A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways
Sail out of the heart of Paris on the fabled River Seine, winding through the glorious countryside of Normandy to the English Channel. Along the way, explore historic sites from Rouen to Omaha Beach, savor the region’s proud culinary traditions, and trace the footsteps of great artists from Claude Monet to Josephine Baker.
Along the Seine: A River Cruise from Paris to Normandy
8 days from $5,049
A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways
Sail out of the heart of Paris on the fabled River Seine, winding through the glorious countryside of Normandy to the English Channel. Along the way, explore historic sites from Rouen to Omaha Beach, savor the region’s proud culinary traditions, and trace the footsteps of great artists from Claude Monet to Josephine Baker.
Tour Details
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
Overview

The River Seine is the lifeblood of Paris, famously curving past iconic monuments from Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower before twisting its way through Normandy to the Atlantic Sea. Follow this storied waterway from Paris to port of Le Havre and back, experiencing a rich tapestry of history, art, and gastronomy. Trace the legend of Richard the Lionheart at a castle above the charming town of Les Andelys, and explore the historic Château de Bonnemare during a day in delightful Rouen. Immerse yourself in the world of the impressionists in the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur and Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Stroll the beaches where Allied soldiers landed on D-Day, and learn about the World Heritage-listed reconstruction of Le Havre after World War II. Choose from a variety of excursions, from a visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh created his final masterpieces, to a tour of the famed Musée Marmottan, to a guided walk that highlights the Black history of Paris.
Highlights Include:
- Normandy’s World War II History: Step back in time at the poignant D-Day sites along the Normandy coast, from Omaha Beach to the Normandy American Cemetery, and explore the World Heritage site of Le Havre, rebuilt after wartime bombing raids.
- Art History: Discover the haunts of great artists, from the impressionists’ retreat in Honfleur to Claude Monet’s home at Giverny, to the inn where Vincent van Gogh spent his last months.
- Architectural Wonders: Encounter inspired feats of architecture on tours of private châteaux along the Seine, the stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, and the World Heritage-listed center of Le Havre.
- Unique Perspectives: Discover the Jewish history of Rouen, ride a bike to an opulent château, and explore Josephine Baker’s Paris on a Black history-focused tour.
- Local Gastronomy: Sample Camembert, cider, calvados, and other Norman favorites on tasting tours, and explore historic cities and bucolic landscapes on guided bike rides.
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
2026 Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive Paris, France
Arrive in Paris, the City of Light, and head to the banks of the Seine to board the ship in the afternoon. Kick off your voyage with a welcome reception and dinner tonight. (D)
Day 2 — Les Andelys
Your first port of call is the town of Les Andelys, poised at a picturesque bend in the river. On a morning tour, uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine. Those who seek a more active excursion may go on a guided bike ride or opt to hike from the river to the fortress, taking in the sweeping views along the way.
Admire the lovely landscapes of Normandy during a relaxing afternoon sail on the meandering Seine. (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Honfleur and Le Havre
The Seine empties into the English Channel at Le Havre, France’s second largest port after Marseille. Cross to the river’s southern bank on an excursion to Honfleur, a fishing town with a picturesque harbor that was a popular retreat for artists such as Camille Corot, Claude Monet, and Honfleur native Eugène Boudin.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in quintessential Normandy in the Pays d’Auge region, where cider and Calvados outrank wine and timeless villages brim with colorful half-timbered houses. If you wish, return to Le Havre for an afternoon bike ride or a city tour, or examine the city’s reconstruction after World War II, exploring the architecture and urban planning of Auguste Perret, which earned Le Havre World Heritage designation. (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Normandy Beaches/Caudebec-en-Caux
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Normandy on the excursion of your choice today. Trace the harrowing events of the D-Day invasion on a tour focused on the American experience, with visits to Omaha Beach; the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer; the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer; and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the landings can still be seen.
Alternatively, visit the Renaissance Château d’Ételan, which hosted the likes of Voltaire and Catherine de Medici, and tour the Musée Victor Hugo, set within the elegant 19th-century home of the writer’s in-laws. (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Rouen
Spend the morning exploring the Norman capital of Rouen on a variety of tours. Venture into the medieval center on a guided walk, discovering the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, the Great Clock, and the cathedral immortalized by Monet. Delve into the history of the city’s Jewish population with a visit to the Maison Sublime, a Romanesque ruin considered the oldest Jewish monument in France. Or savor the delicious flavors of the region on a tasting tour featuring local chocolate, cheese, and cider. For a more active excursion, get acquainted with the city on a guided bike ride.
Later, visit the Château de Bonnemare, a 16th-century architectural gem lined with picturesque poplar trees. (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Vernon and Giverny
A morning of scenic cruising brings you to Vernon, where you’ll embark on one of three excursions. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny where the artist lived and painted for 43 years. On a tour of the house, designed by Monet and little changed since his death, view his studio-sitting room and apartments and admire his exceptional collection of Japanese prints. Wander through exquisite gardens, where the artist planned out striking interplays of light, color, texture, and reflection, even diverting a narrow arm of the River Epte to create his spectacular water garden with its Japanese bridge and water lilies.
Alternatively, enjoy a bike ride through the French countryside or a guided visit to the 18th-century Château de Bizy, a privately owned palace with expansive gardens inspired by the opulence of Versailles. (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Auvers-sur-Oise and Paris
Travel to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his prolific last days, painting more than 70 works in less than three months. Step into the Auberge Ravoux, where the artist lived—and died—in an attic room.
You may instead choose to spend the day in Paris and view the world’s largest Monet collection on a visit to the acclaimed Musée Marmottan or follow in the footsteps of legendary American-French entertainer Josephine Baker on a city tour focused on Black history. (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Paris
Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)