Seine River

The Seine flows for 776 kilometres through the heart of France, and there are a variety of beautiful landscapes along its banks including forests, peaceful meadows, and famous cities such as Paris. A Seine River cruise is a relaxing way to explore the nation's major landmarks, culture, and history.

Cruising the Seine provides visitors with the opportunity to view a number of fascinating villages, towns, and cities from the unique perspective of the ship's deck and also explore these places on foot during shore excursions. Many Seine cruises offer excursions to Hornfleur, the subject of many of Monet's great works of art, and the village of Giverny which features a number of attractions including an Impressionist museum and Claude Monet's home. Another popular town for shore excursions is Rouen, which is famed for its connection with Joan of Arc as well as its medieval architecture and impressive cathedral. Tourists can also travel a short way from the banks of the Seine to visit the beaches at Normandy, which played a significant role in bringing World War Two to an end in Europe.

The largest city that a Seine River cruise passes is Paris. The city and its suburbs are rich in history and culture, and many of the city's major landmarks are visible from the cruise ship. The Seine River is also crossed by more than 30 bridges in Paris, and these bridges are built in a range of architectural styles that can be seen in great detail from on board ship. The oldest of these bridges is Pont Neuf, dating back to the early 17th century.

Day trips provide an opportunity to visit some of the most interesting of Paris' landmarks and districts. Some of the most well-known landmarks and attractions in Paris include the Eiffel Tower, the tallest building in the world until New York's Chrysler Building was completed in 1930; the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, a fine example of Gothic architecture; and the Louvre Museum, home to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and other important works of art. Paris is a wonderful city to see by day or night on a Seine River cruise. By day, the beautiful architecture is clearly visible along the banks of the river, while a cruise at night shows the city's lights glittering on the water and is a perfect setting for a romantic evening.

As well as seeing some of the major landmarks along the Seine, a cruise also allows the traveller to explore the local culture and to sample some of the local cuisine. While some cruises serve local food and wine on board the ship, excursions to the villages and cities along the Seine also offer a chance to sample some of the region's authentic local food and wine. Paris also provides visitors with an abundance of fine restaurants, bars, and clubs to choose from for an evening out and also offers a wide variety of entertainment including the world-famous Moulin Rouge cabaret show.

A holiday spent cruising the Seine offers the perfect combination of exciting attractions to explore and beautiful surrounding landscapes which provide the perfect backdrop for a peaceful, relaxing getaway.