New for Tauck! First “Christmas Markets” Cruise in France!

For the first time, Tauck will set sail on a “Christmas Markets” river cruise in France. In 2025, the 98-passenger Sapphire will operate five departures of “The Seine: Holiday Magic” itinerary.

“This holiday river adventure will begin in Paris,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “What’s special is that the ‘City of Lights’ is even more magical than usual during the holiday season.”

Tauck’s guests will spend three nights in Paris aboard their luxurious riverboat which will dock along the Seine River. So, they’ll have two full days to explore the city.

(Shown above is Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte, where Tauck’s guests will enjoy a private visit during their Seine cruise. Photo by Tauck.)

New for Tauck: “Ooh, La, La” on the Seine

For many travelers, Paris’ top holiday draw is a chance to visit the Christmas markets including one at the Tuileries Gardens.

“Travelers can stroll through these festive markets, enjoy the holiday ambience, and browse (and perhaps buy!) local artwork, handicrafts or holiday gift items,” emphasizes Pavlus’ Steudle.

Of course, for many travelers, it’s a personal priority to taste some of the local foods and beverages. So, how about hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts? Or perhaps a sausage, a plate of cheeses or yummy chocolates?

Your Choice: Cluny or Sainte-Chapelle?

While in Paris, Tauck’s guests also can view medieval works of art at the Cluny Museum, or alternatively, explore the city’s Gothic Sainte-Chapelle.

“That royal chapel was created by Louis IX to house his personal collection of holy relics,” imparts Pavlus Travel‘s Steudle. “But the top draw for many travelers is the opportunity to gaze at gorgeous, 13th century, stained-glass windows.”

New for Tauck: Calls in Rouen, Les Andelys and Vernon

So, what other destinations are visited on this eight-day river itinerary? Tauck plans for Sapphire to also call at Rouen, Les Andelys and Vernon.

Once a border town between the Duchy of Normandy and the Kingdom of France, Vernon became a strategic spot in the Middle Ages given its locale.

Today, travelers can still see many medieval period sites. These include the Old Watermill, half-timbered houses, Notre Dame Collegiate Church and the ruins of Philip II Augustus’s castle.

In addition, they can view the impressive 19th century Town Hall and the splendid Chateau de Bizy.

New for Tauck on the Seine

“One snazzy facet of this new Seine River itinerary is that Tauck will take its river cruise guests for a private tour and holiday cocktail party at that opulent chateau,” stresses Steudle. “Built in 1740, the building is still privately owned by a descendant of Napoleon.”

Another stellar highlight is Tauck’s private lunch and afternoon tea for its guests at the moated Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte. Guests can explore this 100-room palace, also festively decorated for the season, as well as its formal gardens. 

In Normandy, guests can delve into World War II history. They’ll have the choice of either a guided visit to Normandy’s historic D-Day beaches or the Rouen Fine Arts Museum.

In addition, in Normandy, they can revel in the holiday spirit by shopping for traditional treats and browsing handicrafts at the local Christmas markets.

New for Tauck: Seine River Vacation

Want more information about this enticing new French holiday river option? Then review all the itinerary details at “The Seine: Holiday Magic” page.

While on board Sapphire during this holiday season cruise, guests can expect festive decor, musical entertainment and holiday merrymaking. For instance, a local artist will lead interactive holiday activities.

Five departures for this new itinerary are scheduled by Tauck. But potential travelers need to act quickly if interested. While this news was just announced, the December 2, 2025, and December 9, 2025, departures are already sold out.

That said, the December 16, 2025, departure still has limited availability. Also, the December 23, 2025, and December 30, 2025, departures are also available.

But act fast. Contact a personal travel planner today to reserve your spot aboard Sapphire. (see resources below).

At press time, pricing started at $4,490 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare. Tauck’s inclusive river cruise fares include all shore excursions (a big plus!), all gratuities, all onboard beverages (adult and otherwise), all meals, all taxes and fees, airport transfers and more.

Experienced on European Rivers

While the new journey on the Seine River is Tauck’s first entry into holiday river cruising in France, the line is quite experienced at providing Christmas-market themed cruises elsewhere in Europe.

For instance, the company offers four other Christmas-market themed river voyages. Two are on the Danube River (including a Tauck Bridges journey designed just for families).

The other Tauck holiday cruises sail the Rhine River and the waterways of Belgium and Holland.

Steudle says the new Seine cruise symbolizes the continuing expansion of Tauck’s river cruising presence in Europe. The company recently announced its plans to build two new riverboats for France’s Rhone and Seine rivers.

So, as readers celebrate this year’s holiday season, it’s a great time to begin planning your 2025 or 2026 holiday adventure on a European river. Just follow the contact information below. And Happy Holidays to all!

Important Information from Pavlus Travel