For centuries Parisians have built their city along this wide and ponderous river; as a result you can experience all the classic tourist attractions on a cruise up the Seine. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triumph, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Champs Elysees are all visible on a romantic trip downstream.

You can take short day trips around the suburbs of the French capitol but there are extended cruises, sleeping onboard and slipping past gorgeous fairytale chateaux, delightful medieval castles and ancient market towns all the way down to the Normandy coast.

The French love affair with the river means many prominent landmarks and famous locations have used it as their backdrop. You will sail past the splendid gardens of the artist Monet’s farmhouse in Giverny, stopping off to walk the beautifully manicured grounds of the Palace of Versailles.

Rouen with its enchanting market place is another worthwhile port of call, for this is the place where Joan of Arc was martyred.

For a look at events in the more recent past the trip culminates on the beaches of Normandy, made famous during WWII when the Allied liberation of France began here. Visit the much-commemorated Omaha beach and the Mulberry Harbour.

The return cruise to Paris takes in the sublime views of Honfleur, a favourite fishing village captured by many an artist’s brush, including Courbet and Monet. Trips to the popular Smugglers Harbour of Vieux Bassin are very popular as well.