It was the official residence of the country’s kings and queens from 1682 until the revolution, and though the monarchy possessed other palaces, Versailles stood alone in magnificence. Tour the royal apartments, which still look much as they did when Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette fled in 1789. In these rooms, you’ll find lush silk draperies, exquisite marquetry tables, gilded beds, Aubusson carpets, and porcelain ornaments that reveal the elegance of the 18th-century royalty’s lifestyle, as well as the extravagance that helped fuel the rage leading to the revolution. Climb the great staircase and enter the jaw-dropping Hall of Mirrors, where the absolute ruler of France held court for the ambassadors of Siam, Persia, and the Ottoman Empire, along with all the great seigneurs of France. Ladies intrigued behind their fans, plots were hatched, and careers were made and destroyed beneath the sparkling chandeliers here.

Sprawled out in the square in front of the Rouen Cathedral, you’ll find dozens of vendors selling Normandy products, hot drinks to warm your hands with, and plenty of sweet and savory seasonal bites.

After visiting the Christmas Market, we’ll enter the Rouen cathedral for a private choral performance in a movingly atmospheric setting.

Head to a 17th century estate in the countryside. Originally created for the Maréchal de Créqui, it was purchased and lovingly restored by famous French interior designer Jacques Garcia in 1992. He has since infused this historic building with his eclectic style and filled it to the brim with a vast collection of art and antiques.

Creative minds have always thrived in Rouen—perhaps finding inspiration in its romantically cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and memorable history. Walk around town with a local guide today and meet some of the artisans of Rouen, each bringing their own distinct charm to the city. And who knows? Perhaps a little of the Rouen’s endless well of inspiration will rub off on you as well.

Get a taste for this wonderful region on a whirlwind day of discovery. Choose between one of two treasured pieces of local heritage—the charming Château Miromesnil, or a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a family working to preserve a traditional style of broom weaving. Additionally, we will all take a walking tour of the seaside port of Fécamp, a gem of the Alabaster coast and the home of the Bénédictine Palais.

The story of the Bénédictine Palais begins with Alexander the Great—no, not that one, but a famous 19th-century merchant. In 1863, Alexander discovered a book on botany amongst the collections at a Benedictine Abbey, and used it to create Bénédictine, an herbal liquor that brought him fame and fortune. He then went on to commission the Bénédictine Palais to be his “factory palace.” During your tour of the palace museum, you’ll stop at the distillery to taste this unique liquor.

See firsthand why Normandy is known as “the orchard of France.” Renowned for the hundreds of apple varieties grown here, the region is known for its apple cider production. Try this fizzy alcoholic beverage for yourself at a local farm, where you can also learn the cider process from the orchards to bottling.

Allow us to ferry you around a sampling of the finest Christmas markets in Paris, where you’ll find collections of cozy little booths vending vin chaud (French mulled wine), Christmas decorations, regional produce, and specialties from all over the country.

The stunning, moat-framed façade of Château de Vaux le Vicomte rivals any palace in Europe—even Versailles, considering this château was famously the inspiration behind the Sun King’s residence. You are invited to the château for a reception that has been privately arranged for Uniworld guests.

In a city that celebrates art & culture, the Palais Garnier is a must-see. This historic venue for opera and ballet is close to another celebration of classic Parisian artistry: the fantastic window displays of the Haussmann fashion district. Hosting the Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and more, this district is an iconic shop year-round, but the holiday season offers something special. View installations that engineers, sound designers, and a team of creatives work on over the course of a year to dazzle during the Christmas season.