Recently updated on January 20th, 2026 at 04:25 pm
The River Seine is a 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.
The latest addition to our River Cruise lineup, this activity-packed itinerary will show you a different side to France, from moving visits to the D-Day beaches in Normandy to the vibrant colours of Monet’s famous garden – and so much more.
Of course our beloved Be My Guest and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences feature, allowing you to see the region through the eyes of locals and leave a positive impact in your wake.
“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.”
In this article, we’ll dive a bit deeper into the itinerary, and explore six distinctly French experiences that make our Seine River Cruise special.
Bonjour (and au revoir), Paris
Your Seine River Cruise starts in Paris, but you won’t be exploring this romantic city just yet. Don’t worry, you’ll be saying ‘bonjour’ to Paris again later in the trip. First, you’ll transfer straight to your ship, Trafalgar Harmonie, and get to know your home for the next seven nights. Settle into your cabin and relax in the ship’s many spaces, whether that’s catching sunset on the deck or meeting your fellow guests in the lounge or bar – the perfect spot to raise a toast to the journey ahead.
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 flowerbeds 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 from the artists.
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 history turned. You’ll start on Normandy Beach with views across the Channel and markers that tell the story of the assault, connecting you to the very place where Allied troops landed on D-Day and the significance of 6 June 1944.
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 USA forces, retracing the paths of American troops on D-Day. Visit Sainte-Mère-Église, the first town liberated by US 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
Be My Guest: Ciderie de Mont Viné
Depending on group size and availability, you will experience one of two Be My Guest options on our Seine River Cruise. Both take place at cider farms and estates, and both keep the heart of our Be My Guest ethos at their core – meeting locals, sharing stories and enjoying home-cooked, traditional dishes. Whichever one is on your itinerary, you’ll discover the heritage behind Normandy cider through local farmers and craftspeople.
One Be My Guest option is at Ciderie de Mont Viné, a family-run cider estate in heart of Normandy. With a warm welcome from Constance Hyest, discover how she left her glamorous career on the French Riviera to return to her roots and continue her family’s legacy. The Hyest family has worked this land for generations, nurturing orchards that produce some of Normandy’s finest apples, and now Constance combines traditional techniques with a modern vision of sustainability and hospitality.
Embrace the simple pleasures of rural life as you dine on cherished family recipes straight from the Hyest recipe book, showcasing seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and orchards. On the side, learn the secrets of cider making, explore the orchard and taste award-winning cider.
4. La Roche-Guyon
Be My Guest: La Ferme de Ruelles
Our alternative 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. 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.