June 8: Josephine’s Château, Seine Serenity, Gala Celebration & Can Can Fun

Our final day of cruising on the Avalon Tapestry II was a wonderful blend of French history, relaxation, and pure Parisian entertainment—a perfect prelude to our last full day docked in Paris tomorrow.





Morning: Château de Malmaison—Josephine’s Retreat

We began the day with a visit to Château de Malmaison, the elegant country estate of Empress Josephine, just outside Paris. The château’s beautifully preserved rooms and lush rose gardens offered a glimpse into the refined world of Napoleon’s first wife. Walking through the halls and gardens, it was easy to imagine the political intrigue and romance that once filled these walls.



















Josephine's bedroom

Josephine's afternoon nap room





Afternoon: Cruising the Seine Back to Paris

Back onboard, we enjoyed a peaceful afternoon cruise down the Seine, watching the scenery transition from tranquil countryside to the iconic skyline of Paris. It was a relaxing time to gather with friends on deck, share stories, and savor the final moments of river life as we approached the City of Light.



Look our for Icebergs

A beer named Robert that Rob picked up at one of the Abbeys



Guess this one didn't miss the iceberg

Afternoon tea




Dressed for the Gala dinner

Heads and Tails game that Rob came close (final 6)

Rob and Tony our Cruise director who recognized our anniversary during the cruise with a bottle of Prosecco


Evening: Gala Dinner & Can Can Extravaganza

Tonight’s Gala Dinner was a festive affair, with delicious French cuisine, laughter, and toasts all around. The highlight of the evening was the lively Can Can show performed right onboard. The dancers brought infectious energy and classic Parisian flair to the lounge, and the fun quickly became interactive—Rob was pulled into the show, first to demonstrate his Can Can dance moves and then multiple times as the dancers whisked him past the audience and up to the stage! His unexpected stardom had everyone in stitches and made the evening even more memorable.


We shared the prosecco with our travel mates


Lobster

Beef Tenderloin

Recognizing the crew




And then it was time for the Can Can show



Rob's seat that was up front and as the dancers would come out made him a unknowing part of the show.




The "drunk" Can Can dancer stumbling into Rob

And then later, the same dancer draped him in her dress
 


After the show, she came to see him, She was a good sport for everyone wanting pictures of the two of them. 






Looking Ahead

While this was our last night cruising, the adventure isn’t over yet. Tomorrow, June 9, we’ll spend a full day docked in Paris, with more time to explore, enjoy the city, and savor the final chapter of this unforgettable journey.

With Paris on the horizon, we’re ready for one more magical day before we say au revoir to the Avalon Tapestry II and this extraordinary adventure.

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