Paris and Normandy: The Seine - European River Cruise Routes

If you want to experience the northern France's Normandy region in a relaxed, leisurely fashion, try a Seine River cruise. You'll discover the history, culture and beauty of this region, famous as the birthplace of Impressionism.

Normandy is a region central to the history of France and also to much of Europe. William the Conqueror invaded England from here in 1066 (his castle is at Caen), and England and America repaid the compliment in 1944 - although they didn't stay (an excursion from Le Havre to the D-Day beaches is often an option)!

Normandy’s historic towns and pastoral landscapes alternate in the green countryside. A lot happened along the Seine valley. Generations of kings and knights lived and died there, endless battles, ancient and modern, were fought and the France's national patron saint, Joan of Arc, perished at Rouen. Walk through Rouen's winding streets with its wonderful Gothic monuments, and see where she was tried and executed for heresy.

The river leads your ship through orchards, past historic abbeys and châteaux, fashionable coastal resorts and scenery that inspired many artists, including the great French Impressionists Monet and Renoir. Spend time wandering through the colourful gardens of Giverny, and see the water-lilies painted by Claude Monet and his home and studio.

Les Andelys is where you can find Richard the Lionheart's Chateau Gaillard and the a museum dedicated to the artist Nicholas Poussin.

And of course there is also Paris, the ever-fascinating “City of Lights", where you can see world famous architectural masterpieces and museums. Be sure to visit the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arch de Triomphe and Louvre museum, home of the Mona Lisa.

Some Seine River cruises are combined with cruises along the Saône and Rhône Rivers in Southern France, stopping in places like Avignon, Arles, Lyon and Mâcon.

France: Paris and Normandy: typical Seine River Cruise route

OUR ADVICE: concentrate on the ship you want to travel on and the route you want to travel, rather than the tour aggregator (of course, there's also price!). Be sure to check out our "Things to watch for" page too!

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