Paris Highlights Guided Tour from Le Havre & Packed Lunch

Discover the highlights of Paris during a full-day shore excursion from Le Havre designed especially for cruise passengers. Travel by comfortable, air-conditioned transportation directly from the port to the French capital. Once in Paris, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Seine River and admire some of the city’s most famous landmarks from the water, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral, when river conditions allow. After the cruise, continue to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, where you will have time to take photos, explore the area, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a French snack. A packed lunch is included, helping you make the most of your sightseeing time. The itinerary is carefully planned around your ship’s docking schedule and includes round-trip transportation from Le Havre, with a reliable return to the port before departure.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   3 hours

   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.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   1 hour

   Eiffel Tower Arrival & Photo Stop Your Paris visit begins at the river cruise dock, located just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. Your guide will meet you there and offer a brief, helpful introduction to the tower, the city’s layout, and what to expect throughout the day. You'll take a quick 1–2 block walk to a nearby viewing area—an ideal spot for capturing clear, unobstructed photos of this world-famous landmark without the crowds. Please note: This tour does not include entry to the Eiffel Tower. To save time and avoid long lines, you’ll view it from a nearby vantage point.

3. 3

   The Seine

   1 hour

   Seine River Next, board a 1-hour river cruise departing near the Eiffel Tower. This is a smooth, time-saving way to see central Paris without the need for walking between landmarks. As you glide down the Seine, you’ll enjoy views of major sights like the Louvre, all from the comfort of your seat. Audio commentary is included during the cruise. For those planning to sit on the open-air upper deck, please bring your own headphones to hear the narration clearly.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   Pass by

   Louvre Museum from the Water As you cruise along the Seine, you’ll pass the Louvre and enjoy a clear view of its grand classical façade. While the glass pyramid sits on the opposite side, the river offers a striking perspective of the western wing’s Renaissance and Baroque design. From this angle, it’s easy to appreciate the scale of the building and its history—once a royal residence, now one of the most famous museums in the world. It’s an efficient and memorable way to see a major landmark without navigating crowds or long walking routes.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   Pass by

   View of the Musée d'Orsay As you continue your cruise along the Seine, you’ll pass the Musée d'Orsay—a standout landmark with a rich history. Originally built as a Beaux-Arts railway station for the 1900 World’s Fair, its grand façade, arched windows, and detailed stonework are easy to admire from the river. While the cruise doesn’t include entry, this view offers a unique look at one of Paris’s most celebrated buildings, now home to the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   As you cruise along the Seine, enjoy clear views of some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks—all without the need for walking or navigating busy streets. You’ll pass the ornate Pont Alexandre III, known for its elegant Belle Époque design and gilded sculptures. Just ahead, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais appear on opposite sides of the river—the Grand Palais especially eye-catching with its sweeping glass dome and detailed architecture. The boat also glides past Île de la Cité, where you’ll see Notre Dame, the Palais de Justice, and the historic Conciergerie. It’s a smooth and scenic way to take in centuries of Parisian history from the comfort of your seat.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   Place de la Concorde As your cruise continues, you’ll pass Place de la Concorde—one of Paris’s most historic and visually striking squares. From the river, you’ll see the tall Luxor Obelisk standing at the center, along with ornate fountains and stately 18th-century buildings that frame the space. This peaceful view from the water lets you take in the site’s scale and symmetry without the crowds, making it an efficient way to experience one of the city’s grand public landmarks.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   Pass by

   Notre-Dame Extension If water levels allow, your cruise will extend to Notre-Dame Cathedral. From the river, you’ll enjoy a clear view of its Gothic façade, twin towers, and signature rose window—all visible without the usual crowds. The calm setting and gentle reflection on the water add to the experience, giving you a peaceful look at one of Paris’s most beloved landmarks. Please note: The route to Notre-Dame depends on river conditions. If water levels are too high, this portion of the cruise may not be accessible. No refunds will be issued in that case.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   1 hour

   Arc de Triomphe Visit After the cruise, you’ll reboard the bus for a direct transfer to the Arc de Triomphe—no navigating busy streets or transfers required. Your guide will share the monument’s history, from its commissioning by Napoleon to honor his military victories to the symbolic reliefs carved into its surface. Standing 50 meters tall, the Arc marks the start of the Champs-Élysées and remains one of the city’s most recognized landmarks. This stop is designed to keep you on schedule while offering time to take photos and enjoy the view at a relaxed pace.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    1 hour

    Champs-Élysées & Free Time (If Available) The Arc de Triomphe anchors the western end of the Champs-Élysées—Paris’s most celebrated avenue, known for its grand architecture, sidewalk cafés, and high-end boutiques. This stretch has long been a symbol of French elegance, drawing visitors from around the world. If time permits, you’ll have a chance to explore on your own, shop for souvenirs, or grab a quick meal before continuing. Please note: Free time at the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées depends on traffic, events, and local conditions. If time is shortened or not available, no refund will be issued.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    3 hours

    At the end of your Paris experience, rejoin your group and board your coach for the return journey to Le Havre. The transfer is scheduled in coordination with your ship’s departure time, allowing you to return comfortably and with plenty of time to reboard.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.