From Le Havre: Paris Highlights with Seine River Cruise - the Best Shore Excursion

1. Port of Le Havre

Your adventure to Paris starts at the Le Havre cruise ship port. Our welcoming team will meet you right outside the terminal. From there, you’ll hop on a cozy, air-conditioned bus for a three-hour ride through the picturesque Norman countryside.

We coordinate our tours with the cruise ship schedules to ensure we start on time and get you back well before your ship leaves.

This year, with the Summer Olympics in Paris, the city is buzzing with excitement! To make your visit more pleasant and avoid the crowded streets, we've added a scenic cruise on the Seine River. This boat ride gives you a fantastic view of major Parisian sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, all from the comfort of your seat, away from traffic.

We've tailored this tour so you can experience the best of Paris without any hassle.

2. Eiffel Tower

Once we reach Paris, we'll stop at the dock for the river cruise, just a short walk from the iconic Eiffel Tower. Here, your guide will greet you and share interesting stories about the tower, Paris, and French history.

We'll take a brief walk, just 1-2 blocks, bringing you closer to the tower for some great photo ops. The Eiffel Tower is an emblem of French culture and engineering, standing as a proud monument that is bound to impress.

Please note: 

• This tour does not visit the Eiffel Tower inside. Due to the extensive security measures, the line to the Eiffel Tower can take several hours. You will have a photo opportunity from the river cruise, and from a distance of about several hundred yards.
• Time permitting, we will walk a bit closer to the Eiffel Tower for a photo stop at the famous "Rue de Universite" - one of the most picturesque and photographed perspectives of the Eiffel Tower.
• Guests should be comfortable with walking for up to 20 minutes at a time. While we strive to accommodate everyone, the unique conditions of the Olympics mean the tour may not be suitable for individuals with severe mobility restrictions. Alternatively to the walk, you can wait for the group to return at the bench by the river cruise dock.

3. Seine River

Next, enjoy a captivating 1-hour river cruise starting near the Eiffel Tower. Glide through the heart of Paris and see the city's architectural wonders from a unique perspective on the water. Admire the grandeur of the Louvre, home to thousands of art pieces, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

4. Louvre Museum

While on the river cruise, you'll pass by the Louvre and get a wonderful view of its large classical buildings. From your spot on the Seine, you won't see the modern glass pyramid, but you will enjoy the view of the historical façade and the extensive complex stretching along the riverbank.

As you move past the Louvre's western wing, you'll see its Renaissance and Baroque style architecture. The detailed stonework and statues on top of the building are particularly impressive from the river. This angle lets you fully appreciate the size and historical importance of the Louvre, which was once a royal palace before it was turned into a museum.

5. Musee d'Orsay

During your cruise, you'll also get a great view of the Musée d'Orsay. The museum building was originally a Beaux-Arts railway station built for the 1900 World's Fair. From the river, you can admire its grand front, which includes large arched windows and detailed decorations. This view emphasizes the architectural elegance of the museum. Although you'll only see the outside, it's important to know that inside, the museum hosts the world's largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces. This spot was transformed from a train station into a key site for art lovers.

6. Cathedral Notre-Dame

If the river’s water levels are favorable, the cruise will also approach the Notre Dame Cathedral. From this angle, you'll see the cathedral's iconic Gothic façade, including the twin towers and the stunning rose window. The reflection of Notre Dame in the Seine adds to the beauty of the view, allowing you to appreciate the architectural details without the usual crowd.

Please note that reaching Notre Dame on the cruise depends on the river's water level. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds if the cathedral is not accessible on your cruise day.

7. Grand Palais and other sights from the Seine

During your Seine River cruise, you'll get a close look at many notable Paris landmarks. One standout feature is the Pont Alexandre III, with its elaborate design and golden sculptures of winged horses, a reflection of the Belle Époque's luxury. As you continue, you'll pass by the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, facing each other across the street. These buildings are famous for their breathtaking architecture and cultural exhibits, particularly the Grand Palais with its large glass dome. The cruise also takes you by the Île de la Cité, the historical core of Paris, where you'll see both the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral and the Palais de Justice. Nearby, the Conciergerie stands out, a medieval building that once was a royal palace and later a prison during the French Revolution. This cruise offers a wonderful opportunity to see these iconic sites from a unique perspective, highlighting the rich history and architectural grandeur of Paris.

8. Place de la Concorde

Moving further along the Seine, the Place de la Concorde comes into view. From the river, you can see the Luxor Obelisk rising prominently at the square’s center, flanked by graceful fountains and grand buildings. This square is one of the most significant and beautiful public spaces in Paris.

9. Arc de Triomphe

After the river cruise, our bus will bring you to the Arc de Triomphe. Here, our knowledgeable guide will explain the history of this grand monument. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte to celebrate his military victories and the French army, the Arc de Triomphe is 50 meters high and adorned with detailed sculptures and reliefs that capture important moments in history.

10. Champs-Élysées.

Located at the end of the renowned Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is surrounded by theaters, cafes, and luxury stores, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of Paris. The Champs-Élysées has been a symbol of French elegance and style for centuries, attracting visitors from around the world. If time allows, you’ll have some free time to shop for souvenirs or grab a quick bite.

Please note that free time at the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées depends on traffic, special events, the docking times of your ship, and other factors. If your tour is affected by these factors, or your free time is shortened, we cannot offer a refund. For those interested in exploring independently, consider our "Paris on Your Own Tour" which is a simple transfer to the French capital and back, without a guided tour or a cruise.

11. Port of le Havre

After a day full of exploration, our coach bus will take you comfortably back to your ship, leaving you with lasting memories. With over ten years of experience organizing shore excursions, we prioritize your comfort and peace of mind. Our tours are carefully planned around your ship's schedule to ensure a stress-free experience. We handle all logistics from pickup to drop-off at the port, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the adventure.

Choose between this guided sightseeing tour or our "Paris on Your Own" round-trip transfer, designed for independent exploration. Let us make your Parisian journey unforgettable, creating memories that you will cherish forever!