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On a Seine River cruise, it's understandable that Paris, where voyages begin and end, seems like the marquee attraction when you're booking your trip. And no question, it's a fascinating place where we heartily recommend you extend your vacation to spend additional days there if you can. The big surprise during our Seine cruise this summer was how special the stops were along the way. We spent most of our time in Normandy ports, and between the gorgeous countryside, ancient cities and amazing cuisine (both onboard and off), we made many delightful discoveries.
Ultimately, for fans of French culture, cuisine and history (not to mention the U.S. and Canadian theater in Normandy during World War II), a Seine River sailing was the perfect taster cruise.
The typical Seine cruise offers an overnight in Paris before heading toward Normandy and the English Channel. The itinerary is wonderfully choreographed to balance power touring with small-and-enchanting stops that invite relaxation.







Carolyn Spencer Brown, Cruise Critic’s Chief Content Strategist, is an award-winning editor and writer who’s been covering the cruise industry for morre than 20 years. She’s began trawling Europe’s rivers while on assignment for The Washington Post and counts a dozen voyages along the Danube alone (and only two on the Seine; she's looking to increase her frequency on France's most iconic waterway). A Seine cruise's big appeal? The vast range of places to visit there, from imperial cities to villages so beautifully preserved they could be a film set.
Updated December 15, 2019