Historic Residences, Local Cuisine, and Hidden Gems in the Oise Valley (port-to-port cruise)

Spend the morning cruising to Compiègne. This afternoon, join the included excursion: Compiègne, the Armistice Memorial, and the Château de Compiègne(4). Set off on a guided tour of historic Compiègne. On the picturesque streets of this significant city, you'll see the lovely 16th-century town hall with its intricately sculptured late-Gothic facade containing several historical figures, such as Louis XII on his horse. The town hall tower holds one of the oldest municipal bells in France, dating back to 1303. Further along the route, you will come across some lovely medieval homes. The oldest, La Vieille Cassine, was built in the 15th century. There will be a tasting of regional delicacies before you continue on to the Armistice Memorial. Part of the museum's collection includes the emblematic train car used in the signing of the 1918 Armistice, later vindictively recommissioned by Hitler for the 1940 surrender of France during World War II; a Marne Taxi requisitioned by the French government to transport troops during its namesake battle; and 800 stereoscopic images from the time of World War I. The memorial is dedicated to all soldiers who have fought since 1870, including Augustin Trébuchon—the last French soldier killed on the front during World War I. Visit the Château de Compiègne. The outstanding beauty, gorgeous decor, and fine furnishings of the largest neoclassical palace in France add up to an impressive ensemble. Versailles, Fontainebleau, and Compiègne form a trifecta of the largest imperial residences in France. After the excursion, return on board for dinner. Remain in port overnight.

Spend the morning cruising to Pont-Sainte-Maxence. The afternoon will be dedicated to a tour of the Château de Chantilly. Set off for Chantilly, home to one of the most beautiful castles in France. The château is the work of an exceptional figure, Henri d'Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of the last French king, Louis-Phillipe. The duke is considered to have owned one of the finest art collections of his time, making Chantilly a showcase for his many masterpieces and priceless manuscripts. The castle has remained at a virtual standstill since the Duke of Aumale bequeathed it to the Institut de France, so take advantage of this moment to jump back in time and relish this princely domain. Visit the art galleries, where paintings have hung undisturbed since the 19th century; the large, opulent suites once used as reception rooms; and the reading room, one of the most extensive libraries in the country. Return on board in Saint-Leu-d’Esserent.

Calling all dessert lovers! If you would like to learn how to prepare France's legendary crème chantilly, a member of the Confrérie des Chevaliers Fouetteurs will join you on board this afternoon to talk about this traditional culinary delight. Learn how to whip up delicious, authentic whipped cream by hand!
After dinner, take some time on your own to explore Saint-Leu-d’Esserent. The more adventurous can head to the impressive abbatial church to catch some great views of the surrounding valley. The ship will remain in port overnight.

Spend the morning cruising to Auvers-sur-Oise. This afternoon, join the included excursion: Auvers-sur-Oise and the Musée de l’Absinthe. Head towards Auvers-sur-Oise. Stretching almost four miles (seven kilometers) of the Oise River bank, Auvers-sur-Oise was Vincent Van Gogh's last home and final resting place. Stroll through the picturesque village streets and along the Artists' Pathway, where works by famous Impressionists compare the current landscapes and architecture. The next stop will be the Musée de l’Absinthe and its reproduction of the ambiance found in cafés during the Belle Époque, when the "green fairy" was the preferred drink of poets and artists. The museum collection gives you great insight into 19th-century culture in France. Finish up your tour with a demonstration of the absinthe ritual and a tasting, of course. Return to the ship in Pontoise. Remain in port overnight.

Included excursion: Auvers-sur-Oise and the Maison-Atelier de Daubigny. Leave for the Pressoir Auversois vineyards. The vineyards were a forgotten heritage until they were brought back to life in the 2000s. They are located on the edge of the rail tracks in the exceptional countryside near Auvers-sur-Oise. Visit the vineyards and the wine press. Your tour will continue with a visit to the Maison-Atelier de Daubigny, a French historical monument since 1991 that was granted the Maisons des Illustres label in 2014. Charles-François Daubigny built his art studio in 1861, and it became a meeting point for many of his fellow landscape painters, such as Camille Corot, Honoré Daumier, and Berthe Morisot, to name just a few. The studio walls contain many exceptional works from each of these artists. Afterwards, head over to Madame Guinguette and enjoy a tasting of local products in a beautiful setting. Return on board in Auvers-sur-Oise.

Your ship will cruise to Bougival in the afternoon.(3) . Rremain in port overnight.

(3) Depending on mooring availability, the stopover in Bougival could be replaced by a stopover in Chatou.

Breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.

• Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day
• Onboard drinks included (except for drinks from the special lists)
• Double-occupancy, climate-controlled cabin with shower in bathroom
• Excursions and visits mentioned in the program
• Assistance from the steward
• Welcome cocktail
• Gala evening
• Emergency/repatriation insurance
• All port fees

• Transfer between Paris and Pont-l-Eveque(2). (2) Transfer on request for an additional fee
• Drinks from our special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
• Cancellation and baggage insurance
• Personal expenses