The big surprise of the 2027 edition: a fleet of Norwegian and Danish Viking-style ships will line the Seine's left bank — facing the tall ships across the water. Here's what to expect.
Alongside the usual fleet of around forty tall ships on the right bank, the 2027 Armada adds a striking new sight: roughly forty Norwegian and Danish Viking ships (drakkars) moored along the left bank. Two great seafaring traditions, face to face across the Seine — it's never been done at this scale here before.
A drakkar is a long, narrow Norse longship — the sleek, shallow-draught vessel the Vikings used to cross open seas and row up rivers like the Seine. With its carved prow, single square sail and rows of oars, it's instantly recognisable and a world away from the towering square-riggers opposite.
There's real history here: the Vikings sailed up the Seine to Rouen over a thousand years ago, and Normandy itself takes its name from the "Northmen" who settled the region. Seeing a fleet of longships back on the river is a powerful nod to that past.
Look for the drakkars along the left bank of the Seine, opposite the tall ships. Walking both banks is the best way to take in the full spectacle — historic square-riggers on one side, Viking longships on the other. See the tall ships fleet and the full programme.
Join the list and we'll send where and when to see the drakkars — plus the rest of the 2027 programme as it's confirmed.