Best Viking Excursions in Paris for Couples

Paris needs no introduction, and that’s exactly the problem when you’re planning a Viking cruise. With limited days and a lifetime of “we have to see that,” couples can spend more time debating Paris than any other port on the Seine.

On Viking’s Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruise, Paris bookends the trip: two days at the start and a return near the end, docked at Le Pecq on the western edge of the city. That’s a nice amount of time if you plan it well. Here’s what Viking offers on each Paris day, and how to divide it when one of you wants the Louvre and the other wants to tour the city from a motorcycle sidecar.

A quick note: Viking says shore excursions “vary by itinerary and are subject to change.” The options below come from Viking’s current Paris & the Heart of Normandy page, with notes from Cities of Light, which ends in Paris. Check your own sailing in My Viking Journey. The activity levels below are our estimates; check the rating Viking gives each tour before you book.

Day 1: French Wine & Cheeses (Easy, Our Estimate)

You board on Day 1, and Viking lists one optional evening outing: French Wine & Cheeses, to “sample fine French wine and taste a variety of artisanal cheeses during a special evening outing in Paris.”

Why couples like it: It’s a gentle, delicious first night together, even with jet lag.

Day 2: The Included Tour, Panoramic Paris

Panoramic Paris is the included tour, letting you “see the major sights of the romantic ‘City of Light’ with a knowledgeable local guide.”

What it involves: One couple who took it described a mix of coach and walking. There was a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower, a drive down the Champs-Élysées, and two laps of the Arc de Triomphe for photos, then time on foot near Notre-Dame and the Latin Quarter. They put it at about three and a half hours and called it a good overview for first-time visitors.

Activity level (our estimate): Easy to moderate.

Day 2: Optional Paris Excursions

Montmartre Hill (Moderate to Active, Our Estimate)

Viking invites you to “visit one of the most celebrated districts in Paris—Montmartre.” It’s called a hill for a reason, so expect slopes and steps.

Best for: The romantic and the art lover: painters’ squares, views over the city and the Sacré-Cœur.

Flavors of Paris (Moderate, Our Estimate)

“Enjoy a guided walk through a richly historic quarter steeped in culinary traditions,” says Viking.

Best for: The foodie who wants to taste Paris, not just look at it.

Scenic Paris & Highlights of the Louvre (Moderate, Full Day, Our Estimate)

Viking describes “the iconic sights of Paris and its renowned museum during a comprehensive full-day excursion.” One couple who took a Viking Louvre tour described a very busy museum full of tour groups, though they still got their selfie with the Mona Lisa.

Best for: The art lover willing to give a full day to it.

Paris By Sidecar (Easy, Our Estimate)

Viking’s most unusual Paris option: “Don your helmet and slip into a sidecar or onto the back of your motorcycle for a scenic ride through Paris.”

Best for: The adventurous partner, or a couple who wants a truly unforgettable photo.

Pére Lachaise Cemetery (Moderate, Our Estimate)

Viking describes “a historic cemetery, where famous figures have been laid to rest and artistic sculptures line the paths.” The paths are hilly and cobbled in places.

Best for: History and literature lovers looking for a quieter, more reflective Paris.

Private Excursion: Half-Day Paris / Full-Day Paris (Varies)

Viking lists Private Excursion: Half-Day Paris and Private Excursion: Full-Day Paris, where you “create your own itinerary” with a private guide.

Day 7: Paris (Le Pecq)

When you return, Viking lists the included Napoleon’s Château de Malmaison, a visit to “the historic château where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final days in France.” One couple reported about two hours there. They said it was less grand than other French châteaux, but pleasantly uncrowded.

Optional choices that day include The Palace of Versailles and Small Group Experience: The Palace of Versailles (“the former home of French kings”), plus the Paris Cruise by Night, a “leisurely night cruise” past the city’s lights. The same couple found Versailles busy with large groups, and said their guide did a good job weaving through the crowds.

One more note: Guests have reported that high river levels sometimes change where the ship docks. One couple’s ship stayed at Le Pecq for both of their final days because of high water, so they couldn’t simply walk into central Paris. Watch your daily program.

Ending in Paris on Cities of Light?

On Cities of Light, Viking currently lists Panoramic Paris, Montmartre Hill, Highlights of Paris & the Palace of Versailles, Paris Cabaret with Dinner and Monet’s Gardens & Highlights of Paris on Day 11.

Tips for Couples with Different Interests

• Art lover + adventurer: One partner does Scenic Paris & Highlights of the Louvre. The other does Panoramic Paris in the morning, then Paris By Sidecar. Meet at dinner and see whose photos are better.
• Climber + relaxer: Montmartre Hill for one. The other enjoys a café near the ship or skips the second tour of the day.
• Palace vs. no palace: On Day 7, the included Napoleon’s Château de Malmaison is calmer. If only one of you wants Versailles, the other can enjoy Malmaison without the crowds.
• Do one thing together, at night: Book the Paris Cruise by Night together. Seeing Paris lit up from the Seine is a lovely way to share an evening.

Viking opens shore excursion booking in My Viking Journey months before you sail; check your booking for the exact date, and plan together before it opens. Small-group Versailles and the sidecar tour are the kind of options worth booking early.

Making the Decision Together with PortPlanner

Paris makes couples overplan. Everything sounds essential, and suddenly you’ve each booked a different full-day tour, with no time left for the night cruise you both wanted.

PortPlanner lets each of you rate the Paris excursions separately, then compare picks side by side, so you can see where you agree before you commit. You’ll still book in Viking’s My Viking Journey, but it doesn’t have a way for couples to compare picks. PortPlanner fills that gap.

You can browse one cruise free, and PortPlanner Pro is $3.99/month and covers both travelers. Plan your Paris days together at portplanner.io.

FAQ: Viking Paris Excursions

What’s included in Paris on Viking’s Seine cruise? On Paris & the Heart of Normandy, Panoramic Paris on Day 2 and Napoleon’s Château de Malmaison on Day 7. The others are optional.

Is Versailles included? No. The Palace of Versailles and its small-group version are optional on Paris & the Heart of Normandy.

What’s the most relaxing Paris excursion? The Paris Cruise by Night and French Wine & Cheeses are both easy evenings. Check Viking’s activity ratings in My Viking Journey.

Where does the ship dock in Paris? It depends on the day and on river conditions. Viking lists Day 7 as Paris (Le Pecq), and guests report that high water can move docking.

Can we split up in Paris? Of course. Paris is an easy city to spend an afternoon apart and meet again for dinner.