Seine River cruises

Often the jumping-off point for excursions, Mantes-la-Jolie is a quieter stop along the Seine with a surprisingly rich history. Once a strategic stronghold during the Hundred Years’ War, its old town still features remnants of medieval architecture, most notably the striking Gothic church of Notre-Dame de Mantes, which inspired some of Monet’s paintings.But cruise passengers typically don’t linger long in Mantes itself as the town’s location makes it an ideal base for day trips and excursions. From here, you can head to the Palace of Versailles, Giverny (where Monet spent a large part of his life), into the Vexin Français Regional Nature Park, known for its scenic farmland and traditional villages, or explore nearby Château de La Roche-Guyon, which is set against limestone cliffs.

At the confluence of the Seine and the Oise, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine has long been a hub for river life. Often called the capital of France’s inland waterways, it has a deep connection to barge culture. Many of the boats moored along its banks are still home to families, and the riverside promenade is lined with old péniches (barges), some converted into museums or chapels.We recommend a visit to the Musée de la Batellerie, housed in a grand château, which tells the story of French river navigation. From Conflans, cruise excursions often head to nearby places of interest, including the Palace at Versailles or the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent his final days.

Set beneath chalky cliffs on a bend in the Seine, Les Andelys is one of the most picturesque stops on the river. This small Normandy town is best known for the dramatic ruins of Château Gaillard, built for Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century to defend his duchy. From its perch, the fortress offers panoramic views over the Seine Valley.Les Andelys is actually two towns in one: the upper town, where the castle sits and the lower riverside town with its medieval streets, traditional houses and Gothic church. Walking paths connect the two, winding past chalk cliffs and apple orchards typical of the region.Les Andelys is compact enough to explore on foot, and many cruises allow time to hike up to the castle or enjoy a wander along the riverbank. 

Arromanches may look like a sleepy seaside town today, but its stretch of coastline played a pivotal role in the D-Day Landings. This was the site of one of the Allies’ ingenious Mulberry harbours, artificial ports assembled in record time to unload troops, vehicles and supplies during the Normandy invasion in 1944.Remnants of the harbour still sit offshore, and a visit here is a chance to see these remarkable feats of engineering. The town’s Musée du Débarquement offers excellent context, featuring models and exhibits that explain how the port functioned.Many cruises combine this stop with nearby Bayeux, home to the famous tapestry and a Norman cathedral.

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.

At first glance, Le Havre looks strikingly different from other stops along the Seine. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II, and its post-war reconstruction was led by the architect Auguste Perret, whose bold use of concrete and symmetry has since earned Le Havre UNESCO World Heritage status.What makes Le Havre interesting is precisely this contrast: the clean lines of its modernist layout set against the windswept Normandy coast. Perret’s legacy is seen in landmarks like the Church of St Joseph with its lantern tower.Le Havre is also a gateway to Normandy’s beaches and countryside. Some cruises include excursions from here to Étretat’s chalk cliffs, the D-Day Landing sites or inland to Rouen or Honfleur.

Honfleur is one of Normandy’s most charming ports, often topping the list of favourite stops on Seine cruises. Set on the estuary where the Seine meets the Channel, Honfleur’s appeal lies in its narrow cobbled streets, slate-fronted houses and historic harbour.The Vieux Bassin, or Old Dock, is the heart of Honfleur, with its tall, narrow buildings and the cafés and galleries that line the quay. Nearby, the Church of Sainte-Catherine, built in the 15th century, is one of France’s few remaining wooden churches.Honfleur’s artistic heritage is another draw. Painters, including Monet and Boudin, were inspired by the town.

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.

This German cruise operator has been offering sailings on Europe’s rivers since 2018, earning a reputation for the premium, all-inclusive experience it provides on its intimate ships. With sweet-but-short itineraries, culinary-themed sailings and a presence on rivers like the Elbe and Po, which most other operators miss out, it has plenty to recommend it. 

Atlas Ocean Voyages offers intimate yachting expeditions of the highest quality, taking each passenger on the cruise of a lifetime. Founded in 2019, Atlas operates with three custom-designed ships – World Navigator, World Traveller and World Voyager – that each focus on famed cruising styles; expedition, classic ocean and epicurean. Regardless of whether you seek culinary excellence or a lesser-travelled paradise, Atlas has you covered with unrivalled comfort and unchallenged style.

With more than 175 years of know-how behind it, this heritage brand has the expertise to deliver quality cruising with strong, customer-friendly value. It's known for its ideally sized ships and caters to a broad range of guests, including couples, solo travellers and families. It also offers a wide selection of carefully curated itineraries, from no-fly mini cruises from the UK to mystery cruises in the Mediterranean.

When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents. From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.

Swan Hellenic cruise line takes pride in providing elegant cruises that sail their guests to far-flung destinations across the world such as New Zealand and the Arctic. With over 70 years of experience, enjoy a sophisticated and comfortable atmosphere onboard Swan Hellenic cruises, with some truly remarkable visits to less-accessible polar regions and plenty of lesser-visited ports worth seeing.

Specialising in fun-filled family holidays, Carnival Cruises traverse the seas of Europe and North America with a fleet of more than 20 sleek cruise liners. Founded in 1972 and based in the United States, Carnival strives to entertain travellers of all ages, offering a veritable smorgasbord of facilities and activities. Ultimately casual but packed full of excitement, Carnival Cruises are ideal for passengers looking for a livelier holiday.

Regent promises to deliver The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience, offering an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury experience that is Unrivalled at Sea™. Guests will be able to explore more than 550 destinations around the world while enjoying the unrivalled space, elegance, and comfort of The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet®. Regent will tend to every detail of their journey from start to finish, so guests can be pampered by the warm, Heartfelt Hospitality™ delivered by the crew. 

Founded in 1844 as the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company,  P&O Cruises can claim to be the world’s oldest cruise company. It’s also the largest British cruise line specialising in no-fly sailings from Southampton.

Oceania Cruises has built a reputation for its approach to small ship luxury. Onboard its intimate, upscale vessels, food sits firmly at the centre of the experience, with refined dining that ranks among the best at sea. Beyond that, the adults-only line is known for its destination-led itineraries, favouring lesser-visited ports and longer stays ashore.   

Wellness should be about balanced indulgence, not self-sacrifice - that's the philosophy behind Silversea's new programme called Otium, named after the Roman leisure time dedicated to bathing, talking, singing, drinking, eating and relaxing. The easygoing regime includes a 24-hour room-service menu of comfort food, as well as new spa treatments, relaxing baths and hot chocolate served on your balcony.

Emerald Cruises offers a modern, relaxed, super-premium all-inclusive cruising experience, with contemporary and elegant ships and bucket-list destinations. Onboard, guests are able to dine at four all-inclusive and unique outlets, enjoying free-flowing alcoholic beverages at mealtimes. Flexibility is key, with its range of shore excursion packages, and every aspect of the trip is taken care of – including flights and transfers.

Holland America Line, which has been sailing for 150 years, visits 400 ports in 114 countries every year. Dutch heritage shines through in some of the $4million-worth of artwork to be seen onboard, complimenting the luxurious cruise experience. Live music remains HAL's forte, with venues including the Rolling Stone Rock room and BB King's Blues Club. For foodies, a wide range of restaurants serve the finest of fayre.