Great Solo Traveller Prices - Premium Ship: Single Supplement from $2,798
Croisi Canal Cruise: PEV_AIPP
7 Days
Paris | Bougival | Pontoise | Auvers-Sur-Oise | Saint-Leu-D'esserent | Pont-Sainte-Maxence | Compiegne | Pont-L'évêque (Oise) | Paris(2)
Vacation through an incontestably captivating region of France, the Oise Valley. The Oise River meanders through the wooded countryside it has carved meticulously throughout history. This cruise includes a multitude of historic sites and guarantees an in-depth look into our colorful culture. Discover the Château de Malmaison. Enjoy the works of pre- and post-Impressionists at the Pissaro Museum in Pontoise. In Auvers-sur-Oise, follow the footsteps of Van Gogh to the Musée de l'Absinthe and learn about the café atmosphere influencing the artists at the time. Further along, the Château de Chantilly gives you a good idea of what the French consider their art de vivre. To wrap it all up, pay your respects to those who sacrificed their lives over a hundred years ago at the Armistice Memorial in Compiègne. Of course, your cruise will be filled with French cuisine delights, including a masterclass on making crème chantilly by a member of the Confrérie des Chevaliers Fouetteurs.
THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE
- Gala dinner and evening : Welcome cocktail
- All meals included : Refined European cuisine, with table service for lunch & dinner
- Drinks included : With meals
- Open bar : Including Cocktails, Mocktails, Regional wines, Beer, Spirits & Soft drinks (excluding premium list)
- Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
- Headsets included for excursions
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Onboard activities
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees included
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
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From masterpieces to local flavors, experience the region that inspired so many artists—the Val d'Oise
- ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED
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THE MUSTS:
- Follow the footsteps of Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise
- Auversois vineyards and the Maison-Atelier de Daubign
- Compiègne and the Armistice Memorial
- Itinerary
- Important Information
Day 1: Paris
Passengers are welcome to board at 6:00 p.m. You will be introduced to the crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. This evening, cruise through Paris at night.(1)
(1) Depending on the water level
Day 2: Paris - Bougival(3)
Spend the morning cruising to Bougival. In the afternoon, join the included excursion: Guided tour of the Château de Malmaison. Built in the 17th century, Joséphine de Beauharnais acquired this castle in 1779. In 1800, it became the headquarters of the government and a conference room. The library restores the industrious atmosphere by which Bonaparte enjoyed to be surrounded. The council room is shaped like a military tent where receptions, dances and country-style games took place. The musical lounge offers Josephine's "troubadour” paintings and her well-known harp for visitors to admire. Here, many paintings from these times are on display. After her divorce in 1809, Joséphine continued to live in her house, where she died in 1814. The Napoleonic museum was inaugurated in 1906; it is furnished, decorated and adorned with the paintings that Joséphine bought and loved. The charm and authenticity that have been preserved in this castle will certainly delight you. Return on board the ship, which will remain in port overnight.
(3) Depending on mooring availability, the stopover in Bougival could be replaced by a stopover in Chatou.
Day 3: Bougival(3) - Pontoise
Spend the morning cruising to Pontoise. This afternoon, join the included excursion: Auvers-sur-Oise and the Maison-Atelier de Daubigny. Your first stop will be 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. Continue on to 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. Afterwards, head over to Madame Guinguette and enjoy a tasting of local products in a beautiful setting. Return on board in Auvers-sur-Oise and remain in port overnight. Evening at leisure.
Day 4: Pontoise - Auvers-Sur-Oise - Saint-Leu-D'Esserent
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. 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 us great insight into 19th-century culture in France. Finish up the tour with a demonstration of the absinthe ritual and a tasting, of course. Return to the ship in Auvers-sur-Oise for lunch, then spend the afternoon cruising to 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. You will remain in port overnight.
Day 5: Saint-Leu-D'Esserent - Pont-Sainte-Maxence - Compiegne
Included excursion: 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 to Pont-Sainte-Maxence for lunch. The ship will cruise to Compiègne in the afternoon. Remain in port overnight. Evening at leisure.
Day 6: Compiegne - Pont-l'Eveque (Oise)
Morning 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'll 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 continuing 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. Before returning, 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 lunch. The ship will cruise to Pont-l’Évêque, arriving mid-afternoon.
Afternoon included excursion: Noyon and its Cathedral. Discover Noyon and its 2,000 years of history during this exclusive tour. Two thousand years of heritage and funky street art dot this eclectic city's streets. A festival of lights and colors awaits you within the Notre Dame Cathedral, the first example of Gothic architecture in northern France during the second half of the 12th century. Return on board the ship. Tonight is a festive gala evening.
Afternoon included excursion: Noyon and its Cathedral. Discover Noyon and its 2,000 years of history during this exclusive tour. Two thousand years of heritage and funky street art dot this eclectic city's streets. A festival of lights and colors awaits you within the Notre Dame Cathedral, the first example of Gothic architecture in northern France during the second half of the 12th century. Return on board the ship. Tonight is a festive gala evening.
(4) The Château de Compiègne is closed on Tuesdays and is replaced by a guided tour of the town, the Armistice Memorial Museum, and the park of the Château de Compiègne.
Day 7: Pont-l'Eveque - Paris(2)
Breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Possibility of coach transfer between Pont-l’Évêque and Paris.(2)
(2) Transfer on request for an additional fee
INCLUSIONS:
- 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
EXCLUSIONS:
- The transfer between Pont-l'Eveque and Paris (transfer on request for an additional fee)
- Drinks from the special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
- Cancellation and baggage insurance
- Personal expenses
For safety reasons, the company and/or the captain of the ship are the only authorities who can modify the cruise itinerary.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.