Little Gems of the Seine: Between Bucolic Stopovers and Royal Shores The Majestic Seine Aboard a Paddle-Wheel Boat (port-to-port cruise)
From €
1408.00
Embark on an exceptional cruise along the Seine aboard a paddlewheel boat that will transport you to the heart of a historical and artistic heritage of unparalleled richness.
From Paris to Giverny, passing through picturesque villages and ancient castles, let yourself be enchanted by a timeless experience.
This journey will take you to discover hidden gems such as Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, a medieval village that inspired the painter Alfred Sisley, as well as the Château de Rosa Bonheur, former home of the renowned animal artist. You will also explore must-see sites such as the majestic Château de Fontainebleau, the residence of kings and emperors, the Île de la Cité at the heart of Paris, and the enchanting gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny. Your voyage will also lead you to La Roche-Guyon, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, where a fascinating château stands nestled between the Seine and a chalk cliff.
Between peaceful navigation, fascinating excursions, and convivial evenings on board, this cruise promises an unforgettable immersion in the elegance and history of the Seine’s shores.
Trip Code:
PRG_PP
Duration:
6
DAYS
DAY
1
PARIS
Boarding at 6:00 PM. Introduction of the crew and welcome cocktail in the lounge. Paris by night cruise (subject to water level conditions). The City of Light, the French capital, shines brightly at nightfall. From the river, you will be dazzled by the illuminated Parisian buildings and the play of lights illuminating the city. Dinner on board.
DAY
2
PARIS - MELUN - SAINT MAMMES (5)
Morning cruise towards Melun, where the Seine reveals a panorama transitioning from Paris’s iconic monuments to its peaceful, green banks. Along the way, charming villages, small locks, and forests offer picturesque views.
Optional excursion: AUTHENTIC / EXPERIENCE: Visit to the Château de Fontainebleau (2) (only available with pre-booking before departure). This magnificent Renaissance and classical royal château was home to 34 kings and 2 emperors for nearly eight centuries. With its 1,500 rooms, it is one of the largest and best-furnished castles in France. A testament to the official and private life of monarchs through the centuries, it perfectly embodies the French art of living. Its beautiful gardens, designed by Le Nôtre, invite you to take a leisurely stroll. Return on board in Saint-Mammès.
Dancing evening.
DAY
3
SAINT-MAMMES - CORBEIL-ESSONNES
Morning optional excursion: AUTHENTIC / EXPERIENCE: Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, a charming village on the banks of the Seine, and the Château Rosa Bonheur. This medieval town, rich in history, will captivate you with its ramparts, Bourgogne Gate, and Notre-Dame Church, all testaments to its strategic role in the Middle Ages. Favored by the kings of France, it became a hub of art in the 19th century thanks to Alfred Sisley, who immortalized its landscapes. You will wander through its cobbled streets, admire half-timbered houses and picturesque mills. Continue to the Château Rosa Bonheur, the residence of the famous animal painter. There, you will discover her preserved studio, works, and creative world. Surrounded by tranquil gardens, this place offers an immersion into the art and life of this exceptional female artist.
Afternoon cruise towards Corbeil-Essonnes, following the Seine’s winding path. Each stop, from locks to picturesque banks, tells a story and invites contemplation.
DAY
4
CORBEIL-ESSONNES - PARIS
Morning cruise towards Paris.
In the afternoon, optional excursions:
AUTHENTIC: Île de la Cité. A walking tour of Paris’s birthplace. You will admire the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral (3) (interiors), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. After the devastating 2019 fire, the cathedral has regained its splendor and continues to embody Paris’s history and soul. You will stroll through the charming streets of the island and reach the Sainte-Chapelle (exteriors), famous for its exceptional stained glass windows that narrate biblical scenes. Your visit will end on the Pont Neuf, the city’s oldest bridge, offering a stunning view of the Seine and its romantic quays.
EXPERIENCE: Discover Paris by sidecar. Alone or with a partner, enjoy an intimate, open-air, 360° tour. You will see both the must-see landmarks and hidden treasures of the capital with your local driver, who will share knowledge and anecdotes. You will explore the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain or Montmartre on an unforgettable ride.
Overnight navigation towards La Roche-Guyon
DAY
5
LA ROCHE GUYON
Navigation towards La Roche-Guyon.
Morning optional excursions:
AUTHENTIC: La Roche-Guyon and its château. Nestled between the Seine and a chalk cliff, La Roche-Guyon is one of France’s most beautiful villages. You will visit its château, a fascinating blend of medieval and classical architecture, with a fortified tower perched on the cliff’s summit, offering a breathtaking view of the valley. You will explore its historical halls and French gardens, designed by Le Nôtre, featuring vegetable plots and medicinal plants. Finally, you will wander through the village’s picturesque streets, steeped in history and bucolic charm.
EXPERIENCE: Visit to Claude Monet’s house (4) and gardens. The famous Impressionist painter lived in Giverny for 43 years. A visionary artist, he was one of the founders of the Impressionist movement and made light the "main character" of his stunning landscapes. His long career and colorful works embody the transition from tradition to modernity. From his iconic studio to his "water garden," visitors are transported by the magic of the place, the moment, and nature.
Afternoon cruise towards Paris, sailing along the Seine and its meanders. Under the ever-changing reflections of the sky, the landscapes so dear to Impressionist painters unfold. Arrival in Paris at night. Gala evening.
DAY
6
PARIS
Buffet breakfast on board. Disembarkation at 9:00 AM. End of services
