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The river Seine is probably one of the most well known rivers in France and has been made even more popular as a tourist attraction within the city of Paris.

Dating back to when the Parisii tribe first established fishing villages along its banks, the waters of the River Seine have always been the heart and soul of Paris and although this river is not used much today as a commercial waterway, it is used extensively for cruising.

Yet ocean going vessels can still get down the river Seine from The Havre down to Rouen, which is about 120km, although river boats which cruise up and down the Seine can navigate approximately 560km and the river extends right through to Dijon in the Alps. But because the river is slow flowing it makes it easy to navigate and a very pleasant trip for those on a cruise.

When Paris prospered through its river trading back in the days of the Romans, canals were put in place to link other major rivers such as the River Loire and the River Rhine. Then in the eighteen hundreds locks were installed to make life a lot easier as the water levels varied quite dramatically, especially around the Paris area, which are now very tightly controlled today.

When you are cruising down the river Seine you cannot help but notice the many bridges that span this river, with some of them being centuries old, one in particular called the Pont-Neuf had its first stone laid by King Henri III in 1578. However the newest addition was built in 1996 to accommodate more traffic, especially for the new football stadium built for the FIFA world cup.

Did you realise that the River Seine actually forks and cuts Paris in half? Well, that has now become a great advantage for the tourists who travel here from all over the world, as you can get to see many famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, and Notre Dame to name but a few.

And going on a mini tourist cruise on the Seine around Paris on what are known as bateaux-mouches is one of the most relaxing ways to get to see some of the most famous historical buildings and other monuments that the romantic city has to offer.

It was actually after World War II that sight seeing vessels really flourished in Paris on the original longboats called bateaux-mouches that were converted into tourist boats. And today, there are now more and more tour operators that also have similar boats, yet the name bateaux-mouches has become synonymous with a tour around Paris on the Seine.

The choice of short cruises available is absolutely incredible from a one hour short jaunt, to having a pleasant lunch, or a full dinner cruise for a romantic gourmet French meal, while drifting past the sites all lit up by glowing lights in the evening.

Some of the cruise operators even offer complete packages so that you can disembark to physically visit some major attractions, or even go to a cabaret such as the Moulin Rouge, before getting back on board to finish the tour.

However, we would strongly recommend that you thoroughly check on what type of cruise you are booking as the costs can vary immensely. In fact, on particular cruises there may even be a dress code of cocktail dresses or dinner suits and evening wear, so of course these do tend to have a price tag to match!

But rather than a short cruise, you could even book to travel from Paris through to Normandy or other areas, where you can glide past storybook chateaux and medieval towns and discover the character, soul and people of France.

So as part of your holiday to France, a trip on the River Seine is always an unforgettable experience and you will be able to find many travel agents who can help you book your perfect River Seine Cruise.

Strasbourg

The beautiful city of Strasbourg lies to the east of France and borders Germany – thus it has elements of both French and German culture. The city plays a prominent role in European Political Administration, as it is the home of the European Parliament, and home to many diplomats and impressive buildings with conference centres.

There is much to see and do in the city – you will be astounded by the quality of the architecture, which is Germanic in flavour. Take a Cruise on the river Ill and in such a journey is a trip in the Italian city of Venice! Watch out for a trip to the region as "La Petite France, known to be – an area surrounded on the front of the sick, and the wooden buildings are dotted with beautiful flowers, flowers. Take a trip to the Cathedral, Gothic architecture will dazzle the their beauty. If you like shopping is your passion, you read on Place Kleber, the area of the square is home to some wonderfulstores.

No trip to Strasbourg is complete without sampling the local food and drink – the dishes have authentic French flavour but have their roots in the German culture. Check out white wines such as the Reislings and Gewurztraminers at a local winstub (bar). The Alsatian beer is also recommended. Some of the most popular food to savour is Baeckoffe and Coq au Reisling. Baeckoffe is like a stew of local meat, potatoes and spices. Coq au Reisling is similar to coq au vin but is made with Riesling, instead! Look known as the German spaetzle noodles.

At any time of year is perfect for exploring the city, but especially at Christmas, when the lights and decorations to transform the city into a winter landscape. The Christmas market is worth a visit if you arrive in town in December.

Lyon
Lyon is located in the south, combining culture, gastronomy, nightlife and shopping in one place! In the vicinity of the Alps, the cityan ideal base for visiting other cities, like the skiing paradise of Grenoble and the charming city of Vienna.

Since the monuments, the city is full of Roman ruins, including an amphitheater Gallic Tres. Two rivers (the Rhone and Saone) wind in Lyon, so why not explore these waterways on a cruise? Visit the old town of Lyon (old town) for sites classified as World Heritage of the Red Cross, San Giovanni and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere. This isEnd of the cathedral of the 19th century, decorated with beautiful mosaics and stained glass decorations. Next, check the Basilica of St-Martin d'Ainay and the new work, if you're a fan of the arts!

Lyon is home to wonderful restaurants for all tastes, and a nightlife. And reading for those Christmas presents for the Piazza d'Oro, the shops of many famous brands and brands. Similarly, Rue Edouard Herriot has few stores such as Dior and prestigeEscada.

Bordeaux

This city is a bustling place, which ticks all the boxes in terms of things to do and see. Bordeaux is located in the heart of wine country, and also home to some outstanding historical attractions. Check out the cool sidewalk cafes and bars – a real youthful vibe is ever present in the city. The local cuisine is divine, and it is complemented perfectly by the delicious local wines.

Associated with wine production since the 1st century AD, Bordeaux is world renowned for its magnificent wines. For the wine buff, no visit to Bordeaux is complete without taking a trip the local Wine Museums, of which Vinorama is one, along with the Chartrons Museum. A trip to the local wine school will teach you all you need to know about making wine! You could also visit the Bordeaux Wine Chateaux, or indulge in vinotherapie spa treatments at local hotels.

Bordeaux is also known as a shopper’s paradise. Some of the most popular brand names in the market are for sale in the city, from Hugo Boss, Lacroiz, Rolex and Louis Vuitton. It’s fair to say that Bordeaux has something for everyone.

Montpellier

The southern France city of Montpellier is the capital of the Languedoc Region. The city is wonderful, with attractive architecture and has a rich and varied history. Adorned with boutique shops and sidewalk cafes, and magnificent squares, the city has much to please the discerning visitor. Check out La Place de la Comedie, which is located at the The heart of the city, dotted with cafes and boutiques. You'll also find some wonderful markets. Leaving the Opera and the Three Graces statue.

The city is home to many students, with the presence of a large university. Trying to get to visit the Faculty of Medicine – which was the 12th century and created yet in force! If you are a bit 'of relaxation and solitude, away from the busy streets of control Peyrou Royal Promenade – a local park, is locatedright next door to Montpellier’s replica of the Arc de Triomphe!

Orleans

Located 130 km south west of Paris is Orleans – the hometown of St Joan of Arc, one of the most revered French icons. It is located at a bend of the River Loire and a total of 5 major bridges cross the Loire in Orleans. The city has many Roman ruins which bear testimony to its importance along the river in Roman and later in Medieval times. Check out Maison de Jeanne d’Arc and the magnificent 9th century cathedral. Orleans is a good base for exploring the entire Loire Valley Region.