Highlights We Love On A Seine River Cruise

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Paris always sizzles while Normandy beckons with its stunning coastline. A cruise along the Seine River from Paris meanders on a serpentine path through the Norman countryside. Explore elegant Paris. See Monet’s Giverny home. And honor World War II heroes on Normandy beaches.

You’ll enjoy wine and cheese as you meander through painted landscapes, historic towns, and seaside villages of France. If river cruising during the Fall season, you will experience the harvesting of apples and all its endless and delicious possibilities. The Normans harvest the apples yielding an array of ciders, along with its potent sibling, Calvados, an apple brandy.

On a Seine River cruise, you often begin and end your trip in Paris, where ships dock within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. Although the Seine is a winding river from Paris to the English Channel, most of the sites and scenery are historical, cultural, or archaeological rather than in the form of the beautiful landscape you’ll see on some of the other rivers in Europe.

HIGHLIGHTS WE LOVE ON A SEINE RIVER CRUISE

Monet’s Gardens in Giverny

Visiting Claude Monet’s gardens is like walking into one of his impressionistic paintings. You 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.

The Landing Beaches of Normandy

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 World War II landings can be seen. Alternatively, you can set out on a full day excursion to the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados, and pommeau outrank French wine.

Les Andelys

Hike the castle ruins of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of King Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine River. Tour the castle and take in the breathtaking view that overlooks Les Andelys below.

Rouen

Known as the “city of 100 spires” and Normandy’s medieval capital, a city with a historic quarter that remains amazingly intact with its 16^th-century Astronomical Clock and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Visit the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Or choose to the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider. Then visit Bonnemare Castle, a 16th-century architectural treasure lined with picturesque poplar trees.

Paris

Explore the stunning city of Paris. Nothing compares to the charm of its neighborhoods, the grandeur of its awe-inspiring architecture and monuments, or the cosmopolitan elegance of its boulevards. Delve into the delights this magnificent city has to offer, from the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées to the quaint neighborhood cafés beloved by locals.

Gastronomy of Normandy

There are 800 varieties of apples grown in Normandy. They are used for cider, Calvados, and an abundance of sweet treats from apple tarts to apple pudding. There are beautiful pastries and breads, many, many, many cheeses, great seafood, and shellfish too.

If you are a history buff, an art lover, or a foodie, the Seine offers a wealth of experiences you will love.