An Unforgettable Journey: My Viking River Cruise Through Paris & The Heart of Normandy

Embark on a captivating voyage along the historic Seine River with this detailed travelogue of my Viking River Cruise from Paris to the enchanting Heart of Normandy. This comprehensive review shares my personal experiences and insights from an 8-day adventure aboard the Viking Longship Kadlin, offering a valuable guide for anyone planning their own European river cruise. Discover the charm of centuries-old towns, the scenic beauty of the French countryside, and the unparalleled comfort of a Viking journey.

It feels like a lifetime ago since I last shared details of my incredible trip to Paris, promising a deeper dive into the river cruise portion of our French escapade. Between the hustle of the holidays and subsequent travels, time simply slipped away. But now, with a moment to breathe and a treasure trove of photographs to revisit, I’m thrilled to finally share the first installment of our unforgettable Viking River Cruise experience.

From the moment we boarded the elegant Viking Longship Kadlin, every detail of our 8-day journey was meticulously handled, allowing my husband Ed and me to immerse ourselves fully in the magic of France. This review will highlight everything from our comfortable stateroom accommodations and the exquisite culinary offerings to the fascinating excursions that brought us closer to the towns and villages lining the majestic Seine. Prepare to be inspired for your next European adventure!

Choosing Our Dream European River Cruise: Paris & The Heart of Normandy

With an array of captivating European river cruise itineraries offered by Viking, selecting the perfect journey can be a delightful challenge. After extensive research on the Viking website, the Paris & The Heart of Normandy itinerary emerged as the ideal choice. The allure was undeniable: I had always dreamt of visiting Paris, and this cruise offered the perfect opportunity to experience its timeless beauty.

Beyond the romance of Paris, I was deeply drawn to the historical significance of the **WWII D-Day beaches in Normandy**. The Paris to Normandy cruise uniquely allowed us to visit both iconic destinations in a single, seamless trip. The greatest advantage? Viking handled every logistical detail, freeing us from the stress of driving, navigating, or constantly packing and unpacking. This all-inclusive approach truly defines the unparalleled ease and enjoyment of river cruising.

The Unparalleled Benefits of a European River Cruise

River cruising offers a distinct mode of travel that is wonderfully casual and deeply relaxing. Unlike traditional ocean cruises or land tours, you maintain one “hotel room” for the entire duration, eliminating the tiresome cycle of packing and unpacking every few days. This means more time to savor the journey and less time managing logistics. On a Viking cruise, you feel truly pampered, with every comfort attended to. Whether you choose to take advantage of Viking’s thoughtfully curated daily excursions or prefer to explore independently at each port, the flexibility is entirely yours.

Our journey took place in the last week of September extending into early October, a period I wholeheartedly recommend for visiting Europe. Not only do you benefit from cooler, more pleasant weather, but the crowds are significantly thinner, and prices tend to be more favorable. It’s a truly idyllic time to experience the beauty of France without the peak season rush.

Our magnificent vessel, the Viking Kadlin, was named after the daughter of Norse nobility, a fitting tribute to Viking’s heritage. Throughout the cruise, we had the pleasure of conversing with fellow passengers, many of whom were seasoned Viking cruisers, having embarked on numerous journeys. For Ed and me, this was our inaugural river cruising experience, and it certainly left us eager for many more to come!

Day 1 & 2: Settling In and Exploring LePecq Near Paris

After four exhilarating days of cycling and walking through the vibrant streets of Paris, we were more than ready for some well-deserved relaxation upon arriving at our ship. For the first two days, the Viking Kadlin was docked in LePecq, a charming town located about an hour outside of the bustling heart of Paris.

Booking TIP: During our cruise, we learned that the itinerary for the “Paris & The Heart of Normandy” typically begins with the Longship docked directly in Paris, often near the iconic Eiffel Tower. However, our specific vessel, the Viking Kadlin, was too large and heavy for that particular section of the river at the time. This came as a surprise to us, as we had anticipated starting the cruise directly in Paris. If a full day and a half in Paris at the start of your cruise is important to you – especially if you haven’t planned independent pre-cruise exploration or an extension – it’s crucial to confirm the exact docking location with Viking before booking to ensure your cruise genuinely commences in Paris.

On Day 2, a bus excursion was offered into Paris. However, since we had just thoroughly explored Paris on our own for four days, we decided to embrace the local charm of LePecq. We spent our time leisurely touring the town and the beautiful surrounding area of Saint Germain en Laye, enjoying a more relaxed introduction to our river cruise adventure.

Aboard the Viking Kadlin: Comfort and Elegance

Upon boarding the Viking Kadlin and completing our seamless check-in, our first order of business was to inspect our stateroom and then explore the ship. We arrived early, so the vessel was still relatively quiet with only a few other passengers present. Even at full capacity, the ship never felt crowded. We consistently found comfortable seating in the main lounge, at meal times in the dining room, and on the outdoor decks, a testament to Viking’s thoughtful design and passenger-to-space ratio.

The impressive open wooden staircase is the first architectural feature that captures your attention upon entering the ship. It elegantly ascends to the third floor or “Upper Deck,” where our stateroom was conveniently located, along with the main lounge area. The design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, setting a tone of refined comfort.

Just behind this striking staircase, a set of closed doors leads into the inviting main dining room, where all our delightful meals were served. The dining area boasted a mix of seating arrangements, including long tables designed for eight and more intimate round tables, all strategically placed alongside floor-to-ceiling windows. I particularly enjoyed dining at the round tables, as they fostered easier conversations with everyone present. At the longer tables, it could sometimes be a bit challenging to engage with passengers at the far ends. We made it a point to meet new people at every meal, and by midweek, we had forged some wonderful new friendships, often choosing to sit together. Interestingly, we discovered two separate couples who lived remarkably close to us in South Carolina – truly a small world!

The Viking Kadlin features three main decks and a spacious Sundeck. The Upper Deck housed the elegant Lounge, the popular Aquavit Terrace, and the majority of Veranda Staterooms and Suites. The Middle Deck was home to Reception, the main Dining room, and additional staterooms. A few more staterooms were located on the Main Deck. Our Veranda Stateroom was perfectly situated on the Upper Deck, offering convenient access to many of the ship’s amenities.

Our accommodation, a Veranda Stateroom, was thoughtfully designed. It featured a supremely comfortable queen-size bed and a well-appointed bathroom with the luxury of heated floors and a surprisingly decent-sized shower. I had anticipated a much smaller space, characteristic of many cruise cabins, but found there was ample room for us to move around comfortably and store our belongings.

Our stateroom boasted a full veranda, accessible through sliding glass doors, offering a private outdoor retreat. While lovely, we didn’t spend as much time here as one might expect, largely because we preferred to be in the ship’s main communal areas, particularly…

…the bow of the ship, just off the main lounge area. This spot provided spectacular panoramic views, allowing us to see both sides of the river simultaneously. From our stateroom veranda, we could only observe one side, and I was eager not to miss any of the breathtaking scenery gliding past.

The main lounge area, situated on the top deck, quickly became our favorite spot to unwind after returning to the ship from our adventures in the port towns and villages or our various excursions. It was a hub of activity and relaxation, featuring a full-service bar, a talented pianist providing daily entertainment, and an abundance of plush, comfortable seating arrangements.

It was utterly delightful to enjoy drinks and snacks here, socializing with fellow passengers before heading down to the dining room for dinner. When the weather was too chilly to sit outside, I particularly enjoyed settling into one of the swivel chairs positioned right next to the large windows. These chairs made it incredibly easy to sit back, relax, and gaze out at the ever-changing riverside landscape as we gently sailed by.

While our 8-day cruise wasn’t blessed with consistently perfect weather, a few clouds and occasional rain showers certainly didn’t dampen our spirits or our enjoyment of the trip. Whenever the rain cleared and the ship was in motion, the Sundeck was undeniably the place to be. Offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the picturesque surroundings, it was perfect for soaking in the scenery. I was particularly glad I had packed a warm sweater, as it could get quite breezy, especially on the cloudier days, making layers a wise choice for comfort.

Culinary Delights: Food & Drink On Board The Viking Kadlin

As anyone who has experienced a cruise knows, you’re guaranteed to be well-fed and never thirsty. The Viking Kadlin upheld this tradition with exceptional flair. Breakfast was served buffet-style in the main dining room, featuring an abundant spread. Wait staff were always on hand to take drink orders and provide impeccable service. The breakfast offerings included eggs made to order, a variety of savory meats, fresh fruits, an assortment of artisanal breads and pastries, as well as a selection of hot and cold cereals. For those desiring something specific, the option to order specialty items from the attentive wait staff was also available.

Lunch and dinner were elegant, full-service, sit-down meals, allowing for a more refined dining experience. Despite the quality of service, the dress code remained refreshingly casual; jeans and sneakers were perfectly acceptable attire, contributing to the relaxed atmosphere Viking is known for.

The ship’s bar provided full service, and a delightful bonus was that most house wines, beer, and soft drinks were included in the overall price of the cruise. This made enjoying a drink even more relaxing, without the constant worry of additional charges.

INSIDER TIP: For those who appreciate fine wine with dinner and enjoy a wider selection of spirits, we highly recommend purchasing the Silver Spirits Package. This upgrade allowed us to enjoy premium bottles of wine at our table, along with a full range of local wines, various beers, cocktails, and specialty drinks from the bar. If you envision yourself savoring a quality glass of wine or a handcrafted cocktail each evening, this package offers excellent value and enhances the overall indulgence of your trip.

In the late afternoon, a delightful special snack was always thoughtfully set up on the Aquavit Terrace. One day, it might be an elegant tea service featuring delicate macarons; another, an exquisite assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and crackers sourced from the very regions we were cruising through. These savory and sweet treats were exactly what we needed to refresh ourselves after a day of exploring the charming towns and villages of France.

Additionally, for convenience, two self-service coffee and tea stations were available 24/7, always stocked with freshly brewed coffee, a selection of teas, muffins, and cookies, ensuring a warm treat was always within reach.

One of the most charming touches after a day excursion was the welcoming ritual upon returning to the ship. Passengers were consistently greeted with refreshing warm hand towels and a glass of sparkling champagne, a truly delightful way to transition back to the comfort and luxury of the Viking Kadlin. This small gesture made every return feel like a special homecoming.

Whenever the weather permitted and the rain held off, Ed and I particularly enjoyed dining on the outside section of the Aquavit Terrace. Positioned at the very bow of the ship, it offered spectacular, unobstructed views of the river and its charming banks, transforming every meal into a scenic experience.

At both lunch and dinner, the menu presented a carefully curated selection of a few distinct options, catering to various tastes. The culinary team truly excelled; here are just a few examples of the exquisite meals I savored. Every dish was not only beautifully presented but also incredibly delicious, a true highlight of the onboard experience.

Day 3: Immersive Exploration in Vernon & Giverny – Monet’s Inspiration

Each day of our cruise brought a new opportunity for discovery, as the ship would dock, allowing passengers to explore a new town or participate in one of the several excursions offered. Most of these excursions were thoughtfully included in the overall cruise cost, providing exceptional value and access to cultural experiences. A select few, however, were available for an additional fee, offering more specialized or unique adventures.

Ed and I opted for two of these special excursions. Our first choice was an exhilarating bike ride from the charming town of Vernon to the iconic village of Giverny, where we would tour Claude Monet’s historic house and his world-renowned gardens. Our second choice led us to Honfleur, a captivating 17th-century coastal town. I’ll delve much deeper into our adventures in Honfleur, the magnificent coast of Normandy, and the other fascinating stops we made in the second part of this travelogue, coming next weekend!

Once the Viking Kadlin departed from LePecq, our first official port of call was Vernon, France. After a delicious breakfast onboard, Ed and I disembarked around 10:00 in the morning, eager to explore this picturesque town.

Vernon immediately charmed us with its authentic French atmosphere. As we strolled through the streets, we couldn’t help but notice a distinctive local custom: nearly everyone we saw carried both a traditional French market basket, brimming with fresh produce, and a wheeled tote, much like the one the woman in the photo above is using. It wasn’t one or the other, but consistently both! It seemed these practical yet stylish accessories were undeniably “a thing” for daily life in France.

Curiosity led us to follow the flow of locals, and we soon discovered the source of their bounty: a sprawling and incredibly vibrant Farmer’s Market, bursting with the most colorful and fresh offerings imaginable. The air was filled with a delightful mix of aromas, from ripe fruits to freshly baked goods.

We wandered through stall after stall, each one a testament to the rich bounty of the region, featuring impeccably fresh produce, an impressive array of seafood – just look at the size of those langostinos! – and fragrant flowers. The market was a sensory feast, a true immersion into local French life.

The market was also filled with charming wooden produce crates, stacked everywhere. I instantly fell in love with them and would have absolutely cherished bringing one or two home as a unique souvenir of our visit. After a delightful morning exploring Vernon, we returned to the ship for a leisurely lunch, followed by some quiet time to relax and read, recharging for our upcoming adventure: a bike ride to Monet’s house across the river in Giverny.

The weather, thankfully, cooperated beautifully for our afternoon excursion, making the picturesque 20-minute bike ride to Giverny and back an incredibly enjoyable experience. The path was scenic and refreshing, a perfect way to arrive at such an inspiring destination.

Upon our arrival in Giverny, we parked our bikes and proceeded to explore the heart of the village on foot. It was an exceptionally charming and tranquil little hamlet, instantly recognizable by its signature “Monet green” accents. The village featured narrow, winding streets and a collection of intriguing homes, each adorned with vibrant gardens. It felt as though we had stepped directly into one of Monet’s paintings.

While each house in Giverny possessed its own unique character and charm, a common thread united them: nearly every structure was enveloped in lush vines and vibrant flowers, creating an atmosphere of natural beauty and artistic inspiration.

This image captures a side view of Monet’s historic home, taken from inside the expansive property. Beyond that impressive, vine-covered stone wall lies the narrow street we had just walked down. As a major tourist attraction, the house was understandably quite crowded. We had to wait in lines to experience both the renowned gardens and the interior of the house, a small price to pay for such a cultural immersion.

For anyone familiar with Monet’s iconic works, visiting these gardens provides an immediate and profound understanding of how this very landscape inspired him to paint in the way he did, ultimately leading him to become the revered founder of Impressionism. The vibrant colors, the play of light on water, and the intricate dance of nature are all tangible here.

The gardens were a riot of color, with everything in glorious bloom, and a network of winding paths led visitors through various sections, eventually circling back to the elegant house. It truly felt like stepping into a living painting.

While the house itself is historically significant, it often feels secondary to the sheer magnificence of the gardens. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to capture any photographs inside the house, as the crowds were simply too dense to even lift my camera, a testament to its popularity.

After a thoroughly inspiring tour of Monet’s gardens and the charming village of Giverny, we embarked on our bikes once more, heading back towards Vernon. On our return journey, we made a special stop at a remarkable 16th-century brick and timber structure known as **The Old Mill**. This iconic mill, perched gracefully over the river, has been the subject of countless paintings, including those by Claude Monet himself. Though it suffered significant damage during WWII, it has been lovingly restored to its former glory, standing as a beautiful testament to history.

During our stop at The Old Mill, our attentive bike tour hosts offered us a delightful spread of local delicacies: a flaky apple tart, delicate macarons, crisp Normandy cider, and celebratory champagne. We enjoyed these treats as we sat by the tranquil banks of the river, savoring the moment and the picturesque surroundings.

After a wonderful 20-minute break filled with local flavors and scenic views, we were back on our bikes, making our way directly to the ship, invigorated and ready for the evening.

The Viking Kadlin set sail approximately 30 minutes after our return. With the sun still shining brightly, we chose to relax on our stateroom veranda for a while, soaking in the departing views, before heading to the dining room for a delectable dinner.

This concludes the first part of our Viking River Cruise adventure! I hope this detailed account provides valuable insights and inspires your future travels. Don’t miss the continuation of our journey in **Part 2 of the cruise:** Viking Cruise Part 2.

For those interested in exploring other magnificent European waterways, you might also enjoy reading about my friend Kelly’s experience on The Rhine Getaway from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland.

Have you ever had the pleasure of embarking on a Viking River Cruise? If so, which itinerary did you choose, and what were your favorite moments? If you’re contemplating a river cruise and have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below – I’d love to share more of my experience!

And if you’d like to catch up on my pre-cruise adventures in Paris, you can find those posts here:

• Touring Paris By Bicycle: A Unique Perspective
• Walking All Around Paris: Discovering Hidden Gems on Foot
• Why I Didn’t Take the Eiffel Tower Steps: An Honest Account

My Must-Have’s For Effortless European River Cruising

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase an item I recommend, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

To truly enhance your European river cruise experience, consider these essential travel items designed for comfort and convenience:

• Travel-Size Binoculars: Perfect for spotting distant landmarks, wildlife along the riverbanks, or intricate architectural details from the comfort of your ship.
• Lightweight Cardigan or Shawl: Ideal for layering against cool breezes on the sundeck, for comfortable evenings in the lounge, or for adapting to varying temperatures during excursions.
• Crossbody Handbag: Offers security and ease of access for your essentials while exploring charming towns, keeping your hands free for photos or browsing local markets.
• Compact, Smart Luggage: Choose luggage designed to fit efficiently in stateroom closets or discreetly under beds, maximizing your living space on board.

Investing in these thoughtful items will help ensure a smoother, more enjoyable, and truly effortless journey as you explore the beauty of Europe.