| If you're looking to really experience the romance of | | | | the region became a centre for musical instrument |
| Paris, you could find a river cruise is a fantastic way to | | | | manufacturing under the reign of Louis XIV and is now |
| see the city and its surroundings. | | | | famous for making brass and woodwind instruments. |
| Combine a short break by train with a Seine river | | | | After a morning of exploring, venture back onto the |
| cruise and you'll get to relax for much of your journey, | | | | boat in the afternoon and sample a wine and liqueur |
| avoiding the hassles of crowded airports and taxi | | | | tasting session as you travel through Poissy and |
| queues. You can expect to travel by first class on a | | | | towards Conflans St Honorine. In the morning, your |
| short break by rail until you reach France, at which | | | | boat will moor at the location, which is situated where |
| point the remainder of your travelling will be done by | | | | the River Seine and River Oise meet, and you'll have |
| boat. | | | | the chance to visit the local market and pick up some |
| Imagine the romance of drifting along France's second | | | | traditional French fare. Or why not have a look round |
| longest waterway, taking in the beautiful scenery and | | | | the town's Navigation Museum which highlights how |
| sights of Gothic architecture along the way. As well as | | | | the area serves as the capital of France's inland |
| the much-visited areas along the Seine, you can | | | | waterways. |
| expect to call in at lesser-known destinations that you | | | | Next on your Parisian adventure, you'll travel along the |
| may miss on a more conventional holiday. | | | | Ile des Impressionistes and take in the sights of the |
| Start your journey by boarding your boat in the fishing | | | | elegant and interesting architecture that lines the river |
| village of Les Andelys. The area overlooks the Seine | | | | before mooring at the Maison Fournaise for the night. |
| and is home to plenty of medieval architecture for you | | | | The building was once the meeting place of the |
| to gaze in awe at. You won't want to stay up too late | | | | Impressionist painters and is now a restaurant where |
| exploring, as you'll have an early start the next day | | | | you can see the great works displayed on the walls. |
| when it comes to visiting the gateway to Normandy - | | | | Journey through the Suresnes lock and dam into |
| Vernon - the following day. | | | | Sevres next and alight the boat to explore the region, |
| The ancient town is full of monuments and a museum | | | | which has a history in the porcelain market. Take a |
| where you can see firsthand the works of famous | | | | look round the local porcelain factory and museum and |
| painter Monet. The artist lived in the area and you can | | | | pick up some souvenirs to take back home for family |
| see from the surroundings why he was so inspired to | | | | or friends. When you return to the river, it's time for a |
| create the beautiful landscapes in his paintings. | | | | spectacular journey past Paris at dusk, when the city |
| Formerly a military stronghold, Vernon once had a | | | | is lit up. |
| castle, with the tower and keep still remaining now. The | | | | After paying a visit to the French capital, your next |
| region also has lush, beautiful scenery, so enjoy | | | | port of call will be Melun in the Seine Valley. The |
| relaxing on the grass while you plan your trip on to | | | | picturesque region has a pretty harbour and a |
| Giverny - where Monet's house still stands. | | | | museum that charts the history of the area alongside |
| Having been well preserved, the building can be visited, | | | | various archaeological finds inside the 17th century |
| along with the stunning water garden at the rear, which | | | | Chateau Vaux le Vicomte. |
| you can see inspired the painter to produce his water | | | | And finally, your party will make its way to St |
| lily images. | | | | Mammes - a small town in the upper reaches of the |
| The Seine runs through areas such as Troyes, Melun, | | | | Seine. The historic settlement is a hidden gem you're |
| Corbeil, Paris, Mantes and Rouen, and next you can | | | | sure to enjoy exploring, with its 11th century church and |
| expect to call in at Mantes, where your boat will moor | | | | 30-arch viaduct that just calls for some camera action. |
| for the night. Onboard, you can enjoy fine French | | | | Finish your river tour of the region with a spectacular |
| cuisine as you get ready for the following day | | | | gala onboard your ship - a great way to end the |
| exploring the area. Here you'll find a 12th century Notre | | | | adventure before you begin the journey home. |
| Dame cathedral and a historical woodwind factory, as | | | | |