River Cruises
Magical Paris & Festive Seine River Cruise
From €1,699pp including flights
- Depart From
- Fly from Dubllin, cruise from Paris
- Departure Date
- Departures December 2026 & 2027
- Duration
- 5 days
- Destination
- France
- Price
- From €1,699pp including flights
River Cruise Route: Paris; Vernon; Bizy Castle; Conflans & Chantilly Castle; Paris
Fly into Paris and board the 5* MS Jane Austen to cruise the iconic River Seine over the course of a week, visiting the Vernon and Bizy Castle, Conflans and Chantilly Castle, before returning to Paris. This great value package includes fights, transfers, drinks package, 5 experiences, Christmas Market visits, and much more!
The magic of Christmas comes alive on this seasonal French festive river cruise - visit historic country estates adorned with decorations, see the grandeur of Paris' and browse its Christmas markets.
As we glide along the Seine, we’ll explore three magnificent French châteaux - masterpieces of architecture and elegance, dressed in its Christmas finery. Each has its own yuletide twist, from the homely atmosphere of "Little Norman Versailles" of Bizy Castle to the storybook wonderland of Chantilly, and the breathtakingly festive Vaux-le-Vicomte, every visit offers a sensory delight of seasonal splendour. We’ll also enjoy a private organ recital in Vernon Cathedral.
Onboard, enjoy luxurious dining, mulled wine on the sun deck, and a seasonal ambience. Relax as you sail past wintry landscapes, letting the magic of the season and the charm of France surround you.
Conclude with a Parisian finale - the "City of Light" adorned with enchanting Christmas markets brimming with twinkling lights and handcrafted treasures. This river cruise promises guests the perfect blend of Christmas cheer and the timeless elegance of France.
- Tour Bizy Castle where you will get to know all about the flavours of Normandy with an immersive tasting experience.
- Bask in lovely organ music in the atmospheric Vernon Cathedral.
- Marvel at the collection of masterpieces and manuscripts at Chantilly Castle and embrace the enchanting spirit as the castle transforms into a Christmas wonderland.
- Visit the grand Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, which in December is adorned with Christmas decorations making it the place to go in Paris over the festive period.
- Explore the French capital on a walking tour and browse the Christmas markets.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
- Free Superior drinks package
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
- All visits and excursions as mentioned
- Return flights
- Coach travel as mentioned
- Transfers from the airport or station to and from the port of embarkation
- English-speaking expert guides
- The services of a Cruise Director and Concierge
Fact File
- Currency: Euro
- Flight time: 2 hrs
- Language: French
- Country: France
Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for the duration of your cruise. Please note that speeds may vary.
Visa Information
Irish Citizens do not require a visa to enter Europe however must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit the DFA website. We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.
Mobility
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here.
How can one adequately sum up the wonderfully elegant five-star MS Jane Austen? Launched in 2015 and built to the most exacting standards, how can we describe this extraordinary vessel that’s truly one of the finest ships of its type afloat anywhere in the world?
Quite simply, every single aspect and element is designed to the highest possible specification and our own exacting standards to bring you the very best and most enjoyable river cruising experience, in the most luxurious comfort.
We have worked tirelessly with our Swiss partner Scylla AG, one of the world’s most experienced luxury river ship builders with a pedigree stretching back over nearly 40 years, to design the perfect vessel, with virtually no expense spared.
You’ll feel the unmistakable understated opulence of this extraordinary vessel as you board through the spacious, marble-floored lobby. Stylish furnishings using environmentally friendly materials are beautifully combined with the most advanced safety systems… and the work of a wonderful designer’s eye conjuring up the classic lines and sophistication of a luxurious ocean liner. As always, the finesse is in the detail - beautifully crafted tropical hardwoods, wrought iron, highly polished copper and brass, all beautifully illuminated then added to soft leather furnishings and imaginative colour schemes, promotes a subtle, chic ambience of exceptional taste.
Intuitive, unobtrusive service is graceful, efficient yet friendly as you might expect from a Swiss operated ship with 35 staff serving just 140 guests. This outstanding ratio of 4:1 allows a personal touch which makes such a difference to your cruise. Plus unlike other vessels typically carrying up to 200 passengers, you’ll enjoy simply far more space – as well as a smaller, more intimate dining experience.
Price per person is based on 2 adults sharing and includes:
- Return flights from Dublin
- Airport transfers
- Checked Luggage
- 4 night Magical Paris & Festive Seine River Cruise onboard the 5* MS Jane Austen (sails December 2026)
- Full board dining
- Drinks package included
- 5 included experiences
- Expert Cruise Director & Concierge
- Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
- All port charges & airport taxes
Please ask us about:
- Travel Insurance
- Extending your holiday with a European City Break before or after your cruise
Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply. Prices are live and only guaranteed at time of booking. Departures December 2026 & 2027
For more information please call us on 021 493 5806 or 0818 300 205, email cruise@shandontravel.ie, request a call back using the red button, or submit an enquiry through the form below.
- DAY 1: Arrival in Paris
- DAY 2: Vernon & Bizy Castle
- DAY 3: Conflans & Chantilly Castle
- DAY 4: Paris
- DAY 5: Departure
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