Seine River Cruises & Tours
Travel made your way ™
| Trip Name | From | Days | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colors of Provence | $6,914 | 14 | This 14-day cruise of France & Spain is a splash of cultures - spend 3 nights in Paris, then travel by high-speed TGV train to Lyon and start on a lovely cruise through Provence onboard MS Amakristina. Then catch the TGV to Spain for 3 nights in Barcelona. Enjoy wine tasting, riding, cooking workshops, and archaeology. |
| Highlights of Normandy & The Seine | $11,590 | 8 | Experience an 8-day roundtrip cruise from Paris on the Scenic Gem, exploring Normandy's rich heritage. Visit historic sites, enjoy local delicacies, and attend an exclusive classical concert at Chateau de La Roche Guyon along the scenic Seine River. |
| Paris & the Heart of Normandy | $2,999 | 8 | This river journey from Paris through the countryside of Normandy is the best way to uncover the region's numerous charms, historic landmarks, and Normandy beaches. This eight-day tour on the enticing Viking River Cruises visits La Roche Guyon, Giverny, Rouen, Les Andelys, and more. |
| Baffin Bay Secrets | $19,140 | 14 | This incredible 14-day journey aboard L'Austral acquaints you with the secrets of Baffin Bay and Greenland. Glaciers and icebergs are home to the strong creatures of the north, including polar bears, seals, walruses, oxen, and majestic whales. Exploring Disko Bay, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a staple part of the trip. |
| Expedition to the Thule Region | $20,970 | 17 | Departing from cosmopolitan Paris, luxurious L'Austral takes you north to Arctic Greenland on this 17-day expedition cruise. Explore Baffin Bay, discovering the region of Thule, the mythical territory of the Far North. From the ice cap to the ice floes, via glaciers, icebergs and brash ice, marvel at the Arctic landscapes. |
| Ship Name | Max Passengers | From | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Amalyra | 148 | $4,149 | MS Amalyra was launched in 2008 and is part of Europe's most modern fleet of river cruise vessels. |
| MS Amadante | 148 | $4,349 | Launched in 2008, the MS Amadante is part of the newest, state-of-the-art fleet of river cruise vessels in Europe. |
Highlights of the Seine River
Just under 500 miles in length, the Seine River offers one of the best ways to see Paris and other major destinations in France.
You'll start your river excursion in metropolitan Paris. Several cruises simply board here and set right out to the other sites, while others spend up to three or four days touring.
As the boats continue north towards Normandy, you'll be immersed in some of the most culturally and historically relevant sites of the early 20th century in France. In Giverny, visit the former home of the legendary painter Claude Monet, where the Impressionist movement was born through his paintings of natural scenes. Or from the town Honfleur, easily access the beaches of Normandy where Allied Forces won a hard-fought battle against the Nazi army on D-Day in World War II.
Chateaus are another obvious highlight of a river cruise through France. Medieval & Gothic architecture, like that of Notre Dame Cathedral in Rouen or the Château de La Roche-Guyon in Les Andelys, is just a few examples of the impressive styles found throughout France. And of course, the wine from this region is second-to-none.
Major Ports & Towns around the Seine River
Fun Facts about the Seine River
How to choose a Seine River cruise
Where to Go?
Unlike the Rhine, Danube, and Douro river cruises, which snake through multiple countries, the Seine River offers access exclusively to the top sites and destinations of northern France. Starting in metropolitan Paris, you will meander through the French countryside towards the cradle of impressionism in Honfleur and Les Andelys, and ultimately onto the hauntingly tranquil beaches of Normandy.
How Long?
Seine River cruises are comparatively short, ranging from 5 days to just 10 days. What you want to see will determine the length of your cruise: shorter cruises tend to visit just a few cities and towns before heading back to their port of origin; the number of activities available on these cruises is obviously less as well. Longer cruises will often start in Paris and make their way all the way to the northern coasts of France, plus they offer more active opportunities to explore the region as well.
On which riverboat?
We feature just five hand-selected river vessels for our Seine River cruises: Amalegro, Amalyra, Botticelli, Renoir, and the Seine River Princess. They all reflect the modern fashion and elegance characteristic of metropolitan France, and you will find that they all offer comfortable state rooms, state-of-the-art amenities, and multiple social areas. Fine dining and a panoramic sun deck are standard. The Amalyra & Amalegro also offer bicycles that you can use free of charge to explore the small towns. Which boat you choose largely depends on which itinerary suits your interests most. Riverboats are generally over 100m in length and accommodate less than 200 people, guaranteeing an intimate atmosphere of camaraderie onboard. Central heating and air conditioning are standard, and you will find that the cabins, while not huge, do provide enough space. These boats also have an ample lounge, a restaurant & dining area, a spacious sundeck, and a reception area. Contact one of our Trip Planners if you need guidance in selecting the best boat for you.
What is there to do and see?
It's no secret that the small villages of France are renowned for their vineyards and savory wine varieties, making wine tasting a staple part of most itineraries. You will also have opportunities to hike the scenic countryside and explore the major urban centers, the legendary architectural landmarks of Paris, and the quaint village homes where artists like Monet helped give birth to the impressionist movement. Just taking in the crisp river air and the panoramic views from the deck of your river vessel is an activity of its own.
When should I plan my Seine River cruise?
The most popular times for Seine River cruises are between April and July, during the late spring and summer months when the weather is warmest and the sun is strongest.
We do feature cruises that start as early as March and extend through November. While the temperatures can sometimes fall between warm and cold depending on the weather, these are good times to visit if you're hoping to encounter less tourist traffic or find better deals and promotions on cruises.
Its location in western Europe means that it has all four seasons:
The winter months are not a bad time to visit, especially if you are hoping to ski or see France in a lustrous white coat of snow. Unfortunately, we don't offer any river cruises during this time.
Why should I choose a river cruise?
If you're hoping to get the most out of your Parisian vacation, then a river cruise up the Seine River is one of the best ways to do this. Not only is it all-inclusive (meals, lodging, and tours) but it has the distinct advantage of serving as a comfortable floating hotel, meaning that you won't be burdened with packing and unpacking your bags in each new city. Plus, these European river cruises visit more destinations than standard land-based tours because they are able to take advantage of the evenings to do the majority of the long-distance cruising.
What should I look for on a riverboat?
While the finest and most luxurious riverboats might feature a pool, spa, or fitness room, all of Adventure Life's hand-selected riverboats that cruise the Seine are specifically designed for French river cruising and host an ample dining room and sun deck, a bar, and comfortable rooms. A friendly and welcoming captain and crew will lead you through the experience as you get to know the Parisian countryside.
Are there 5-star river vessels on the Seine River?
Yes. In recent years, several luxury river cruise lines have introduced true 5-star vessels on the Seine River. These ships feature upgraded cabins, refined dining, spacious lounges, and modern amenities such as small fitness areas, spas, and enhanced balcony options. While riverboats are still smaller than ocean ships, the newest Seine vessels now meet luxury-level standards that were not available a few years ago.
Should I get a room with a balcony?
Balconies are nice, to be sure, but they aren't really necessary to get the most out of a Seine River cruise. The panoramic sundeck offers a tremendous place for great views and fresh air, and balconies tend to add a hefty number to the final price tag of the cruise. Look for rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows or windows that open as good alternatives to the balconies. Unlike on larger ships, where balconies highlight a suite, on river cruises and smaller yachts, they can actually take space away from your cabin, which is already generally smaller than a typical cruise ship cabin.
What is dining like?
France is known throughout the world for its culinary delights, and a Seine River cruise highlights the gourmet cuisine, prepared by talented local chefs on each of our featured river vessels.
Do river cruises ever visit destinations that aren't on the river?
Seine River cruises typically tend to visit destinations close to the river. There are several sites you might visit that are accessible by coach, which is included in your ticket price, but generally, the main destinations of the Seine River are located right on the shores of the river itself.
Will my vessel have WiFi?
Yes. Most Seine riverboats now offer free WiFi throughout the ship, including in cabins. However, signal strength may vary depending on the vessel and location along the river. A few older vessels may still have limited access in cabins, so it’s best to check with your Adventure Life Trip Planner for the exact WiFi setup on your specific ship.
What kind of power outlets are there? Will I need a converter?
European-style plugs are two round prongs, so if you have the standard North American two flat prongs, then you will need to buy an adapter. However, voltage converters aren't necessary for most devices since they can handle both Europe's 220V in addition to the 110V in North America.
How can I save money on a river cruise?
Consider not saving money on a cruise by reserving a lower-class cabin, since you will also probably be sacrificing comfort or space. DO let us know which cruises interest you, and consult the deals page for each of your destinations.
Are Seine River cruises a good family vacation?
The Seine River offers a delightful family vacation. If you are traveling with younger children, wine cruises are best avoided, but there are plenty of other options to choose from when selecting a cruise. Consult our Family Travel page for more info.
Do Americans and Canadians need a passport and visa to travel to the Seine River?
Travellers from the U.S. and Canada need a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond departure from the Schengen Area (France follows this rule). A visa is not required for stays under 90 days.
Important: The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to start soon, and travellers will need to complete this online entry authorization before visiting France once it becomes active. Check the latest updates on the official EU or
the U.S. Department of State website.
