Discounted River Cruise Information from The Women’s Travel Group
Ancient cities were founded around waterways. As they grew, the most important buildings were placed prominently on river banks. Paris is a bit different, as the Seine also has islands, which were developed. If you watched the Olympics last Summer, the Seine was the featured Parisian landmark. It is our location for the 7 night Paris to Normandy cruise our specially priced Seine river adventure.
The Seine flows from the Burgundy region in NW France through Paris to Normandy then the North Sea. The most important islands are Ile St. Louis and Ile de la Cite. Everyone knows the Ile de la Cite, as Notre Dame is located on one end with its interesting courtyard on the other. The other, Ile St Louis, is overlooked which is a shame. Marie de Medici was what we might call, a real estate developer. She created then marketed plans to develop Ile St Louis. The island evolved into a quiet oasis for the rich and famous. It remains very affluent, with a village quaintness from the 17c. If you have time, wander the narrow streets and stop at the cafe with the best ice cream in town—Berthillon.
On a river boat you see both islands.
The second island is the site for Notre Dame. After the disastrous fire in 2019, the cathedral was closed for months. One can again visit part of the cathedral. Built in the 12c, restored in the 19c and burned in 2019. It reopened in December 2024. Recommendation: secure a free ticket on line to avoid crowds.
One sees other grand buildings (with uninterrupted views) from the river. A few are The Louvre, former medieval fort under King Philip II and palace briefly used by Louis IV then Napoleon III in the mid 19c. One can still see the ornate Napoleon Apartments. Look past to catch a glimpse of the IM Pei glass pyramid.
The Orsay Museum, former train station, is now the museum holding 19c art- PS much of what tourists recognize. Then there is the forbidding Conciergerie, former prison which housed Marie Antoinette before her execution. The 17c gardens called Tuileries also abut the river. PS the gardens are a great place to sit and eat your baguette sandwich. Note: you can also buy a decent and fancy box of wine in Paris!
The Eiffel Tower is built so you see it first hand from the Seine. Plus enjoy the bridges: Alexander III being world famous. Across the river is the modern art museum and Palais de Tokyo. When I visited that area, there was a lovely street market in progress in front of the buildings. The immense Art Deco Grand and Petit Palais also face the river; they often hold major exhibits that tourists often miss.
Tips from WTGroup, your river cruise includes all meals. If you want to eat on shore, try museum restaurants and the food court of the Louvre or under the clock in The Orsay. A grab and go can be from a chain of sandwich shops with outdoor displays. Supermarkets also have take out food. (Warning bakeries- boulangeries- sell bread not sandwiches. Patisseries sell pastries not bread). Who cares?
Below is a glimpse at medieval Rouen, another glorius stop on our journey.
So join our river cruise and enjoy Paris from a new perspective with friends from The Women’s Travel Group. REGISTER HERE FOR THE CRUISE. Ask questions here. Call here 646 309 5607.
