The 6 Most Spectacular Seine River Cities

A river cruise on the Seine is an experience that combines daydreams along the bucolic French countryside with stops in Paris,  France's most dynamic urban centre, as well as stops at small cities like Les Andelys to see its 12th-century castle, Chateau Gaillard.

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  • Paris

    Paris' monument-lined boulevards include icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe and some of the world's leading museums like the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay. It's also a shopping and foodie utopia with exceptional boutiques and traditional bistros and is known for its endlessly charming neighbourhoods.
     
  • Giverny

    The tranquil village of Giverny is where Monet lived and painted amidst lush gardens in a picturesque country house, which is now a museum dedicated to the artist. It's a must-see for Impressionist art lovers and offers the chance to see the adjacent pond and water lilies that inspired his most famous piece of art. 
  • Les Andelys

    Situated on a horseshoe bend of the River Seine, Normandy's Les Andelys is home to the 12th-century Chateau Gaillard, the hilltop castle built by legendary Richard the Lionheart. The castle boasts extensive views of the bucolic landscape and the town's riverside walkway is lovely.
  • Rouen

    With its exquisite timber-lined medieval streets, fantastical Gothic cathedral, exceptional museums, a cacophony of pretty churches and fascinating history, Rouen offers the chance to stroll its bucolic streets while enjoying a lively cafe and dining scene.
  • Vernon

    Normandy's small town of Vernon is filled with lovely 15th and 16th-century half-timbered houses, and it's a tranquil place to wander along the banks of the Seine and appreciate the charming character of its cobblestone medieval lanes.
     
  • Caudebec-en-Caux

    Caudebec-en-Caux in Normandy is a tranquil small town situated next to lush green Brotonne forest. Set directly on the banks of the Seine river, its waterfront offers great views of the Pont de Bretonne, a spectacular suspension bridge spanning the Seine. 

Facts about the Seine river

  • How long is Seine river?

    With 777 km (483 mi) the river Seine is the second-longest river in France (only the Loire river is longer). It's one of France's key commercial arteries and is one of the country's most navigatable rivers. It flows from east to west and for 13 kilometres (9 miles), it meanders through the middle of Paris. 
  • Where is the Seine river located?

    The Seine flows in a northwest direction across the northern part of France. It carves its way through small villages, bucolic swathes of countryside and France's most famous city, Paris.
  • Where does Seine river start and end?

    The Seine river starts roughly 30 kilometres (18.5 miles) from Dijon, in Burgundy, and ends when it flows into the English Channel between Normandy's Honfleur and Le Havre.
  • What role does the Seine river play for Paris?

    It passes by a number of major Paris attractions including Notre-Dame Cathedral,  the Louvre Museum, the Musée d’Orsayand the iconic Eiffel Tower. The banks of the Seine in the city centre are lined with walkways where you can stroll and admire the river's beauty, and in summer the riverbank promenades erupt in a riot of al fresco spots to drink and dine with views of the water.
  • Can I see UNESCO sites on a Seine river cruise?

    Several of the main stops on a Seine river cruise are ideal locations to visit a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Palace of Versailles, the Palace of Fontainebleu and Chartres Cathedral.
  • How to pronounce Seine river?

    The Seine [ /seɪn/, /sɛn/] is pronounced SEN. Consider how you pronounce the word "Send," but remove the "d" at the end.

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