Paris, a city renowned for its art, history, and romance, offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore its beauty from the water. River cruises along the Seine provide a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, allowing you to experience the charm of Paris and the historical treasures of Normandy.
Below, we delve into eight exceptional river cruises departing from Paris to Normandy, highlighting their unique offerings and suitability for senior travelers.
1. Viking River Cruises: Paris & the Heart of Normandy
Duration: 8 days
Estimated Cost: $3,500 – $5,000 per person.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Paris (embarkation)
Day 2: La Roche-Guyon
Day 3: Vernon (Giverny)
Day 4: Rouen
Day 5: Normandy Beaches
Day 6: Les Andelys
Day 7: Conflans-Sainte-Honorine
Day 8: Paris (disembarkation)
Highlights and Amenities:
- Guided tours of historic sites, including the Normandy beaches and Monet’s residence.
- Lectures on French history and culture, culinary demonstrations, and regional wine tastings.
- Spacious staterooms with river views, modern amenities, and attentive service.
Viking’s itinerary offers a balanced mix of urban exploration and pastoral tranquility. The pace is relaxed, with ample time allocated for each excursion, making it suitable for seniors. The ship’s design emphasizes comfort and accessibility, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
2. Avalon Waterways: Seine River Cruise to Normandy
Duration: 8 days
Estimated Cost: $4,200 per person
Itinerary:
Day 1: Paris, (embarkation)
Day 2: Vernon – Les Andelys
Day 3: Caudebec
Day 4: Caudebec. Excursion to Normandy
Day 5: Rouen
Day 6: Conflans
Day 7: Paris
Day 8: Paris (disembarkation)
Highlights and Amenities:
- Options for guided hikes, bike rides, and immersive culinary experiences.
- Open-air balconies and wall-to-wall windows provide unobstructed views of the passing scenery.
- A selection of included and optional tours catering to diverse interests.
Avalon emphasizes flexibility and personalization, allowing guests to tailor their cruise experience. The variety of excursion options caters to different activity levels, making it adaptable for seniors seeking either relaxation or more active pursuits.
3. Uniworld – Magical Parisian Holiday
Duration: 8 days
Cost: Starting at $4,199 per person
Itinerary:
Day 1: Paris (embarkation)
Day 2: Mantes-la-Jolie
Day 3: Rouen
Day 4: Rouen, Caudebec
Day 5: Vernon
Day 6-7: Paris
Day 8: Paris (disembarkation)
Highlights and Amenities:
- Uniworld’s ships are known for their boutique hotel-style rooms, ensuring maximum comfort.
- Guests enjoy regionally inspired meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
- Private tours, such as a visit to Monet’s Giverny, offer intimate cultural experiences.
- Seasonal activities and performances enhance the festive atmosphere.
This cruise offers a leisurely pace, allowing ample time to appreciate each destination. The combination of guided tours and free time provides flexibility, catering to varying energy levels. Uniworld’s attentive service ensures that all guest needs are met, making it an excellent choice for senior travelers seeking a festive and comfortable holiday experience.
Related: 10 Best Danube River Cruises for Seniors in 2025/2026
4. CroisiEurope – The Seine Valley
Duration: 8 days
Cost: Starting at €1,411 per person
Itinerary:
Day 1: Paris (embarkation)
Day 2: Paris
Day 3: La Roche-Guyon
Day 4-5: Honfleur
Day 6: Rouen
Day 7: Les Andelys
Day 8: Paris (disembarkation)
Highlights and Amenities:
- Visits to Monet’s house in Giverny and the historic beaches of Normandy.
- Experience the picturesque landscapes of the Seine Valley.
- Cozy cabins and French cuisine are served in the ship’s restaurant.
- Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the art and history of the region.
This cruise offers a balanced mix of guided tours and leisure time, allowing guests to explore at their own pace. The focus on art and history provides enriching experiences, while the serene river setting ensures a relaxing journey. CroisiEurope’s attentive service and well-planned excursions make it a suitable choice for senior travelers seeking both education and relaxation.
5. AmaWaterways – Impressions of the Seine & Paris
Duration: 7-night cruise
Cost: $4,200
Itinerary:
Day 1: Paris (embarkation)
Day 2: Paris
Day 3: Mantes-la-Jolie, La Roche-Guyon
Day 4: Vernon
Day 5: Rouen
Day 6: Caudebec-en-Caux, Le Havre
Day 7: Le Havre
Day 8: Le Havre (disembarkation)
Highlights and Amenities:
- Savor regionally inspired dishes paired with fine wines in the ship’s elegant dining venues.
- Choose from guided tours, bike rides, and special interest excursions tailored to diverse interests.
- Participate in onboard wellness programs, including fitness classes and lectures.
AmaWaterways crafts its cruises with a focus on enriching and comfortable experiences. The “Impressions of the Seine & Paris” cruise offers a balanced mix of relaxation and exploration. With multiple excursion options, seniors can select activities that align with their comfort levels. The ship’s design emphasizes accessibility, and the attentive crew ensures all guests feel well-cared for throughout the journey.
6. Riviera Travel – Paris, Normandy & Historic Treasures of the Seine River Cruise
Duration: 11 days
Cost: Prices start from $3,799 per person.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Paris; embarkation on the river cruise ship.
Day 2: Guided sightseeing tour of Paris.
Day 3: Visit Château de Malmaison.
Day 4: Exploration of Auvers-sur-Oise.
Day 5: Tour of Rouen.
Day 6: Excursion to the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy.
Day 7: Visit Honfleur or the white cliffs of Étretat.
Day 8: Tour of Abbey Jumièges & Abbey St Wandrille.
Day 9: Visit Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny.
Day 10: Optional visit to the Palace of Versailles.
Day 11: Return to Paris; disembarkation.
Highlights and Amenities:
- Guided excursions to historical sites and charming towns
- Full-board accommodation on a 5-star ship with complimentary Wi-Fi and a superior drinks package.
This cruise offers a comprehensive exploration of France’s historical and cultural landmarks along the Seine. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance guided tours with leisure time, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in each destination. The comfortable accommodations and inclusive amenities make it an excellent choice for senior travelers seeking a relaxed yet enriching experience.
Related: The 10 Best Luxury European River Cruise Lines for Seniors
7. Tauck River Cruises – Seine River Cruise to Normandy
Duration: 8 days
Cost: $5,190
Itinerary:
Day 1: Embarkation in Paris; welcome reception.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Paris.
Day 3: Visit to Château de Versailles.
Day 4: Exploration of Giverny.
Day 5: Tour of Rouen.
Day 6: Excursion to the Normandy beaches.
Day 7: Visit to Les Andelys.
Day 8: Return to Paris; disembarkation.
Highlights and Amenities:
- Elegant accommodations with panoramic windows
- Guided tour of Monet’s gardens in Giverny.
- Complimentary excursions to cultural and historical sites.
Tauck’s cruise is designed to offer an in-depth appreciation of the Seine’s cultural and historical significance. The inclusion of exclusive experiences, such as the after-hours visit to Château de Versailles, adds a unique touch. The cruise’s focus on comfort, enrichment, and seamless service makes it particularly suitable for senior travelers seeking a luxurious and educational journey.
8. Scenic Cruises – Normandy & Gems of the Seine
Duration: 11 days
Cost: Starting from €4,890 per person
Itinerary:
Day 1: Embark in Paris
Day 2: Les Andelys – Visit Château Gaillard
Day 3: Rouen – Walking tour of medieval city
Day 4: Rouen – Excursion to Normandy beaches
Day 5: Honfleur – Explore the picturesque port town
Day 6: Caudebec-en-Caux – Visit Fécamp
Day 7: Vernon – Tour of Giverny and Monet’s Garden
Day 8: Conflans – Visit Auvers-sur-Oise
Day 9: Paris – City tour
Day 10: Paris – Leisure day
Day 11: Disembark in Paris
Highlights and Amenities:
- All-inclusive luxury with gourmet dining and premium beverages
- Exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences, such as private concerts
- Tailormade GPS devices for self-guided tours
- Butler service for all guests
Scenic Cruises is renowned for its 5-star service and attention to detail. The “Normandy & Gems of the Seine” itinerary offers a balanced mix of guided excursions and leisure time, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of northern France.