Magical Paris & Festive Seine River Cruise - MS Jane Austen

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Arrival in Paris
• Day 2
  Vernon & Bizy Castle - As you enjoy breakfast, the landscape passes by serenely, and you quickly get used to this luxurious sightseeing experience. Rounding a sweeping bend typical of the Seine, villages slip by, and birds glide down from the surrounding cliffs. It's an ideal opportunity to join new friends for a chat or squeeze in a spot of reading in the lounge with a cosy cup of tea. This remarkable château, built in 1740, has evidently drawn inspiration from the grandeur of Versailles and is lovingly referred to as "Little Norman Versailles."  It has served as a residence for pivotal figures in French history, including the Dukes of Belle-Isle and Penthièvre, the last King of the French, Louis-Philippe, and Joseph-Napoléon Bonaparte, the elder brother of Napoleon. In small groups, we'll enjoy a tour of the castle's salons, adorned with homely Christmas decorations, as well as carved wood panelling and souvenirs from the Bonaparte Family that offer a glimpse into life as the owner of this historic château. We'll taste the magic of Normandy as we discover the 750 diverse apple varieties that thrive in this region, ideal for crafting exceptional cider. Our interactive tasting experience celebrates the artistry of local producers, teaches us more about their meticulous production and the prestigious Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée that honours their quality. As we travel back to our ship, you’ll enjoy an orientation tour of Vernon, introducing you to the town before time at leisure to relax on the ship or explore. After dinner this evening, join us for an organ recital in the atmospheric Vernon Cathedral. Built between the 11th and 16th centuries, the cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful examples of medieval architecture in France. Bask in its unique blend of architectural styles - Romanesque, Gothic - and let the lovely organ music wash over you as the talented musicians delight us with a mix of Christmas and choral music. Please note: on some departures, days 2 and 4 will be swapped around.
• Day 3
  Conflans & Chantilly Castle - This morning, we'll visit the home of Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of the last King of France, Louis-Philippe. Chantilly is truly a remarkable gem within the rich tapestry of France's cultural heritage, celebrated for its exquisite beauty and historical significance. The prince was the greatest collector of his time and under his stewardship, he made Chantilly the showcase for his vast array of masterpieces and invaluable manuscripts. We'll marvel at the intricate artwork and literary treasures that reflect the artistic brilliance of the time, each piece telling its own unique story. During the Christmas season, Chantilly transforms into a magical wonderland, enchanting all who visit. The estate is adorned with twinkling lights that illuminate the grounds, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Tasteful Christmas decorations enhance the elegance of the surroundings. The surrounding parkland hosts the Grandes Écuries (Great Stables) - a magnificent palace for horses - where the Living Museum of the Horse invites you to explore the profound bond between humans and horses throughout history. Returning to our ship for lunch, we’ll spend the afternoon sailing back towards Paris. This is the perfect opportunity to make the most of the ship’s facilities. You could head to the sun deck for a warming mug of mulled wine as we watch the sights of Paris, like the Eiffel Tower, glide into view. This evening, we'll enjoy a culinary highlight of the trip, our special Chef's Dinner. The chef serves up his signature dishes, influenced by many flavours of France. Tonight, we remain moored in Paris.
• Day 4
  Paris - Built for Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s Superintendent of Finance, Vaux-le-Vicomte is one of the largest châteaux in France and was a source of inspiration for the Château de Versailles. Its grandeur is the result of the collaboration of some of the most renowned artists of the 17th century: architect Louis Le Vau, decorator Charles Le Brun, and gardener André Le Nôtre. Although it was built to honour the king, the château was so magnificent that when King Louis XIV saw it, he suspected that Fouquet must have been stealing from the treasury. Fouquet enjoyed only three weeks in his splendid residence before he was arrested and ultimately exiled. A testament to Le Vau’s genius (and Fouquet’s wealth) the palace captivates visitors right from the front steps by the delicacy of its façade, with a pediment sculpted with squirrels – Fouquet’s emblem - and the sweeping views of the gardens. Inside, is one of the great 17th-century abodes with perfectly preserved panelling, paintings and sculptures ornamenting the rooms. At Christmas, it's another world. The chateau is adorned not just with lights but with breathtaking displays in every room, even the stables. Each fireplace crackles warmly, wrapping the space in a cosy embrace. The gardens sparkle with illumination, and the estate buzzes with joyful activities, culminating in a mesmerising projection light show on the chateau's facade. The only thing they can't control is whether it snows! Each year, the castle chooses a different theme, ensuring a completely new experience every year. It's the place to go in Paris at Christmas time and you’ll have the morning to enjoy a self-guided tour. This afternoon, after a late lunch on board, we'll head back to Paris for a walking tour through its iconic streets admiring the yuletide decorations along Paris’ grand boulevards. Accompanied by a local guide, we'll take a look at some of the city's sights while hearing more about the daily life of an average Parisian. Our tour ends at the Christmas markets, where you can sip hot mulled wine, snack on roasted chestnuts and sample delicious sausages, cheese and chocolates as you browse the beautiful displays of arts and crafts, decorations, fine wines and other gifts. Paris is everything you imagine it to be – romantic, inspiring, vibrant and, at this time of year, festive. It's a fitting finale to our French river cruise. Please note: on some departures, days 2 and 4 will be swapped around Personalise your holiday - Bateaux Parisien sightseeing cruise Price: £17pp Duration: 1 hour This evening, you could choose to join us for a sightseeing tour along the Seine to discover why they call Paris the City of Lights. Every bend of the Seine, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, reveals a new view of the city's thousand-year-old history. Equipped with an audio guide in English, you'll be taken on a journey through the stories and anecdotes that have shaped the French capital and see the city's magnificent sites, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Musée d'Orsay and more, light up the skies. Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking before departure.
• Day 5
  Return home