Seine River

The Seine River flows 480 miles through France, from Dijon in the alps, northwest to Le Havre, cutting Paris in half on its journey. The division in Paris gives the city distinct, geographic division, with monuments and quarters being designated in relation to the Seine River. The Eiffel Tour, Hotel des Invalides, and the Musee d'Orsay are on the south bank. While the Louvre, Grand Palais, and Concorde can be found on the north bank. Notre Dame Cathedral, the place du Parvis Notre Dame, and the Ste-Chapelle are found in the center of Paris on the Ile de la Cite (Island of the City) in the middle of the Seine River.

A Seine cruise is an excellent way to experience the river, view the banks of Paris, or relax in the countryside of France. Several monuments in France are viewable from the waterway winding through the city. Many outfits in Paris offer a Seine cruise, and outside of Paris, the Seine flows 480 miles through France, there are opportunities for France cruises. A travel agent can help you book a Seine cruise as part of your France holiday, or you can search the internet for "France cruises," or "Seine Cruise."

Other noteworthy stops on a France vacation include Marseille, south of Paris, with its charming street markets, old port, and historic sections. Stout supporters of the revolution, Louis the XIV built two fortresses on the port, with guns facing the city. In addition, France's national anthem is called La Marseilles, named from the soldiers chanting the tune as the marched to Paris. Normandy is an historic area of France. Home to the D-Day beaches, as well as many charming and picturesque towns. Joan of Arch was burned in Rouen, an ancient, inland town with superb medieval buildings and museums. Mont-St-Michael bay contains a beautiful seascape, with a 264 feet granite wall. The French Rivera is a great stop on a France vacation. It has a plethora of jet set towns including Nice, Cannes, and Saint Tropez. With an abundant yacht culture, many France cruises head out from ports in the French Riviera. Of course, the most famous of French towns is Paris. Paris is a center for museums, restaurants, monuments, and shopping. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre museum, and Notre Dame cathedral all reside in Paris. Bordeaux is home to amazing French wine and Lyon is a historic and well located metropolis, perfect for blitzing into Switzerland, Italy, and the Alps. Plenty of cities make a great France vacation.