What's the best time for river cruises from Paris?

April through October is ideal for Seine river cruises since the weather is perfect for both sailing and exploring. You'll enjoy comfortable spring temperatures around 65°F (18°C) in April and May, when Giverny's gardens are in full bloom. Summer brings warmer days around 75°F (24°C) and lots of daylight for sightseeing. Many travelers prefer September and October when there are fewer tourists and the weather is still mild. If you're interested in Christmas markets, December cruises are available, though it gets chilly with temperatures around 40°F (4°C). One TourRadar traveler shared: "spring for the gardens or fall for the beautiful colors along the Seine."

What shore excursions can I expect on Paris river cruises?

From Paris, you'll get to join walking tours through historic towns, explore UNESCO sites, taste wines in Champagne, and visit the D-Day beaches in Normandy. When you dock in Vernon, you can choose what interests you most - touring Monet's Gardens, cycling along the Seine, or hiking the Crests Trail. Most cruises start from central Paris hotels like the Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel. A TourRadar traveler noted: "the variety of excursions allowed us to really experience French culture and history in depth."

Where do Paris river cruises typically stop?

Your cruise will take you to some of France's most beautiful places along the Seine. You'll visit Versailles Palace, Monet's house and gardens in Giverny, Rouen with its impressive cathedral, and the picturesque port town of Honfleur. The route includes important historical sites like the Normandy beaches and Château de La Roche-Guyon. Your ship will dock at several towns including Caudebec-en-Caux and Mantes-la-Jolie, giving you time to explore each place. TourRadar travelers often mention loving "the blend of historic sites and charming villages along the Seine."

How active are the shore excursions?

These cruises offer something for everyone. If you like staying active, you can join guided bike rides along the Seine, hike near La Roche-Guyon, or take walking tours in Rouen and Honfleur. For a more relaxed pace, choose scenic drives, palace visits, or wine tastings. Many ships, like the S.S. Joie de Vivre, provide bikes you can use on your own. As one TourRadar traveler said: "there were perfect options for both active adventurers and those preferring a more leisurely pace."

How long are river cruises from Paris?

Most river cruises from Paris last 7-8 days, giving you enough time to explore Normandy, the Seine River, and the Champagne region. You'll stay on comfortable ships like the S.S. Joie de Vivre, which has room for 128 passengers in nice staterooms. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "we had a fantastic time, the ship is absolutely beautiful and the staff couldn't be nicer and more accommodating."

How much free time will I have during the cruise?

You'll get plenty of free time to explore on your own, balanced with guided activities. After morning tours in places like Paris, Rouen, and Honfleur, you'll often have whole afternoons or evenings to yourself. For example, once your guided tour of Paris ends, you can spend time in the Latin Quarter or visit the Louvre at your own pace. Many ships stay docked overnight in city centers, so you can go out in the evening too. TourRadar travelers appreciate that "the schedule provided perfect balance between organized activities and personal exploration time."

River Cruises from Paris

A cruise starting in Paris is a great way to experience river cruising. We have 142 cruises that range from 2 days up to 31 days in length. The most popular time for river cruises leaving Paris is June.

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River Cruise
European Gems with Paris and Prague Paris → Prague (2026)
Duration
21 days
Destinations
France Netherlands Germany Austria Slovakia Hungary Czech Republic+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Marvel
From
NZ$10,515per person
+$1,880 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Active & Discovery on the Seine with 2 Nights in Saint-Malo and excursion to Mont St. Michel (Northbound) 2026
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Paris, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, La Roche-Guyon,Les Andelys,Rouen,Caudebec-en-Caux,Le Havre,Mont Saint-Michel,Saint-Malo,Chartres+7 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Avalon Tapestry II
Country Region
Northern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
From
NZ$10,420per person
+$398 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Paris to Prague & Splendours of Europe
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Food, service, programs above and beyond. Wonderful team!"
nancy, traveled in September
Duration
21 days
Destinations
France Netherlands Germany Austria Slovakia Hungary Czech Republic+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
Emerald Destiny Emerald Dawn Emerald Sun Emerald Star Emerald Sky+4 ships
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
44% Off
From $22,820
NZ$12,836per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Grand France (Southbound) 2026
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Paris, Vernon, Les Andelys, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Dijon,Beaune,Chalon sur Saone,Tournus,Lyon,Tournon-sur-Rhone,Viviers,Avignon,Arles+8 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
44% Off
From
NZ$15,331per person
+$796 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Grand France (2026) (Paris to Arles, 2026)
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Paris, La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny, Rouen,Caudebec-en-Caux,Honfleur,Normandy Beach,Mantes-la-Jolie,Versailles,Beaune,Lyon,Tain-l’Hermitage,Viviers,Avignon,Marseille,Arles+12 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Ships
S.S. Catherine S.S Joie de Vivre+1 ship
Operated in
English
Operator
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
44% Off
From
NZ$18,399per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Paris & Normandy (2026) (Paris to Paris, 2026)
5.0 (6 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny, Rouen,Caudebec-en-Caux,Honfleur,Normandy Beach,Mantes-la-Jolie,Versailles+5 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Ship
S.S Joie de Vivre
Country Region
Northern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
44% Off
From
NZ$7,349per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Magnificent Europe with Paris and Budapest Paris → Budapest (2026)
Duration
20 days
Destinations
France Belgium Netherlands Germany Austria Slovakia Hungary+1 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
APT
44% Off
From
NZ$20,445per person
+$1,850 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards & Castles with 2 nights in Paris 2026
Duration
10 days
Destinations
France Luxembourg Germany Netherlands
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Avalon Imagery II
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
44% Off
From
NZ$9,163per person
+$398 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera (Southbound) 2026
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Paris, Versailles, Vernon, Giverny, Bizy, La Roche-Guyon,Les Andelys,Honfleur,Normandy Beach,Omaha Beach,Arromanches-les-Bains,Juno Beach,Bayeux,Beuvron-en-Auge,Rouen,Auvers-sur-Oise,Dijon,Beaune,Tournus,Lyon,Pont-en-Royans,Viviers,Pont du Gard,Avignon,Arles,Toulon,Cote D'azur,Nice+22 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
River
Seine
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
44% Off
From
NZ$16,639per person
+$796 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux 2026
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Paris, Les Andelys, Vernon, Caudebec-en-Caux,Normandy Beach,Rouen,Bordeaux,Cadillac,Blaye,Bourg,Libourne,Saint-Emilion,Arcachon+9 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
44% Off
From
NZ$15,503per person
+$796 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
The Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise) - RENOIR
4.4 (4 traveler reviews)
"Food was excellent. We were impressed with how staff quickly organized all passengers."
Elizabeth, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, La Roche-Guyon, Honfleur, Rouen, Les Andelys
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS Renoir
Regions
NormandyNorthern FranceSeine+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
44% Off
From
NZ$3,488per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Seine Experience Normandy with Paris 2026
2.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"They were friendly, helpful, efficient, always concerned with providing the best service."
Ann, traveled in April
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Les Andelys, Vernon
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
A-ROSA VIVA
Regions
NormandyNorthern FranceSeine+2 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
A-ROSA
44% Off
From
NZ$2,131per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Paris to Bruges (Brugge), Bike & Barge in France and Belgium
4.4 (5 traveler reviews)
"Great experience. Caring crew who looked after me when I caught a head cold."
JULIA, traveled in September
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Paris, Bougival, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine,Auvers-sur-Oise,Creil,Compiegne,Noyon,Chauny,Saint-Quentin,Valenciennes,Tournai,Oudenaarde,Ghent,Bruges+11 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Northern FranceSeine+1 more
Operated in
English, Dutch
Operator
Feniks Charter
44% Off
From
NZ$5,227per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Romantic Rhône with Paris Paris → Lyon (2026)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Paris, Lyon, Collonges, Tain-l’Hermitage, Avignon, Arles,Viviers+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Southern FranceProvenceRhone+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Marvel
44% Off
From
NZ$7,420per person
+$970 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Impressionist Reflections Along the Seine (port-to-port cruise)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Paris, La Roche-Guyon, Giverny, Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux,Honfleur,Le Havre+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS Seine Princess
Regions
NormandyNorthern FranceSeine+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
44% Off
From
NZ$3,840per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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