My husband and I are thinking of taking a river cruise from Paris to Normandy next year. This will be our first trip to Europe. Anyone have any experience with river cruising? If so, which cruise line do you recommend? What is the best time of year? How about during December holidays? Any other info would be greatly appreciated!
River cruise from Paris to Normandy
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It will be cold. Note the amount of rain.
Weather in Paris.
http://www.holiday-weather.com/paris/averages/december/
Weather in Dieppe.
http://www.holiday-weather.com/dieppe/averages/december
I wouldn't do this if it was free.
December - on the water? Not me.
Honestly - for a very first visit I personally wouldn't recommend any cruise. You see only a small bit of the country. But especially so in the winter - just go to Paris for the week.
In any case, I doubt there are many cruises in the winter
I would not take a river cruise from Paris to Normandy. I'd rent a car and drive it.
Also, not a fan of France in December. I tend to travel Sept - Oct.
Having visited Normandy, IMHO it would be a waste of time and money to take a river cruise there. Most of your time would be spent on the ship. Instead, as previous posters have suggested, either rent a car and drive, or train to someplace like Caen or Bayeux and then rent a car for daytrips if you'd like. I also agree that September is a great time to go.
Some friends just returned from a Viking River Cruise, Paris to Normandy, and really enjoyed that, if you are set on doing a river cruise. But wouldn't do in December.
We have barged in Burgundy, and it was super fun, delicious, and interesting. We saw the river cruisers, and it would not be for me.
But the distance from Paris to Normandy is so small, and so easily driveable with SO much to do and see en route, I think a river cruise would be a waste of time and money.
I think it's a terrible idea, especially so in December. In fact, I'd probably not even go to Normandy in December, but if I did I certainly wouldn't get there on a boat. There are far too many wonderful things to do and see right in Paris.