Experience the magic of Christmastime in France as you sail from the twinkling streets of Paris to the storybook landscapes of Normandy. Glide along the Seine, where festive lights reflect on the water and charming riverside cafés offer warm, spiced treats. Stop in Rouen, a cultural treasure draped in holiday cheer, and stroll through medieval villages adorned with sparkling decorations. Return to Paris to revel in the season’s glow, from the illuminated Eiffel Tower to the elegant Champs-Élysées, where holiday markets and dazzling displays bring the spirit of Noël to life.
Offer valid on bookings made from March 3 – 31, 2025. Save up to an additional $500 per couple ($250 per person) plus FREE international airfare is only applicable to select departures of featured itineraries during stated sailing period. $250pp off is already included in listed rates. Offer is based on inventory availability at time of purchase, pricing subject to change. Pay in full by April 30, 2025, or at 120 days prior to departure (whichever comes first). Free and Reduced Air offers not valid when booked from gateways in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or Mexico. Reduced Air offers vary by selected Air gateway in country of residence. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Air does not have to be purchased to receive offer. Prices are based on double occupancy (solo travelers higher) in US dollars and for US residents only. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. All fares reflect cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Additional restrictions may apply. OBC is $100pp.
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Long a hub of French culture and cuisine, Paris is one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Over the centuries, Parisian culture has been built on the wings of inspiration. Music, film, architecture, literature, dance and the visual arts all have their brilliant place in the museums, theaters, bookstores and remarkably preserved buildings of this magnificent city. At the center of it all is the Champs-Élysées. With its inviting riverside promenade, graceful bridges and splendid views of all things Parisian, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum.
One of the most pleasurable activities in Paris is whiling away the time in one of the city’s outdoor cafés. Whether you are sipping a café au lait or a kir royal, there is no better way to feel like a Parisian. The hub of social and culinary life, cafés have been part of the city’s fabric since the 1600s. During the 20th century, literary and artistic figures—such as Ernest Hemingway, Colette and Pablo Picasso—famously met over drinks to share their works and ideas. Today, thousands of cafés line the pavements and squares to connect with France’s culture and history.
Life in Paris revolves around the Seine River, with 37 bridges crossing the river, each telling a story. Perhaps none are so extravagant as the Pont Alexandre III, a graceful span named for the Russian tsar who signed the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1892. Downriver, the five-arched Pont d’Iéna is beloved for its scenic location linking the Eiffel Tower to the Trocadéro district. The Pont des Arts, set between the Louvre and the Institut de France, was famed for its thousands of padlocks, attached by couples to the railing grate as a sign of their devotion to each other.
PLUS Scenic Sailing: Seine River
Founded by Romans, Rouen is situated amid chalk cliffs along the Seine. The Norman capital boasts many pleasures, from the 700 charming half-timbered houses of the Old Town to the glorious Rouen Cathedral, which so captivated Claude Monet that he painted it many times in varying light. Until the 17th century, Rouen was the second-largest city in France. Today, it is the country’s fourth-largest port. The city is perhaps best known as the site of Joan of Arc’s last stand; the patron saint of France was tried and condemned here for heresy and burned at the stake in 1431.
Rouen’s medieval center is pedestrian friendly and best explored on foot. Gothic architecture meets picturesque market squares, and winding narrow streets house historic gems, such as the 14th-century Gros-Horloge Astronomical Clock. The Rouennais take pride in their culinary delights, inspired by the four ‘Cs’ of Normandy cuisine. Crème, camembert, cider and calvados are common ingredients resulting in traditional dishes that are deliciously rich and buttery.
The origins of Paris can be traced back to a Gallic settlement founded during the 3rd century BC. By the time Napoleon III established the Second Empire during the mid-19th century, it had expanded into a large city and was in need of a major transformation. What transpired was a division of Paris into 20 arrondissements, starting at the Île de la Cité and spiraling out in a consecutive numerical order—the city’s present design. From the lively jazz bars of the Latin Quarter to the steep, ivy-clad streets of Montmartre, these charming districts are a delight to explore.
PLUS Scenic Sailing: Seine River
As Paris prepares for the winter months and the festivities ahead, the city’s streets come alive. Patrons of pavement cafés can be seen sipping hot chocolate, wrapped up in woollens against the cold, and shop windows are a grand affair depicting scenes from fairy tales, Santa Claus and his workshop, or a snowy winter wonderland. From November on, leading department stores, including Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, present their seasonal displays often featuring clever animation; their grand openings are hotly anticipated each year.
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.
Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Itinerary sails in both directions.
With Viking's exclusive patented corridor configuration—a distinctive feature of our Viking Longships—they are able to offer a variety of stateroom choices, from the deluxe comfort of spacious Veranda and French Balcony Staterooms to Veranda and Explorer Suites.
Seine & Douro ships vary in size & layout from Longships.
Viking’s river cruise ships blend modern elegance with Scandinavian design, offering spacious staterooms, gourmet dining, enriching cultural experiences, and panoramic views for an intimate and immersive journey on iconic waterways.
Our award-winning Viking Longships® showcase innovative engineering, streamlined design and understated elegance for the most comfortable European river cruise experience available.
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