Sail through the City of Love on a river cruise in Paris … and beyond. As you glide into the city along the Seine, you’ll have a front-facing view of the iconic Eiffel Tower, greeting you as you arrive in one of the most romantic places on Earth. Playing a starring role in so many classic romances, as well as the muse for countless works of art by Monet, Van Gogh and Edouard Manet, Paris inspires couples to profess and celebrate their love. And yet it doesn’t stop there. The Seine extends to Les Andelys, with its imposing Chateau Gaillard, through Rouen and on to the beaches of Normandy, offering memorable moments for all tastes and style of travel.
Stroll through the meandering streets of Paris hand in hand, admiring the colorful Belle Epoque architecture and ducking into characterful cafes where hours pass by in the blink of an eye. Take an excursion to Monet’s Gardens or to the beautiful French village of Giverny. Or, venture to the Gardens d'Acquigny with its many bridges, canals and waterfalls, pretty little spots to steal a kiss. Today, as we did for the Danube River last week, we’ll look at some of the most romantic experiences one can have on one of the world’s most romantic rivers: the Seine.
Cross the Pont des Arts
This UNESCO-designated and world-renowned “love lock” pedestrian bridge crosses over the Seine River in central Paris. It was the first metal bridge to be built in the city and it connects the Quai de Conti at the Institut de France with the Quai des Tuileries, home to the Louvre.
Visit the Chateau d’Etelan
Fill up your picnic basket with baguettes, cheeses, olives, pâté, cornichons and wine before making your way to the first Italian Renaissance chateau to be built in France, back in 1494. The lovely grounds are an ideal place for a private picnic amidst the gardens. Be sure to see the wonderful chapel with its original wall paintings and the guard house that dates back to 1350.
Spend a Leisurely Day in Paris
Take your time exploring the city’s most famous sites, from the world-famous Sorbonne University in the charming Latin Quarter, to the 400-year-old Luxembourg Gardens. Wander song the Champs-Élysées with its sidewalk cafes and specialty shops, sure to woo you.
Explore La Roche-Guyon
If you’re in love with nature, sail through the Vexin Français Regional Nature Park to La Roche-Guyon. Or, tempt your palate with a calvados, cider and cheese tasting at a local farm in La Roche-Guyon. This region - the French Vexin - between Paris and Normandy, is a delightful natural space brimming with agricultural villages, orchards, meadows and woods. The views of the Seine Valley are breathtaking.
Go Back in Time in Rouen
Stroll through the atmospheric, medieval city of Rouen, imagining yourselves in an era long ago. This capital of Normandy boasts the spectacular Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral (immortalized in numerous Claude Monet paintings) and the famous Gros Horloge, a 16th-century astronomical clock. The half-timbered, storybook architecture is adorable and romantic at once.
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