The origins of Paris can be traced back to a Gallic settlement founded during the 3rd century BC. By the time Napoleon III established the Second Empire during the mid-19th century, it had expanded into a large city and was in need of a major transformation. What transpired was a division of Paris into 20 arrondissements, starting at the Île de la Cité and spiraling out in a consecutive numerical order—the city’s present design. From the lively jazz bars of the Latin Quarter to the steep, ivy-clad streets of Montmartre, these charming districts are a delight to explore.
Life in Paris revolves around the Seine River, with 37 bridges crossing the river, each telling a story. Perhaps none are so extravagant as the Pont Alexandre III, a graceful span named for the Russian tsar who signed the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1892. Downriver, the five-arched Pont d’Iéna is beloved for its scenic location linking the Eiffel Tower to the Trocadéro district. The Pont des Arts, set between the Louvre and the Institut de France, was famed for its thousands of padlocks, attached by couples to the railing grate as a sign of their devotion to each other.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Napoleon’s Château de Malmaison
Visit the historic château where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final days in France.
The Palace of Versailles
Enjoy a day at the former home of French kings: the awe-inspiring Château de Versailles.
Paris Cruise by Night
See Paris in all its illuminated glory as you drift along the Seine River on a leisurely night cruise.
Videos
Gothic Cathedrals
Marvel at the ingenuity and ethereal quality of Gothic architecture, a style inspired by a period when religion governed life and epitomized by Europe’s soaring cathedrals from the 12th to 16th centuries.
The Impressionists
Learn the story of how impressionist paintings by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Degas forever changed the face of the art world and became a symbol of modern French life. Follow these iconic artists’ footsteps on a France river cruise with Viking.
The Fundamentals of Wine
Join world-renowned Master of Wine Susie Barrie and Karine to learn about the fundamentals of enjoying fine wine, from opening and pouring to decanting and storing.
Shakespeare & Co.
Peruse this literary haven in Paris, a favorite of book lovers and renowned authors since 1919. Browse its stacks and learn about the “tumbleweeds” who work and reside here.
French Language Lesson
Learn a few useful French words and phrases with Maaike, your Viking tutor. À votre Santé!
France, Painter’s Muse
See for yourself how France has inspired famous artists like van Gogh, Monet and so many more.
Explore: Paris
Discover the magical “City of Light.” Visit the Shakespeare & Co. bookstore, a literary haven on Paris’s Left Bank; stroll the Champs-Élysées; and admire the priceless works of the Louvre. Be sure to stop for a cup of coffee in the St. Germain district.
