Paris, Champagne & The Seine River

Begin your day in Reims, the historic city of royal coronations and Champagne. Our journey starts with a visit to the renowned Notre-Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmark that has witnessed the coronation of 33 French kings and the baptism of Clovis, the first king of the Franks, in 498.

After immersing ourselves in the rich history of Reims, we’ll have the opportunity to uncover the city center, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and admiring its Art Deco marvels. As evening descends, we’ll embark on our home for the remainder of the journey, the MS Deborah, our private French barge reserved for Journeys by Van Dyke guests.

Start your morning with a captivating exploration of Sens, a city steeped in history and adorned with impressive architecture. Our first stop is the magnificent Sens Cathedral, the pioneering masterpiece of Gothic architecture in France. This cathedral served as the inspiration for many others, including the renowned Canterbury Cathedral in Great Britain. As we walk through the streets and promenades, you’ll be enchanted by the remarkable homes, buildings, and facades that bear witness to the town’s rich heritage.

After immersing ourselves in the charm of Sens, we’ll return to our barge and set sail on the tranquil waters of the Yonne River, a picturesque tributary of the Seine. Our cruise will culminate in the charming town of Montereau-Fault-Yonne, where we’ll arrive in the late afternoon.

Enjoy a tranquil morning sail down the river to the charming town of Moret-sur-Loing, where our afternoon journey awaits.

In the afternoon, we’ll disembark to unearth Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, a picturesque town nestled on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest. During our visit, we’ll wander through the town’s fortified medieval gates, admire the splendid Renaissance facades, and savour in the serene beauty of the Loing River and Notre-Dame Church.

Savor the morning as we cruise along the peaceful waters to Melun, taking in the charming scenery that lines our route.

In the afternoon, lose yourself in the history and grandeur of Fontainebleau and its magnificent gardens with a guided tour. This iconic palace holds a storied past, having been inhabited by all the kings and queens of France at some point in history.

As the day comes to a close, we’ll return to our barge, where you’ll have the evening free to relax and unwind.

As the sun rises, we set off on another tranquil morning cruise to the charming town of Evry, allowing you to bask in the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape.

In the afternoon, we venture to the historic village of Barbizon. Steeped in artistic heritage, Barbizon became a haven for renowned painters in the early 19th century. Edmée and François Ganne’s humble grocer’s shop served as a catalyst for the village’s artistic renaissance, attracting luminaries such as Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot, Théodore Rousseau, and Jean-François Millet.

Today we soak in the grandness of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Designed by the celebrated architect Louis Le Vau in 1653, this magnificent estate showcases his mastery of the Italianate style and classical antiquity. As the Kings Principal Architect, Le Vau’s innovative designs laid the foundation for French architecture for generations to come.

After our tour, we’ll return to Evry and spend the afternoon cruising to Paris. This evening we’ll have a quintessentially Parisian experience aboard our barge, where you’ll be treated to an evening of “Parisian titi” celebrations.

Today we bid adieu to the MS Deborah as we return to Paris and prepare for our flights. A private car will bring you home upon arrival.