Our Uniworld cruise along the Seine was a beautiful way to explore Northern France, but it was a different kind of river cruise experience than others I’ve done. Unlike itineraries where you can simply step off the ship and wander into a village, many of the highlights on this itinerary—like Mont St. Michel and the Normandy beaches—require some travel time by coach. That’s not a bad thing (the countryside views were lovely), but it’s worth noting for travelers used to more dock-and-walk destinations. What made the time worthwhile were the excursions themselves: thoughtfully curated, rich in history, and often unforgettable. Here’s a look at the ones I personally experienced and loved …
Château de La Roche-Guyon: A Fortress with Layers of History
We began with a visit to Château de La Roche-Guyon, dramatically perched on a limestone cliff overlooking the Seine. What struck me most was its transformation over centuries—from a cave dwelling to a medieval stronghold, and even a WWII command post for Rommel. Strolling through its terraced gardens and historic rooms was like walking through a living timeline. And the views? Picture-perfect.
Mont St. Michel: The Wonder of the Western World
This was a long day—but absolutely worth every moment. Mont St. Michel rose from the bay like something out of a fantasy novel, a fortress-like abbey seemingly floating above the tides. We climbed winding cobblestone paths past shops and chapels, eventually reaching the Gothic spires of the abbey at the top. It’s one of those places that leaves you a little breathless, both from the stairs and the sheer awe of it all.
Honfleur Walking Tour: Postcard-Perfect Charm
I fell hard for Honfleur. This little harbor town is the kind of place you imagine when you think “quintessential French fishing village”—narrow lanes, crooked half-timbered houses, and boats bobbing in the Vieux Bassin. Our guide brought the town’s rich artistic history to life (Monet and Boudin both painted here), and the town really came to life when the sun broke through the clouds and reflected off the water. I could’ve lingered for hours just people-watching from a café terrace and Uniworld even provided a later shuttle so that we could do just that, but I needed to get back to the ship to do some work so I guess I will have to go back one day!
Normandy Beaches: Honoring History
The day we visited the American landing sites in Normandy was sobering, emotional, and unforgettable. We stood on Omaha Beach, walked among the white crosses of the American Cemetery, and paused for a private memorial ceremony that moved every person in our group. It’s one thing to read about D-Day—it’s another to stand where it happened and feel the weight of history in the air.
Versailles Palace Secret Apartments: Behind the Golden Doors
Versailles is dazzling in every sense, but getting to explore the secret apartments made it feel so much more personal. Away from the crowds, these private rooms revealed a quieter, more intimate side of royal life—elegant salons, gilded details, and plenty of stories about the intrigues of court life. And of course, we ended in the Hall of Mirrors, just as jaw-dropping as you’d expect.
Moulin Rouge: A Night of Parisian Glamour
For our final night of our cruise, we went all in with a show at the Moulin Rouge. Yes, it’s touristy. And yes, it’s fabulous. Champagne, feathers, sequins, and an over-the-top spectacle of music and dance—exactly what you’d hope for in a night out in Montmartre. It felt like stepping into a postcard version of Belle Époque Paris, and the perfect finale to an incredible week onboard the S.S. Joie de Vivre .
Whether you’re a history buff, a romantic, or just someone who loves a well-curated travel experience, Uniworld’s Seine itinerary delivers in spades. These excursions weren’t just sightseeing—they were immersive windows into the spirit of France.
If you’re dreaming of discovering this region for yourself—without the stress of planning all the details—let’s talk. We’ll design an experience full of unforgettable moments, personalized just for you.
Just go!
