Paris in Winter – with a Boutique Hotel on the Seine

Twinkling lights along the boulevards, a warming café crème after a winter stroll and the Seine flowing quietly through the heart of the city: Paris has a particular magic in the colder months. With VIVA Boutique, a winter escape to the French capital becomes an experience to savour: relaxed, intimate and filled with moments that make this time of year feel especially memorable.

There is something wonderfully indulgent about Paris in winter. The pace feels a little slower, the evenings begin earlier and the city’s cafés, boutiques and museums become all the more inviting. As Christmas approaches, lights illuminate the streets, department store windows become attractions in their own right and there is every excuse to linger over dinner, order another glass of Champagne or simply watch Paris go by.

It is this atmosphere that VIVA Boutique’s winter journeys, aboard VIVA BEYOND, are designed to capture. Offering short escapes of three to six nights, they make it easy to enjoy a few memorable days in France without turning them into a major holiday.

On the Paris City Stays, VIVA BEYOND becomes a boutique hotel on the water. Guests unpack and have their own stylish retreat on the Seine, with Paris waiting just outside. Days can be spent revisiting a favourite museum, discovering a neighbourhood away from the usual sights, browsing for Christmas gifts or settling into a cosy bistro. Then, instead of returning to a conventional hotel, it is back on board for dinner, a drink and an evening overlooking the river.

For those who would like to venture beyond the capital, VIVA BEYOND also sets off on short winter cruises along the Seine towards Rouen. It is a chance to see another side of northern France, as the city gives way to the landscapes of Normandy and the journey itself becomes part of the experience. Historic riverside towns, winter scenery and Rouen’s medieval streets and magnificent cathedral offer a beautiful contrast to the energy of Paris.

And while France provides the setting, life on board is an experience in itself. With just 112 guests, more than half of VIVA BEYOND’s accommodation is made up of suites, while three restaurants offer plenty of choice along the way. VIVA’s All-Inclusive concept makes the experience even more effortless, with full board, a wide selection of drinks including Champagne, Wi-Fi and gratuities all taken care of. So there is nothing to think about except enjoying a leisurely breakfast, a special dinner or perhaps a glass of wine as the lights begin to appear along the river.

Most of all, these winter journeys are about giving yourself time. Before Christmas arrives with its long lists and busy diaries, a few days in France can feel like a little celebration of their own. Travel with a partner, gather a group of friends or bring the family together and make the most of what is, after all, one of the loveliest times of the year.

Because Paris does not need summer sunshine to shine. Sometimes all it takes is a crisp winter evening, the glow of the city reflected on the Seine – and somewhere rather special to call home for a few days.

Discover VIVA Boutique’s winter journeys aboard VIVA BEYOND and find further information online at www.viva-cruises.com/viva-boutique.