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).
Day 11 – May 29
Casual day in and around Athens.
Day 12 – May 30
Bassanellos and Porter board Viking Cruise.
Day 13 – May 31
Viking tour of Athens and excursions.
Day 14 – June 1
Santorini.
Day 15 – June 2
Olympia.
Day 16 – June 3
Corfu.
Day 17 – June 4
Kotor, Montenegro.
Day 18 – June 5
Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Day 19 – June 6
Zadar, Croatia.
Day 20 – June 7
Koper, Slovenia.
Day 21 – June 8
Disembark in Venice.
Porters fly home to Toronto.
