In this guide
The Seine offers a distinctly French take on the Christmas market. Sailings run Paris to Normandy (or reverse), with stops at Rouen, Honfleur, and the Norman abbey of Jumièges. The markets are smaller, more chic, and more gastronomic than the German rivers.
The markets
- Paris — Champs-Élysées, Tuileries, Eiffel Tower sparkles hourly
- Rouen — Gothic cathedral (Monet's), half-timbered lanes, cidre chaud
- Honfleur — Vieux-Bassin harbor, Impressionist views, Calvados
The food
Forget bratwurst — the Seine markets sell crêpes, gaufres (waffles), foie gras, and tartiflette. The drink is vin chaud (lighter, often Riesling-based) or cidre chaud (spiced hot cider). And the cheese — Camembert, Livarot, Pont-l'Évêque — is the best on any Christmas river.
When to go
December is the prime window, with Paris's markets fully open and the Eiffel Tower sparkling on the hour after dark. The weather is milder than the German rivers (40–50°F / 4–10°C), so it's a good choice for travelers who find the cold challenging.
Tip
Book a Seine sailing that overnights in Paris at both ends — you need at least two evenings in the city for the Champs-Élysées, the Tuileries, and the Eiffel Tower sparkle.
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