France is the destination a la mode. And the Seine is central to French life and identity, winding through important cities and villages. Dotted along the river are exciting hubs of French culture, history and cuisine.
These include the birthplace of Impressionism and Normandy, which is also famous for its pivotal role in World War II. Guests who sail the Seine will also experience Paris in all its chic beauty, the epicentre of French fashion, food and history.
Lesser-known gems, including rural châteaus, cheese farms, and landscaped gardens, will further elevate your journey, as each cruise line continues to offer exceptional experiences to make your time on the Seine extra special.
Why sail the Seine
Sailing the Seine gives you an authentic and undeniably refined experience of Northern France. Whether you’re dreaming of your first visit to Paris or returning to see it through a new lens, a cruise along the Seine offers unparalleled views of the City of Light. Cruise lines also offer an impressive array of shore excursions, giving you a curated selection of activities to enjoy, without the hassle of booking them yourself or testing your (perhaps less-than-fluent) French.
Furthermore, itineraries along the Seine cater to a variety of demographics. If you’re after a romantic getaway with a focus on wine and cuisine, book an adults-only Seine cruise aboard Scenic Gem. If you want an active holiday with the family, book with AmaWaterways or Tauck.
When to go
The best months to sail the Seine, if you want to avoid crowds clogging the streets of Paris, are April, May, September or October. You’ll be able to enjoy the mild Spring and Autumn weather without being surrounded by hordes of tourists. The lead-up to Christmas is also an exciting time, and although it will be much colder, the allure of holiday festivities adds to the experience.
Explore add-ons
Pre- and post-cruise extensions can elevate your European holiday experience, giving you more time to explore a specific destination. Add an extra four days in Paris with Scenic, and explore the buzzing city in depth before you explore the more rural villages along the Seine. Viking offers a three-night pre-cruise exploration of Reims and Champagne, which includes visits to castles, cathedrals, and (most importantly) vineyards where you can taste prestigious champagne.
Fun facts
- The Seine is 14,000 years old and one of the world’s oldest trading routes. The Celts used the Seine River to transport tin from Brittany and Cornwall to present-day Europe.
- There are six different UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the Seine River, including the Palace and Park of Versailles and the Chartres Cathedral.
- The river was made swimmable for the 2024 Paris Olympics, receiving extensive media coverage. Paris spent 1.4 billion Euros cleaning the river.
- The Seine empties into the English channel at Le Havre, which is a major port city.
1. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Paris & Normandy
Uniworld’s eight-day Paris and Normandy cruise is a celebration of Northern France’s timeless elegance, from its breathtaking countryside to its storied cities. Choose from an array of curated shore excursions, whether uncovering Versailles Palace’s secret apartments or exploring a camembert farm (let’s be honest, nothing rivals French cheese). Cruise along the Seine, enjoying optimal Uniworld comfort aboard the 128-guest capacity S.S. Joie de Vivre.
S.S. Joie de Vivre elevates passengers’ French experience from the elegant decor and artwork to the onboard hospitality and in-suite butler service. Its 20th-century Parisian charm blends effortlessly with modern conveniences, including Club L’Esprit, the onboard spa and wellness centre.
How much: From $6,119 per person
Highlight Excursion: Tee off on the breathtaking cliffs of Étretat as you play a round of golf on one of France’s most scenic (and highly-rated) courses.
2. AmaWaterways: Impressions of the Seine & Paris
Sail the Seine for seven nights aboard the elegant AmaDante, where you can soak up the timeless beauty of the river from the comfort of your French balcony. Delight in dining with AmaWaterways, the first river cruise line inducted into the esteemed culinary society La Chaine des Rôtisseurs, a testament to its culinary excellence.
AmaWaterways offers an exceptional variety of shore excursions, but they take particular pride in their guided bike tours. They stand out as the first river cruise line to offer a fleet of modern, complimentary bicycles, perfect for guided tours through Paris, Giverny and Le Havre. Embrace your Tour de France fantasy, but at a slower, more leisurely pace.
How much: From $5,784 per person
Highlight Excursion: Join the “Taste of Normandy” tour and savour France’s finest flavours, from airy macarons and velvety Norman cheese to refreshing traditional cider.
3. Tauck: Family Fun Along the Seine- Paris to Normandy
Tauck sets itself apart through its all-inclusive pricing that reflects genuine value, rather than offering limited-time deals now and then. This eight-day family cruise along the Seine is no exception. Aboard MS Sapphire (with just 98 guests) or MS Serene (with 124), you’ll enjoy personalised service and thoughtfully curated shore excursions for a more enriching, intimate experience.
This itinerary has something for everyone: cycling along the Seine, tours of the Louvre, hikes to ornate Châteaus and visits to Marie Antoinette’s farm. Finish the day relaxing on the sun deck, reflecting on your adventure, or decompress in the ship’s jacuzzi.
How much: $8,990 per person
Highlight Excursion: Explore one of Europe’s most unique museums, the D-Day Academy, where you can actually touch World War II artifacts from weapons to wireless radios and sample rations that the troops ate while serving.
4. Avalon Waterways: Active and Discovery on the Seine (Southbound)
Avalon’s nine-day cruise is designed for the active traveller, filled with adventurous excursions that let you fully embrace the spirit of exploration. There is a dynamic “active” excursion almost every day of this cruise, from walks around the grounds of impressionist painter Claude Monet’s gardens, to kayaking with a local guide who will take you to hidden areas only accessible by water.
Rest assured, although this cruise caters to the more adventurous, it offers equal indulgence for foodies. Delight in exquisite local cuisine, including delicate, handcrafted crêpes and the finest regional wines. All those hiking and biking tours will earn you a well-deserved reward in the form of indulgent French food.
How much: From $6,815
Highlight Excursion: Travel to the Chantilly Castle, where experts will show you how to prepare your own silky Chantilly cream (with plenty of opportunities for tasting!)
5. Scenic: Normandy & Gems of the Seine
Scenic promises that guests will experience the “Scenic Difference”, with enriching experiences, personalised trips and 28-included activities to choose from. Guests will enjoy the best of both worlds while cruising the Seine, from the glamour and energy of Paris to the charm and tranquillity of France’s storybook villages.
Aboard Scenic Gem, the smallest of Scenic’s “Space-Ship” fleet and an adults-only ship, guests will enjoy butler service, spacious rooms with private sun lounge balconies and a spa room that features a chic hair salon. There’s also a walking track around the perimeter of the Sun Deck, so guests can get their steps in as they take in the views of the Seine.
How much: From $8,695
Highlight Excursions: Exclusive to Scenic, experience a classical concert at the grand Château de la Roche-Guyon, a stunning castle located just an hour away from Paris.
6. Viking: Paris & the Heart of Normandy
Spend eight days with Viking aboard one of their purpose-built longships, designed specifically to navigate the Seine. The sleek and streamlined vessels were built to get guests closer to destinations across Europe, while maintaining the comfort expected of a Viking ship, with full-size verandahs and large, spacious suites.
Viking offer a variety of incredible, educational and playful excursions, from French language lessons with a Viking tutor, a tour of Paris in a whimsical Sidecar and a wine course from a world-renowned sommelier.
How much: From $3,995
Highlight Excursions: Cruise Paris at night in all its illuminated glory. You’ll board an open-air vessel and sail past famous monuments, including the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and the Grand Palais.
7. Emerald Cruises: New Seine Ship Debuting in 2027
Emerald Cruises is part of Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, offering luxury experiences at premium prices, reflective of the quality of the cruise. They are currently constructing a new ship titled Emerald Lumi, which will be the brand’s first-ever vessel to sail the Seine.
Launching in 2027, the purpose-built ship will offer French-inspired cuisine, wine pairings and locally curated excursions. There will be onboard programmes highlighting art, culture and regional history, as well as overnight and extended stays in must-see ports. Emerald’s Star-Ships often include incredible amenities, from indoor heated pools that transform into cinemas to contemporary and elegant restaurants. Here’s hoping Emerald Lumi follows suit.
