From the twinkling Christmas markets of Rouen to the iconic lights of Paris, this trip was filled with festive cheer, stunning scenery, and unforgettable experiences.
We’ll take you along as we explore charming towns like Les Andelys and Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, soak up the holiday atmosphere in bustling Christmas markets, and indulge in the cosy luxury of our ship, the VIVA Gloria*. Plus, we’ll share highlights like the breathtaking views from the top of the Eiffel Tower, the history behind iconic landmarks, and the delicious food we enjoyed along the way.
Whether you’re dreaming of your own holiday escape or just want to soak up some seasonal magic, we hope this blog inspires you to fall in love with the charm of a Christmas river cruise. Let’s dive in! 🚢🎁✨
*This trip was gifted by VIVA Cruises with no conditions.
Day 1: All Aboard the Eurostar to Paris!
Our festive adventure began at the always-bustling St Pancras International, where we were immediately greeted by a touch of Christmas magic: the stunning Wicked movie-themed Christmas tree. Its green and glittering display set the perfect tone for the start of our trip. After snapping a few photos, it was time to board the Eurostar Plus, our luxurious ride to Paris.
Travelling in Eurostar Plus was a treat. The extra-comfortable seats, ample legroom, and delicious meal served onboard made the two-and-a-half-hour journey fly by. As we sped through the Channel Tunnel, we couldn’t help but marvel at the engineering feat of this 31-mile-long tunnel under the English Channel. Did you know it’s the longest underwater tunnel in the world?
Arriving in Paris, we went straight to Galleries Lafayette, one of the city’s most famous department stores. The highlight? The enormous Christmas tree suspended under its domed glass ceiling—a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. After taking in the magical display, we headed up to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower glowing in the distance.
Day 2: Boarding VIVA Gloria and Sailing the Seine
We woke up eager to board the VIVA Gloria, our floating home for the next few days. Checking in was a breeze, just like at a hotel, and the crew made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived.
Our cabin on the Double Diamond Deck was everything we could have hoped for. It was spacious, with plenty of storage, a cosy seating area, and a sleek modern bathroom. But the real highlight was the balcony—it offered uninterrupted views of the Seine River, and we couldn’t wait to sit out there with a coffee, watching the world drift by.
As we sailed out of Paris, we passed a surprising landmark: the Statue of Liberty on the Île aux Cygnes. This 11.5-metre-tall replica was gifted to Paris by the American community in 1889 and symbolises the strong friendship between France and the United States. Facing west towards its larger counterpart in New York, it’s an unexpected but fascinating sight.
Later, we relaxed in the ship’s lounge, where all drinks are included—a fantastic perk of cruising with VIVA Cruises. To round off the day, we explored Vino Vino, an elegant dining space at the back of the ship where we’ll be having dinner later in the trip. With its warm atmosphere and scenic views, it’s a lovely spot to unwind.
Day 3: Medieval Charm in Les Andelys and Festivities in Rouen
Our morning brought us to Les Andelys, a picture-perfect riverside town dominated by the dramatic ruins of Château Gaillard. Built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century, this fortress sits atop a hill overlooking the Seine, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
In the afternoon, we arrived in Rouen, a city that feels like it was plucked straight from a storybook. The Christmas market outside the Notre-Dame Cathedral was a festive wonderland, filled with wooden chalets selling handmade gifts, mulled wine, and gingerbread. The Gothic cathedral, famously painted by Monet, stood as a striking backdrop to the festivities.
Day 4: Exploring Rouen’s History
We spent the morning wandering through Rouen’s cobbled streets, marvelling at its half-timbered houses and vibrant shopfronts. One of the highlights was visiting Le Gros-Horloge, a 14th-century astronomical clock that’s not only functional but also a work of art. Standing beneath its intricately designed face, you can’t help but feel connected to the city’s rich history.
By mid-afternoon, it was time to bid farewell to Rouen as the Viva Gloria sailed onwards. The city left a lasting impression with its mix of medieval charm and festive spirit.
Day 5: A Morning in Conflans and an Evening in Paris
We arrived in Conflans early in the morning, a peaceful town with cobblestone streets and quaint riverside views. Conflans is perfect for a morning stroll, with its laid-back charm and picturesque architecture. After exploring, we returned to the ship, which departed at 2pm, bound for Paris.
The highlight of the evening was a magical Christmas lights tour aboard a Big Bus Paris. The city sparkled with festive cheer, from the dazzling lights of the Champs-Élysées to the glowing elegance of the Place Vendôme. Paris truly comes alive during the holiday season.
The Grand Finale: The Eiffel Tower
Our journey ended at the iconic Eiffel Tower, which is even more breathtaking in person. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1889 for the World’s Fair, the tower was originally intended to be dismantled after 20 years. Thankfully, it was saved due to its value as a radio tower and has since become one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world.
Standing at 330 metres tall, the tower is a marvel of engineering. Its iron lattice structure, made from over 18,000 parts and 2.5 million rivets, was revolutionary at the time and remains an architectural masterpiece. On the first floor, located 57 metres above ground, visitors can walk on a glass floor that offers a thrilling view straight down to the base. The second floor, at 115 metres, is all about the views—panoramic vistas of Paris that take your breath away.
And then, there’s the light show. Every evening, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes on the hour, using over 20,000 bulbs. Watching it light up against the night sky was the perfect way to end our incredible journey.
Reflections on the Journey
From the bustling streets of Paris to the tranquil charm of Normandy’s riverside towns, this Christmas river cruise has been a magical experience. VIVA Cruises’ VIVA Gloria made it effortless to enjoy the festive spirit, delicious cuisine, and stunning sights of the Seine. Whether it was marvelling at the Gothic architecture of Rouen or standing in awe of the Eiffel Tower, every moment felt special.
If you’re looking for a way to combine the magic of Christmas with the beauty of river cruising, we can’t recommend this experience enough.
Here’s to more adventures and magical journeys—Merry Christmas! 🎄✨
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