Paris & Normandy At Christmas Time
December 2028:
We're off AGAIN! My niece Khloe is always the willing travel companion and she and I will enjoy our THIRD Chirstmas Markets adventure with Viking. We'll discover the renowned sights of Paris, France’s twinkling “City of Light,” and sail through seasonal landscapes of Normandy. Admire scenes of fairy-tale villages and call at Rouen, the region’s vibrant cultural capital. Meander along the winding Seine River, passing elegant residences and charming riverside cafés, returning to Paris to explore its iconic treasures, from the illuminated Eiffel Tower to the elegant Champs Élysées, and more.
The Viking Longship Kari: French Balcony Stateroom #206
Day 1: Paris
Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Paris so you can make the most of your visit.
Excursion: Wine Tasting
Day 2: Paris
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
Excursion: Panoramic Paris / Paris Cabaret & Dinner Show
Day 3: Paris
Life in Pais revolves around the Seine River with 37 bridges crossing the river, each tellin a story. Perhpas 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'lena is beloved for it's scenic location linking the Eiffel Tower to the Trocadero district.
Excursion: Monmartre Hill & Scenic Sailing
Day 4 Rouen
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.
Excursion: Normandy Beaches
Day 5: Rouen
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.
Excursion: Rouen Walking Tour & Picturesque Honfleur & Calvados Tasting
Day 6: Scenic Sailing & Paris
The stretch of the Seine River, running from Le Pecq to Paris, showcases a blend of riverside gardens, parks and elegant residences. As you glide along the winding waterway, historic barges and houseboats come into view, and the banks display an urban mix of commerce and leisure, with locals sipping wine in riverside cafes
Excursion: Napoleon's Chateau & Paris Cruise By Night
Day 7: Paris
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.
Excursion: Conciergerie & Saint Chappelle
Day 8: Fly Home