Seine River Cruise

This past April we had the absolute pleasure of sailing on an unforgettable journey along France's historic Seine River. Sailing aboard the elegant AmaDante on AmaWaterways’ "Impressions of the Seine & Paris" itinerary, we traced the footsteps of history, savored Norman delicacies, and walked through the landscapes that inspired the world's greatest Impressionist painters.

The Prelude: Coastal Charm in Dinard

Before stepping on board, we began our adventure with an enchanting pre-cruise stay in the coastal town of Dinard. Nestled along the dramatic Brittany coast, Dinard greeted us with its iconic Belle Époque villas, crisp April sea breezes, dramatic tidal changes, and stunning cliffside walking paths. It was the perfect, relaxing prelude that set a sophisticated tone for the magnificent week of exploration ahead. Dinard was also our jumping off point for visits to Dinan, St. Malo, and Mont St. Michel.

Setting Sail: From Le Havre to Normandy’s Historic Coast

Embarking in the UNESCO-designated port city of Le Havre, our river cruise immediately immersed us in the rich heritage of northern France. During the week we experienced a spectacular variety of excursions tailored to every interest:

Normandy Beaches: For the history enthusiasts, a profound full-day excursion brought us to the emotional landmarks of World War II—including Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, and the remains of the floating harbor at Arromanches.

Medieval Rouen: Arriving in Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, we were captivated by the city's timeless medieval quarter. Our walking tour led us past the magnificent, intricately detailed Notre Dame Cathedral—which Claude Monet famously painted dozens of times to capture the shifting light—and into the poignant square where Joan of Arc was martyred.

Giverny: One of the ultimate highlights of our cruise took place when we stepped into the living canvas of Claude Monet’s former home and gardens in Giverny. Even in the fresh days of April, the gardens were beginning to burst with life. Standing on the iconic green Japanese bridge, looking out over the water lily pond and weeping willows, we felt as though we had stepped directly inside one of his masterpieces.

Beyond seeing the well-known sites, we also enjoyed learning more about the local culture and traditions.  During a visit to Mantes-La-Jolie, we spent a delightful morning at a local farm savoring artisanal cheese and cider pairings, while others explored the grand Renaissance architecture of Château d'Anet.

The Grand Finale: The City of Light

Our spectacular voyage culminated in Paris. We experienced the "City of Light" from its best vantage point: gliding along the Seine on a specialized Bateaux Parisiens river boat. Sailing under Paris’s ornate, historic bridges, we enjoyed unobstructed, panoramic views of the Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the majestic Eiffel Tower. It was a breathtaking conclusion to an extraordinary week of travel.

From the first glass of wine in Dinard to our final evening aboard the beautiful AmaDante, this itinerary proved to be an absolute masterpiece.