Paris, the City of Light, entices with its full of life Joie de vie, outstanding structure, artwork, trend, meals, and historical past. Imagine strolling the banks of the Seine, exploring the world-class museums, or sipping espresso at a sidewalk café.
The Viking Seine/Normandy River Cruise begins and ends in Paris however makes noteworthy stops in picturesque Normandy. Guided excursions embody Rouen, the capital of Normandy, the port metropolis of Honfleur, immersion into Impressionist artwork, a day dedicated to WWII historical past and the D-Day touchdown websites, and picturesque small rural villages.
Arrival
Before my departure, Viking despatched me a useful packet of journey paperwork that answered all my questions. They supplied emergency contact numbers simply in case.
Like most Americans, I arrived in Paris through an in a single day flight. After clearing baggage declare, I noticed a lady holding a Viking Cruises signal. That was reassuring as a result of I knew she would deal with my transportation wants. However, I hoped to fulfill up with my daughter-in-law, Amy, arriving about the identical time however on a unique flight. No worries; the Viking employees and the van driver discovered Amy after which joined me together with two different passengers. Soon afterward, we left the airport and headed towards the cruise ship.
Our cabins had been naturally not prepared after we arrived dockside (nonetheless earlier than 10 am). But we had been warmly welcomed onboard, and our baggage was stowed. Staff led us to the eating room, and we revived ourselves with tasty breakfast gadgets from the buffet.
Despite the dearth of sleep, Amy was prepared for her first Parisian journey, and I used to be excited to affix her. We postponed exploring the ship and set foot towards the Eiffel Tower. (The Viking dock is shut sufficient to make the stroll.)
The iconic 1083-foot metal tower, constructed for the 1898 World’s Fair, stands as a beloved landmark. Visitors take the elevators up and gaze down upon the sprawling metropolis. They take many photographs and stroll across the adjoining subject referred to as the Champs du Mars and the encompassing gardens. Amy and I did all that, however I used to be dragging on the stroll again to the Viking ship.
The Viking Fjorgyn
Fortunately, the Viking crew welcomed us once more, and this time, they escorted us to our cabin on the higher stage. We discovered the room with two single beds, floor-to-ceiling home windows that slide open, and a small balcony with two chairs and a bistro desk. The closet was sufficiently big for us each, and we might stash our baggage underneath the beds.
Expect a small however practical lavatory. When not having a shower, the doorways open inward, offering more room, or no less than it feels that means. Heated flooring provides an oh-so-nice contact when getting out of the bathe.
The ship’s higher stage consists of the Aquavit Lounge with full-length home windows and a preferred, well-stocked bar. Outside the lounge, an espresso and cappuccino-making machine stay open 24/7 for self-service. Elves appear to replenish the complimentary pastries incessantly.
The Viking Fjorgyn appeared new because it was in-built 2020 particularly for the Seine River (and never used in the course of the pandemic). The Scandinavian inside design feels glossy. She carries a most of 168 passengers in 84 outdoors staterooms (22 Standard Staterooms, 18 French Balcony Staterooms, 35 Veranda Staterooms, 7 Veranda Suites, and a pair of Explorer Suites). The ship measures 410 ft in size and maintains a crew of 46. River cruise boats carry far fewer passengers than mega ocean liners. The restricted variety of visitors rapidly develop into associates as they collect at meals and on excursions.
There is not any spa on this boat, as most Viking visitors are extra within the historic and cultural excursions. Viking offers pre-excursion info and wonderful guides. Guests go away the cruise having skilled and realized a lot about France. Yet, they’re pampered and catered to by the employees. The mixture is good.
If you might be questioning, Viking names their longships (river cruisers) after Norse sagas. Fjorgyn is the Norse Goddess of the Earth. In Norse mythology, Mother Earth, Fjorgyn has been related to the beginning of the rising season. She was the mom of Thor, the mighty thunder god, and the son of Odin.
After nibbling on a late lunch, we took a couple of moments to unpack and settle. One of the numerous benefits of cruising isn’t having to switch baggage and consistently pack and unpack.
Everyone was referred to as to their Muster Stations for a follow drill with life preservers. The Seine isn’t extensive, and I believe one might swim to both aspect with out problem. However, Viking is sensible to follow security measures.
Afterward, all aboard sipped a champagne cocktail to formally begin the cruise, adopted by a soothing, multi-course meal. The major restaurant rests on the mid-deck, under our cabin. Picture home windows line the eating room, giving visitors an nearly 360-degree view. The central space stays prepared for breakfast and lunch buffets.
Viking’s coverage is open seating, so that they don’t assign tables. Each meal gives a selection of every day picks and all the time consists of the choice for well-liked favorites, like Eggs Benedict, hamburgers, and steak or salmon. Wine and beer are complimentary at meals, and people with the Silver Spirits package deal could select higher-priced drinks and wine anytime.
Itinerary and Shore Excursions
Paris- Day 2
A panoramic metropolis tour of Paris started after breakfast. We, cruisers, boarded a bus and listened to a information describe the well-known websites as we handed. We stopped close to Notre Dame to see the restoration work progressing on the cathedral. Our information gave us free time to discover, store, or seize a espresso in a close-by café.
The tour additionally included a cease for photographs on the Eiffel Tower earlier than returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, Amy selected an tour to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur, and I went on a Flavors of Paris outing, a scrumptious foodie tour. Others opted for the full-day tour: Scenic Paris and Highlights of the Louvre.
That night the glittering Eiffel Tower within the distance took heart stage. It’s a pinch-me second to see the illuminated icon glowing like fireworks. Simply beautiful.
La Roche- Guyon and Vernon – Day 3
The Fjorgyn sailed in the course of the night time; we reached La Roche-Guyon the next morning. An historical fort and chateau hover on white chalk hills dominating a tiny village (inhabitants roughly 500).
Our cruise director, Mimi, led us on a strolling tour by the gardens towards Chateau de La Roche-Guyon. The fortified maintain, which overlooks the valley, is linked to the château through a mysterious stairway dug into the rock. The Château was constructed within the twelfth century and featured a mixture of medieval, Renaissance, and classical types, together with a proper kitchen backyard. Various homeowners added rooms to the chateau over a whole lot of years.
We climbed many stairs inside the chateau, taking in panoramic autumnal views. Amy climbed the darkish, secret stairway to the highest of the maintain.
Some journey lists embody La Roche-Guyon as one in all France’s “Most Beautiful Villages,” and I are likely to agree. I appreciated the chance to discover it.
Vernon
The captain moved our boat to close by Vernon, and most visitors took a day tour that included a drive-by glimpse of Monet’s House and Garden named Giverny. His colourful house was closed for the season, so we went to Auvers-Sur-Oise. Auvers is the place Vincent Van Gogh lived his previous couple of months in 1890. The location gave him such a supply of artistic inspiration he accomplished 80 work in seventy days.
A information led us by the little city that appeared like a nineteenth-century time capsule. We strolled cobblestone pathways previous shuttered houses, flower containers, greenery, and retailers. We paused on the Eglise Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, the church painted by Van Gogh. I liked evaluating the Gothic constructing to the well-known portray.
We continued up a hill to the cemetery with the graves of Vincent and his brother Theo. The graveyard lies throughout from the fields that impressed one other van Gogh masterpiece, The Wheatfield and Crows.
We ended the go to at Auberge Ravoux, the artist’s closing house. Only two or three at a time might enter his tiny rented attic bed room. It gave the impression to be stuffed with unhappiness. Afterward, the group watched a wonderful video/slideshow of his artwork from the world.
Back onboard, the day ended with a particular dinner: The Taste of France, the one buffet dinner on the cruise. The huge collection of scrumptious cheeses, entrees, and desserts overwhelmed me. I turned in with a full abdomen and fond recollections of two pretty small villages full of historical past and artwork, plus an excessive amount of positive meals.
Rouen and Surroundings – Day 4
Rouen, the most important metropolis in Normandy, gives one of the lovely Gothic cathedrals on the earth. The intricate designs on the outside appear to be lace. Guided strolling excursions of the town communicate of the city’s lengthy historical past and Joan of Arc. Joan was burned on the stake in Rouen after her trial. A contemporary church stands on the positioning, the inside aglow with a lovely wall of stained glass home windows.
Amy took the afternoon tour to Honfleur, a medieval port village with slender cobblestone alleys and a central rectangular harbor within the center. Unfortunately, it was raining the whole time, so she didn’t get the photographs she had hoped.
I ventured previous the bucolic countryside to a country outdated farm. Once there, I watched a skilled sheepherding canine corral and transfer the animals in regards to the subject. This conduct was fascinating and enjoyable.
Normandy is thought for apples, apple cider, and the liqueur Calvados. My tour group strolled by the property’s apple orchard and cidery/distillery. We entered the tasting room to study all about cider. To the French, cider means an alcoholic drink, whereas a non-alcoholic selection is apple juice. Calvados is stronger than cider.
D- Day- Day 5
The D-Day touchdown websites are a major draw to the area, and Viking gives two full-day excursions. The tour aimed toward Americans visits the Caen Memorial Museum and features a documentary movie. Our information was a professor of historical past, so he gave us definitive info on the occasions throughout WWII.
We drove on to the 172-acre American Cemetery, with 9,387 American graves. The peaceable cemetery with white crosses stretches so far as the attention can see. It honors the Americans misplaced within the Normandy battles. It’s an emotionally troublesome place to go to, however one which retains alive the reminiscence of those that fought bravely to defend world freedom. We owe them a lot.
Viking arranges a particular ceremony at “The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves” statue. The enjoying of the Star Spangled Banner, adopted by Taps, introduced tears to nearly everybody’s eyes. It was a really shifting tribute and made me a proud American. We realized that the typical age of the troopers buried within the cemetery ranged from 19-22 years.
The tour moved on to Omaha Beach, one other U.S. touchdown website. The lengthy sandy expanse sat empty on this chilly and dreary November day. A surprising memorial stands on the seaside, honoring the essential occasions alongside this waterfront in 1944. Another monument memorializes the occasion within the open city sq..
A second Viking day tour started with a cease on the well-known Bayeux Tapestry, one thing I’d have liked to see. It continues to Gold Beach and Arromanches, British and Canadian battle websites, Juno Beach, and the British cemetery in Ranville.
Les Andelys – Day 6
While the ship sailed within the morning, many attended a lighthearted cooking class from the chef and his assistant. They ready a Tarte au Citron or Lemon Tart with ease. We obtained copies of the recipe; I’ll strive replicating it at house.
The day was heat sufficient to take a seat outdoors on the Aquavit Terrace at lunchtime. Fortunately, we completed our meal earlier than the rain began. As the boat approached the village of Les Andelys, we noticed the fortress referred to as Chateau Galliard. The buildings are ruins of Richard the Lionhearted fort, constructed between 1196-1198.
The group tour started within the rain, however as we climbed up the hill, a considerably difficult stroll, a rainbow appeared. We explored the ruins with excellent panoramic views. When prepared, we strolled downhill into the charming city with half-timbered buildings. There, a few of us lingered for purchasing.
After dinner, a lot of the visitors participated in a enjoyable recreation within the lounge. Cruise Director Mimi defined that we’d know the solutions however needed to choose the most definitely response. The full of life recreation ended with a celebration, music, and dancing. FYI: Don’t anticipate a lot skilled leisure on this cruise; most visitors retire after dinner.
Paris Surroundings- Day 7
Our final full day started in La Pecq with a morning journey to Chateau de Malmaison, the magnificent house of Josephine and Napoleon. The home sits on the outskirts of France, however most vacationers miss it (being too far for a taxi, and no direct bus route). Thanks to Viking, we had been dropped off on the gate.
The tour included a captivating dialogue on Josephine’s life, house, and gardens. Big shock – this house was additionally the place the Louisiana Purchase was laid out and signed. I’m so glad I might go to this fascinating website. I now have the need to study extra about Josephine.
After lunch, many selected to go to the Palace of Versailles, the flamboyant, over-the-top property of Louis XIV, the Sun King. The extravagance in his property makes you perceive why the French Revolution occurred. While Louis XIV dominated competently throughout his lengthy life, he spared no expense on himself, and later Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette took the intense life-style over the sting.
Tip: The Palace is price seeing, however all the time crowded. The King’s mattress chambers, the Chapel, and the Hall of Mirrors don’t disappoint, aside from the hordes of vacationers. The gardens unfold over 2,000 acres (you’ll stroll miles), however sadly, this cruise was in November, and the greenery might have been higher (and we would have liked extra time). If you intend to go to Versailles, organize to go when the fountains are working. You gained’t be disenchanted. Otherwise, anticipate crowds and extra gold leaf than you’ve ever seen!
Sadly, we neared the top of our time collectively. The boat moved whereas we had been at Versailles, so the bus returned us to the dock in Paris. Guests, now associates, lingered over a beautiful final dinner and ready to journey house.
Disembarkment- Day 8
Viking distributed color-coordinated baggage tags to get everybody’s baggage to the fitting spot. They additionally assigned us to one of many frequent buses or vans leaving for the airport. The employees rechecked our baggage and loaded it into the car.
Of course, some passengers selected to remain in Paris, and I needed I’d made that selection. But off to the airport I went, Viking employees staying with all till we had been within the appropriate airplane check-in line. Au revoir.
I cherish recollections of this fabulous cruise with my daughter-in-law and our adventures in France. If you might be contemplating the Viking Seine cruise, go!
Many due to Viking River Cruises for internet hosting this improbable voyage and AllThingsCruise.com for his or her help.
Photos credit score Debi Lander
- American Cemetery
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Chateau Gaillard
- Chateau La Roche- Guyon
- Church Painted By Van Gogh In Auvers-Sur-Oise
- Front Lobby
- Rouen Cathedral (cowl photograph)
- Van Gogh Graves
- Veranda Suite
- Viking Fjorgyn Docked In Les Andelys
- Viking-Ships-In-Paris
Ed. Notes: Please see cruises …
7 Night – Paris & the Heart of Normandy : Paris.. Viking Fjorgyn (cruisecompete.com)
Viking Fjorgyn Cruises (cruisecompete.com)