There are only few bad times in the year to experience the chic Parisian atmosphere and scenic beauty along the Seine River, cutting through central and northern France. Featuring a delightful mix of the quiet countryside and the vibrant City of Lights, a river Seine cruise captures the authentic French charm that travelers hope for on boat tour of this historic country.
Each season has its own advantages and disadvantages, so consider what you want to experience on your Seine River cruise.
At a Glance
High season: June-August
Shoulder seasons: March-May, September-December
Avoid: January-March
The most popular time to plan a Seine River cruise is during the summer months from June-August. It’s worth noting that temperatures reach their peak in France in August, so many local families are on vacation during this month. Some travelers enjoy the lighter traffic, warmer weather, and more relaxed feeling when many locals are away, while others hope to visit France in the shoulder months when the cities seem more lively.
Cruises during the pre-Christmas weeks in late November and December (while quite chilly and occasionally very cold) offer francophiles a chance to experience the beating heart of the country in its festive celebrations of the season. These holiday Seine cruises are harder to come by since most travelers prefer the warmer summer and autumn months.
Shoulder months are an excellent alternative for Seine River cruises, offering mild temperatures, cultural activities, and fewer tourists. Summer on the Seine is very popular, but pleasant weather in Paris and the rest of France makes the off-peak months of April, May, September, October, and November worth considering for river cruising.
Should I worry about high water in the spring? While there is a moderate risk of high water in early spring, when the melting snow and rains raise the river level, the Seine is actually a pretty safe bet for travelers. Depending on the winter/spring season, certain sections of the river may be too high to clear lower bridges. Still, more often than not, the Seine does offer a good springtime alternative to other beloved central European rivers like the Rhone and Rhine, which can have unpredictable water levels during early spring.
Avoid traveling to France from late December through early March, when temperatures dip below freezing. Cruise operators are generally in their off season from late December through March.
The famous river, which flows from Burgundy to Normandy’s Le Havre, takes travelers to many top attractions in Paris and beyond. Contact our Adventure Life travel experts for more information on the best river cruises in France.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.