Best of Paris: Seine River Cruise & Packed Lunch from Le Havre





Description
Experience the highlights of Paris on this shore excursion from Le Havre, featuring a scenic Seine River cruise to help you skip city traffic. Enjoy iconic views of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and (water levels permitting) the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral from the water. During the day, a packed lunch including a ham and cheese baguette, water, and dessert will be provided. After the cruise, stop for photos at the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées, with free time for sightseeing, souvenir shopping, or additional snacks. This tour is carefully timed to your ship’s docking schedule, ensuring a smooth return to port.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin your Paris shore excursion from the Le Havre cruise port, where friendly hosts will greet you outside the terminal. Board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus for a scenic 3-hour ride through the Norman countryside. The tour aligns with your ship’s schedule, ensuring a timely return. Enjoy views of iconic Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, all while avoiding heavy city traffic. Experience the highlights of Paris comfortably and efficiently.
Your first stop is the river cruise dock, just a few hundred meters from the iconic Eiffel Tower. There, your tour guide will welcome you to Paris and share insights about the tower, the city, and French culture. You'll take a brief walk—about 1–2 blocks—for fantastic photo opportunities of this world-famous landmark. Please note: this tour does not include entry to the Eiffel Tower; you'll view it from a nearby vantage point.
Next, enjoy a scenic 1-hour cruise along the Seine, departing near the Eiffel Tower. Glide through the heart of Paris and take in iconic sights like the Louvre from a unique vantage point on the water. Audio commentary is included. If you plan to sit on the outdoor deck, be sure to bring your own headphones.
As you cruise the Seine, you’ll pass the Louvre and enjoy a stunning view of its grand classical façade. While the glass pyramid isn’t visible from the river, the Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the western wing is impressive from this angle. From the water, you can fully appreciate the Louvre’s scale and historic significance—once a royal palace, now one of the world’s most renowned museums.
As you cruise along the Seine, enjoy a striking view of the Musée d'Orsay. Once a Beaux-Arts railway station built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, its grand façade—with arched windows and intricate details—stands out from the river. While you won’t see inside, this vantage point highlights the building’s architectural beauty and its transformation into a world-renowned museum.
During the Seine cruise, take in remarkable views of Parisian landmarks. You'll pass the ornate Pont Alexandre III, with its gilded sculptures, a stunning example of Belle Époque design. As you continue, admire the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, facing each other across the river. The Grand Palais is especially striking with its massive glass dome and elegant architecture. You’ll also glide past Île de la Cité, home to Notre Dame, the Palais de Justice, and the historic Conciergerie. This cruise offers a scenic and memorable look at Paris’s rich history and iconic architecture.
As you continue along the Seine, you’ll spot the Place de la Concorde. From the river, admire the towering Luxor Obelisk at the center, along with the elegant fountains and surrounding architecture that make this one of Paris’s most iconic squares.
If water levels permit, your cruise will extend to Notre-Dame Cathedral. From the river, enjoy a stunning view of its Gothic façade, twin towers, and the magnificent rose window. The reflection on the Seine adds to the charm of this iconic scene, offering a peaceful perspective of the cathedral's intricate details, away from the usual crowds. Please note, the cruise can only reach Notre-Dame if water levels allow. No refunds will be issued if the route is not accessible on the day of your visit.
After the river cruise, you’ll board the bus to the Arc de Triomphe. Your guide will share the history of this iconic monument, commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte to celebrate his military victories. Standing 50 meters tall, the Arc features detailed sculptures and reliefs that depict key historical events.
The Arc de Triomphe stands at the end of the world-famous Champs-Élysées, lined with theaters, cafes, and high-end shops that give the area its lively charm. For centuries, this avenue has symbolized French elegance and flair, attracting visitors from around the world. If time allows, you’ll have some free time to shop for souvenirs or enjoy a quick meal. Please note, free time at the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées depends on traffic, special events, and other factors. If circumstances prevent or shorten your free time, no refund will be provided.
After your day exploring Paris, you'll be comfortably returned to your ship on our coach bus, carrying unforgettable memories. You'll be picked up at the port and return well before departure, so you can relax and enjoy your adventure.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The free time at the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées is subject to traffic, special events, docking times of your ship, and other circumstances. If your tour does not permit for free time due to these circumstances, or your free time is shortened, we will not be able to provide a refund. If you prefer a tour focused on self-exploration, please consider our "Paris on Your Own Tour" (Viator Product 63772P156).
- This tour is not suitable for passengers with mobility scooters or traveling with wheelchairs. Only light, foldable wheelchairs can be accommodated. Private tours with wheelchair-adapted vehicles can be arranged.
- Your bus driver may not speak English. If you have any questions or queries, please call our emergency phone number: +49 176 636 40755
- This tour does not visit the Eiffel Tower inside. You will have a photo opportunity from the river cruise, and from a distance of about several hundred yards.
- Guests should be comfortable with walking for up to 20 minutes at a time. May not be suitable for individuals with severe mobility restrictions.
- The route of the tour and time spent in Paris is subject to the ship’s docking times, traffic, special events, and any other circumstances out of our control. Please note we will not be able to provide a refund if the touring time must be shortened because of any of the above
- Normally, this tour lasts 11 hours. On the following days, the tour lasts 10 hours: In 2026: 16th of April (Nieuw Statendam), 20th of June (Carnival Legend), 1st of July (Oceania Sirena), 9th of October (Liberty of the Seas). On the following days, the tour lasts 9 hours: 18th of July (Carnival Legend),
- If you are late and do not contact us, the bus will be unable to wait for you. In such cases, we will not be able to provide a refund.
- The river cruise has onboard commentary provided directly by the boat company. To listen to the live commentary on the lower deck, please bring your own headphones.
- Please note that the river cruises only reach the Notre Dame Cathedral if the water levels allow.
- Please note this tour is not suitable for children under 3 years old.
- Please inform us if you have any dietary restrictions, such as a vegetarian or gluten-free meal latest 72 hours prior to your tour.
Reviews(142)
The boat ride showed us important information about the sites. The guide on the boat was friendly and knowledgeable. The time for shopping is short. The bus was comfortable.
We had a knowledgeable guide leading the way as soon as we stepped off the cruise ship. We enjoyed it all : from the grandeur of the Louvre to the allure of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Hello! Thank you so much for your kind review! Our guides truly are our best pride, and it’s wonderful to know their knowledge and enthusiasm made your visit memorable. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon! Warm regards, Natalia Vexperio
Amazing tour, really. Guide Maarten was friendly and well versed with the city and the city's landmarks. The river tour at the end was fantastic. 5 stars from us.
Dear Wilhelmina, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you had a 5-star experience in every way—from the city tour and Maarten’s guidance to the river cruise. Paris truly has a way of impressing, and we’re so happy you could enjoy it to the fullest. We hope to welcome you on another unforgettable adventure in the future! Warm regards, Natalia Vexperio
We enjoyed the boat ride which gave us nice views of major sights like the Eiffel Tower. The reflection of Notre Dame in the Seine was beautiful. This tour tempts us to actually stay in Paris during our next holiday.
Dear Megan, Oh, this sounds amazing! We’re so glad you enjoyed the boat ride and the beautiful views along the Seine. Paris truly has a magic of its own, and we’d be absolutely happy to welcome you back for another visit—maybe even staying in the city next time! Warm regards, Natalia Vexperio
We were able to easily find the meeting point before the tour, as communicated by the tour company. The guide (Kate) made the whole experience memorable, including of course the boat cruise.
Thank you very much for sharing your feedback with us. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the boat cruise and that Kate helped make the experience memorable. We also appreciate your note about finding the meeting point easily—our team always ensures that all meeting details are sent to guests before the tour, so there is no need to worry. We hope to welcome you on another tour in the future. Warm regards, Natalia Vexperio
Amazing cruise experience. It was like an adventure, thanks to the guide who shared nice stories and facts. Seeing the Eiffel Tower at sunset was worth it.
The Eiffel Tower is truly a must-see at least once in a lifetime! Did you know it was originally built as the entrance arch for the 1889 World’s Fair and was only supposed to stand for 20 years? Today, it’s one of the most visited monuments in the world. We’re glad you enjoyed the cruise and the stories from your guide, and that seeing the Eiffel Tower at sunset made your experience even more special. We can’t wait to welcome you back on another adventure! Warm regards, Natalia Vexperio
5 stars. Martin made everything super clear and fun. The cruise wasn’t crowded and we got great photos. Would book again.
Dear Saleem, Thank you so much for the 5-star review! We’re glad you had such a great time with Martin, he really has a way of making things clear and enjoyable. It’s also great to hear that you have enjoyed the cruise and you managed to get some lovely photos. Thanks for choosing us, and we’d be happy to welcome you again anytime. Warm regards, Kinga Vexperio
Really good day. Amir was patient and funny, and the walking part wasn’t too long. Seeing Notre Dame from the boat was emotional for me.
Hello, Thank you so much for your review! Amir truly is a star in Paris, and we’re delighted to hear he made your day enjoyable and fun. We always strive to minimize walking whenever possible while still letting our guests experience the city’s highlights. We’re glad the Seine cruise and sights like Notre Dame left such a memorable impression and hope to welcome you again soon! Warm regards, Natalia Vexperio
Cat was honestly fantastic. She answered everyone’s questions, and since she has lived in Paris for most of her life, the stories she shared were truly fascinating. She also gave us great recommendations for our free time, so we knew exactly where to go to buy presents for our friends. We would have loved a bit more time in Paris, but we appreciate Viator’s commitment to getting everyone back to the port on time
Hello, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! Our guides are locals, so we always love sharing the best spots and hidden gems in the city. We would have loved to have more time to show you everything worth seeing, but of course, getting everyone back to the ship on time is always our top priority. We’re thrilled you enjoyed the tour and Cat’s insights! Warm regards, Natalia Vexperio
The guide made the whole Paris walk interesting, not boring like some tours we’ve done before. And we paid half the price of what the cruise ship would have charged.
Hello, Thank you for your review. We’re glad to hear that our Paris tour stood out compared to other tours you’ve experienced. We do our best to provide the best service possible. Thank you for choosing our tour, and we hope to welcome you again on another experience. Warm regards, Kinga Vexperio



