Magical Parisian Christmas Markets

Welcome to Paris in December, when the entire city becomes a stage set.
Your Uniworld representative meets you at Charles de Gaulle and transfers you directly to the S.S. Joie de Vivre, your intimate floating home for the next seven nights. Step aboard, settle in and let the first glimpse of the illuminated Seine tell you everything you need to know about what lies ahead.

Embrace the holiday spirit as we 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 château.

Included excursions designed to enhance your journey
– 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.

How did France’s rulers live over the centuries? Step into the private rooms of the Palace of Versailles, the lavish palace built by the Sun King, to find out.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Included excursions designed to enhance your journey
– 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.

Included excursions designed to enhance your journey
– 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: Cathedral Choir
After visiting the Christmas Market, we’ll enter the Rouen cathedral for a private choral performance in a movingly atmospheric setting.

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.

Included excursions designed to enhance your journey
– 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, we will 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 visit Château de La Roche-Guyon, you can spend your day sipping on farm-fresh Normandy cider.

Included excursions designed to enhance your journey
– Château de La Roche-Guyon
The limestone outcropping that eventually became known as Château de La Roche-Guyon began its history as a cave dwelling. It later transformed into a fortress, where medieval knights stood guard against marauding Vikings. Over the centuries it grew into a proper palace, housing a string of lords who gave the château its name—”La Roche-Guyon” translates to “the Rock of Guy,” Guy being a typical name for these noblemen. You might think, as you walk through the elegantly designed garden and beautifully paneled rooms, that the residence’s military function was in the far distant past, but Rommel made his headquarters here during WWII, precisely because the ancient fortifications and caves were so secure.

– 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.

Today is all about the glamor that makes Paris Paris, as we 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 will be prepared for you.

Included excursions designed to enhance your journey
– 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.

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home.