Summer of France: Did You Know?

Dock in the Heart of Paris

With Viking’s exclusive Parisian docking location at Port du Grenelle, you can admire views of the Seine River and a replica of the Statue of Liberty from your Viking Longship—or set off for the iconic Eiffel Tower, just a short walk away. Our river itineraries that call on Paris include at least one overnight stay, so you can maximize your time in the “City of Light.”

Unpack Once & Explore

There is simply no better way to experience the wonders of France than from the water. Discover the convenience of unpacking just once on one of our elegant small ships, designed to bring you closer to the heart of your river and ocean destinations, from Bordeaux’s fertile vineyards and the legendary beaches of Normandy to the tranquil Provençal countryside and the coastal jewel of Marseille.

Blend Your Own Cognac

One of the most popular shore excursions on our France river journeys is A Taste of Cognac: Camus. Enjoy a visit to a historic, countryside distillery and learn about the process of making Cognac. Under the watchful eye of a master blender, you will create a personal batch—yours to take home in a keepsake bottle.

Viking Inclusive Value

At Viking, our fares are always all-inclusive with everything you need—and nothing you do not— without any additional charges for onboard coffee, wine or meals. There is no charge for Wi-Fi or port taxes and fees, plus we offer one complimentary shore excursion in every port, ensuring an enjoyable travel experience.

Graceful Bridges in Paris

An impressive collection of 37 graceful bridges and footbridges line the Seine, connecting the Left Bank to the Right Bank. Enjoy a special opportunity to view the city’s bridges—from Le Pont Alexandre-III to the Pont-Neuf—illuminated after dark when you glide along on an open air vessel during our “Paris Cruise By Night” excursion.

Cultural & Historic Treasures

France is home to an incredible array of 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their outstanding cultural and historical significance. From charming Vieux Lyon and majestic Bordeaux to Arles’s Roman monuments and Avignon’s Pont du Gard, explore these sites on one of our enriching river or ocean itineraries.

Find Inspiration in Provence

One of the most popular shore excursions on our France ocean voyages is In the Footsteps of Van Gogh. Enjoy a visit to the charming town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and tour St. Paul de Mausole Monastery, a masterpiece of Provençal Romanesque art. Admire sweeping views of the wheat fields that were famously immortalized in a series of oil paintings by Post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh.

Search for Decadent Truffles

Truffles, one of the world’s most expensive foods, thrive in open woodland on calcium-rich soil, including the Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Périgord regions of France. Here, the earthy flavor of truffles is often showcased in omelets and salads. Click here to learn more about this elusive French delicacy and discover why dogs are man’s preferred truffle hunters.

Extend in the Glittering French Riviera

We offer a variety of land extensions to extend your time in France before or after your cruise itinerary. One of our most popular French river extensions is a 3-night stay on the French Riviera. Tour the Mediterranean city of Nice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to stunning architecture and leafy public spaces. Enjoy perusing the city’s quaint shops or walk along the famous beaches of the Côte d’Azur.

Viking is #1

We are extremely proud that our river, ocean and expedition voyages have all been named #1 by the discerning readers of Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. It is the first time a travel company has been voted #1 in all three categories simultaneously, and this honor only strengthens our resolve to continue creating destination-focused experiences in France and around the world.

Did You Know?