Later this month I will be traveling with a friend to France (first trip) and doing a Viking River Cruise on the Seine. We arrive at CDG a little before 11am and after clearing customs, etc., will be transported to the ship that will be docked at Le Pecq. I don't know how long it will take to reach the ship but we will have "time to relax or explore this port" on our own once we reach the ship. I would appreciate any information, experience, or advice regarding Le Pecq. Also, I would appreciate any info/thoughts on whether it is reasonable to try to get into Paris from Le Pecq and return before the ship sails.
Posted by
Paris
10203 posts
When does the ship sail?
Posted by
Savannah, GA
1382 posts
Le Pecq is a very nice suburb that is in the north west of Paris...quite near La Defense. Your cruise will offer you transportation into the city center as there is not any metro station in the city and the RER is a it of a jaunt away. There IS a chateau NEAR (perhapos a kilometer) the dock, Saint-Germain-en-Laye-----and it's worth checking out.
I do have family that has taken a Viking cruise. They decided to explore that chateau above on the first day, but they told me that the cruiseline DID offer a few shuttles to get into the city the day that they arrived. So you're in excellent shape. Also, get ready for amazing food.
Posted by
Green Bay
21155 posts
The RER station for trains into Paris is located next the the Chateau de Saint Germain en Laye.
Posted by
196 posts
I also recommend trying to visit the chateau at Saint Germain en Laye. It is somewhat sparsely decorated, but it is a beautiful chateau, and, as I recall, there is a nice exhibit of ancient artifacts that have been unearthed in the area. Also, Saint Germain en Laye is a quaint little town, and there are some ;nice restaurants in the town. we are at a restaurant specializing in seafood which was close to the chateau, and it was quite good. Peter
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10627 posts
The Saint Germaine en Laye chateau gardens were designed by Le Notre, the same person Louis XIV chose to design the gardens at Versaille and at Fouquet's chateau of Vaux le Vicomte. This isn't just a run-of-the-mill chateau but was a favorite of King Henri IV with his wives and many mistresses. Behind the Saint Germaine en Laye chateau, at the far end is what is called La Grande Terrasse. It's an area that overlooks the suburbs but in the distance you can see the Eiffel Tower and La Defense! A little further from the chateau are some manicured woods.
Saint Germaine en Laye chateau also has an important National Archaeological Museum that covers prehistoric, Celtic, through Merovingian (Anglo-Saxon in English or 800 A.D.) periods.
This would be a wonderful place to go while waiting to sail. Bon voyage.