Essence of the Seine

The French capital needs no introduction, but seeing it from the Seine offers a different perspective on the city. The river winds through the heart of Paris, its banks flanked by many of its most iconic sights, from Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.Most cruises start or end in Paris, allowing at least a full day to explore, at your own pace or on an organised excursion. Independent exploration is easy, with the metro, bateaux-mouches and a good pair of shoes all offering ways to see the city on your terms.The Left Bank brims with literary cafés, while the Right Bank has grand boulevards and elegant arcades. And while you shouldn’t miss the city’s big hitters, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Jardin du Luxembourg, don’t hesitate to adventure beyond the headliners, whether you want to browse the shelves at English-language bookshop Shakespeare and Company, sip coffee at Les Deux Magots or take in the view from Montmartre.

Rouen is one of the prettiest cities along the Seine, with its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and soaring Gothic churches. Once one of the largest and wealthiest cities in medieval Europe, Rouen is best known as the place where Joan of Arc was tried and executed in 1431.Visitors can explore the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, an immersive museum housed in the former archbishop’s palace or visit the modern church that marks the site of her execution. Rouen Cathedral, famously painted by Monet, dominates the skyline with its intricate façade and towering spire.The city’s size makes it perfect to explore on foot, and it is a favourite stop of cruisers in medieval history or Impressionist art.

Set on a bend of the Seine, Caudebec-en-Caux is a quiet Normandy town and a common base for excursions into the surrounding region, but the town itself has historic charm, particularly in the Gothic Church of Notre-Dame, with its complex stonework and stained glass.In Caudebec’s centre, you’ll find some timber-framed houses and remnants of medieval fortifications. There’s also a riverfront promenade and a small museum dedicated to local history and traditions.Many cruise lines use Caudebec as a launch point for excursions to the Abbey Route, taking in magnificent monastic sites like Jumièges and Saint-Wandrille, or further afield to Étretat’s cliffs or the D-Day beaches.

Vernon is a small, picturesque town on the Seine known for its half-timbered houses, historic stone bridges, cobbled streets and lively market atmosphere.Vernon is the gateway to Giverny, just a short drive away, where you'll find Claude Monet’s famous gardens and home. Many river cruises include guided excursions to Giverny, allowing visitors to see the water lilies and vibrant flower beds that inspired Monet’s masterpieces.The town itself has charming cafés and bakeries lining the main square, plus a 12th-century church, Saint-Maclou, with distinctive Norman architecture.

The French capital needs no introduction, but seeing it from the Seine offers a different perspective on the city. The river winds through the heart of Paris, its banks flanked by many of its most iconic sights, from Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.Most cruises start or end in Paris, allowing at least a full day to explore, at your own pace or on an organised excursion. Independent exploration is easy, with the metro, bateaux-mouches and a good pair of shoes all offering ways to see the city on your terms.The Left Bank brims with literary cafés, while the Right Bank has grand boulevards and elegant arcades. And while you shouldn’t miss the city’s big hitters, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Jardin du Luxembourg, don’t hesitate to adventure beyond the headliners, whether you want to browse the shelves at English-language bookshop Shakespeare and Company, sip coffee at Les Deux Magots or take in the view from Montmartre.