Discover more cultural experiences in France
Every Viking journey in France is an opportunity to uncover the country’s rich culture, fascinating history and delectable cuisine – here is a selection of our favourite French cultural experiences par excellence.
1
The Louvre Museum
Housed in a former royal palace, the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris is the world’s largest art museum and home to a vast array of artistic treasures, including Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
2
Provence
Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh found inspiration for his paintings in the fields, monasteries, chapels and villages of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, including his famous wheatfield series.
3
The Palace of Versailles
Located to the southwest of Paris, the awe-inspiring Château de Versailles was the former home of French royalty, and today the palace and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4
Vineyards of Bordeaux
Bordeaux, located in the Aquitaine region, produces some of the world’s most prized wines, which pair perfectly with Bordelaise cuisine, including truffles and oysters, two local delicacies.
5
Arc de Triomphe
Commissioned by Napoleon, the Arc de Triomphe is a fine example of elegant Parisian architecture located at the western end of the famed Champs-Élysées.
6
The Monet Foundation
Claude Monet, the founder of impressionism, lived and worked in tranquil Giverny, the setting that inspired many of his masterpieces on display in the museum.
Discover more on our Paris & the Heart of Normandy river journey
7
Fine Cuisine in Lyon
Lyon is situated between two key wine regions—Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône—and enjoys access to fresh, local produce, elevating the city as a world gastronomic capital.
8
Alsace Region
Located at the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is the cultural centre of Alsace that charms visitors with its picturesque canals and pretty half-timbered houses.
9
Normandy Beaches
Operation Overlord, the code name for the Allied troops’ invasion of western Europe during World War II, began on Normandy’s beaches on 6 June 1944—often referred to as D-Day.
10
Palace of the Popes
Avignon’s immense Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), set majestically on Dome Rock, is a fine example of medieval Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover more on our Iconic Western Mediterranean ocean journey
