Recently updated on February 10th, 2026 at 11:19 am
The River Seine is known as the lifeblood of Paris, but it extends far beyond the French capital – and you’ll discover key sights along this iconic waterway on our brand new Seine River Cruise, aboard the Trafalgar Harmonie.
The latest addition to our River Cruise lineup, this relaxing, focused itinerary will show you a different side to France, from stirring visits to the D-Day beaches in Normandy to the vibrant colours of Monet’s famous garden.
“This trip is perfect for travelers who want structure without rigidity, and expert storytelling,” says Damien O’Connor, Vice President of River Cruise. “It’s for those who want to discover history, food, and art at a slower pace of travel.”
With that, let’s take a closer look at 5 highlighted experiences you’ll enjoy on this iconic journey along the River Seine.
1. Monet’s Gardens in Giverny
Step into a living painting as you walk in the footsteps of one of France’s most famous artists at Monet’s gardens in Giverny, a village in Normandy. These gardens are where the Impressionist painter found his inspiration from 1883 until his death in 1926 – and now so can you.
Feel your senses come alive as you wander through vibrant flower beds and shaded paths, and pause by the lily pond that was the inspiration behind his famed Water Lilies series. His restored pink house is open for you to explore, where you’ll discover rooms filled with Japanese prints and personal treasures.
2. The D-Day Beaches of Normandy
Your day exploring Normandy’s D-Day beaches offers a chance to pay tribute, trace family connections and stand on the shores where the world’s largest naval invasion was carried out, toppling the first domino in Hitler’s grip over western Europe. You’ll start on Normandy Beach with views across the English Channel, following markers that tell the timeline of the assault, connecting you to those moments in time that made history.
From here, your day exploring Normandy’s wartime history offers two choices:
Visit the American Landing Beaches
One option is to follow the story of D-Day through the American sector. Walk in the footsteps of U.S. forces, retracing the paths of American troops on D-Day. Visit Sainte-Mère-Église, the first town liberated by U.S. paratroopers, and the Airborne Museum, where the story of the paratroopers is brought to life through original artefacts, soundscapes and a walk-through replica of a C-47 aircraft. You’ll then continue to Utah beach where moving stories of courage come to life, before ending the day with a commemorative ceremony on Omaha beach.
Visit the Commonwealth Landing Beaches
For guests with ties to Canada, Britain or ANZAC nations, an alternative option is to follow the Commonwealth route. Starting at the Juno Beach Center, Canada’s Second World War museum, and stopping at key locations linked to the Canadian landings, British evacuations and ANZAC contributions.
There will be time for a moment for reflection at Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, before moving onward to the British Normandy Memorial overlooking Gold Beach. You’ll then lunch at leisure at Arromanches-les-Bains, with the opportunity to explore the Arromanches D-Day museum, the first museum specifically dedicated to commemorating D-Day and the subsequent Battle of Normandy.
3. Rouen Old Town
The day is yours in Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy. Frozen in time with its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, arriving here feels like stepping into a fairytale (though some of its history is slightly less romantic).
In the morning your Experience Director will take you through the old town, taking you past its ornate gothic cathedral and the Medieval clock tower. Hear the story of Joan of Arc, martyr, military leader and Patron Saint of France, who was tried and executed here. With an afternoon to explore at your own leisure, why not stroll through the market squares and refuel with some traditional Norman cuisine? After all, Rouen was the first French city to be designated a “City of Gastronomy” by UNESCO, and Julia Child proclaimed she had “the most exciting meal of my life” when she dined at the legendary La Couronne.
4. Be My Guest in La Roche-Guyon
Your Be My Guest experience is at La Ferme de Ruelles, a 17th century cider farm where tradition meets sustainability. Meet Michel Galmel and his wife, who have transformed this historic estate into a haven of agroecology and authentic Norman hospitality.
In 1992 Michel took over the family farm with a commitment to farming differently, restoring hedgerows, creating wildflower meadows, and digging ponds to revive biodiversity. Today the farm spans 60 hectares of orchards, forest gardens and fields full of sustainable practices. His dedication has earned him awards, and set him as a model for eco-friendly agriculture in Normandy.
On your visit here you’ll stroll through apple orchards, learn about Michel’s unique approach to cider-making and even get access to explore the cellar, where 9 different varieties of apples ferment before being made into his signature cider.
After working up an appetite, sit down to a Farm-to-Table meal featuring local ingredients and family recipes, with crisp cider and fresh apple juice on the side. Over local food, you can discuss the history of Normandy terroir and Michel’s commitment to preserving its heritage.
5. Hike the Crest Trail to Château de La Roche-Guyon
Get your steps and see the river from above with a guided hike along a forested ridge trail overlooking the Seine. You’ll follow the route through gentle countryside with wide open valley views. The destination? The imposing Château de La Roche-Guyon, an ancient fortress carved into the rock on the banks of the Seine. Explore the castle with rooms, bunkers and a medieval tower overlooking the valley, before strolling through the gardens that stretch down to the river.
6. Walk through Van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise
The picturesque village of Auvers-sur-Oise is a far cry from the bustling streets of Paris, though its less than an hour from the capital. Its scenic beauty drew Vincent Van Gogh here for the final 70 days of his life, where he produced 74 paintings and more than 30 drawings before his death in July 1890.
Follow in the footsteps of this legendary artist with a guided walk through the village. See the Auberge Ravoux where he stayed, visit the church he painted, and walk through the fields captured in his final works. This is a unique insight into the landscapes and locations that shaped the final weeks of his life.
7. Paris, As You’ve Never Seen it Before
Think you know Paris? Think again. The end of your Seine River Cruise takes you back to the French capital, where you’ll peek behind the curtain of this romantic city as you discover how it’s also at the forefront of inclusivity and sustainability on our exclusive MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience: Paris Reimagined – History to Harmony.
Learn how Paris is constantly evolving under the leadership of mayor Anne Hidalgo, who has championed bold urban planning reforms over the past decade including today’s 15-minute city vision.
Paris has embraced the idea that daily life like school, work and shops should be within a short walk or bike ride, an initiative that has transformed mobility, expanded bike lanes and repurposed former roadways along the Seine into car-free parks. More recently, Paris has also adopted a bioclimatic urban plan focus on green spaces, social housing, and climate residence, reshaping how the city grows while also addressing affordability and sustainability.
The result? A city that is constantly reimagining itself, ensuring urban life is more inclusive, sustainable and connected.
By taking part in this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Book your Seine River Cruise with Trafalgar now and discover these French experiences for yourself.