Day : Exploring: Vernon & Giverny
Each day of the trip we docked so the passengers could explore the town or go on one of a few excursions that were offered that day. Most of the excursions were included in the cost of the cruise, but a few were an extra fee.
Ed and I signed up for two of these extra excursions. One was riding bikes from Vernon to Giverny to tour Claude Monets house and famous gardens. The other was to Honfluer a 17th century coastal town. I will share more about Honfleur, the coast of Normandy and the other stops we made in Part 2 of this post.
Once the ship left LePec, our first town we stopped at was Vernon, France. Ed and I ate breakfast on the ship and then went into the town around 10:00 in the morning.
The town was charming and we noticed everyone walking by us had a French Market Basket filled with fresh produce and a wheeled tote like the one the woman is using in the photo above. Not one or the other, but both. Everyone had them they both are a thingto have if you live in France.
We walked in the direction where everyone seemed to be coming and going and we ended up at a very large Farmers Market with the most colorful offerings.
Stall after stall of fresh produce, seafood and flowers. Look at the size of those langostinos!
Wooden produce crates were everywhere. I would have LOVED to bring one or two of them home as a souvenir.
The weather cooperated making the 20 minute ride each way quite enjoyable.
Everything in bloom with paths all over and leading back to the house.
Paris En Scne Dinner Cruise
Paris en Scène is perhaps the lesser-known boat company proposing Seine river dinner cruises in Paris. However, their proposal is very attractive, flexible, and definitely one of the best Paris river cruises with dinner.
First of all, the boats are imagined like a theater where the Seine River is the main stage.;All the seats are arranged in front of the view to admire the river and all the monuments illuminated along the way. The passengers are comfortably seated in large club chairs, and they dine side by side on tables specially designed to enjoy both the view and the meal.;Boats also have a bar and a huge open sky terrace so visitors can get the most out of the Seine River during the cruise.
With prices starting at 42, this is definitely the less expensive dinner cruises in Paris. The meals are Parisian bistro-style, all cooked on-site, and with fresh and seasonal produce. Enjoy a 3-course menu starter, main, and dessert at your window-facing table, and upgrade it with wine or champagne.
Summer boarding takes place from Saint Michel bridge in Paris 1 while winter boarding takes place from île aux Cygnes, in Paris 15.
Seine River Cruises In Paris Tickets Prices Timings Duration Route
A Seine river cruiseis one of the best ways to see Paris.;
These river cruises are popular because they help you catch the citys highlights in a short time.
The boats float along the Seine River as you marvel at the beauty of the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Musée dOrsay, Notre Dame, etc., passing by.
With so many companiesoffering Seine River Cruises, it is impossible to decide on one without anexperts help.;
In this article, thats what we will try to do help you decide on a Seine River Cruise in Paris.
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Seine River Cruise Itineraries
There is one main Seine itinerary, running between Paris and Caudebec/Honfleur .
Not all river cruises go all the way north to Honfleur proper, so check your line options carefully. Likewise, not all ships are small enough to dock in the middle of Paris so if walking around the city right from your ship is important to you, double check where the vessel docks.
In a region so richly endowed with attractions, shore excursion options vary widely, and operators make changes by adding longer stays in key ports like Rouen and tagging on land stays in Paris at either end of the cruise. So, you could take more than one Seine cruise and do something a bit different each time.
Starting at the Paris end, you first call at Vernon, for tours to Giverny and Monet’s famous garden. If you have already done that, you can opt to see Bizy Castle, famed for its imposing 18th century facade and Baroque water gardens.
Other calls include Les Andelys , Conflans and medieval Rouen, where Joan of Arc met her painful death in 1431.
From Caudebec and Honfleur, you can explore the Normandy beaches or tour the Normandy coast and its Belle Epoque resorts, Deauville and Trouville. It’s a longer drive to the beaches from Caudebec; about two hours round-trip.
Seine River Cruise Faqs
Yes, Seine River cruises are now open to the public with few health and safety measures in place.
To limit contact and ensure social distancing, it is advised that you book your tickets online. Other safety measures include mandatory use of masks, social distancing of at least 1.5 meters, use of sanitizers, and online payments.
Guests can book sightseeing cruises, or lunch and dinner cruises.
Only sightseeing cruises include multilingual audio guides; lunch and dinner cruises do not provide audio guides.
The combo Seine River Cruise with Paris City tour is perfect for families as it covers the best of the city from both land and water, and is cost-effective as well.
The Seine River Dinner Cruise is perfect for couples as it is a very romantic experience. You can enjoy delicious French food and wine, accompanied by live music as you see the city come to life around you. The other option is to take a sightseeing cruise combined with a cabaret show. You will get to see Paris from the heart of the Seine, and later, you can head out to see a vibrant show with colourful costumes and extravagant performances.
It depends on the experience you choose. While some offer a refund if canceled within the stipulated time, others may not be canceled, amended or refunded.
Yes, vegetarian options are available on meal-based Seine River Cruises.
The best time would be to go during the off-season, between October to April, since summers tend to get very hot and crowded in Paris.
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Restaurants & Eating Out
The Ciel de Paris is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. It is located in the Montparnasse Tower with beautiful views of the city. Youll also find a well-stocked champagne bar available to you. The Polidor is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris.
It dates back to 1895 and the interior decor hasnt changed much since. This is one of those restaurants that only take cash, so have a few euros on you.
In Paris, its hard to find a truly casual restaurant. Because of this, youll want to make sure that youre dressed for the occasion. If youre not sure what you could or should wear to a particular establishment, some will list their dress code online or you can always give them a call.
Plan Your Seine River Cruise Experience
Seine River cruise timings vary based on the ticket you purchase. Generally, sightseeing cruises last between 30 minutes to an hour, every day of the week, from morning to evening. The exact details will be available on your tickets.
It depends on the experience you book; some sightseeing experiences include an audio guide in multiple languages, including English.
Yes, night cruises are available at the Seine River. You can also choose to purchase dinner cruises.
Most Seine River Cruises begin at the Pont de l Alma 1, located near the foot of the Eiffel Tower. The address is Port de la Conference, 75008 Paris, France.
It depends on which Seine River lunch cruise you book. Most cruises are available on all days of the week between 12:30 PM and 02:00 PM.
Depending on your ticket, your Seine River lunch cruise will cover over a dozen top Parisian landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, along with a 3-course meal, and drinks
Depending on your Seine River lunch cruise ticket, you will have live accordion music on your cruise.
Most Seine River lunch cruises begin at the Pont de l Alma 1, located near the foot of the Eiffel Tower. The address is Port de la Conference, 75008 Paris, France.
Seine River dinner cruises are available on all days of the week between 8:15 PM and 10:45 PM.
Depending on the experience you opt for, your cruise will include live music or a Crazy Horse cabaret show.
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Faqs On Seine River Cruise
While planning their River cruise in Paris, tourists have a lot of doubts.;
We try and answer them here
Yes, you can buy Seine Cruise tickets online;here.When you buy them in advance, you save yourself time and money .;;
A sightseeing Seine River cruise lasts for an hour.If you book a Lunch or Dinner Cruise, depending on which company you booked it from, it may take two to two and a half hours.
Yes, you can enjoy the Seine river cruise in Paris during the winter months.Since it gets really cold on the water in winter, you must dress up appropriately.Most of the cruise boats have covered enclosures that come in handy during the colder months.
Yes, you can go on a river cruise in Paris without dinner.Just book a;Sightseeing Cruise;and land up at the departure point after dark.Sightseeing cruise boats keep sailing till 9 pm.
If you can afford it and if you have the time, you must do the Sightseeing cruise during the day and the Seine Dinner Cruise at night.If you cant do both, it is better to do the Sightseeing cruise during the day because you can then get a better view of the City.
Popular attractions in Paris
Vedettes Du Pont Neuf
Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf;offers a barebones Seine Cruise.;
They offer basic 1-hour cruises on the Parisian river in their small and medium-sized boats.;
Their departure pointis very close to Notre Dame Square du Vert Galant near the Pont Neuf on theedge of Île de la Cité.
Live guides alternatebetween English and French during their commentary.
Adult ticket :;14 EurosChild ticket :;7 Euros
Infants get in forfree.;
FinalWord:;Since they are a cost-conscious cruiseoperator, there is no guarantee on the quality of boats and live guides.;
We DO NOT recommendthem.;
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Best Seine River Dinner Cruises
A Seine night cruise with dinner is one of the top things to do in Paris at night. Enjoy the views and some of the famous foods in Paris while sailing through the citys most beautiful avenue. Usually, boat companies propose two Seine River dinner cruises a day, the first starting at 6 pm and the second starting at 8.30 pm.
The first Seine River dinner cruise is usually less expensive. This is because the menu options are more limited, and the cruise is shorter. The second dinner cruise is fancier, and it usually comes with live music.
For some people, 70 minutes is long enough to have their meal while enjoying some of the most beautiful sights of Paris. Other people, instead, will find that 70 minutes is a bit rushed.
Another important thing to consider is the time of the cruise, especially during the summer:
- The 6 pm Seine River night cruise finishes around 7.10 pm. This means that during the summer, you will be sailing in daylight.
- With the 8 pm Seine River night cruise you can be sure you will enjoy the Paris illuminations during the tour, at least for the last part of the Seine cruise.
The dress code for a dinner cruise in Paris is usually smart casual , but nobody will complain if you wear your best dress or suit!
Find below all the details about the best Paris river cruises with dinner for a great night out in Paris.
Seine Lunch And Dinner Cruises
Lunch and dinner cruises are popular options for those interested in a more luxurious and leisurely experience.
Both offer impressive views from the river while allowing you to relax and enjoy a nice meal.
As is always the case, lunch cruises are cheaper than dinner cruises making them an excellent alternative for the budget-conscious traveler.
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The Price You See Is The Price You Pay
- Seven nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, with river views;
- Nine visits and tours, including guided tours of Paris, Honfleur and Rouen; visits to Caudebec, Les Andelys and Vernon; and excursions to Claude Monets house,;the D-Day Normandy Beaches and the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry
- All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure , including a welcome dinner and the Captains Dinner;
- Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides;
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee;
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
2022 DATES ON SALE NOW7 nights on board a 5-star ship9 visits & guided toursFull board Complimentary on-board tea & coffeeExpert cruise director and conciergeAll port charges & taxes
Private Seine Boat Tour
Craft your own Seine River experience and book this private Seine boat tour for 4 people maximum with a personal skipper. Enjoy the beauty of Paris main sights and the River Seine while sipping a glass of wine.
You can bring your own food and wine for a picnic or a French apéritif, or you can purchase them as an add-on during the booking process.
The itinerary of this Seine boat cruise is longer as it starts in the west of Paris. This allows you to view Ile-Saint-Germain and Ile-aux-Cygnes with the Statue of Liberty. If you are looking for a Paris river tour with the maximum of privacy, this is it.
- Duration: 2 hrs 30 min
- Departure /arrival point: 36 Quai Alphonse le Gallo, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt
- Options: a bottle of champagne, extra wine.
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Cruise Tour On The Seine
A tour cruise on the Seineaffordable priceEiffel TowerCathedral of Notre Damefamous monuments
Tickets available through Come to Paris are not limited to a specific date, allowing you to choose the date and time of your cruise on the Seine. Simply visit the departure points of the Bateaux Parisiens or the Vedettes de Paris , collect your tickets and climb aboard whenever you choose for an unforgettable trip along the river. To explore the charming Saint Martin canal, select a cruise with Paris Canal.
If you would like to enjoy a meal onboard during your boat trip, take a look at our Dinner Cruises and Lunchtime Cruises.
For groups of more than 11 people, contact us directly for help organizing your cruise events and information about hiring private boats.
Paris And Normandy On The Seine
2021-2022 Seine river cruise departures available!
Cruise Amenities and Service on Board
- All meals on board included
- Unlimited complimentary beverages
- Free wifi
- All excursions included
The Seine River flows through the center of Paris and is the main artery of the City of Light. You can cruise down one of Europe’s most enchanting rivers through storybook landscapes of vineyards, historic abbeys, tranquil orchards and medieval towns.
Reasons to cruise the Seine
- Paris, the French capital and its many different cultural sights and tourist attractions
- Discover the beautiful landscapes of the Seine Valley with its wide open spaces and vibrant towns
- Normandy, its traditions and Norman castles
- The Seine, a great source of inspiration to the Impressionist painters
- Important historic places: the Palace of Versailles, Rouen, the Landing Beaches
On a Seine River Cruise you’ll have the chance to see picturesque Honfleur and discover the Alabaster coast. You can visit the home of Claude Monet in Giverny, with its wonderful gardens, stroll the streets of Rouen, the city of Joan of Arc, with it’s half timbered houses.;
The Advantages of booking with CroisiEurope
- A River cruise from Paris all the way to Normandy Coast, including exclusive mooring in Honfleur
- Moor just a step away from the Eiffel Tower!
- See Paris lit up at night from the comfort of your ship
- Largest choice of itineraries and lengths
Ships
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Bateaux Mouches Seine Cruise
The Bateaux Mouches cruise is one of the most popular river cruises, due to its distinct open-top boats and orange seats. As one of the oldest Seine river cruise providers, they take pride in their top-quality service and cuisine. Their sightseeing cruises last one hour and take you around most of Paris popular landmarks including the Louvre, the Conciergerie, and the Notre Dame. Walk-ins are allowed to board the cruise, but since this is popular among tourists, there are high chances that youll share the boat with hundreds of them.
Departure Point: Port de la ConférenceLanguages Offered: Commentary is available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and KoreanAccessibility: Priority access for the disabled available. No wheelchair-accessible toilets at the boatExtras: You can have your photo taken on board. Special cruises are available for Valentines Day, Bastille Day, and other holidays
Highlights Of France River Cruises
France was born along its rivers. And Viking delivers you to the doorsteps of a nations history and culture, from romantic riverside ruins and lush vineyards to glittering cities of elegance and grandeur. Here is a selection of some treasures you will experience with Viking:
- The elegant architecture of Paris
- Historic Avignon, City of Popes
- Gastronomic masterpieces of Lyon
- Normandys American Military Cemetery
- Scenic landscapes that inspired Impressionist artists
- Rouens spectacular cathedral
- Farms and forests of Aquitaine
- Fine wines of Bordeaux, Beaujolais and Burgundy
- Charming villages and dreamy vistas of Provence
- The medieval wine-growing town of Saint-Émilion
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