A spring weekend in Paris might cost more than you think — and why cruising the Seine could be the smarter choice.
Paris in March is at its most alluring: café terraces reappear, gardens begin to bloom and the city feels lighter on its feet. But for UK travellers planning a long weekend in the French capital this spring, costs can quickly climb, particularly once hotels, dining and flights are factored in.
With spring firmly classed as shoulder season, even a modest three‑night stay in Paris can exceed expectations. Riviera Travel’s Paris & Seine Discovery Cruise offers a different way to experience the city — combining Paris highlights with relaxed river cruising, all currently available with up to 20% off on selected 2026 sailings.
With shorter itineraries, seamless travel and one clear price, short river cruises like this are increasingly appealing to younger travellers looking to maximise time – and experience – without the commitment or cost of a longer holiday.
| Operator & Ship | Riviera Travel – MS Jane Austen |
| Selected Discounted Departures | 19 March ’26 & 22 March 26 |
| Prices (on selected dates): | From £849pp – Standard cabin with fixed window From £999pp – Standard cabin with French balcony |
| What’s included: | Return direct flights & transfers from BHX, LHR, LGW, MAN, BRS or DUB, or return Eurostar & transfers Three nights on board a five‑star ship Spacious cabin with fixed window or French balcony Free drinks package All meals on board Two included guided experiences Expert Riviera Cruise Director and dedicated Cruise Host Free Wi‑Fi All port charges and additional taxes 20kg+ checked luggage |
| On board MS Jane Austen: | Lounge & bar Restaurant and La Brasserie Spa & wellness facilities Small splash pool Boutique gift shop Lift between Upper and Middle Decks |
| Offer details: | 10% off all Riviera Travel 2026 holidays Boosted to 20% off on selected Paris & Seine Discovery Cruise departures Valid on new bookings only, made between 17 December 2025 and 16 February 2026 |
This itinerary offers unbeatable value for those looking to swap a standard city break for something extraordinary; in fact, it’s even more cost-effective than a self-planned trip to Paris, making it the ultimate low-risk ‘taster’ for first-timers who we know will be hooked from the moment they step on board.
The cost of a premium 3-night break in Paris
A centrally located four‑star hotel in Paris typically costs £220–£320 per night in March, rising to £350–£650+ per night for five‑star properties in sought‑after areas such as Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés, Le Marais or near the Louvre.
Over three nights, this equates to: £660–£960pp for a four‑star stay and £1,050–£1,950pp+ for five‑star accommodation (based on double occupancy)
Dining adds a further £45–£60 per person per day, around £135–£180pp over three days.
Return flights from the UK to Paris typically cost £140–£220, once checked luggage and seat selection are included, with local transfers adding extra.
Estimated total for three nights:
From around £950pp (four‑star)
Well over £2,000pp (five‑star)
– excluding guided excursions and pre‑booked experiences
By contrast, Riviera Travel’s Paris & Seine Discovery Cruise includes flights or Eurostar, transfers, accommodation, all meals, drinks and curated experiences within its starting price — offering a notably different cost structure for a three‑night spring escape.
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