Gigative · Experiences
Best of Paris: Seine River Cruise & Packed Lunch from Le Havre
About this experience
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.
What to expect
Stop 1 · 3h
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.
Stop 2 · 1h
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.
Stop 3 · 1h
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.
Stop 4
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.
Stop 5
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.
Stop 6
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.
Stop 7
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.
Stop 8
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.
Stop 9 · 1h
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.
Stop 10 · 1h
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.
Stop 11 · 3h
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.
What’s included
- Modern, air-conditioned shared bus transportation
- Full refund if your ship cannot dock
- English-speaking tour guide for shared tours (The guide only joins the bus in Paris)
- English speaking hosts at the port
- Guaranteed return to ship on time
- Toast with French sparkling wine at the end of the tour
- 1-hour scenic Seine River Cruise with audio commentary on board
- Homemade packed lunch including a ham and cheese baguette, water, and small dessert. Note: If lunch cannot be provided due to unforeseen circumstances, a refund of €10 per person will be issued.
- 24/7 Customer support, assistance with other arrangements and tours
- Pick-up and drop off at cruise ship port of Le Havre
Not included
- Entrance fees (none will be required)
- Seated lunch
- Gratuities (Recommend 10% for guides, and 5% for bus drivers)
- Inside visits to Eiffel Tower, Louvre or Notre Dame are not included
Tour & ticket options
Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.
Shared ShorEX
Princess Cruises
Ships: Majestic Princess, Coral Princess Shared tour notice: This is a shared tour with a maximum of 45 passengers per tour guide. Guide presence: An English-speaking guide joins the group in Paris. There is no guide during the bus transfer. Ship/schedule adaptation note: Adapted to the docking schedule. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the program and ensure a safe, on-time return. Itinerary summary: 1h Seine River cruise, photo stops close to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe + up to 1h of free time at the Champs-Élysées. Duration: Full-day tour of approximately 10–11 hours, including round-trip transfers between Le Havre and Paris (3–3.5 hours each way). Boat commentary: Audio commentary is available on board via speakers. Please bring headphones for a better listening experience.
Fully Private with Paris Guide
Private Car for the Day: This tour includes a private car and driver for the entire duration of the tour, 10 hours. Private Guide in Paris: This tour includes a private professional local tour guide in Paris during your time in the city, about 4-5 hours. Includes Seine River Cruise: This option includes Seine River Cruise tickets, for a 1-hour cruise with audio-commentary on board. Duration: 10 hours Port pick up and drop off: This tour picks up and drops off at the port of Le Havre. Transfer each way takes about 2.5-3 hours.
Oceania Cruises
Duration: Full-day tour of approximately 10–11 hours, including round-trip transfers between Le Havre and Paris (3–3.5 hours each way). Shared tour notice: This is a shared tour with a maximum of 45 passengers per tour guide. Guide presence: An English-speaking guide joins the group in Paris. There is no guide during the bus transfer. Ship/schedule adaptation note: Adapted to the docking schedule. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the program and ensure a safe, on-time return. Itinerary summary: 1h Seine River cruise, photo stops close to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe + up to 1h of free time at the Champs-Élysées. Boat commentary: Audio commentary is available on board via speakers. Please bring headphones for a better listening experience.
LIBERTY OF THE SEAS
Duration: 11 h: Full-day tour of approximately 10–11 hours, including round-trip transfers between Le Havre and Paris (3–3.5 hours). Shared tour notice: This is a shared tour with a maximum of 45 passengers per tour guide. Guide presence: An English-speaking guide joins the group in Paris. There is no guide during the bus transfer. Ship/schedule adaptation note: Adapted to the docking schedule. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the program and ensure a safe, on-time return. Itinerary summary: 1h Seine River cruise, photo stops close to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe + up to 1h of free time at the Champs-Élysées. Boat commentary: Audio commentary is available on board via speakers. Please bring headphones for a better listening experience.
Royal Caribbean
Ships: Freedom of the Seas Shared tour notice: This is a shared tour with a maximum of 45 passengers per tour guide. Guide presence: An English-speaking guide joins the group in Paris. There is no guide during the bus transfer. Ship/schedule adaptation note: Adapted to the docking schedule. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the program and ensure a safe, on-time return. Itinerary summary: 1h Seine River cruise, photo stops close to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe + up to 1h of free time at the Champs-Élysées. Duration: Full-day tour of approximately 10–11 hours, including round-trip transfers between Le Havre and Paris (3–3.5 hours each way). Boat commentary: Audio commentary is available on board via speakers. Please bring headphones for a better listening experience.
NIEUW STATENDAM
Duration: Full-day tour of approximately 10–11 hours, including round-trip transfers between Le Havre and Paris (3–3.5 hours each way). Shared tour notice: This is a shared tour with a maximum of 45 passengers per tour guide. Guide presence: An English-speaking guide joins the group in Paris. There is no guide during the bus transfer. Ship/schedule adaptation note: Adapted to the docking schedule. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the program and ensure a safe, on-time return. Itinerary summary: 1h Seine River cruise, photo stops close to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe + up to 1h of free time at the Champs-Élysées. Boat commentary: Audio commentary is available on board via speakers. Please bring headphones for a better listening experience.
Holland America Line
Ships: Rotterdam, Zuiderdam, Nieuw Statendam Duration: Full-day tour of approximately 10–11 hours, including round-trip transfers between Le Havre and Paris (3–3.5 hours each way) Shared tour notice: This is a shared tour with a maximum of 45 passengers per tour guide. Guide presence: An English-speaking guide joins the group in Paris. There is no guide during the bus transfer. Ship/schedule adaptation note: Adapted to the docking schedule. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the program and ensure a safe, on-time return. Itinerary summary : 1-hour Seine River cruise, photo stops close to the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, plus up to 1 hour of Boat commentary : Audio commentary is available on board via speakers. Please bring headphones for a better listening experience.
Guided Semi-private w. Cruise
Duration: Full-day tour of approximately 10–11h, including shared round-trip transfers between Le Havre and Paris (3–3.5h each way). Shared transfer notice: This is a shared transfer with a maximum of 45 passengers per bus. Guide presence: An English-speaking private guide joins you in Paris. There is no guide during the bus transfer. Private car in Paris: A private driver will wait for you in Paris. This is not a private transfer from Le Havre port to Paris. Ship/schedule adaptation note: Adapted to the docking schedule. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the program and ensure a safe, on-time return. Seine River Cruise Option: This tour includes the option of a Seine River cruise, allowing you to admire the landmarks of Paris. Boat commentary: Audio commentary is available on board via speakers. Please bring headphones for a better listening experience.
NORWEGIAN STAR
Duration: Full-day tour of approximately 10–11 hours, including round-trip transfers between Le Havre and Paris (3–3.5 hours each way). Shared tour notice: This is a shared tour with a maximum of 45 passengers per tour guide. Guide presence: An English-speaking guide joins the group in Paris. There is no guide during the bus transfer. Ship/schedule adaptation note: Adapted to the docking schedule. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the program and ensure a safe, on-time return. Itinerary summary: 1h Seine River cruise, photo stops close to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe + up to 1h of free time at the Champs-Élysées. Boat commentary: Audio commentary is available on board via speakers. Please bring headphones for a better listening experience.
Celebrity Cruises
Ships: Celebrity Eclipse Shared tour notice: This is a shared tour with a maximum of 45 passengers per tour guide. Guide presence: An English-speaking guide joins the group in Paris. There is no guide during the bus transfer. Ship/schedule adaptation note: Adapted to the docking schedule. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the program and ensure a safe, on-time return. Itinerary summary: 1h Seine River cruise, photo stops close to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe + up to 1h of free time at the Champs-Élysées. Duration: Full-day tour of approximately 10–11 hours, including round-trip transfers between Le Havre and Paris (3–3.5 hours each way). Boat commentary: Audio commentary is available on board via speakers. Please bring headphones for a better listening experience.
Ticket for a Shared Tour
Duration: Full-day tour of approximately 10–11 hours, including round-trip transfers between Le Havre and Paris (3–3.5 hours each way). Shared tour notice: This is a shared tour with a maximum of 45 passengers per tour guide. Guide presence: An English-speaking guide joins the group in Paris. There is no guide during the bus transfer. Ship/schedule adaptation note: Adapted to the docking schedule. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the program and ensure a safe, on-time return. Itinerary summary: 1h Seine River cruise, photo stops close to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe + up to 1h of free time at the Champs-Élysées. Boat commentary: Audio commentary is available on board via speakers. Please bring headphones for a better listening experience.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Ships: Norwegian Star, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Prima Shared tour notice: This is a shared tour with a maximum of 45 passengers per tour guide. Guide presence: An English-speaking guide joins the group in Paris. There is no guide during the bus transfer. Ship/schedule adaptation note: Adapted to the docking schedule. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the program and ensure a safe, on-time return. Itinerary summary: 1h Seine River cruise, photo stops close to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe + up to 1h of free time at the Champs-Élysées. Duration: Full-day tour of approximately 10–11 hours, including round-trip transfers between Le Havre and Paris (3–3.5 hours each way). Boat commentary: Audio commentary is available on board via speakers. Please bring headphones for a better listening experience.
Carnival Cruise Line
Ships: Carnival Miracle, Carnival Sunshine Shared tour notice: This is a shared tour with a maximum of 45 passengers per tour guide. Guide presence: An English-speaking guide joins the group in Paris. There is no guide during the bus transfer. Ship/schedule adaptation note: Adapted to the docking schedule. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the program and ensure a safe, on-time return. Itinerary summary: 1h Seine River cruise, photo stops close to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe + up to 1h of free time at the Champs-Élysées. Duration: Full-day tour of approximately 10–11 hours, including round-trip transfers between Le Havre and Paris (3–3.5 hours each way). Boat commentary: Audio commentary is available on board via speakers. Please bring headphones for a better listening experience.
Queen Anne
Duration: Full-day tour of approximately 10–11 hours, including round-trip transfers between Le Havre and Paris (3–3.5 hours each way). Shared tour notice: This is a shared tour with a maximum of 45 passengers per tour guide. Guide presence: An English-speaking guide joins the group in Paris. There is no guide during the bus transfer. Ship/schedule adaptation note: Adapted to the docking schedule. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the program and ensure a safe, on-time return. Itinerary summary: 1h Seine River cruise, photo stops close to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe + up to 1h of free time at the Champs-Élysées. Boat commentary: Audio commentary is available on board via speakers. Please bring headphones for a better listening experience.
SKY PRINCESS
Duration: Full-day tour of approximately 10–11 hours, including round-trip transfers between Le Havre and Paris (3–3.5 hours each way). Shared tour notice: This is a shared tour with a maximum of 45 passengers per tour guide. Guide presence: An English-speaking guide joins the group in Paris. There is no guide during the bus transfer. Ship/schedule adaptation note: Adapted to the docking schedule. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the program and ensure a safe, on-time return. Itinerary summary: 1h Seine River cruise, photo stops close to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe + up to 1h of free time at the Champs-Élysées. Boat commentary: Audio commentary is available on board via speakers. Please bring headphones for a better listening experience.
Meeting & pickup
- Please proceed through the terminal building to the entrance, where our host will be waiting outside with a Vexperio sign. They will guide you to your bus, located approximately a 5-minute walk from your ship in total.
End point
- Please proceed through the terminal building to the entrance, where our host will be waiting outside with a Vexperio sign. They will guide you to your bus, located approximately a 5-minute walk from your ship in total.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR TOUR OF PARIS – PLEASE READ Welcome to Paris! We’re excited to show you this iconic and unforgettable city. Your guide will meet you as soon as the bus arrives in Paris. At Vexperio, we specialize in premium tours for cruise passengers, offering top-rated excursions in Paris and many North European ports your cruise visits. ▶️ Meeting Point in Le Havre (for Paris tour) Please proceed through the terminal building to the entrance, where our host will be waiting outside with a Vexperio sign. They will guide you to your bus, located approximately a 5-minute walk from your ship in total. ▶️ Extend Your Adventure Across Northern Europe Most ships that visit Le Havre (for Paris) also stop in: • Gdansk from Gdynia: https://www.viator.com/tours/Gdansk/Gdansk-Oliwa/d4213-63772P272 • Bordeaux from Le Verdon: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d0-63772P229 • Berlin from Warnemünde: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d488-63772P6 • Lübeck from Kiel: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d4863-63772P157 • Tallinn: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d4147-63772P92 • Copenhagen: https://www.viator.com/tours/x/y/d463-63772P104 • Normandy from Cherbourg: https://www.viator.com/tours/Mont-St-Michel/From-Cherbourg-D-Day-Beaches-Shore-Excursion/d0-63772P203 Book directly or contact us for a custom multi-port experience. ▶️ In Case of Delays or Problems Calls and SMS: +1 331 388 0003 WhatsApp: +1 555 945 5863 Email: info@vexperio.com We can’t wait to welcome you to Paris and help you create unforgettable memories! Explore more of Europe with our exclusive tours at other ports along your journey. Contact us today and start planning your dream adventure!
Before you go
- 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
- 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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.