Explore and book Viking River Cruises 7 Night Christmastime In Paris & Normandy on the Viking Kari departing from Paris, France on Dec 10, 2025 and ending in Rouen, France on Dec 17, 2025 Sail to Paris, France, Rouen, France

Paris, France

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 ha

Paris, the iconic capital of France, is a city of timeless elegance and cultural grandeur. Marvel at the architectural splendor of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. Stroll along the Seine River, visiting charming cafes and boutique shops in the vibrant neighborhoods. A cruise stop in Paris offers an unforgettable blend of history, art, and romance, ensuring an enriching and inspiring experience.

Paris&rsquo;s landmarks come alive during the Christmas season as twinkling lights adorn the city&rsquo;s streets. Shop windows are a grand affair, depicting scenes from fairy tales, Santa Claus and his workshop, or a snowy winter wonderland. While it rar

The Seine meanders through the mellow vistas of Normandy. As it makes its sleepy and serpentine way to the English Channel, it winds along for 240 miles from Paris, more than doubling the distance of a crow&rsquo;s flight. As you sail, fertile fields unfu

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 

Rouen, France

Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, is rich in medieval heritage and cultural vibrancy. Its skyline is dominated by the stunning Rouen Cathedral, immortalized by Monet, and its cobblestone streets lead to landmarks like the Gros Horloge and the place where Joan of Arc was martyred. The city’s museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, offer a deep dive into its artistic past. Wander through the old town to experience Rouen's unique blend of history and contemporary French life.

The landmarks and streets of Rouen are aglow with twinkling lights during Advent. Half-timbered houses don decorative displays along the pedestrianized Rue du Gros Horloge and the city&rsquo;s main squares play host to street performers. At the Place du V

The Seine meanders through the mellow vistas of Normandy. As it makes its sleepy and serpentine way to the English Channel, it winds along for 240 miles from Paris, more than doubling the distance of a crow’s flight. As you sail, swathes of fields unfurl 

7 Night Christmastime In Paris & Normandy

Europe

Discover a haven of literary delight in the onboard Library, where a thoughtfully curated selection of titles beckons the curious traveler. Choose a volume, find your cozy nook, and let the pages transport you as the world glides by.


Library

The Sun Deck features a shaded sitting area and an organic herb garden, offering a perfect spot for relaxation and taking in the views. Enjoy the fresh air while lounging under the umbrellas or exploring the lush greenery of the herb garden.


Sun Deck

Whether you need a last-minute gift or an essential item forgotten at home, the onboard shop offers everything from essential travel items to exclusive Viking memorabilia like books, apparel, and jewelry. It's the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs or essentials, ensuring your voyage remains comfortable and memorable.


Shop

Embark on a leisurely stroll around the walking track, soaking up the sun and enjoying panoramic views of the ocean and landscapes. This facility is perfect for guests who want to stay active while indulging in the beauty of their surroundings. Ideal for early morning jogs or evening walks under the stars.


Walking Track

Dive deep into the art, culture, and history of your destinations with the expert-led lectures and port talks, providing insights into the landmarks and heritage of each place. These sessions are perfect for enriching your understanding and preparing for your adventures ashore.


Guest Lectures & Port Talks

Witness the artistry of local crafts and culinary traditions with demonstrations by artisans and chefs, from glassblowing to making Austrian apple strudel. These sessions offer a hands-on glimpse into the region's heritage and flavors.


Craft & Cooking Demonstrations

The Lounge Bar combines crafted cocktails with a serene riverside backdrop, inviting guests to enjoy attentive wait service from lunch through the late evening. Here, conversation flows as smoothly as the river outside, creating an effortlessly elegant atmosphere.


Lounge Bar

The Aquavit Terrace, revolutionary in its design, provides the ultimate al fresco dining experience along the river, blending indoor and outdoor settings seamlessly. Engage with fellow travelers over breakfast and lunch as you take in the tranquil beauty of the river, creating memorable moments in this inviting and relaxing space.


Aquavit Terrace

The Restaurant presents a feast for the senses, serving multicourse meals that celebrate regional flavors alongside timeless classics. Dine in upscale elegance as panoramic windows frame ever-changing vistas, ensuring every meal is accompanied by a view.


The Restaurant

Observation Lounge features a piano and floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a peaceful, serene, and casual atmosphere. Guests can enjoy live piano music while taking in breathtaking views, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and socializing.


Observation Lounge

Experience the spirit of each region through the Destination Performances, featuring local cultural arts like Portuguese fado and Viennese opera. These performances are a captivating blend of entertainment and cultural immersion.


Destination Performances

Enjoy the soothing sounds of classical and regional music performed by talented musicians, from local ensembles to renowned choirs. This auditory journey is designed to enrich your mind and complement the scenic beauty of your travels.


Classical & Regional Musicians

Viking Kari, a river cruise ship purpose-built for France's Seine River, offers an intimate experience with its cozy accommodations and attentive service. Guests can enjoy the Aquavit Terrace for casual outdoor dining and the main restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows serving European and American specialties. With a relaxing main lounge, spacious suites, and a scenic top deck featuring a jogging track and herb garden, Viking Kari provides a serene and scenic journey from Paris to Normandy.

Discover a cozy sanctuary in the ship's Library, where a curated selection of books awaits. Dive into an engaging read and let your imagination sail along with the ship. It's the perfect retreat for those seeking knowledge, inspiration, or simply a quiet escape.


Unwind on the Sun Deck, where relaxation meets breathtaking views, featuring comfortable loungers, shaded seating areas, and a refreshing breeze. The walking track is ideal for a leisurely stroll, making it perfect for both quiet moments and social gatherings.


Sun Deck 

Enjoy sunshine and fresh air while you take in 360-degree views of the scenery on the walking track. Perfect for a morning jog or a leisurely stroll, it's a great way to stay active while cruising.


Guest Lectures & Port Talks 

Craft & Cooking Demonstrations 

Settle in with a cocktail from The Lounge Bar and watch the scenery pass by as you compare notes about the day’s discoveries with new friends. This cozy spot is perfect for relaxing and socializing after a day of exploration.


Lounge Bar 

Experience a revolutionary al fresco dining at Aquavit Terrace, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor settings along the river. Enjoy breakfast and lunch while connecting with fellow travelers and soaking in the serene river beauty.


Aquavit Terrace 

Enjoy a multicourse meal featuring regional cuisine and classic favorites in The Restaurant, an upscale dining venue. With panoramic windows offering ever-changing views, every meal becomes a feast for the senses.


The Restaurant 

Observation Lounge 

Library 

Destination Performances 

Craft & Cooking Demonstrations  

Classical & Regional Musicians 

Walking Track 

Viking River Cruises

Paris & the Heart of Normandy

Viking Kari

See the major sights of the romantic “City of Light” with a knowledgeable local guide. Begin along the famed Champs-Élysées, viewing the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his triumphs. Pass many of Paris’s classic highlights, including the Palais Garnier opera house, the celebrated Louvre Museum with its I. M. Pei–designed glass pyramid entrance and the Paris Town Hall. Continue into the Latin Quarter, then drive by Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Luxembourg Gardens, Musée d’Orsay, Place de la Concorde and the beautiful and recently restored Grand Palais and Petit Palais. See the Les Invalides complex of military buildings, which houses Napoleon’s Tomb and the École Militaire (Military School). Cap your excursion with an iconic view of the Eiffel Tower from Champ de Mars.

Visit one of the most celebrated districts in Paris—Montmartre. This bohemian enclave, in which Belle Époque (“Beautiful Era”) artists, writers and poets such as Dalí, Modigliani, Monet, Picasso and van Gogh whiled away hours and gained inspiration in cafés and at cabaret revues, still retains its charms from that bygone era. Meet your local guide and head to the foot of Montmartre Hill. Then, board a funicular—first opened in 1900—to ascend the hill to Sacré-Coeur, the splendid Church of the Sacred Heart. Its ovoid dome is the second-highest point in Paris after the Eiffel Tower. You can explore the glorious interior on your own, then enjoy a coffee and pastries in a stunning setting before descending in the funicular or walking back down the hill.

Experience the “City of Light” in its full illuminated glory. According to some, Paris received its nickname because it played a central role in the Age of Enlightenment, the period of intellectual fervor that spanned the 17th and 18th centuries. But you are likely to believe otherwise during this exciting excursion, as you journey through Parisian streets among shining buildings and monuments awash in the glow of after-hours lamplight. Board your motor coach for a leisurely drive into a city that comes alive at nightfall. Pass the Arc de Triomphe and drive down the Champs-Élysées. You will also see the Louvre, housed in a bright and shining palace along the banks of the Seine, and view the grand Palais Garnier opera house. Finally, at tour’s end you will alight at the Eiffel Tower, a glittering confection on the Paris nighttime skyline. You will return to your ship around midnight.

Enjoy a day at the former home of French kings: the awe-inspiring Château de Versailles. The palace and its sprawling gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, began as a small hunting lodge. Over the years, it was enlarged by each of its three resident kings—most famously Louis XIV, the “Sun King.” A local guide will accompany you to the château, where you will marvel at the extravagance and excess of French royalty. See the state apartments of the king, the Hercules Drawing Room with its magnificent painted ceiling and the famed Hall of Mirrors—the glittering corridor of chandeliers and glass in which the Treaty of Versailles was signed, thus ending World War I. Learn about court life in the 18th century, and see the queen’s apartments and the chamber of Marie Antoinette. Later, there will be time to explore the vast, elaborate gardens.

Celebrate the colorful tradition of fin de siècle Paris during an unforgettable night out. Transfer to the Paradis Latin in the Latin Quarter, where you take your reserved seats. The Parisian cabaret was born in the late 19th century during a period of exuberance and progress. Though the Paradis Latin opened in 1803, it burned down and was rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel from 1887–1889, the same period in which he was building his great tower. As Paris grew more vast and impersonal, many Parisians forged a village atmosphere within their arrondissements and came to value unbridled entertainment. This spirit lives on today at Paradis Latin. After a delicious, elegant meal, sit back as an extravagant revue unfolds before you during a performance featuring acrobatics, sensuality and fantastic costumes. It is an evening you will never forget.

Stroll the enchanting gardens of the Monet Foundation and see the major sights of the romantic “City of Light.” Set out on a scenic drive and explore the home of Claude Monet, founder of impressionism and one of the world’s greatest painters. Step inside his treasured home, furnished as it was when he lived there, and view the stunning gardens that have graced many of his paintings, including the Japanese bridge and water garden shaded by weeping willows. After lunch, journey along the famed Champs-Élysées, viewing the Arc de Triomphe commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his triumphs. Pass many of Paris’s classic highlights, including the celebrated Louvre Museum and the iconic Eiffel Tower. Continue into the Latin Quarter, then drive by Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Place de la Concorde, and the beautiful and recently restored Grand Palais and Petit Palais.

Revel in the major sights of the “City of Light” during a festive drive amid twinkling lights. Begin along the famed Champs-Élysées, viewing the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his triumphs. Admire the illuminated sights of Paris, including the celebrated Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid entrance and Town Hall. Continue into the Latin Quarter, then drive by Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Luxembourg Gardens, Musée d’Orsay, Place de la Concorde, and the recently restored Grand Palais and Petit Palais. See the Les Invalides complex of military buildings, where the tomb of Napoleon sits, and the École Militaire. Cap your tour with an iconic view of the Eiffel Tower from Champ de Mars. Before returning to the ship, enjoy some free time at one of the Christmas markets in the city center.

Enjoy a guided walk through a richly historic quarter steeped in culinary traditions. As you walk, you will stop at welcoming shops for tastings of some of France’s most beloved specialties. Meet your knowledgeable guide and set off on foot as you listen to stories that tell the tale of the area’s historic past. Your culinary journey will take you to a selection of vendors that showcase a range of sweet and savory treats. Stop at one of the city’s renowned chocolatiers or bakeries to sample a sweet delight, and stroll through Commerce St. André des Arts, passing one of Paris’s oldest cafés. You will also pause for tastings of savory delicacies, sampling tasty plates of locally cured meats and cheese, accompanied by a glass of wine or soda. The district’s medieval passages are brimming with some of the city’s finest eateries, with hidden gems on every corner.

Discover the iconic sights of Paris and its renowned museum during a comprehensive full-day excursion. Start along the famed Champs-Élysées, viewing the Arc de Triomphe. Pass the Palais Garnier opera house and the Hôtel de Ville, Paris’s 14th-century City Hall. Visit the Latin Quarter and drive by Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Luxembourg Gardens, Musée d’Orsay, Place de la Concorde and the striking Grand Palais and Petit Palais. See Les Invalides, where Napoleon is entombed, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. After lunch, continue to the celebrated Louvre Museum for an enlightening private tour of one of the world’s greatest art collections. Study the Renaissance masterpieces of Botticelli, Raphael and Titian; contemplate the mystery of the Mona Lisa’s smile; view 19th-century French Romantic works of Delacroix and Géricault; and see classical Greek statues like the Venus de Milo.

Explore the medieval quarter of the cultural capital of Normandy. Stroll with your guide to the historic city center. Known as the “Ville Aux Cent Clochers” or “City of a Hundred Spires,” Rouen’s most magnificent steeple rises from the Notre Dame Cathedral, a favorite subject of Claude Monet. Visit its breathtaking interior, burial place of Richard the Lionheart, English king and Norman duke, and admire the ornate gold face of the Renaissance-style Gros Horloge Astronomical Clock. Admire the Bourgtheroulde Mansion, see several beautiful half-timbered houses and the 14th-century abbey where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death and the Place du Vieux Marché, where she was burned at the stake. A statue of Joan marks the place of the pyre. At tour’s end, return to the ship at your leisure, a few blocks away on the beautiful Seine River.

Experience the daily life of a working Norman farm as you enjoy a leisurely visit to a bucolic homestead. Normandy is renowned for its creamy cheeses and endless apple orchards that produce delicious cider and calvados, the region’s beloved apple brandy. Join your guide for a scenic drive to Saint-Michel-d’Halescourt, a tiny French commune amid vast fertile fields where these iconic products have their roots. Your destination is the Domaine Duclos Fougeray, a beautiful rustic farm whose 18th-century buildings are made from stone, mud and timber. The owners have been making award-winning cider and other products here for more than two decades and invite you to visit the orchards and watch a lively shepherd dog demonstration. During your visit, you will sample calvados and its close cousin pommeau with homemade apple tart and Norman cheeses. After time to savor your snack and the glorious setting, return to your ship.

Explore one of Normandy’s coastal jewels where historic houses line the quay amid quaint galleries and eateries. Drive with your guide to Honfleur, whose picturesque old harbor has lured painters for centuries. Today, you can still see enthusiasts leaning into their easels and putting brush to canvas. Its quay is lined with slate-covered facades with red roofs, and colorful fishing boats bob on the current. During a walking tour, pass the wooden Church of St. Catherine, the waterfront houses on the Old Harbor and the narrow streets of the Old Town. You will also see the memorial plaque for Samuel de Champlain, founder of Quebec City. Soak up the atmosphere around Vieux Bassin in the heart of the port and enjoy free time exploring the shops and art galleries. Savor a tasty snack at a local eatery as you take in the views from the terrace before returning to your ship.

Visit the historic château where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final days in France. Along with the Tuileries, this elegant manor house, purchased by the emperor’s wife, Josephine, in 1799, served as the seat of Napoleon’s French government from 1800 to 1802. After the couple’s divorce, she collected an annual pension of 5 million francs and kept the house, which she called home until her death in 1814. The emperor returned the following year after his defeat at Waterloo and received news of his exile to the island of Saint Helena. Admire the courtyards and see Josephine’s beloved music room and library. Visit her opulent chambers and salon, and view the emperor’s bedroom and the stunning mahogany decor of his study with its original furnishings. Enjoy free time here before returning to your ship.

See Paris in all its illuminated glory as you drift along the Seine River on a leisurely night cruise. Board your open-air vessel and set sail to view the city’s famous monuments, such as the Louvre, the Musée D’Orsay, the Grand Palais and the imposing Conciergerie—once part of the Palais de la Cité and a former courthouse and prison that housed Marie Antoinette. Your leisurely cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to see the sights along the Banks of the Seine River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, which is currently being restored after a fire ravaged the centuries-old building. Admire the illuminated bridges as you glide through the heart of the French capital awash in a glow of twinkling lights. At the tour’s end, you will return to the dock and transfer back to your awaiting ship.

Ponder the courage of the Allied troops who changed World War II’s course during a visit to D-Day landings sites. Explore Normandy’s coast with visits to Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach. View moving museum displays and pay your respects to the Allied troops who valiantly fought in battle.

Learn about the heroic efforts of the US soldiers who stormed Normandy’s shores during “The Longest Day”. Visit the Utah Beach Landing Museum, which tells the story of D-Day from its planning stages to the final outcome through comprehensive exhibits and a film chronicling the experiences of those who fought. Travel to Sainte-Mère-Église to tour the Airborne Museum, which tells the story of the US 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions that were dropped behind enemy lines, and see the church steeple upon which one unlucky paratrooper was stuck for several hours. Head to Pointe du Hoc to learn how members of the US 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled a 100-foot cliff under withering fire to seize a German battery and help secure the Utah and Omaha beachheads. End your journey with a solemn visit to the German Military Cemetery at La Cambe, the final resting place for 21,000 German soldiers.

Marvel at the courage of the Allied troops who took Omaha Beach under a barrage of heavy fire on June 6, 1944. Visit the Arromanches Debarkment D-Day Museum, which chronicles the genius of the Mulberry Harbors that supported the troops with the continued provision of supplies after the D-Day invasion. Follow the coastline to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. Located on a cliff above Omaha Beach, it is the final resting place of nearly 9,400 Americans. Your group will lay a wreath as a tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives. Take time to walk among the rows of white crosses while paying your respects. Cap your tour with a stop at Omaha Beach for a visit to the Overlord Museum. Established by a Frenchman who personally experienced the invasion as a teenager, the museum chronicles the period between the Allied landing and the liberation of Paris.

Discover the roles that Britain and Canada played in contributing to the success of the D-Day invasion. Begin with a visit to the Pegasus Memorial Museum, which commemorates the capture of its namesake bridge by British Airborne troops during Operation Deadstick. The actual bridge is part of the museum. When the British entered nearby Café Gondrée shortly after sunrise on June 6, it became the first liberated building on French soil. Make a stop at Juno Beach, which was stormed by Canadian troops, and take time at the Juno Beach Center to learn about Canadian life before, during and after World War II. Pass Gold Beach and the seaside village of Arromanches, where you will see the remains of the ingenious Mulberry Harbor. Then, finish your tour with a visit to the Commonwealth Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 4,000 Allied service members.

Explore the treasures of the Louvre, France’s magnificent repository of art. When Louis XIV left Paris for his “country house” of Versailles, he left his royal collection behind. The Louvre served several other functions until the French Revolution put it in the hands of the people so they could enjoy their nation’s great art. During your guided visit, admire classical Greek antiquities, such as the Venus de Milo; view Napoleon’s gilded crown in the Apollo Gallery; and see the Winged Victory of Samothrace. You will also have time to contemplate the mystery of the Mona Lisa’s smile and marvel at the sculptures of Michelangelo and Canova. After free time in the museum to explore on your own, head to a local brasserie. Here, sample some of the delights of traditional Parisian cuisine as you savor a three-course dinner before returning to your ship.

Visit two prominent landmarks that showcase the rich history of Paris. Meet your guide and travel by Metro to the Conciergerie, a French Revolution prison on the Île de la Cité. The 12th-century fortress has an intriguing history, notably, it houses the cell once occupied by Marie Antoinette. Learn more about the famous inmate and how the former royal palace was transformed into a Palais de Justice. Walk through the immense Hall of Soldiers, the old kitchens and other rooms. Next, you will continue to the 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle, built at the request of King Louis IX to store his holy relics. Marvel at its Gothic design and 15 stained glass windows while your guide explains the scenes from the Bible depicted in each. Afterward, you may choose to explore more of Île de la Cité independently or return to your hotel or ship.

Immerse yourself in Rouen’s medieval quarter and revel in holiday cheer at the traditional Christmas market. Walk with your guide to the historic city center for a visit to the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral. Explore its breathtaking interior, burial place of Richard the Lionheart, English king and Norman duke, and admire the ornate gold face of the Renaissance-style Gros Horloge Astronomical Clock. Admire the Bourgtheroulde Mansion and see the 14th-century abbey where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death and the Place du Vieux-Marché, where she was burned at the stake; a statue of her marks the place of the pyre. Then, stroll through the holiday market in front of the grand Rouen Cathedral. Try a mulled cider or Calvados, a sweet brandy made with Normandy apples from Normandy, as you browse the quaint wooden chalets brimming with distinctive local produce and mementos.

Explore the picturesque coast of Normandy during a visit to Honfleur and enjoy the local brandy, Calvados. Embark on a scenic drive to Honfleur, situated on the Seine estuary. Honfleur is considered one of the coastal jewels of Normandy, renowned for its historic houses, quaint galleries and charming cafes that line the port. It is a popular destination which has lured painters and visiting artists for centuries; they can be frequently seen perched at their easels along the old harbor. During a walking tour, gaze at the quay and its colorful fishing boats, pass the wooden Church of St. Catherine, and stroll the pretty, narrow streets of the Old Town. At a Calvados tasting, experience the famous Normandy brandy, made from apples. You will also enjoy free time to explore the shops and art galleries in Vieux Bassin at your leisure, before returning to your ship.

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit during a tour of the “City of Lights.” Drive to the Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris, and set off on foot through the city’s streets. At rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, admire the festive decor and storefronts of top fashion houses, such as Chanel and Hermès. On the elegant rue Royale, you will pass the fine-dining classic Maxim’s de Paris, before viewing the exquisitely decorated shop windows of Louis Vuitton and Cartier in the prestigious Place Vendôme. Then, continue to the chic Galeries Lafayette. Be dazzled by the incredible light and sound show, giant Christmas tree and iconic window displays that are aglow with holiday cheer in one of the city’s grandest department stores. Enjoy free time to browse the shops, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Cruisebound

7 Night Christmastime In Paris & Normandy

What’s Included