A popular European cruise line says it will soon operate the first-ever paddle-wheel river cruises on the Seine in France.
CroisiEurope, a French company specializing in river and coastal cruises on small ships, plans to launch the unique voyages in 2026 aboard the 81-passenger MS R.E. Waydelich L.J.
The ship, which debuted in 2018 and has mostly plied the Rhine up to now, is propelled in part by big, side-mounted paddle wheels of the sort commonly associated with 19th-century steamboats on the Mississippi River.
Nostalgic paddle-wheel cruises are still operated in the United States by companies like American Cruise Lines. This type of ship remains relatively rare in Europe, however, possibly because “Old Man Fleuve” just doesn’t have the right ring to it.
Though the paddle wheels on some modern ships are mostly just for looks, CroisiEurope asserts that this traditional style of vessel is actually quite useful for navigating shallow waters because paddle wheels don’t have to rely on underwater propellers.
Of course, shallowness is more of an issue on France’s Loire River (where CroisiEurope began offering paddle-wheel cruises in 2015) than the Seine. But the new trips still look pretty cool.
There are two itineraries available, with departures starting in March 2026.
The 5-night “Little Gems of the Seine” cruise begins and ends in Paris. Along the way, you’ll visit castles, a medieval village, and Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny. Prices start at $1,694 per person, including all meals and drinks as well as onboard activities.
The other option, a 7-night “History of France from Paris to Normandy” trip, lets you see more royal residences (including the Palace of Versailles), charming villages, and historic cities such as Rouen. Prices start at $2,398 per person, including all meals and drinks as well as onboard activities.
In addition to its throwback paddle wheels, the ship has 42 cabins, a restaurant, a sun deck, and a lounge equipped with a bar and dance floor.
For more information or to book a cruise, go to the CroisiEurope website.
Related: New and Upcoming River Cruises in Europe, the U.S., India, and Beyond
Frommer’s France
Take the guesswork out of vacation planning. Frommer’s hires only seasoned experts, journalists who live in France either full-time or part-time, which means their advice doesn’t have to be second-guessed. It’s savvy, dependable, and not based on one or two short trips to France, but on a lifetime o…
Get the book
Frommer’s France
Take the guesswork out of vacation planning. Frommer’s hires only seasoned experts, journalists who live in France either full-time or part-time, which means their advice doesn’t have to be second-guessed. It’s savvy, dependable, and not based on one or two short trips to France, but on a lifetime o…
