The River Seine Experience  

Twisting and looping through the heart of France, the majestic River Seine flows through rolling hills and rustic villages on an epic 776km journey. Beginning as a series of hot springs in a beautiful wooded location in the heights of Dijon, the waters of the Seine navigate past a thousand communities before passing beneath the pretty bridges of Paris and opening into the English Channel. The ports of call that are available on a cruise of the River Seine offer you the chance to explore some of France's most admired landmarks such as the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, as well as view the breathtaking panoramas which inspired Monet.   

On a Great Rail Journeys' cruise along the River Seine your entire day can be spent sightseeing in a panoramic lounge or from the deck, where you can enjoy unobstructed views of some of France's most spectacular scenery. There are incredible vistas along the popular waterway as well as the many incredible urban landscapes, with unique architecture waiting to be admired. During stops at the various villages and towns that adorn the banks of the river, you may also like to sample local delights in nearby cafés, bakeries or restaurants.

One of the most popular places to call at whilst cruising the River Seine is the historic capital of Upper Normandy - Rouen. The city's lovingly restored medieval architecture makes walking around the vibrant streets of the city a delight. There are many notable churches in the city including the mesmerising 13th century Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, which is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in France. The city is also noted as the place where Joan of Arc was executed - according to legend her ashes are rumoured to have been thrown into the River Seine.    

Monet's garden at Giverny is another must-see during a Seine river cruise. Claude Monet created some of his finest masterpieces at the Monet House and the garden has been lovingly maintained, meaning that you can admire the famous water lilies and the undulating bridge which featured in many of his paintings. Another destination of France that has strong links with the Impressionists is the Chatou, a suburb of Paris which is also referred to as the "Ile de Impressionistes".

The highlight of any Seine cruise is of course Paris. Street musicians playing amid the sounds of the city provide a charming soundtrack to voyages along the legendary route of the River Seine through the capital. Paris is beautiful by night as it is by day, as the sun sets twinkling lights transform the city into a fairytale land of romance. Many of our cruises sail into the capital at dusk when an ombre sky provides a striking backdrop to the silhouette of the city's skyline.

Strolling around the city is entertainment in itself, due to the arresting architecture that can be found on every street as well as cafés, boutiques and the popular Parisian flea markets. However, a cruise is the best way to explore Paris as the River Seine shaped the most famous urban landscape in the world. Dividing Paris into two, the river meanders beneath 32 graceful bridges, with the Eiffel Tower and the Musée d'Orsay on the south bank, whilst on the north bank the Louvre, the Grand Palais and the Concorde can be found. The Ile de la Cité in the middle of Paris is home to the celebrated Notre Dame Cathedral.