Winter Trip Idea You’ll Love: Seine River Cruise
If you think Paris is a dream, just wait until you see it during the holidays. Winter transforms France into a glowing fairytale – twinkling lights, festive markets, cozy cafés, and centuries of history wrapped in seasonal charm.
There is no better way to experience it all than on a luxury Seine River cruise during Advent!
The Ultimate Winter Getaway
Paris never does anything halfway – especially during the Season of Lights. Expect sparkling decorations, grand window displays, and festive surprises around every corner. As you drift into the countryside, you'll be greeted by decorated châteaux, unique shopping finds, and authentic French Christmas markets that feel straight out of a storybook.
Trip highlights:
Welcome to Paris! Embrace the holiday spirit as you ferry around the best Christmas markets of Paris, where you’ll find collections of cozy little booths vending vin chaud (French mulled wine), Christmas decorations, regional produce, and specialties from all over the country.
Later, you’re in for a real treat: a private welcome to a beautiful château. 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 privately arranged reception.
Step into the private rooms of the Palace of Versailles, the lavish palace built by the Sun King. Tour the royal apartments, which still look much as they did when Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette fled in 1789. 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.
Continue to Rouen! 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. After visiting the Christmas Market, enter the Rouen cathedral for a private choral performance in a movingly atmospheric setting.
Discover Seine-Maritime! 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.
Sail to Vernon and fall even deeper in love with the Normandy countryside. 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.
Conclude your cruise in Paris! Honor Parisian shopping culture with a walking tour of the city’s famous seasonal window displays, complete with a visit to the opera house.
Trip details:
Date: November, December 2026
Duration: 8 days
Package price: starting at $4,679 per person
What‘s included:
7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the alluring S.S. Joie de Vivr
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
Captain's Welcome and Farewell Receptions
Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
6 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
Group Transfers on arrival and departure days
Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/ Tour Manager)
Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment
Free Wi-Fi
Ready to Experience a Winter Fairytale?
A holiday season in France is something everyone should experience at least once – and sailing the Seine is one of the most magical, comfortable, and memorable ways to do it. Whether you're drawn to Parisian elegance, Normandy’s rich history, or the charm of French Christmas markets, this journey promises unforgettable moments at every turn.
If this winter wonder sounds like your next dream escape, reach out anytime. Trabeona Travels will happily take care of all the details!