Sail down the Seine from Paris to Normandy on this luxury cruise

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

After our flight from California, what a joy to wake up and enjoy breakfast on the deck of the Viking Skaga, while soaking in this magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower and the French Statue of Liberty on the Pont de Grenelle. 

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Explore the City of Light

Viking offers a wide itinerary of Paris tours from its ships, so if it's your first time in this "City of Light," a tour of Paris in the comfort of your luxurious Viking bus, with stops at every destination along the way, is definitely the way to go! Your ship is docked within easy walking distance to many of the famous Parisian sites, so don't be hesitant to stretch your legs and explore this city's beauty on your own.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

All aboard

It's a great feeling to step aboard our "floating hotel" to begin a magical tour along the scenic Seine River. What a pleasure to unpack our bags once and settle back to enjoy a stress-free adventure through the heart of Normandy.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Biking bliss

This couple opted to celebrate their 10th anniversary onboard the Viking Skaga cruise. As avid bike riders, they were delighted to pedal their way along the beautiful paths of Normandy as part of their romantic anniversary adventure.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

The picture-perfect village of La Roche-Guyon

Our first stop is the ancient and picturesque village of La Roche-Guyon, which lies within a French regional nature park. This idyllic setting is home to a number of historic monuments from various centuries. The beguiling 12th-century Chateau de La Roche-Guyon is undoubtedly one of the village's most emblematic landmarks.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Experiencing one of France's most beautiful villages

Set along the Seine, the charming town of La Roche-Guyon, officially named one of France's most beautiful villages, is best known for the impressive castle overlooking the city. The Chateau Gaillard, built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart, commands an imposing spot high on the cliffs above. The castle, and the strategic location, bolstered the importance of the Les Andelys region throughout the Middle Ages.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Collecting travel souvenirs

It's always smart to shop for souvenirs in small towns, where prices are reasonable, and you can bring home an authentic memory of your delightful trip. 

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Cruisin' down the Seine

Can you imagine a better place to enjoy a gourmet lunch than on the deck of the Viking Skaga, where you can watch the lovely Norman countryside roll by as you wine and dine, Viking-style?

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Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Impeccable cuisine

Speaking of dining, the Viking cuisine caters to every taste and dietary restriction. If you're a lover of seafood, you've come to the right place. No one knows how to cook fresh mussels like the French!

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

The medieval wonders of Rouen

Rouen is known as the "City of a Hundred Spires," but none stand so tall and magnificently as that of the Rouen Cathedral, consecrated in 1063. This cathedral remains one of France's most breathtaking medieval monuments.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Whimsical views

Whimsy pairs with history as you explore the cobblestone streets of old Rouen, where you can stroll for hours and savor the magical views that meet your eye during your journey.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Embracing the modern

The old merges with the new along the Seine, where modern buildings blend with medieval castles and towns in an eclectic mix of visual experiences you'll embrace during your voyage. The stunning architecture of the government office of Rouen is an excellent example of the juxtaposition of modern and ancient architecture in this fascinating city.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

It's "time" to visit Le Gros Horloge

Le Gros Horloge, is a significant visitor attraction located in the heart of Rouen's Old Town. The Renaissance facade features a golden sun with 24 rays against a starry blue background, and a dial that measures eight feet across. The clock is flanked by a Gothic belfry which houses a clockmaker museum, and you can climb to the upper terrace to take in spectacular views of the city and the majestic Rouen Cathedral.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Chateaubriand, anyone?

The history of this famous steak hails back to 1822, when the nobleman of the same name served as the ambassador of France in England and was served this delicacy. The name itself was originally applied to how the meat was prepared, however over the years, this choice filet of beef has carried this famous appellation. The talented Viking chefs certainly know how to carry on the tradition in their preparation of this classic dish.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

In vino veritas

What is a gourmet meal without a glass or two of wine? Viking serves complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner. Your gracious servers are attentive and are always on the lookout to refill an empty glass!

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

The charming town of Vernon, gateway to the Monet estate

Vernon is a delightful bourgeois village of cobblestone streets and half-timbered buildings. Don't miss an evening stroll through town where you can marvel at the Notre-Dame Church, an impressive Gothic structure built between the 11th and 16th centuries. The Monet estate is located in Giverny, a short drive from the city.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Go back in time in Monet's home and garden

Claude Monet is known as the "father of impressionism" and a visit to his family home and estate will make you feel as if you are immersed in one of his marvelous paintings. 

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Discover the artist, room by room

Monet's rambling two-story home is filled not only with lovely furnishings of the time and personal effects, but also copies of his work which can be admired in several of the rooms you'll see on your tour (the originals are displayed in major museums around the world).

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Floral delight

It's no wonder Monet's garden was an inspiration throughout his career as a painter. One just can't get enough of the profusion of flowers bursting forth in every area of the many garden plots on the property, which continue to bring joy to visitors to this day.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Celebrate good times

A cruise onboard a Viking ship is the perfect way to commemorate a special occasion. This group set up their trip to celebrate several anniversaries and birthdays as part of their cruise adventure. To the joy of all, each occasion was treated to a special song and lavish dessert by the talented Viking crew.

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Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Vive le flan!

Needless to say, French desserts are known around the world, and no one makes a better flan than the French. Luckily, you can enjoy this tasty pastry onboard the Viking Skaga.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Vegetarian and vegan options

Vegans and vegetarians will thrill at the number of dishes available on the Viking menu, one more tempting than the next. Many of the fruits and vegetables are locally sourced to guarantee freshness and farm-to-table flavor.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Drinks of all colors

On a celebratory party night held for guests towards the end of the cruise, staff mixologists produce a variety of colorful fruit cocktails – a feast for the eyes, as well as the palate.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

An emblem of Viking heritage

The Viking Skaga has a small but interesting gift shop on board. This piece of jewelry caught our eyes, as this is one of several designs that serve as a distinctive emblem of the Viking heritage evident throughout the ship. The motif is believed to have first been forged into a brooch by Vikings, excellent metallurgists who created a variety of jewelry as far back as 800 CE. It's available for sale in the gift shop, together with signature books and clothing.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Walk or relax on the spacious sun deck

Visit the ship's expansive sun deck and enjoy unobstructed views of the passing scenery from above, either on a comfortable lounge or while getting some exercise on the walking path.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Lest we forget

One of the most poignant travel moments for Viking guests was a visit to the Normandy beaches where, on June 6, 1944, in the early hours of the morning, the World War II D-Day landings began. By day's end, an 80-mile stretch of the seemingly impregnable Atlantic Wall (a 2,400-mile coastal defense system built by Hitler along the English Channel's northern coast) had been breached by the Allies. This photo was taken from Juno Beach with the cliffs of Omaha Beach in the distance.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

A foot in the sand

It was a touching moment when Viking passengers were given the opportunity to personally set foot on the hallowed shores of Omaha Beach, in a personal salute to the thousands of brave men who gave their lives in the pursuit of freedom. 

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

The American Cemetery at Omaha Beach

In a final emotional tribute, Viking guests had the opportunity to visit the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach to experience a ceremony honoring the sacrifices of the brave soldiers who were part of the Allied invasion 78 years ago.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Au revoir, Paris

Paris blessed us with a glorious sunset the final night of our cruise. Together with our other cruise companions, we prepared to return home, bringing with us memories of this voyage of discovery that will last a lifetime.