Arrive in Paris

Plan your international flights to arrive in Paris by mid-afternoon today. It is easy to catch a taxi from the airport to our hotel, or to book a private transfer (we’ll provide some options prior to departure). Explore the amenities of the hotel and the surrounding neighborhood until time for our welcome cocktail in the hotel’s bar. Afterwards we walk to a nearby restaurant for our Welcome Dinner. Please let us know on your reservation form if you would like to arrive one day early (the 16th) to rest up from jet lag. (Welcome Dinner included)

Paris Orientation / Montmartre / Paris at Night

After breakfast and check-out, commence a brief orientation tour of Paris from the coach. We enjoy lunch at a typical French Brasserie and then continue to Montmartre, a bohemian neighborhood renowned for its artistic heritage. Climb up to the dramatic Sacré-Cœur Basilica for stunning panoramic views over the city. As the sun sets, we make our way to our hotel barge, MS Raymonde, docked on the Seine. We are welcome to begin boarding at 6pm. We meet the crew at a welcome cocktail reception before dinner on board. This evening we enjoy a dazzling night-time cruise on the Seine through Paris, the City of Lights. (All Meals)

Paris - Bougival

We navigate out of Paris and spend the morning cruising to Bougival. We have an included excursion this afternoon: Guided tour of the Château de Malmaison. Built in the 17th century, Joséphine de Beauharnais acquired this castle in 1779. In 1800, it became the headquarters of the government and a conference room. The library restores the industrious atmosphere by which Bonaparte enjoyed to be surrounded. The council room is shaped like a military tent where receptions, dances and country-style games took place. The musical lounge offers Josephine's "troubadour” paintings and her well-known harp for visitors to admire. Here, many paintings from these times are on display. After her divorce in 1809, Joséphine continued to live in her house, where she died in 1814. The Napoleonic Museum was inaugurated in 1906; it is furnished, decorated and adorned with the paintings that Joséphine bought and loved. The charm and authenticity that have been preserved in this castle will certainly delight you. After our excursion, we return on board the ship which will remain in port overnight. (All Meals)

Bougival – Pontoise

We spend the morning cruising to Pontoise. This afternoon’s included excursion is: Pontoise and the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Pissarro. Learn about Pontoise's monuments and celebrities as you stroll along its picturesque streets at your own pace. The city's superb cathedral dates as far back as the 12th century and includes a Flamboyant-style tower and central portal, as well as Renaissance additions added a few centuries later. We continue our tour at the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Pissarro. It contains more than 3,000 works from several great masters, including sketches by Henri Matisse; watercolors by Freundlich, Jimenez, and Thornley; and etchings by Camille Pissarro. There are also works not only by the museum's namesake, but also by his sons (Lucien, Ludovic-Rodo, Georges, and Félix) and contemporaries such as Paul Signac, Ludovic Piette, Federico Zandomeneghi, Edouard Béliard, and Louis Hayet. The collection is rounded out by canvases from pre- and post-Impressionists who worked in the Oise Valley, most notably Charles-François Daubigny, Luis Jimenez, and Octave Linet. Thanks to this prestigious compilation, the museum presents fascinating exhibits throughout the year. We finish our excursion with a taste of goat cheese and honey at the Tourist Information Office, and then return to our ship for dinner and overnight in port. (All Meals)

Pontoise - Auvers-sur-Oise – Saint-Leu-d’Esserent

This morning we cruise towards Auvers-Sur-Oise which stretches almost four miles along the banks of the Oise River. Auvers-sur-Oise was Vincent Van Gogh’s last home and is his final resting place. Our included excursion today is: Auvers-sur-Oise and the Musée de l’Absinthe. We'll stroll through the picturesque village streets and along the Artists' Pathway, where works by famous Impressionists compare the current landscapes and architecture. Our 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’s collection gives us great insight into 19th-century culture in France. We return to the ship in Auvers-sur-Oise for lunch, and 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 us on board this 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. We remain in port overnight. (All Meals)

Saint-Leu-d’Esserent - Pont-Sainte-Maxence - Compiegne

We set off from our barge this morning to enjoy today’s included excursion: Château de Chantilly. Chantilly, the town, is home to one of the most beautiful castles in France. The château is the work of an exceptional figure, Henri d'Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of the last French king, Louis-Phillipe. The duke is considered to have owned one of the finest art collections of his time, making Chantilly a showcase for his many masterpieces and priceless manuscripts. The castle has remained at a virtual standstill since the Duke of Aumale bequeathed it to the Institut de France, so we take advantage of this moment to jump back in time and step into his princely domain. We visit the art galleries, where paintings have hung undisturbed since the 19th century; the large, opulent suites once used as reception rooms; and the reading room, one of the most extensive libraries in the country. After our tour, we return for lunch to our barge, which has moved in our absence to Pont-Sainte-Maxence. This afternoon, our ship continues cruising to Compiègne, where we remain in port overnight for dinner and a free evening.

Compiegne - Pont-l'Évêque

We set off this morning for our first included excursion today: Compiègne, the Armistice Memorial, and the Château de Compiègne. On this guided tour we enjoy the picturesque streets of this significant city and 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, we 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 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 the soldiers who have fought since 1870, including Augustin Trébuchon—the last French soldier killed on the front during World War I. Before we return to our ship, we visit 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. We return on board for lunch and our ship cruises to Pont-l’Évêque, arriving mid-afternoon. Arriving at our final dock, we enjoy a second included excursion today: Noyon and its Cathedral. 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 colors awaits you within the Notre Dame Cathedral, the first example of Gothic architecture in northern France during the second half of the 12th century. We return to our homey barge for one final night aboard. Tonight is our festive gala evening where we thank the crew and wish them a fond farewell.

Depart – or - Commence Paris Extension

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 8:00am to begin our motorcoach transfer back to Paris. The Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport is right on the way, so we will drop those who are not continuing on the tour extension at the airport around 9:15am this morning. Please do not arrange your departing flights today to take off before noon. If you are planning to remain in Paris after the cruise without joining our extension, you can continue with us into the city and be dropped at our original Paris hotel, saying farewell to the rest of the group at that time. Bon Voyage and safe travels! (Breakfast)

Paris Tour Extension

We have now returned to one of the most of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world. It would be a shame to leave it without experiencing more of its delights. Toto Tours has curated a selection of the best experiences in this historic City of Lights. We hope you will elect to stay on with us for three more unforgettable days in gay Pareé!

Triumphal Return to Paris

After disembarking from our barge this morning, we return to Paris via the airport to drop off group members who are not joining this extension. We check into our hotel and meet our Paris guide, then re-board our motorcoach to commence an exciting tour extension in Paris. We begin the day in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Explore the artistic and intellectual ambiance of the place and see the iconic cafes, like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, once frequented by famous writers and artists.

Then we make our way to the Latin Quarter, known for its vibrant student life and numerous bistros. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in this lively neighborhood (not included). Visit Montparnasse Tower and enjoy a glass of champagne as we take in the amazing views.

After checking in at our hotel we have the pleasure of dining at the historic “Le Train Bleu” restaurant in the Gare de Lyon. It is sure to be a tour highlight! We return to our hotel for overnight. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Louvre Museum / Paris Sightseeing

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, join our guide for a full day of sightseeing in Paris, starting with one of the world’s largest and most renowned art museums – The Louvre. Spend the morning admiring iconic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and so many more.

Our next stop is the Île de la Cité, where we wander through the enchanting streets of one of the two natural islands in the Seine River and discover charming cafes and boutiques. We take time here for lunch (not included).

After its terrible fire in 2019, Notre Dame Cathedrale is now being restored to its former glory. This Gothic masterpiece is set to reopen for inside visits in December 2024, but we will stop for photos of the exterior. A short walk from Notre Dame is the glorious Sainte-Chapelle, another masterpiece of Gothic architecture. We stop inside to marvel at its exquisite stained-glass windows.

Leaving the island, we head to Le Marais, a trendy neighborhood filled with history, boutiques, and delicious eateries. In this neighborhood we’ll take a stroll to Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris. Relax in the beautifully landscaped gardens or explore the nearby art galleries.

We return to our hotel for a free evening and dinner on our own. For those who would like to revel in one of the most camp productions anywhere, Toto Tours will organize a special excursion this evening to Montmartre to attend a colorful and exciting dinner & show at the world-famous “Moulin Rouge”. Prices are $275 or $325, depending on the menu selected. Prices do not include transportation to the theatre. A $25 booking fee has been added to each price. Please indicate your intention to join and your menu choice when you submit your reservation. You can see the menus here. (Breakfast)

Orsay Museum / Paris Sightseeing

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, join our guide for another full day of sightseeing in Paris, starting at the stunning Musée d’Orsay. Housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900, it houses the largest collection of impressionist masterpieces in the world!

After a break for lunch (not included) we drive along the Champs Elysees and past the famous Arc de Triomphe. Next, we visit Fondation Louis Vuitton, a stunning art museum and cultural center. The building and its surrounding gardens are considered an architectural wonder.

We return to our hotel with some free time for last-minute shopping or packing for tomorrow's departure. Tonight we fete the successful conclusion of our “French Toast” tour with a cocktail at our hotel, after which we ascend to the first level of the Eiffel Tower for our Farewell Dinner at the elegant Madame Brasserie restaurant. Splendid views, excellent food and beverages accompanied by a shared sense of joie de vivre will be enjoyed by all. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Au Revoir Pareé

The tour extension concludes with your check-out from our hotel this morning. We have not included airport transfers since we are not all departing on the same flight. It is easy to organize a taxi transfer with the hotel’s concierge. Please let us know if you wish to extend your stay an additional night at our Paris hotel. Our rate is only valid for one additional night.