Paris - Weather Trends
This chart shows the rain probability during May. There's less that 30% chance of rain. Maybe pack an umbrella.
This shows the average temperatures in May. With the highs in the upper 60's, you should pack a light jacket or sweater.
There's roughly a 50% chance of cloudy weather in Paris during May.
Weather/climate details plus much more can be found here - © WeatherSpark.com.
Avalon Waterways Paris to Normandy
This fabulous river cruise combines time in France’s unparalleled capital of Paris with beautiful scenery along the Seine River and the picturesque and historical region of Normandy.
Get ready, everyone, for our incredible French river cruise adventure! We'll start our journey in Paris, one of the world's most romantic and vibrant cities, with a guided walk through its rich history or an iconic tour of its famous sites.
From Paris, we'll set sail down the beautiful Seine River to Vernon, where we have a choice of two exciting guided visits. We can explore Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the remarkable Bizy Castle, aptly known as “Normandy’s Versailles.”
Next up, we have the option of a poignant excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. This promises to be a moving and educational experience.
Our journey continues to Rouen, the town best known as the home of Joan of Arc. Here, a guided walk will lead us through the charming medieval quarter to the gothic Rouen Cathedral, which was once the tallest building in the world! Later, from Conflans, we'll again choose our adventure: either a visit to the quaint and inspiring town of Auvers-Sur-Oise, associated with artists like Vincent van Gogh, or a trip to Napoleon and Josephine’s beautiful home, Malmaison.
All along the way, we’ll be soaking in the beautiful scenery, enjoying delicious local wine and cheese, and making stops in some of the most charming and historical parts of France. It's going to be an unforgettable trip filled with history, art, and relaxation!
🗓️ Paris 2026
May 10 - June 13 | 5 Week Trip Calendar Calendar
Day 1 – May 19
Your day is free to explore the world’s most romantic city before starting your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Light today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Overnight cruise to Vernon
Day 2 – May 20
Vernon - Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour
- (Active) Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host.
- (Classic) Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces.
- (Classic) Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.
- (Discovery) While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration. This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. LES ANDELYS Serenity on the Seine
- (Active) Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart.
- (Classic) Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys, one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.
Evening and overnight cruise to Caudebec
Day 3 – May 21
Caudebec - Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
- (Active) Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host.
- (Classic) Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route —where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.
- This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.
Day 4 – May 22
Caudebec - Excursion to Normandy - Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions
- (Classic) Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery.
- (Classic) Take a full day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bénysur Mer Canadian War Cemetery.
- (Classic) Join “A Taste of Normandy” Guided Tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry, visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados at a local distillery.
Day 5 – May 23
Rouen - The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France
- (Active) Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser-known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels
- (Classic) Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen — site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom —and see the medieval quarter with its 16th century Astronomical Clock, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Day 6 – May 24
Conflans - The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV
- (Active) Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host.
- (Classical) Join a Guided Visit to Auverssur Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh.
- (Classic) Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison - home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.
- Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings.
Day 7 – May 25
Paris Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of Light Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
- (Active) Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host.
- (Classic) Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more.
- (Classic) Join a Guided City Tour, that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs Élysées.
Day 8 – May 26
Cruise ends with breakfast before disembarking
This day is free to explore more of Paris on your own. Perhaps visit the Orsay Museums, take a Seine river cruise or visit the Montmartre district.
In the evening, some have dinner planned at the Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie where they'll enjoy stunning views of the city while savoring delicious French cuisine.
Day 9 – May 27
Open day to explore more of Paris on your own.
Julie, Tim and Cheryl are visiting the Louvre
Other options are takeing a Seine river cruise, or simply relax at a sidewalk café and watch the world go by.
Day 10 – May 28
Cheryl flies home to Toronto. Porters fly to Athens (pending flight arrangements).
Testimonials
Read what others have to say about traveling with Tim
Julie Porter
Director of Ideas
This is the one thing that Tim somewhat does well. Although most weeks, he does manage to get the garbage out. And sometimes he even brings the container back in.
Neal
Traveler
I've lived through some of Tim's adventures, so I consider myself fortunate. Tim deserves credit for being able to pull us out of risky situations on more than one occasion. Of course, the situations were of his own making. I'm just saying.
Paul
Traveler
Our trip to Rome was amazing. I've never been lost that many times in a so few days. Tim is always there trying to help out... always. Kinda like a bad penny.
Sharon
Traveler
We went on a trip with Tim to Paris. It was indescribable! I can't wait for his return trip to Paris. I'll be heading to Arizona.
Kurt
Traveler
A trip I'll never forget (No matter how much I try). He was searching for the elusive Patagonian Cougar, and always seemed to end up in a bar somplace. I can't wait until Tim goes someplace else.
Team
These are the people you can depend on.
Tim Porter
Director Travel Operations
Julie Porter
Director of IdeasMoney Needs
Recently, several people have asked me for some cost estimates for Europe. How much money to bring. I know that everyone has a different travel method, but I’ve tried to give a good, average estimates. Some things like hotel and tour costs can be planned with pretty solid numbers. Food, personal local trips, and gratuities have the most variability.
I've used 2024 costs, so prices may increase some by the time we travel in 2026. I also based food costs on what we spent in Italy this past summer.
Paris - 3-4 days pre-cruise- Paris airport to hotel transfer for are regulated at €56 to €65 plus whatever gratuities you choose to give.
- Hotel exppenses should be placed on acredit card, so no cash needed. You may want tip money for the bar, so maybe another €5 per day.
- Casual meals may be €25 per person per day. Evening meals would be on a credit card.
- Ship Crew & Cruise Director: The suggested amount is roughly €12–€16 (or $15-$20) per person, per day. This covers wait staff, cabin stewards, and galley staff. That would be €170-€225 per couple for 7 days.
- Local Guides/Drivers: It is recommended to tip local guides €2 per person per excursion and drivers €1 per person per excursion.
- Tipping is not required at onboard bars or the salon, but extra tips for exceptional service are at your discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should we book our airline tickets?
I track flight costs using Google Flights. As a general rule of thumb, we purchase tickets about 90-120 days out. However, if ticket prices are trending up we may by sooner. The same goes for prices trending down - we may wait.
Do I need to renew my passport?
In normal circumstances, you can’t travel with a passport that expires in less than six months. If you’re going to be close, we strongly suggest renewing it now. According to the US State Department the current expected processing time for passports is 8-11 weeks.
Do I need travel insurance?
I recommend travel insurance for health and repatriation coverage. The cost for health coverage alone is very reasonable. Trip insurance coverage is very expensive, 10% - 25% of the total trip cost. Julie and I generally only get health coverage. You can generally expect for costs for 30 – 60 days in Europe to be in the $125 - $200 per person range. If you get sick or need hospital care, the insurance covers your costs. In the unlikely event you need to be medically evacuated or flown back to the US, that is covered as well.
How much foreign currency should I bring and when should I get it?
See the Money section for a discussion of how much cash to bring
Where to get euros? Julie and I will probably get €750 from our bank before we depart.
You can always get more from a European bank, but finding the time to do that could be a challenge. You can also get currency at a currency exchange, just check the rate to make sure you’re not paying too much for the exchange.
Last, check with your bank on making a withdrawl on your credit or debit card from an ATM in Europe. That is frequently athe best option.
Contact Us
NYPorter Travel
Lakewood Ranch
Florida
tporter@nyporter.com
