There are some cities you never really finish. Paris is one of them. You might arrive knowing the landmarks by heart, but once you’re there, something shifts. You start to notice the way light falls across the Seine in the morning, or how every neighborhood hums with its own personality.
For those looking for a deep connection — through art, history, gardens and gastronomy — Paris offers endless second looks. With the ease and insight of a Viking® river journey, you can experience Paris more intimately — layer by layer, story by story. Keep reading to discover four of our favorite excursions in the captivating City of Light.
Ascend the stairs to Sacré-Cœur
Climb Montmartre
Montmartre isn’t just a hill — it’s a mood. Once a bohemian hideaway for artists and eccentrics, it still carries the creative spirit of Toulouse-Lautrec and Picasso. Climb the cobbled streets at your own pace, pausing to admire the ivy-draped balconies, open sketchbooks and sweeping views of the city below. At the top, the white domes of Sacré-Cœur watch over Paris like a gentle guardian. And when you’re done, stroll to a nearby café for something flaky and warm.
Explore Monet's fragrant gardens
Step into Monet’s World
In Giverny, about an hour from Paris, time slows down. Monet’s home and gardens are just as he painted them — willow trees trailing over water lilies, sun dappling the garden path. Walking these grounds is like stepping inside the mind of a genius who found the extraordinary in the everyday. Embark on a self-guided nature or photo tour to see these landscapes like he did.
Versailles Palace illuminated at dusk
See the Gold and Glory of Versailles
Yes, Versailles is opulent. The Hall of Mirrors lives up to the hype, and the chandeliers are as grand as you’ve imagined. But it’s the quieter corners that linger — Marie Antoinette’s hamlet with its flower-lined cottages, the manicured gardens where fountains dance to music. With the right guide, this isn’t just a palace — it’s a window into a revolution.
An evening stroll through Montmartre
Explore Paris After Dark
There’s a different kind of magic that arrives after sunset. A panoramic evening tour shows off the City of Light in its full glory. Landmarks glow golden, bridges shimmer across the river and the Eiffel Tower sparkles like it knows it’s the star of the show. Seeing Paris by night is like being let in on a secret — one the locals already know: this city was made for evenings.
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, Paris has a way of speaking directly to your soul — especially when seen through the lens of history, art and a glass of something red. When you’re ready to rediscover it in depth and comfort, we’d love to help you plan your Viking river voyage. Because Paris is always a good idea — but with our expertise, it becomes unforgettable.
