Oise Valley: Cruise France’s Historic Heartland

Arrive in Paris and board MS Deborah in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin before joining a welcome cocktail and meeting the crew. As night falls, take in the magic of Paris from the water as we cruise past the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Meals:  D

This morning we cruise to Bougival. In the afternoon, join an included guided tour of the Château de Malmaison. Built in the 17th century and acquired by Joséphine de Beauharnais in 1779, the château became the headquarters of the French government in 1800. Inside, the library reflects the industrious atmosphere Bonaparte favoured, while the council chamber, designed in the form of a military tent, once hosted receptions, dances and country-style games. The music room displays Joséphine’s troubadour paintings and her well-known harp, along with numerous artworks from the period. After her divorce in 1809, Joséphine continued to live here until her death in 1814. Inaugurated in 1906, the Napoleonic museum preserves the château’s furnishings, décor and collections. We return to the ship, which remains in port overnight.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we cruise to Pontoise. In the afternoon, join an included excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise and the Maison-Atelier de Daubigny. Travelling by coach, we first visit the Maison-Atelier de Daubigny, built in 1861 by Charles-François Daubigny and listed as a French historical monument since 1991. Awarded the Maisons des Illustres label in 2014, the studio became a gathering place for fellow landscape painters including Camille Corot, Honoré Daumier and Berthe Morisot. The studio walls feature works by these artists, reflecting the creative spirit of the period. We then continue to the Pressoir Auversois vineyards, revived in the 2000s after years of neglect and set in the countryside near Auvers-sur-Oise. Here, we visit the vineyards and wine press before heading to Madame Guinguette to enjoy a tasting of local products in a scenic setting. We return on board in Auvers-sur-Oise, where the ship remains in port overnight. Enjoy a free evening at leisure.

Meals:  B,L,D

Join an included excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise and the Musée de l’Absinthe. Located along almost four miles (seven kilometres) of the Oise River, Auvers-sur-Oise was Vincent van Gogh’s final home and resting place. Stroll through the village streets and along the Artists’ Pathway, where works by renowned Impressionists are displayed alongside the landscapes and architecture that inspired them. Continue to the Musée de l’Absinthe, where a recreated Belle Époque café setting recalls the era when the “green fairy” was favoured by poets and artists. The collection offers insight into 19th-century French culture. Conclude with a demonstration of the traditional absinthe ritual and a tasting. Return to the ship in Auvers-sur-Oise for lunch before cruising to Saint-Leu-d’Esserent in the afternoon. Later, a member of the Confrérie des Chevaliers Fouetteurs joins us on board to share the tradition of France’s famed crème chantilly and demonstrate how to prepare it by hand. After dinner, enjoy time at leisure in Saint-Leu-d’Esserent. The ship remains in port overnight.

Meals:  B,L,D

Join an included excursion to the Château de Chantilly, located in the town of Chantilly and regarded as one of the most beautiful castles in France. The château was shaped by Henri d'Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of the last French king, Louis-Philippe. Known for assembling one of the finest art collections of his time, the Duke transformed Chantilly into a showcase for masterpieces and rare manuscripts. Bequeathed to the Institut de France, the château has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century. During our visit, explore the art galleries where paintings have hung undisturbed for generations, the grand reception suites once used for entertaining, and the reading room, home to one of the most extensive libraries in the country. We return to Pont-Sainte-Maxence for lunch before cruising to Compiègne in the afternoon. The ship remains in port overnight, and the evening is at leisure.

Meals:  B,L,D

Join an included excursion to Compiègne, the Armistice Memorial and the Château de Compiègne. Set out on a guided tour through the historic streets of Compiègne, where you will see the 16th-century town hall with its late-Gothic façade adorned with sculpted historical figures, including Louis XII on horseback. The town hall tower houses one of the oldest municipal bells in France, dating to 1303. Along the way, pass medieval homes such as La Vieille Cassine, built in the 15th century, before enjoying a tasting of regional specialities. Continue to the Armistice Memorial, where the museum collection includes the train carriage used for the signing of the 1918 Armistice and later used again in 1940, a Marne Taxi requisitioned during the Battle of the Marne, and a collection of 800 stereoscopic images from the First World War. The memorial honours soldiers who have fought since 1870, including Augustin Trébuchon, the last French soldier killed on the Western Front in World War I. Before returning, visit the Château de Compiègne, the largest neoclassical palace in France, noted for its décor and furnishings. Together with Versailles and Fontainebleau, it forms one of the major imperial residences of the country. After the excursion, return on board for lunch as the ship cruises to Pont-l'Évêque, arriving mid-afternoon. Later, join an included excursion to Noyon and its Cathedral. Discover 2,000 years of history as you explore the city’s streets, where heritage and street art coexist. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the second half of the 12th century and considered the first example of Gothic architecture in northern France. Return to the ship in time for a festive gala evening on board.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 am in Pont-l'Évêque. Possibility of coach transfer between Pont-l'Évêque and Paris.

Meals:  B