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Active & Discovery on the Seine

5.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
River View
$4,059
Balcony
$5,708
Suite
$7,058
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
9 Days
 Cruise Starts
Paris
 Cruise Finishes
Paris
9 Day Active & Discovery on the Seine Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: France
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
WHPP

Overview

Your holiday in France begins with a night in Paris—“The City of Light.” Before embarking on your Seine River cruise in Le Havre, choose between a city sightseeing, a bike tour or a visit to the Palais Bénédictine in Fécamp. You’ll cruise to Caudebec and take an excursion to Normandy. Choose from a selection of excursions, including a tour of the WWII landing beaches at Normandy, with the memorials and monuments to the allied forces, or a “A Day in Normandy” tour to to trace the steps of William the Conqueror, King Henry IV, and Queen Marie de’ Medici.

Continue to Rouen for a walking...read more tour of the village where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Astronomical Clock. Sail on to Les Andelys where you have plenty of choices, from a guided tour to a hike experience or a visit to Lyons-la-Forêt. In Vernon enjoy a walking tour. Alternatively enjoy a guided kayak tour. Next, cruise to Conflans—home of Van Gogh and Bonaparte, to see both provincial inspirations for the artist’s paintings, and grand opulence of the emperor’s home.

As an alternative, you may want to join an e-bike tour to the Château de Maisons-Lafitte or learn how to prepare a Chantilly cream. Your river cruise along the Seine returns to Paris. Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or explore the city by bike or enjoy a walking food tour. You’ll long reflect on this remarkable cruise on the Seine River, with panoramic views and the remembrances of history, heroes, and artists brought to life.

Itinerary

Bienvenue en France! Your day is free to explore the world's most romantic city. Get acquainted with the City of Lights today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and cafe au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.

Welcome to France! Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Enjoy some free time in Paris today, before transfer to Le Havre and board your cruise on the Seine. Tonight, enjoy dinner on board and explore your Suite Ship.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LE HAVRE (B/D)

20th Century Architecture and White Cliffs of Normandy

Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

  • Active: Explore the city as only a local would: by bicycle. Cycle up to the quartier Saint Francois, OR:
  • Discovery: Travel to FECAMP to visit the Palais Benedectine where the world famous Benedectine liquor is made. Enjoy a short Self-Guided Tour followed by a cocktail workshop focused around the famous liquor, OR:
  • Classic: Take a Guided Tour to Le Havre and discover the modern architecture of its city centre, rebuilt by Auguste Perret and part of the World Heritage of Humanity.

This afternoon, you may want to choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC (B/L/D)

Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions

  • Discovery: Join "A Taste of Normandy" Guided Tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. Visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados apple brandy at a local distillery, OR:
  • Classic: Join a Guided Visit to the WWII landing beaches of Normandy. Take a full-day tour of significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR:
  • Classic: Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach centre, and the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship while sailing to Rouen.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN (B/L/D)

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France

  • Active: Spend a fun and active day kayaking. Join an expert guide and paddle your way through areas accessible only by water, OR:
  • Classic: Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen - home of the martyred Saint Joan of Arc - and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

In the afternoon, you're free to explore the city on your own or to join one of our Optional Excursions. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN (B/L/D)

Serenity on the Seine

  • Active: Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Chateau Gaillard — historic home of King Richard the Lionheart and a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, OR:
  • Discovery: Visit one of 'most beautiful villages of France' situated in a beautiful forested setting in Normandy. Afterwards discover the legends of the haunted Abbey de Mortemere, OR:
  • Classic: Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys — one of France's most picturesque spots on the Seine. Visit the Saint Sauveur's Church of Le Petit Andely.
  • Discovery: While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crepes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.

VERNON: Monet's Muses and Castle Courtyards

  • Active: Spend a fun and active day canoeing. Join an expert guide and paddle your way through areas accessible only by water, OR:
  • Discovery: Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet's charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces, OR:
  • Classic: Explore the picturesque town of Vernon with a leisurely Guided Tour through its marvelous medieval streets on the banks of the Seine River

EVENING CRUISE TO CONFLANS (B/L/D)

Walk in the Footsteps of Van Gogh and Bonaparte

  • Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
  • Active: This Guided E-bike Tour will take you to the Chateau de Maisons - Lafitte where you will enjoy a special snack, OR:
  • Discovery: Travel to the Chantilly Castle on your own where the experts of the Confrerie des Chevaliers Fouetteurs de creme Chantilly will show you how to prepare your own Chantilly cream, OR:
  • Classic: Join a Guided Tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, and walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who lived, worked, and is buried here. See the landscapes and village scenes captured in his paintings, OR:
  • Classic: Take a Guided tour of the opulent Chateau de Malmaison - home of Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.

You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles - home to a succession of French kings.

This afternoon, cruise to Paris and in the evening enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS (B/L/D)

Cafes, Cathedrals, and Canvases - The City of Lights Truly Shines

  • Active: Hop on a bike to explore Paris like a local on this enjoyable guided tour through its sights, mesmerising history, and incredible ambiance, OR:
  • Discovery: Immerse yourself on our Food and Cultural Tour of Paris where you will find out why the French food and culinary tradition has been even added to the UNESCO heritage list, OR:
  • Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing, which will show you magnificent must-see sights.

This afternoon, you may want to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles. Alternatively, stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary cafe on the Left Bank.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CONFLANS (B/L/D)

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Life Onboard Avalon Tapestry II

Avalon Tapestry II
Avalon Tapestry II

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more

Our Vision. Your View.
Our Vision. Your View.

With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more

Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Exclusive Meets Inclusive

Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more

Avalon Choice
Avalon Choice

Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more

Active & Discovery
Active & Discovery

Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more

From View to Table
From View to Table

Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more

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Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Active & Discovery on the Seine' Reviews

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
1 Review
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1 Star
Cruising the Seine before the Olympics   1 , SA, Australia, Jul 2024
The highlights for me included experiencing an organised bike tour for 3 hours during blocked Parisian streets before the Olympics, the Unusual Gardens of Etratat, historic Joan of Arc town of Rouen, and walking the path of Vincent van Gough. This is the second Avalon cruise I have done as I was able to avoid the solo supplement. I love the meals on ...read more board which are a contrast from my daily pre-packed dinners! I have already booked another Avalon cruise in France for 2025 with Hannah of Global Journeys who is always efficient and informative. (GJ: Great photo Alick!)

Brochure

Avalon River Cruises (2025-26) Brochure

Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)

Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts guests in the captain’s seat to navigate their journey, fuel their passions, and steer clear of the usual while cruising on the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One...more step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and it’s easy to see how the tides are changing. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

Availability USD USD Port charges, taxes and fees included.

Monday 05 May 2025
Tuesday 13 May 2025
Ship Avalon Tapestry II
River View
$5,158
View Cabins
Balcony
$6,807
View Cabins
Suite
$8,157
View Cabins
Monday 16 Jun 2025
Tuesday 24 Jun 2025
Ship Avalon Tapestry II
River View
$5,158
View Cabins
Balcony
$6,707
View Cabins
Suite
$8,057
View Cabins
Monday 28 Jul 2025
Tuesday 05 Aug 2025
Ship Avalon Tapestry II
River View
$5,058
View Cabins
Balcony
$6,607
View Cabins
Suite
$7,957
View Cabins
Monday 08 Sep 2025
Tuesday 16 Sep 2025
Ship Avalon Tapestry II
River View
$5,258
View Cabins
Balcony
$6,907
View Cabins
Suite
$8,257
View Cabins
Avalon Exclusive
Monday 04 May 2026
Tuesday 12 May 2026
Ship Avalon Tapestry II
River View
Save $1,000
$4,309
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,000
$6,058
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,000
$7,408
View Cabins
Avalon Exclusive
Monday 15 Jun 2026
Tuesday 23 Jun 2026
Ship Avalon Tapestry II
River View
Save $1,250
$4,059
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,250
$5,708
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,250
$7,058
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Avalon. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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