A Whirlwind Visit to Paris: A Photographic Journey with Viking River Cruise
Picture this: Thirty years of longing materialize into the reality of arriving in Paris with my husband of thirty years. Realizing a travel bucket list feels good, especially when the City of Lights is part of the equation. Check out our whirlwind visit to Paris before a Viking River Cruise as part of a land and sea combination.
Paris Beckons
Our odyssey kicks off as we touch down at Charles DeGaulle and are whisked away to the welcoming Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Center. With the city’s magnificence waiting to be unraveled, Viking whisks us through Parisian streets, each grand street and shopping arcade deserving the rapid-fire shutter of our cameras.
Behold, here lies Paris in a flash through my personal photographs. I’ll admit, this time, my gaze was glued to beauty rather than buried in history books. It’s the bliss of soaking up the fascinating historic city—indeed, Paris demands eyes wide open for her spectacular array of shops and thrilling sights.
Bucket List Check: The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower isn’t merely an icon; it’s a rite of passage. Gazing upon it in all its grandeur, at long last, after five decades of dreams, it’s a tick on the bucket list that feels wholly surreal.
Majestic doesn’t even begin to cover the sight and scale of this iron marvel—a centerpiece amidst the hustle and bustle, demanding attention and reverence in equal measure. Strolling beneath its towering presence, you’re treated to a kaleidoscope view of artistic genius in ironwork.
Despite forgoing the ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower (next time, Paris!), the foundation is solid. The tower’s grounds are bustling, with thousands of daily visitors and an arsenal of armed guards, but this is the heart of Paris and a must for all visits.
Cruising the Seine’s Storybook Setting
Here’s my best-kept secret for surveying the soul of Paris: a gentle glide down the scenic Seine with a relaxing boat ride. Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches has back-to-back river cruises with various options, granting passage throughout the picturesque heart of heritage.
With the boat’s bow as your stage, you’re narrated through a river-deep history, passing beneath bridges like the stately Pont Alexandre III. The majestic trio—Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame—unfolds before you, epitomizing Parisian splendor.
Gracing the bow of a boat with a camera or phone in hand, you have the coveted vantage point. The narrated tour is really good and offers historical accounts of the sights you see. From museums to shopping areas, it was money well spent.
You can ride the gorgeous carousel in this part of town.
Parisian Palette: From Cuisine to Cathedrals
In Paris, indulgence comes easy and savory. From luscious cheese creations to fabulous wines, each dish and sip is a love letter to the senses. The Croque Monsieur (a real weakness of mine) is nothing short of a religious experience, a heavenly ham and cheese masterwork glorified with a rich béchamel.
Amidst starch-coated fries and sumptuous salads, even pasta (an Italian transplant) weaves its magic, tempting your taste buds. And the coffee? It deserves its own sonnet: the pizza, a heartfelt culinary critique.
No narrative on Paris is complete without a nod to macarons. Far removed from their macaroon coconut cousin, their authentic chewy richness is a flavor tapestry showcased in beautiful pastel hues and delicious flavors.
Try the rose, lavender, pistachio, and coffee if you need suggestions.
Our Viking vessel charters past postcard-worthy promenades like the Champs-Elysees and architectural wonders—the Arc de Triomphe, Palais Garnier Opera House, and the modern marvel, Louvre’s glass pyramid.
When I first laid eyes on the Louvre Museum from my boat cruise, seeing the I.M. Pei-designed glass entrance was nearly jaw-dropping.
Later that afternoon, our Viking River Cruise group toured Notre Dame Cathedral, known for its precious history, Gothic spires, vertical towers, flying buttresses, and elegant facade.
To me, the most memorable features are the three 13th-century rose windows, primarily blue and red, signifying the purity of the Virgin Mary and the birth of Christ.
The following day, imagine our shock as we watched the beloved Parisian Cathedral burning only blocks from us in a devastating and tragic event for the whole world.
Nestled in the Heart of Parisian Splendor
Our harbor throughout this voyage of discovery wasn’t just any port in a storm; it was the well-appointed Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel—where comfort meets convenience.
With amenities ranging from gourmet dining and a stunning lobby to a relaxing spa, we were very happy with the host hotel Viking River Cruises provided for our land and sea vacation.
A particular highlight was the deep soaking tub—an unexpected luxury that transformed routine into ritual. This became my little private sanctuary where I contemplated the day’s enriching experiences and got lost in a best-selling novel.
Settled in the artistically vibrant quarter of Montparnasse and train station, our room was only steps away from the pulsating Parisian streets, yet offered a haven of tranquility.
Paris: A Bucket List Successfully Checked Off
Bon voyage! May your City of Light’s exploration be as wonderful as mine. Read more of our journey as we explored Paris to the Swiss Alps over thirteen incredible days.
Read more about our Viking River Cruise at:
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