Experience the charm of France in winter on an 8-day Seine River cruise from Paris aboard S.S. Joie de Vivre. Begin with a guided visit to Versailles' private royal apartments, then explore Rouen's medieval quarter and Christmas market. Tour Normandy’s cider farms and historic seaside towns like Fécamp. Enjoy a private reception at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the inspiration for Versailles. In Vernon, visit the elegant Château Bizy and sample fresh cider. Back in Paris, browse festive markets and see the seasonal window displays in the Haussmann shopping district. Highlights include tastings, artisan encounters, and private château visits, all while cruising aboard a luxurious Uniworld ship.
Highlights
Tour private royal apartments at Versailles Palace near Mantes-la-Jolie
Visit Christmas markets across Paris with regional holiday treats
Walk historic Rouen, visiting cathedral and Joan of Arc site
Explore Chateau Bizy with Bonaparte family artifacts and tapestries
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. For cruise packages with a group arrival transfer or a purchased private transfer, a Uniworld representative meets guests and arranges transportation to the ship.
Learn how France’s rulers lived through the centuries by visiting the private rooms of the Palace of Versailles, the grand residence built by the Sun King.
In the evening, enjoy a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner.
Featured Excursion: Versailles Palace Secret Apartments
It was the official residence of the country’s kings and queens from 1682 until the revolution, and though the monarchy possessed other palaces, Versailles stood alone in magnificence. Tour the royal apartments, which still look much as they did when Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette fled in 1789. In these rooms, you’ll find lush silk draperies, exquisite marquetry tables, gilded beds, Aubusson carpets, and porcelain ornaments that reveal the elegance of the 18th-century royalty’s lifestyle, as well as the extravagance that helped fuel the rage leading to the revolution. Climb the great staircase and enter the jaw-dropping Hall of Mirrors, where the absolute ruler of France held court for the ambassadors of Siam, Persia, and the Ottoman Empire, along with all the great seigneurs of France. Ladies intrigued behind their fans, plots were hatched, and careers were made and destroyed beneath the sparkling chandeliers here.
Walk in the footsteps of greatness in Normandy’s medieval capital, a city with a historic quarter that remains amazingly intact. From the cathedral Monet painted dozens of times to the cross marking the spot where Joan of Arc was martyred, Rouen is a treasure trove for the culturally curious.
Featured Excursion:
Rouen Christmas Market
Sprawled out in the square in front of the Rouen Cathedral, you’ll find dozens of vendors selling Normandy products, hot drinks to warm your hands with, and plenty of sweet and savory seasonal bites.
Nights Out: Children’s Cathedral Choir
After visiting the Christmas Market, you’ll enter the Rouen cathedral for a private choral performance in a movingly atmospheric setting.
Choose between:
The Collector's Mansion
Head to a 17th century estate in the countryside. Originally created for the Maréchal de Créqui, it was purchased and lovingly restored by famous French interior designer Jacques Garcia in 1992. He has since infused this historic building with his eclectic style and filled it to the brim with a vast collection of art and antiques.
OR
Meet the Ateliers of Rouen Creative minds have always thrived in Rouen—perhaps finding inspiration in its romantically cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and memorable history. Walk around town with a local guide today and meet some of the artisans of Rouen, each bringing their own distinct charm to the city. And who knows? Perhaps a little of the Rouen’s endless well of inspiration rub off on you as well.
The Seine-Maritime is a breath of fresh air. An idyllic department tucked away between the Seine and France’s northwestern coastline, this area is replete with historic towns, seaports, and locals who are passionate about keeping the traditions of France alive.
Featured Excursion:
Seine-Maritime Discovery Day
Get a taste for this wonderful region on a whirlwind day of discovery. Choose between one of two treasured pieces of local heritage—the charming Château Miromesnil, or a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience with a family working to preserve a traditional style of broom weaving. Additionally, you all take a walking tour of the seaside port of Fécamp, a gem of the Alabaster coast and the home of the Bénédictine Palais.
The story of the Bénédictine Palais begins with Alexander the Great—no, not that one, but a famous 19th-century merchant. In 1863, Alexander discovered a book on botany amongst the collections at a Benedictine Abbey, and used it to create Bénédictine, an herbal liquor that brought him fame and fortune. He then went on to commission the Bénédictine Palais to be his “factory palace.” During your tour of the palace museum, you’ll stop at the distillery to taste this unique liquor.
Fall even deeper in love with the Normandy countryside today. In addition to a private visit to “the Little Versailles,” you can spend your day sipping on farm-fresh Normandy cider.
Featured Excursion:
Normandy Cider Farm
See firsthand why Normandy is known as “the orchard of France.” Renowned for the hundreds of apple varieties grown here, the region is known for its apple cider production. Try this fizzy alcoholic beverage for yourself at a local farm, where you can also learn the cider process from the orchards to bottling.
Chateau Bizy Private Visit Built in 1740, this beautiful palatial residence has housed royalty for centuries. On a private visit for Uniworld guests, you have the time and space to fully appreciate the architecture and artifacts here, such as a collection of items belonging to the Bonaparte family and the impressive tapestries made by the Gobelins Manufactory.
Embrace the holiday spirit as you ferry you around the best Christmas markets of Paris, where you’ll find delicious seasonal goodies and some excellent gifting opportunities waiting for you. Later, you’re in for a real treat: a private welcome to a beautiful chateau.
Featured Excursion:
The Christmas Markets of Paris
Enjoy a guided visit to some of the finest Christmas markets in Paris, where cozy booths offer vin chaud (French mulled wine), festive decorations, regional treats, and holiday specialties from across the country.
Private Reception at Château de Vaux le Vicomte
The stunning, moat-framed façade of Château de Vaux le Vicomte rivals any palace in Europe—even Versailles, considering this château was famously the inspiration behind the Sun King’s residence. You are invited to the château for a reception that has been privately arranged for Uniworld guests.
Today is all about the glamor that makes Paris Paris, as you honor Parisian shopping culture with a walking tour of the city’s famous seasonal window displays, complete with a visit to the opera house.
In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner is prepared for you.
Featured Excursion:
Paris Opera & the Haussmann Displays
In a city that celebrates art & culture, the Palais Garnier is a must-see. This historic venue for opera and ballet is close to another celebration of classic Parisian artistry: the fantastic window displays of the Haussmann fashion district. Hosting the Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and more, this district is an iconic shop year-round, but the holiday season offers something special. View installations that engineers, sound designers, and a team of creatives work on over the course of a year to dazzle during the Christmas season.
Day 8: Paris | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you are transferred to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,9992-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Classic
Magnificent appointed riverview stateroom (162-180 sq ft - 15-17 sq m) located on the Jules Verne Deck. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, cozy bathrobes and slippers.
French Balcony
Sumptuous appointed riverview staterooms (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) located on the Balzac Deck with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, cozy bathrobes and slippers.
Deluxe French Balcony
Luxuriant appointed riverview staterooms (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) located on the Victor Hugo Deck with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, cozy bathrobes and slippers.
Suite
Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (260 sq ft - 24 sq m) located on the Victor Hugo Deck with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water.
Grand Suite
Luxurious appointed riverview stateroom (410 sq ft - 38 sq m) located on the Victor Hugo Deck with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bot. The Grand Suite offers extra benefits, including a separate spacious living room, bathroom with a separate rain shower and tub, and secluded toilet and bidet area.
Notes
Please Note: Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation. Solo occupancy pricing is dependent on cabin type, contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 10% of cruise fare plus any additional port charges., and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
