Embark on a journey through the picturesque Oise Valley, where the river has shaped the landscape for centuries. This cruise delves into French history, culture, and art. Visit the Château de Malmaison, once home to Napoleon and Joséphine, and explore Van Gogh’s legacy in Auvers-sur-Oise at the Musée de l'Absinthe. Discover the elegance of Château de Chantilly and pay tribute at the Armistice Memorial in Compiègne. Savour exquisite French cuisine throughout, with a special crème chantilly masterclass from the Confrérie des Chevaliers Fouetteurs. A perfect blend of heritage, art, and gastronomy awaits
Please note: This tour also operates in the reverse direction.
MAIN DECK | 22 Passengers | 6 Crew
SUN DECK
UPPER DECK
Passengers may board the ship at 6:00 p.m in Paris. After settling into your cabins, the crew will be introduced during a welcome cocktail before dinner. Tonight, you'll savour dinner onboard.
Later, enjoy a scenic night cruise through Paris (subject to water levels).
The morning is spent cruising towards Bougival, followed by an afternoon excursion to the historic Château de Malmaison. Built in the 17th century, this elegant estate was acquired by Joséphine de Beauharnais in 1779. By 1800, it served as the headquarters of the government and a key meeting place. The library reflects Bonaparte’s industrious nature, while the council room—designed like a military tent—once hosted receptions, dances and games. The musical lounge showcases Joséphine’s "troubadour" paintings and her renowned harp, alongside other artworks from the period. After her divorce in 1809, she remained here until her passing in 1814. Inaugurated in 1906, the Napoleonic museum preserves the château’s charm and authenticity. The ship remains in port overnight.
Spend the morning cruising to Pontoise. This afternoon, included excursion: Auvers-sur-Oise and the Maison-Atelier de Daubigny. Leave by coach for Auvers-sur-Oise.
First stop will be the Maison-Atelier de Daubigny, a French historical monument since 1991 that was also 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.
Then 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. We'll visit the vineyards and the wine press.
Then it will head to La Tomme d’Isa, an artisanal cheese dairy in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, for a tasting of cheeses and cold cuts, with wine.
Return to the ship in Auvers-sur-Oise, where it will remain docked overnight. Enjoy a free evening to explore at leisure.
Travel 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 great insight into 19th-century culture in France. Finish up on tour with a demonstration of the absinthe ritual and a tasting, of course.
Return to the ship in Auvers-sur-Oise for lunch. We’ll 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 the on board in the 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 remains in port overnight.
Visit Chantilly, home to one of France’s most magnificent castles. This remarkable estate was shaped by Henri d'Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of King Louis-Philippe. Renowned for his extraordinary art collection, the duke transformed Chantilly into a treasure trove of masterpieces and rare manuscripts.
The château remains frozen in time since its donation to the Institut de France, offering a glimpse into its princely past. Explore the grand art galleries, where paintings have remained untouched since the 19th century, the lavish reception rooms and the extensive reading room, one of France’s finest libraries.
Return to Pont-Sainte-Maxence for lunch before an afternoon cruise to Compiègne. The ship remains docked overnight—enjoy a free evening at leisure.
Set off on a guided tour of historic Compiègne. On the picturesque streets of this significant city, 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, come across some lovely medieval homes. The oldest, La Vieille Cassine, was built in the 15th century. Enjoy a tasting of regional delicacies before we 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
Conclude the tour with a visit to 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.
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 colours 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 to the ship for a festive gala evening.
Savour a final buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. The tour concludes here.
*Please note: Coach transfer to Paris are available upon request for an additional fee. For more information, kindly consult our team.
