The Seine is France’s best-known river and a cruise along it is a great way to explore the country’s celebrated capital and a number of its most historic sites and towns, too. As you would imagine, there’s a wide choice of shore excursions available but here’s a look at five of the best you can book.
Paris city tour
The starting point for any Seine river cruise, France’s romantic capital is one of the world’s most popular destinations when it comes to city breaks and with so many iconic landmarks to see, a city tour is a must, especially if it’s your first time there. Of course, you’ll be able to see the city’s most famous attraction the Eiffel Tower, but there’s a host of other must-see landmarks, such as the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Champs Elysees. In fact, there’s so much to see that the Banks of the Seine, from which you can reach so many of the city’s landmarks, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Monet tour in Giverny
The small, unassuming village of Giverny enjoys a permanent place on the world map thanks to it being the home of one of France’s most celebrated artists, Claude Monet and whether you’re an art afficianado or not, an excursion to Giverny is must. You’ll visit the stone farmhouse where he lived and worked and the beautiful gardens surrounding it, including the peaceful water garden which was the inspiration to many of his most famous works, including Water Lilies.
Normandy Beaches
The beaches of Normandy were the location of one of the key operations of the Second World War, the Normandy Landings and a full day spent exploring them and their historic legacy is a must for all those with an interest in the conflict. You’ll pass historic locations such as Gold Beach and Juno Beach and visit such landmarks as the American Military Cemetery, the Arromanches Debarkment Museum and Omaha Beach – one of the five designated beach sectors during the Allied invasion of German-occupied France.
Joan of Arc and the city of Rouen
Joan of Arc remains one of history’s most enigmatic figures and on a Seine river cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to explore her tragic story with a visit to the historic medieval city of Rouen. A tour of the old town centre is a trip back in time and you’ll be able to see for yourself the beautiful gothic masterpiece Notre Dame Cathedral and the 16th century astronomical clock. You’ll be able to visit the 14th century courthouse in which Joan of Arc was sentenced to death and the market square which was the scene of her harrowing martyrdom.
Palace of Versailles
This UNESCO World Heritage site played a significant role in France’s political history and was the country’s centre of power from 1682, when Louis XIV moved there, through to 1789 and the beginnings of the French Revolution. Known in French as the Chateaux de Versailles, its luxurious interior is fascinating to explore but the parks and gardens are also a significant part of its draw. Between 11am and noon and 3.30 to 5.00pm, you’ll be able to witness an extra treat, the Grandes Eauc Musicales; a spectacular waterworks display laid on by the park’s fountains.
By Simon Brotherton
Google