Luxury Seine River Cruises

Luxury Seine River Cruises

The Seine River is a beautiful, meandering river through the heart of Northern France and Normandy, the heartland of Calvados and Cider. You can cruise from central Paris, experiencing world-famous highlights including the Eiffel Tower and the mighty Sacré-Coeur perched high above the city in bohemian Montmartre, to the quaint café culture found on almost every street corner and square within the city. Visit famous museums and galleries such as The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay or talk a walk through the relaxing Tuileries Gardens.

Outside of Paris, art lovers and anyone else who appreciates beauty will enjoy visiting Claude Monet’s beautiful home and gardens, while intriguing history can be found at nearly every turn. Explore scenes that have long inspired great artists, including medieval castles, grand palaces lush countryside, forested hills, chalk cliffs, cider orchards, farmland dotted with Norman cows, and half-timbered barns. The 1944 D-Day beaches are sure to leave a lasting impression.

What you’re likely to remember most on any of the Seine River Cruises is simply relaxing on the sundeck with a glass of wine in hand, waving at locals with the other while meandering down the Seine as you pass the small riverside towns.

Our Expert Says

“Cruising the Seine River from Paris to Honfleur is a captivating journey that unveils the charm of Northern France. Relax on the sun deck with a glass of wine as you meander past picturesque villages, or explore historical towns such as Rouen with it’s Gothic architecture. Be sure not to miss exploring Monet’s Gardens at Giverny. While Paris is a highlight and you must climb the steps to explore the Sacré-Coeur, my personal favorite is the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur, with it’s colorful houses. It’s an unforgettable river!”

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Chelsea

European Specialist

The Best Seine River Cruises

Our thoughtfully designed cruises on the Seine River highlight some of the best the region has to offer through authentic experiences that include many different shore excursions while providing luxurious comfort and delicious cuisine onboard.

When to go: Mar - Nov
AmaWaterways Cruise

Sensational Seine Cruise

Paris, Les Andelys, Le Havre, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon, Paris
7 Nights
From £2,850 PP
Discover the best of Paris and Normandy with a cruise that sails round trip from the French capital....

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When to go: Mar - Nov
AmaWaterways Cruise

Sensational Seine Cruise & Land

Paris, Les Andelys, Le Havre, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon, Paris
9 Nights
From £3,479 PP
Discover the best of Paris and Normandy with a land and cruise tour that sails round trip from the...

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When to go: May - October
Uniworld

Paris, Seine & the Normandy Coast Cruise

Paris, Les Andelys, Le Havre, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon, Paris
7 Nights
From £2,959 PP
Discover some of the top attractions in France with a cruise on Uniworld’s S.S. Joie de Vivre,...

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Why we love Seine River Cruises

Chelsea

European Specialist

Standing on the deck gazing out at the lights of Paris reflecting on the water, cruising by charming towns, chateaus, castles, cathedrals, and the lush French countryside, it would be impossible not to love a luxury Seine River cruise. From the towering spires of Rouen to Monet’s flowering gardens in Giverny, and the endless fine wine, it offers an experience of a lifetime, although you’re likely to want to enjoy it again, and again. Some of the very best France has to offer can be enjoyed on these cruises, for a well-rounded trip that goes well beyond the City of Lights. Paris is lovely enough on its own, but cruising down the waterway that serves as its beating heart ensures countless majestic views, perhaps from your private balcony. We also love the social informality of river cruising, making it easy to get to know your fellow passengers from all walks of life.

Cruise Lines

AmaWaterways

Uniworld

Best places to visit on a Seine River Cruise

There are many enticing places that can be visited on a Seine River cruise, generally starting and ending in Paris, with possible destinations ranging from Honfleur to the magnificent Palace of Versailles.

Paris
Seine River cruises typically begin and end in Paris, bringing the opportunity to soak up the romantic atmosphere at marvel at iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Honfleur
Discover Honfleur, a fishing village with everything from historic fishermen’s cottages and magnificent mansions to 15th-century St. Catherine’s Church with its unique oak ceiling looking like the hull of a ship.
Rouen
The medieval capital of Normandy, Rouen was famously painted by Monet and has a strong connection to Joan of Arc, along with an Old Town featuring cobbled streets and half-timbered homes.
Les Andelys / Chateau Gaillard
Overlooking a bend in the River Seine above Les Andelys, Chateau Gaillard is a medieval castle ruin built in the late 12th century by Richard 1 of England, “the Lionheart.”
Le Roche-Guyon
Officially classified as one of the country’s most beautiful villages, La-Roche-Guyon is overlooked by hilltop 12th-century medieval castle ruins while a newer, grander castle, a mostly 18th-century design, sits at its base.
The Palace of Versailles
Stop in Mantes-la-Jolie or Conflans to visit the Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO-listed site widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in French 17th-century art, complete with stunning gardens.

Best time of year to cruise the Seine

The best time for a Seine River boat cruise is anytime, although summer is the peak season as the warmest and driest time of the year. The downside is that the streets and tourist attractions will be busier at this time of year. A Seine cruise during the shoulder months, April, May, September, and October, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds may be best. That said, a cruise on the Seine from late November through Christmas can be spectacular with Christmas markets featuring festive décor and twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts, and holiday delights like vin chaud (hot-spiced wine) and gingerbread.

Monet’s Garden, Giverny

Monet’s home and gardens are stunning but don’t miss the water garden across the road. The site where the artist painted his Japanese bridge and numerous waterlily paintings is accessed via a path beneath. Visit the church to light a memorial candle for Monet and see his grave and headstone.

Normandy's Beaches

The 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings during WWII recently passed but visitors can learn more about the war and that fateful day on June 6, 1944, by taking one of the tours running to different beaches/cemeteries based on the country involved, including Britain, the U.S., and Canada.

Calvados Distilleries

Located in the heart of Pays d’Auge in nature reserves and the countryside, Calvados distilleries and estates are open to visitors year-round. They offer the chance to learn about the distilling process and enjoy tastings of everything from apple and apricot to pear-based beverages.

Montparnasse Tower

Want one of the best views of Paris without the long lines of the Eiffel Tower? In 38 seconds, you can be on the Montparnasse Tower’s panoramic observation deck, 656 feet above the city streets. Views stretch up to 25 miles in every direction and include the skyline and iconic landmarks.

Canal Saint-Martin

A “hidden gem in plain sight,” the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood offers a unique, local vibe as a hipster haven with a serene canal for dipping your toes in on a hot day, trendy shops, diverse eateries, and overlooked parks. Don’t miss the street art by the canal for outstanding photo ops.

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