruse the stacks of Shakespeare & Co., a beloved book shop that’s been around since 1919.
Giverny: Tour the picturesque town of La Roche Guyon before embarking on a tour of Giverny, where Claude Monet lived and worked. Visit the very same gardens, Japanese bridge and colorful flowers, from water lilies to wisteria, that inspired his masterpieces.
Rouen: Go back in time in medieval Rouen, considered the capital of Normandy. Stroll through Old Town, marveling at the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral and snapping photos of the Gros Horloge, the 16th-century astronomical clock. There are art museums and sidewalk cafes galore, half-timbered fairytale buildings and, for history buffs, the 14th-century courtyard where Joan of Arc met her death sentence and the Market Square where she was martyred.
Normandy Beaches: Speaking of history enthusiasts, World War II buffs won’t want to miss taking a day trip to the beaches of Normandy. Visit Gold Beach, Courseulles sur Mer, Juno Beach, Omaha Beach, the American Military Cemetery and the Arromanches Debarkment D-Day Museum. Tour Bayeaux and study the magnificent tapestry that depicts the events prior to the Battle of Hastings.
Château Gaillard & Château de Malmaison: Take a guided walk of the Middle Ages town of Les Andelys and Château Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart in 1196. Move on to Napoleon Bonaparte’s final residence, the Château de Malmaison, which served as the seat of his government from 1800 to 1802, along with the Tuileries. Take time, too, to visit the Palace of Versailles, former home of Louis XIV.
Bonus! When you choose an upscale river cruise on the Seine, there are so many extras you can add on. Interested in biking to a local farm for a wine and cheese tasting or enjoying a picnic at a local orchard? That can be arranged. There are walks, longer hikes, standard tours and special-interest activities. I can assist you in customizing a Seine cruise to your tastes.
From the Routes des Abbayes, visiting some of the region’s most amazing monasteries, to the grandeur of Château de Bizy, river cruising on the Seine introduces you to the timeless beauty, art and culture and good life of northern France.
For pastoral scenery, medieval ruins, historic World War II sites and more, the Seine is a river cruising dream. A meandering, storied waterway, the beautiful Seine makes its way through 240 miles of the Norman countryside, passing quiet apple orchards, Monet’s Giverny home, the Normandy beaches, purveyors of luscious Brie and Camembert cheese, the remains of Richard the Lionheart’s castle - Château Gaillard - and even Napoleon’s final residence - Château de Malmaison. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of the Seine River and why you’ll love it.
Highlights of River Cruising Along the Seine
Paris: One of the true gems of cruising the Seine is the chance to spend time in the City of Light. Start your voyage here and enjoy a couple of days experiencing the best of Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to the Notre Dame Cathedral, from the Champs-Elysees to the Louvre. Peruse the stacks of Shakespeare & Co., a beloved book shop that’s been around since 1919.
Giverny: Tour the picturesque town of La Roche Guyon before embarking on a tour of Giverny, where Claude Monet lived and worked. Visit the very same gardens, Japanese bridge and colorful flowers, from water lilies to wisteria, that inspired his masterpieces.
Rouen: Go back in time in medieval Rouen, considered the capital of Normandy. Stroll through Old Town, marveling at the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral and snapping photos of the Gros Horloge, the 16th-century astronomical clock. There are art museums and sidewalk cafes galore, half-timbered fairytale buildings and, for history buffs, the 14th-century courtyard where Joan of Arc met her death sentence and the Market Square where she was martyred.
Normandy Beaches: Speaking of history enthusiasts, World War II buffs won’t want to miss taking a day trip to the beaches of Normandy. Visit Gold Beach, Courseulles sur Mer, Juno Beach, Omaha Beach, the American Military Cemetery and the Arromanches Debarkment D-Day Museum. Tour Bayeaux and study the magnificent tapestry that depicts the events prior to the Battle of Hastings.
Château Gaillard & Château de Malmaison: Take a guided walk of the Middle Ages town of Les Andelys and Château Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart in 1196. Move on to Napoleon Bonaparte’s final residence, the Château de Malmaison, which served as the seat of his government from 1800 to 1802, along with the Tuileries. Take time, too, to visit the Palace of Versailles, former home of Louis XIV.
Bonus! When you choose an upscale river cruise on the Seine, there are so many extras you can add on. Interested in biking to a local farm for a wine and cheese tasting or enjoying a picnic at a local orchard? That can be arranged. There are walks, longer hikes, standard tours and special-interest activities. I can assist you in customizing a Seine cruise to your tastes.
From the Routes des Abbayes, visiting some of the region’s most amazing monasteries, to the grandeur of Château de Bizy, river cruising on the Seine introduces you to the timeless beauty, art and culture and good life of northern France.
check out this sample itinerary
CRUISE FROM: PARIS TO PARIS
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Day 1
Embarkation - Paris, France
Board the ship for your Paris & Normandy cruise.
Day 2
Les Andelys
Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys. After your adventures, set sail along the meandering Seine for a scenic cruise.
Day 3
Le Havre
There are several different choices of excursions, both during the morning and afternoon, depending on your interests. You can choose between an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters; or enjoy a full-day excursion that includes Honfleur and the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. Enjoy a country drive through Beamont-en-Auge and Pont l’Eveque, and afterwards, be treated to a cheese and Calvados tasting. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice of a bike tour through Le Havre.
Day 4
Le Havre - Caudebec-En-Caux-Normandy Beaches
Experience the Normandy region with one of three tours. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, you will visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you will visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and, finally, Arromanches. If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration in Caudebec-en-Caux in the afternoon, the Romanesque Normandy Abbey Route will take you to one of the magnificent historic abbeys of the region. Or you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum.
Day 5
Rouen
Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. You also have the choice to explore Lyons-la-Forêt, built on the site of a former fortress and featuring remarkable centuries-old architecture; go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour.
Day 6
Vernon - La Roche-Guyon
Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. You will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades. Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside. In the evening, visit the quaint village of La Roche-Guyon, one of the most beautiful in France, and enjoy free time to stroll along the Seine or amid the pretty architecture.
*PLEASE NOTE: Monet's Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Day 7
Conflans
Travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Or enjoy the the exquisite architecture of the Chateau Saint-Germain-en-Laye, along with its museum and gardens. If you prefer something more active, strap on your helmet and pedal around the city of Conflans. Later in the day, relax on the Sun Deck or on your balcony as the ship takes a scenic cruise on its way to Paris.
Day 8
Paris - Disembarkation
Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home.
Embarkation - Paris, France
Board the ship for your Paris & Normandy cruise.
Day 2
Les Andelys
Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys. After your adventures, set sail along the meandering Seine for a scenic cruise.
Day 3
Le Havre
There are several different choices of excursions, both during the morning and afternoon, depending on your interests. You can choose between an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters; or enjoy a full-day excursion that includes Honfleur and the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. Enjoy a country drive through Beamont-en-Auge and Pont l’Eveque, and afterwards, be treated to a cheese and Calvados tasting. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice of a bike tour through Le Havre.
Day 4
Le Havre - Caudebec-En-Caux-Normandy Beaches
Experience the Normandy region with one of three tours. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, you will visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you will visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and, finally, Arromanches. If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration in Caudebec-en-Caux in the afternoon, the Romanesque Normandy Abbey Route will take you to one of the magnificent historic abbeys of the region. Or you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum.
Day 5
Rouen
Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. You also have the choice to explore Lyons-la-Forêt, built on the site of a former fortress and featuring remarkable centuries-old architecture; go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour.
Day 6
Vernon - La Roche-Guyon
Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. You will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades. Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside. In the evening, visit the quaint village of La Roche-Guyon, one of the most beautiful in France, and enjoy free time to stroll along the Seine or amid the pretty architecture.
*PLEASE NOTE: Monet's Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Day 7
Conflans
Travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Or enjoy the the exquisite architecture of the Chateau Saint-Germain-en-Laye, along with its museum and gardens. If you prefer something more active, strap on your helmet and pedal around the city of Conflans. Later in the day, relax on the Sun Deck or on your balcony as the ship takes a scenic cruise on its way to Paris.
Day 8
Paris - Disembarkation
Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home.
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