Searching for weekend in Paris ideas, I came across something that ticked all my boxes, and some I didn’t know I could have! Accommodation in the heart of the city was paramount. I didn’t want to break the bank to stay there either. And I wanted to see the sights with a friend whose first time it was. I discovered a way to get what I wanted – and more! CroisiEurope, a French family-run cruise company, operate cruises on the Seine that include not just accommodation, not just guided tours but also all meals and onboard drinks (except for special drinks such as Champagne or Armagnac etc). And there’s also entertainment, a gala dinner and welcome cocktail, plus travel assistance and repatriation insurance included in the cost.
Cruises on the Seine
If you’re looking for a weekend or short break in Paris and/or Normandy – this might be perfect for you too.
CroisiEurope offer more than a dozen different cruises of Paris and beyond via the Seine River, floating into Normandy to take in the most iconic places – from Monet’s garden to the gorgeous Honfleur, historic Rouen and more, exploring cultural and historic gems along the way.
A range of Paris-only cruises offers a range of tours including artist’s favourite Montmartre, the Ile de la Cité, the oldest district of Paris, and Saint Germain-des-Prés, a cradle of Parisian culture with its boutiques, bookstores and boulangeries. Or you might choose to join the guided tour of Rungis, the enormous ‘Belly of Paris’ food market, or Père Lachaise cemetery, one of the most famous resting places in the world, filled with famous tombs, and with such artistry to the graves, it is like an open-air museum. Or perhaps the Pantheon, last resting place of some of the most well-known French figures. There’s also free time in the city and night-time tours on the river to enjoy the sparkling lights. Cruises range from 2 to 5 days.
Several ships host the tours and dock at the Quai de Grenelle, right by the Eiffel Tower and the Paris Statue of Liberty, within easy walking distance of Metro stations. All cabins are ensuite and air-conditioned. There’s a reception desk, concierge and onboard chef and all staff speak English. And this being France, you’re guaranteed fabulous French cuisine in the refined dining room. The wine list is superb, the bar staff make excellent cocktails, and the sun decks are perfect for sight-seeing.
I mentioned entertainment – well it varies from cruise to cruise but might include an evening of Titi-Parisien (a Very French Thing, there are many French songs that feature Titis – Parisian street kids of the 1830s), cabaret, dancing, games, and other forms of entertainment – plus there’s a bar.
There are also themed cruises of Paris – Fall, Christmas, New Year, and Festive Weekends.
If you fancy extending your tour beyond Paris there are dozens of options with cruises from 4 to 7 days taking in exceptional sites of Paris plus visits to places such as the house and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, the Chateau of Fontainebleau, the artists village of Barbizon, historic Rouen, postcard pretty Honfleur, the D-Day landing beaches, Deauville and a Calvados tasting, Etretat, and more. All cruises have an onboard chef, so expect gourmet meals, and a superb French wine list.
Find out more: CroisiEurope.co.uk
