France: Gay River Cruise

Bonjour! Welcome to “Gay Paree”. Check in to our centrally located hotel in the fashionable Le Marais gayborhood, then feel free to relax before our welcome meeting at 5PM where we’ll get acquainted. Afterwards, we’ll spoil our taste buds with an authentically French Welcome Dinner and perhaps a cocktail or two at a nearby LGBTQ+ bar.

Good morning, Paris! After an included breakfast at our hotel, we’ll meet up with a local LGBTQ+ expert who will escort us through the charming streets of Le Marais where we’ll unveil the sordid history of how this neighborhood transformed from a Jewish district to the gay nightlife hotspot it is today. Later, we’ll enjoy a guided tour through the Carnavalet Museum, dedicated to Paris’ storied past and featuring exhibits that showcase the lives and contributions of important Parisians such as LGBTQ+ author Marcel Proust. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy some free time for lunch and perhaps some shopping before we board a short private transfer for Sens, about a 1.5-2 hour drive away. Upon arriving in Sens we’ll board the barge Deborah and get settled in our cabins before our first of many 3-course meals paired with French wine. Quel délice! 

Note: We recommend familiarizing yourself with the wonderfully cozy Barge Deborah before booking this trip.

After an onboard breakfast, we’ll set off on a guided tour of Sens, home to a variety of historical buildings featuring impressive architecture. Notably, the Cathédrale Saint-Etienne de Sens was the first of the great Gothic cathedrals in France and inspired the layout and design of many others, including Canterbury Cathedral in Great Britain. As we stroll along the promenades, we’ll take in the astonishing architecture this town is renowned for. To further lift our spirits, we’ll sample French vintages at a local shop before returning to the Deborah for lunch and an included cheese tasting. This afternoon, our peaceful journey down the Yonne River toward the Seine begins. Grab a spot on the sun deck, as we’ll pass by many amazing sights. This evening, we’ll be treated to a fabulous dinner on board, after which we’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the lovely town of Cannes-Écluse.

Today, we’ll enjoy a leisurely morning before arriving in Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, a royal town famous for its landscapes immortalized by Impressionist Alfred Sisley. After a tasty lunch, we’ll disembark for a guided tour that showcases the town’s fortified medieval gates, superb Renaissance facades, and the Notre-Dame church. Afterwards, we’ll have the option to wander around the town at our own pace and visit the famous sucre d’orge store or join a 2-hour guided hike through the majestic forest of Fontainebleu. This vast woodland is known for its incredible landscapes, sandstone formations, and rich biodiversity, which is why it has historically been a sought-after spot for artists and climbers. This evening, we’ll indulge in another fancy dinner aboard the Deborah.

Rise and shine! After breakfast, we’ll relax on our way to Melun while basking in scenic views of gorgeous villages and chateaus. Fuel up on lunch aboard the ship, as this afternoon’s guided tour will be one of the highlights of our journey! With cameras ready, we’ll be ushered into the Palace of Fontainebleau and its magnificent gardens, one of France’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. All the kings and queens in the history of France have passed through Fontainebleau, making it a unique example of a residence that has been inhabited regularly for more than eight centuries. The French architecture, gardens, and fountains are meticulously maintained and have the effect of transporting visitors back to the palace’s glory days. After our visit, we’ll return to the ship for another incredible dinner.

This morning’s breakfast is served as we meander our way toward Evry. As we pass by picturesque mansions, we’ll notice the architecture becoming increasingly modern as we get closer to the outskirts of Paris. Lunch will be served aboard before an afternoon visit to the village of Barbizon. In 1827, artist Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot moved to this sleepy village and paved the way for other painters like Théodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet to join him. This led to a generation of artists leaving their studios in favor of painting “from nature.” During our visit, we’ll gain insight into how this scenic town revolutionized French painting styles. After our guided tour, we’ll have leisure time to wander the cobbled streets and explore small shops and art galleries. Alternatively,  take a quick self-guided stroll through the edge of the Fontainebleau forest. We’ll return to our ship later in the afternoon, ready for another delicious on board dinner.

After breakfast, we’ll visit Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a 17th-century castle that inspired Versailles. The architect Louis Le Vau, considered the greatest ambassador of the Italianate style in France, drew inspiration from classical antiquity to create a powerful new style of his own, applying it to Vaux-le-Vicomte and laying the foundations of French architecture for the next 150 years. After our tour of this gargantuan property that has been featured in many films, we’ll return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon cruising to Paris. We’re in for a treat as we take in views of historic monuments and beautiful bridges along the way; there’s a reason the banks of the Siene are a UNESCO World Heritage site! After snapping some selfies with the eiffel tower in the background, we’ll enjoy our Farewell Gala Dinner on board, capped off with some uniquely Parisian entertainment.

This morning, we’ll enjoy one final breakfast before disembarking at 9AM. There are no activities planned today. A complimentary transfer will be provided to the airport or a finishing point hotel. Au revoir, and thanks for joining our France gay river cruise!

Note: Please do not book your departing flights until you receive your trip confirmation email with details on the departure day’s timing.