Viking Rhone: 14 nights from Paris with Viking Kari
Jul 23, 2025

Paris

Paris is a unique city that makes everyone who visits it fall in love with it. Its atmosphere is magical, and its many characters make it beautiful and varied. Walking along the streets in Paris brings you back in time. In short, walking in Montmartre, you will relive the atmosphere of the Belle Époque, when Paris was the best destination for artists in search of fame.
Some of the most famous painters in the world chose Paris as the city to settle in, including Pisarro, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Modigliani. The city offers all kinds of attractions, from noteworthy works of architecture such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, dated back to 12th century and the principal place of worship of the city and the Arc of Triomphe, located at the end of Champs-Élysées and built to celebrate Napoleone Bonaparte's victories.

It is inconceivable that you go to Paris and you do not visit the Palace of Versailles that was the residence of the Sun King until the French Revolution. The palace is located about 20 kilometers from the center and it is a true spectacle, both inside and outside. Famous is the Gallery of Mirrors, where the play of light makes it looks like as if it were bathed in gold, and its gardens, as far as the eye can see, are true gems. The interplay of perspective was designed by the architect André Le Nôtre and the result is an
expanse of water play and geometry, sculptures and canals. If you are an art lover, you can indulge yourself in Paris. The Gare d'Orsay, is a real railway station used as art gallery in 1986, features some of
the world's most famous works, such as Degas's ballerinas or Renoir's portraits. The structure itself is noteworthy: it is the old Paris station dating back to 1900.

Worth mentioning is the Centre Pompidou (or Beaubourg), inaugurated in 1977 and restructured in the 1990s by a group of architects including Renzo Piano. The gallery hosts works of architecture, modern art and photography with a permanent exhibition that is always active and lots of itinerant exhibitions that go hand in hand with conferences, concerts and cultural activities. Another attraction not to be missed is the Bibliothèque Publique d'Information, located inside Beaubourgand it is the main library in Paris that hosts hundreds of thousands of sources including books, magazines, maps, scores and much more.

Paris is also the city of fashion. Some of the most famous and exclusive brands have their headquarters in this city and the Fashion Week makes the city full of eccentric people showing off their extravagant outfits.

Walking through the streets of Paris takes you back in time. So, strolling through Montmartre, you will relive the atmosphere of the Belle Époque, when Paris was the favorite destination of artists in search of fame. Some of the most famous painters in the world chose Paris as the city in which to settle, including Pissarro, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Modigliani. The city offers attractions of all kinds, from architectural works worthy of note, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, dating back to the twelfth century and the main place of worship in the city, and the Arc de Triomphe which culminates at the end of the Champs-Élysées and built to celebrate the victories of Napoleon Bonaparte.
You cannot miss visiting the Palace of Versailles, which was the residence of the Sun King until the French Revolution. The Palace is located about 20 kilometers from the center of Paris and is a real spectacle, both inside and out. Celebrated is the Hall of Mirrors, where the play of light makes it appear immersed in gold and its gardens, as far as the eye can see, are real jewels. The play of perspectives was studied by the architect André Le Nôtre and the result is an expanse of water features and geometries, sculptures, and canals. If you are an art lover, in Paris you can indulge yourself. The Gare d'Orsay, a real station used as an art gallery in 1986, offers some of the most famous works in the world, such as the dancers of Degas or the portraits of Renoir. The structure itself is noteworthy: it is the ancient station of Paris dating back to 1900.
Worthy of note is the Centre Pompidou (or Beaubourg), inaugurated in 1977 and renovated in the 1990s by a group of architects, which also included Renzo Piano. The gallery houses works of architecture, modern art, and photography with a permanent exhibition always active and many traveling exhibitions that follow one another, along with conferences, concerts, and cultural activities.
Don't miss the Bibliothèque Publique d'Information, which is located inside the Beaubourg and is the main library in Paris, collecting hundreds of thousands of sources including books, magazines, maps, scores, and much more.
Paris is also the city of fashion. Some of the most famous and exclusive brands have their headquarters right in this city, and the Fashion Weeks ensure that the city is populated by eccentric people who show off their most extravagant outfits.

Vernon

Rouen

Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, is one of the most fascinating stops for those who choose to go on a cruise from France. Rich in art, history and culture, this city offers numerous attractions to visit, unique flavors to discover and a strategic position for exploring the region.

Rouen Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. This Gothic masterpiece, painted by Claude Monet, is an icon of Normandy and one of the tallest cathedrals in France. Walking through the streets of Rouen, you cannot miss the Gros Horloge, a medieval astronomical clock that is located in the heart of the city. Another unmissable attraction is the Joan of Arc Church, built on the site where the saint was executed in 1431.

Rouen is located in the north of France, about 135 km from Paris, along the Seine River. Thanks to its strategic position, it is one of the most important port cities in Normandy, making it an ideal starting point for river cruises along the Seine or maritime cruises to the United Kingdom and Scandinavia.

If you only have one day available in Rouen before your cruise, you can organize an itinerary that allows you to see the best of the city. Start with a visit to the Rouen Cathedral and continue with a walk in the historic quarter, famous for its half-timbered houses. Stop at the Old Market, where you can sample local products and see the church dedicated to Joan of Arc. End the day with a walk along the Seine, admiring the sunset over the river.

Normandy cuisine is famous for its fresh and flavorful ingredients. Among the typical dishes to try is the Canard à la Rouennaise, a duck recipe cooked with a wine sauce. Don't forget to taste the local cheeses, such as Camembert and Neufchâtel, accompanied by a good bottle of cider, the traditional drink of the region.

Les Andelys

Mantes La Jolie

Paris

Paris is a unique city that makes everyone who visits it fall in love with it. Its atmosphere is magical, and its many characters make it beautiful and varied. Walking along the streets in Paris brings you back in time. In short, walking in Montmartre, you will relive the atmosphere of the Belle Époque, when Paris was the best destination for artists in search of fame.
Some of the most famous painters in the world chose Paris as the city to settle in, including Pisarro, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Modigliani. The city offers all kinds of attractions, from noteworthy works of architecture such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, dated back to 12th century and the principal place of worship of the city and the Arc of Triomphe, located at the end of Champs-Élysées and built to celebrate Napoleone Bonaparte's victories.

It is inconceivable that you go to Paris and you do not visit the Palace of Versailles that was the residence of the Sun King until the French Revolution. The palace is located about 20 kilometers from the center and it is a true spectacle, both inside and outside. Famous is the Gallery of Mirrors, where the play of light makes it looks like as if it were bathed in gold, and its gardens, as far as the eye can see, are true gems. The interplay of perspective was designed by the architect André Le Nôtre and the result is an
expanse of water play and geometry, sculptures and canals. If you are an art lover, you can indulge yourself in Paris. The Gare d'Orsay, is a real railway station used as art gallery in 1986, features some of
the world's most famous works, such as Degas's ballerinas or Renoir's portraits. The structure itself is noteworthy: it is the old Paris station dating back to 1900.

Worth mentioning is the Centre Pompidou (or Beaubourg), inaugurated in 1977 and restructured in the 1990s by a group of architects including Renzo Piano. The gallery hosts works of architecture, modern art and photography with a permanent exhibition that is always active and lots of itinerant exhibitions that go hand in hand with conferences, concerts and cultural activities. Another attraction not to be missed is the Bibliothèque Publique d'Information, located inside Beaubourgand it is the main library in Paris that hosts hundreds of thousands of sources including books, magazines, maps, scores and much more.

Paris is also the city of fashion. Some of the most famous and exclusive brands have their headquarters in this city and the Fashion Week makes the city full of eccentric people showing off their extravagant outfits.

Walking through the streets of Paris takes you back in time. So, strolling through Montmartre, you will relive the atmosphere of the Belle Époque, when Paris was the favorite destination of artists in search of fame. Some of the most famous painters in the world chose Paris as the city in which to settle, including Pissarro, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Modigliani. The city offers attractions of all kinds, from architectural works worthy of note, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, dating back to the twelfth century and the main place of worship in the city, and the Arc de Triomphe which culminates at the end of the Champs-Élysées and built to celebrate the victories of Napoleon Bonaparte.
You cannot miss visiting the Palace of Versailles, which was the residence of the Sun King until the French Revolution. The Palace is located about 20 kilometers from the center of Paris and is a real spectacle, both inside and out. Celebrated is the Hall of Mirrors, where the play of light makes it appear immersed in gold and its gardens, as far as the eye can see, are real jewels. The play of perspectives was studied by the architect André Le Nôtre and the result is an expanse of water features and geometries, sculptures, and canals. If you are an art lover, in Paris you can indulge yourself. The Gare d'Orsay, a real station used as an art gallery in 1986, offers some of the most famous works in the world, such as the dancers of Degas or the portraits of Renoir. The structure itself is noteworthy: it is the ancient station of Paris dating back to 1900.
Worthy of note is the Centre Pompidou (or Beaubourg), inaugurated in 1977 and renovated in the 1990s by a group of architects, which also included Renzo Piano. The gallery houses works of architecture, modern art, and photography with a permanent exhibition always active and many traveling exhibitions that follow one another, along with conferences, concerts, and cultural activities.
Don't miss the Bibliothèque Publique d'Information, which is located inside the Beaubourg and is the main library in Paris, collecting hundreds of thousands of sources including books, magazines, maps, scores, and much more.
Paris is also the city of fashion. Some of the most famous and exclusive brands have their headquarters right in this city, and the Fashion Weeks ensure that the city is populated by eccentric people who show off their most extravagant outfits.

Lyon

Lyon is the third largest city in France after Paris and Marseille and offers many attractions for those who visit it. Its historic center became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 and is rich in museums, monuments, churches, parks and views. It also offers a noteworthy gastronomic culture.

The historic center of the city, called Presqu'île, peninsula, houses the Museum of Fine Arts, the Basilica of Saint-Martin d’Ainay, the Church of Saint-Nizier and many other buildings of great historical and cultural significance. The Presqu'île is also the heart of Lyon's life, where you will find shops, restaurants, and clubs.
On the west hill of the city is the historic center of Fourviéres, reachable by two funiculars, one of which is among the oldest in the world and still functioning. In December it hosts one of the most characteristic festivals in Europe, the Lyon Festival of Lights. Between 5 and 8 December, about seventy installations enliven the streets, squares, and buildings of the city, creating a particularly evocative atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Lyon is also the city that gave birth to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the "father" of the Little Prince, and paid homage to him by building a monument in Place Bellecour seventy years after his death.

Lyon

Lyon is the third largest city in France after Paris and Marseille and offers many attractions for those who visit it. Its historic center became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 and is rich in museums, monuments, churches, parks and views. It also offers a noteworthy gastronomic culture.

The historic center of the city, called Presqu'île, peninsula, houses the Museum of Fine Arts, the Basilica of Saint-Martin d’Ainay, the Church of Saint-Nizier and many other buildings of great historical and cultural significance. The Presqu'île is also the heart of Lyon's life, where you will find shops, restaurants, and clubs.
On the west hill of the city is the historic center of Fourviéres, reachable by two funiculars, one of which is among the oldest in the world and still functioning. In December it hosts one of the most characteristic festivals in Europe, the Lyon Festival of Lights. Between 5 and 8 December, about seventy installations enliven the streets, squares, and buildings of the city, creating a particularly evocative atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Lyon is also the city that gave birth to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the "father" of the Little Prince, and paid homage to him by building a monument in Place Bellecour seventy years after his death.

Vienne

Tournon

Arles

Arles is a French city facing onto the Rhône and it is one of the best cities where you can start a tour of Camargue. In Arles you can find ancient monuments dated back to the Roman Age such as the amphitheatre, where in the past the gladiators had their fights, and the old theatre, used now as summer arena for open-air cinema. Have a walk along the Alyscamps, a long promenade that leads to a church and surrounded by cypresses. This kind of landscape inspired Van Gogh in many of his paintings. The artist chose Arles as his home for a long time. It was in this city that the Dutch artist painted some of his most famous works, such as the sunflowers, the Potato Eaters, Starry Night and many more. Don’t miss the underground quadrilateral called Cryptoporch, rising under the Cathedral square and build in order to support the Roman court and that was used as a granary.
Besides the endless architectural works, Arles offers many restaurants and bistrots where you can taste the typical dishes, such as the famous fish soup.

Avignone

Avignon is a city of Southern France with ancestral origins. The area on which the city is now has been inhabited by humans since the Stone Age. The city has been property of many populations such as the Romans and the Burgundi. It then became independent and afterwards, France took possession of it. Avignon is an ancient papal city after that John XXII made it his residence in 1316.

The Palais des Papes, facing onto a wide square, is a touristic destination all year round. After you have visited the palace, have a walk on the Promenade des Papes that will take you to the gardens where the popes used to cultivate aromatic herbs. The walls of the city are noteworthy: they are 4 km long with 39 towers and 7 doors, making the city a treasure to shield. Avignon has a rich cultural heritage, but leisure and relaxation are not missing at all. Having a walk in the city centre you can find many bars and bistrot where you can taste the specialties of the most famous cuisine in the world and immerge in the magic atmosphere that surrounds the whole city.

Avignone

Avignon is a city of Southern France with ancestral origins. The area on which the city is now has been inhabited by humans since the Stone Age. The city has been property of many populations such as the Romans and the Burgundi. It then became independent and afterwards, France took possession of it. Avignon is an ancient papal city after that John XXII made it his residence in 1316.

The Palais des Papes, facing onto a wide square, is a touristic destination all year round. After you have visited the palace, have a walk on the Promenade des Papes that will take you to the gardens where the popes used to cultivate aromatic herbs. The walls of the city are noteworthy: they are 4 km long with 39 towers and 7 doors, making the city a treasure to shield. Avignon has a rich cultural heritage, but leisure and relaxation are not missing at all. Having a walk in the city centre you can find many bars and bistrot where you can taste the specialties of the most famous cuisine in the world and immerge in the magic atmosphere that surrounds the whole city.