FRANCE: Boutique Christmas Eve Cruise : Paris & The Canal Saint-Martin (port to port) – 4 Days / 3 Nights
















FRANCE: Boutique Christmas Eve Cruise : Paris & The Canal Saint-Martin (port to port) – 4 Days / 3 Nights
When Christmas approaches, Paris reveals a magical new face. The City of Light glows even brighter as its grand boulevards shimmer beneath festive illuminations, elegant shop windows sparkle with seasonal artistry, and the scent of roasted chestnuts drifts through charming streets. From the glittering avenues of the Champs-Élysées to the intimate passages of the Left Bank, the capital transforms into a living Christmas card.
Embark on an unforgettable Christmas cruise in the heart of Europe’s most romantic capital, where history, culture, and celebration blend seamlessly. Glide gently along the River Seine, passing beneath historic bridges and admiring the illuminated silhouettes of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre, each glowing against the winter sky. By night, these iconic landmarks reflect in the water, creating a breathtaking panorama that captures the true enchantment of the season.
Your journey also explores the charm of the Canal Saint-Martin, one of Paris’s most picturesque waterways. Lined with iron footbridges, chestnut trees, and quaint waterside cafés, the canal offers a more intimate glimpse of Parisian life. As you navigate its locks and tunnels, you’ll experience a different side of the city—peaceful, authentic, and full of character.
On board, enjoy refined French cuisine inspired by seasonal flavours, accompanied by carefully selected wines. Christmas Eve is celebrated in elegant style with a festive gala dinner and warm conviviality. The atmosphere is one of comfort and celebration—crackling lights, seasonal décor, and panoramic views creating a cosy yet sophisticated setting. Over four enchanting days, immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Paris at its most magical time of year. Wander through charming Christmas markets, admire the decorated boutiques of the grands magasins, and soak up the festive spirit that fills every square and boulevard. What a glorious way to spend Christmas; in Paris where every moment is illuminated by the romance, culture, and festive splendour of Paris.
TOUR DATES
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Destination: FRANCE: Paris
Tour Commences In: Paris
Tour Concludes in: Paris
Number of Days: 4 days / 3 nights
Tour Style; Luxury / Deluxe Barge Cruise (groups, couples & solo travellers)
Accommodation: Modern Boutique Barge
Meals: Breakfasts; 3: Lunches; 2: Dinners; 3:
Leaders: One or more professional local guides
Transportation: Luxury / Deluxe Barge Cruise
Tour Grading: Moderate: Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility
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Cruise Highlights:
·The ship will dock in the heart of Paris, a veritable crossroads of generations and cultures
Celebrate Christmas in Paris – Enjoy festive lights, decorations, and the holiday atmosphere in the City of Light.
Seine River Scenic Cruise – Sail past iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.
Christmas Eve Gala Dinner – Indulge in a gourmet French multi-course dinner with fine wines and live entertainment.
Exclusive Canal Saint-Martin Cruise – Navigate this charming and historic canal with iron footbridges, locks, and tree-lined quays.
Unforgettable Photo Opportunities – Capture Paris at Christmas from the unique perspective of the water.
Excursions Included:
Panoramic tour of the capital city, and visit of the covered arcades with their authentic charm
Tour of the legendary Saint-Germaindes-Prés district, where history was made and creativity was cultivated
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Cruise Program:
Day 1: Wednesday 23rd December: Paris – “Paris by night": (D)
Guests are invited to board the ship at 6:00 p.m. Once you have settled comfortably into your cabins, join us for a welcome cocktail and an introduction to our crew. Dinner will be served on board, followed by a delightful evening featuring the traditional Titi Parisien show. Later, we’ll cruise through Paris by night, taking in the city’s illuminated landmarks. Our ship will remain docked in the heart of Paris overnight.Day 2: Thursday 24th December: The Canal Saint Martin – PARIS and its famous sites: (B/L/D)
This morning, we cruise along the Canal Saint-Martin, gliding through the heart of authentic Parisian neighbourhoods. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the French capital, discovering some of its most celebrated sites, including Place de la République, the grand boulevards, the Palais Garnier, La Madeleine Church, Place Vendôme, and the Louvre.
From the Palais-Royal, we’ll stroll through Paris’s distinctive covered arcades. During the festive season, these elegant passageways are beautifully adorned with holiday decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Browse the traditional boutiques and soak up the vibrant Christmas spirit.
On Christmas Eve, the ship will be docked at the Quai d’Austerlitz.EXCURSION – Day 2:
1 Excursion included
Tour the covered passageways in Paris Duration : 4hrs Classic AfternoonDay 3: Friday 25th December: PARIS and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district: (B/L/D)
Spend the morning cruising along the Seine River, sailing past some of Paris’s most magnificent landmarks. As we glide through the heart of the city, admire Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité—where Notre-Dame stands proudly despite the scars of time—along with the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, Pont Alexandre III, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower and its Trocadéro Gardens. Our ship will then dock at the Quai de Grenelle.
This afternoon, enjoy a panoramic tour of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the birthplaces of Parisian intellectual and artistic life. We’ll follow the historic Triumphal Way—passing the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, and Place de la Concorde—before arriving in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. With its charming streets and café culture, this delightful quarter retains the atmosphere of a Parisian village.
Among the highlights are the city’s oldest church, dating back to 543, and the legendary Café de Flore, renowned for its rich artistic heritage and enduring celebrity appeal. In years past, enjoying a coffee here might have meant encountering luminaries such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Boris Vian, Guillaume Apollinaire, Albert Camus, or Pablo Picasso.
This afternoon, enjoy some free time to wander through one of Paris’s enchanting Christmas markets and soak up the festive atmosphere. We’ll then return to the ship for a celebratory festive gala evening on board.EXCURSION – Day 3:
1 Excursion included
Tour of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Duration : 4hrs: Classic AfternoonDay 4: Saturday 26th December: PARIS Cruise Concludes: (B)
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9.00 a.m.it is time to say farewell to acquaintances, new-found friends.
At your leisure before transferring to the airport for your onward or homebound journey.
Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping. We are able to organise our private guide to accompany you.
Some guests may wish to stay another day or more. Please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements
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MS Deborah:
A canal barge cruise is an authentic and timeless experience. A privileged moment where you take the time to discover “la douce France” in a different way.Year of construction: 2016
Number of decks: 2
Crew members: 6
Length: 38,5 meters
Width: 5,07 meters
Number of cabins: 11
Number of passengers: 22
PRM cabin(1): 1
UPPER DECK: 1 CABIN with high windows • 1 PRM cabin(1) - 1 large bed - 11 m2
MAIN DECK: 10 CABINS with high windows • 10 double cabins - 2 single beds - 9 m2
AMENITIES:
TV
Bathroom with shower and toilet
Towels
Hair dryer
Telephone (for internal calls only)
Safe
Independent air-conditioning
Electricity 220V
Wi-Fi
Please note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.
TEMPORARY EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER:
Valid only during your cruise: 00 33 (0)6 85 07 82 33Cruise Includes:
Official welcome from the captain and crew
Welcome cocktail
All meals included; as per program
Onboard drinks included (except for drinks from our special lists)
Double occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom
Christmas Eve dinner with aperitif and wines
Excursions mentioned in the program x 2
Private services of one or more international bilingual tour guides
The "Titi Parisien” evening - the "Paris by Night” cruise
Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/ hostess
Gala dinner
Travel assistance and repatriation insurance - all port fees
Free Wi-Fi onboard
Not Included:
International and or Domestic air fares & Transfers/travel to and from departure/ arrival points
Passport and visa fees : Requirements Valid national identity card or passport
Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’ via FedEx or postal services
Personal travel insurance : Cancellation and baggage insurance
Porterage, tipping and gratuities
Drinks from our special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
Any services not specifically mentioned in the program
Personal expenses.
Contact Us to ensure your place on this boutique small group tour.
Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out to ensure you are rewarded with some of the best experiences. The magic of travelling in such a small group allows us to cater for spontaneity and it is sometimes these unplanned occurrences that can be the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided small group tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.
Flexibility
The itinerary may sometimes be flexible for site visits or events which guests may wish to see. If there is something not included in this itinerary that you would like to do or see, please contact us to discuss if it is possible. The weather may change our plans too
Interested in this tour?
Take the next step - send us an enquiry above or Contact Us
Contact Details:
Mobile: (+61) (0) 411 116 925
Address:
P.O. Box 1414
CENTRAL PARK VIC 3145
AUSTRALIA
Trading Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 5:00pm
Boutique Tours & Travel
ABN: 37 252 109 834