Overview
Return to Paris for your choice of sightseeing in the “City of Light”—discover the true...read more heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour to see the iconic landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Board a high-speed train bound for Dijon, and transfer to Beaune to embark on your second Avalon Suite Ship in Chalon-sur-Saône.
Cruise to Lyon, is the gastronomic capital of France and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Take a guided walk of Tournon, beautifully nestled among vineyards, to see its Roman ruins and fascinating 16th-century castle. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world. Situated on the Rhône River, Arles is famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre. As a perfect finale to your French river cruise holiday, spend 2 nights on the French Riviera along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea.
During the Olympics and Paralympic games some areas might be closed or not accessible to groups, therefore the program might be subject to change.
Itinerary
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Your day is free to explore the world's most romantic city before starting your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Light today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and cafe au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON (D)
Monet's Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crepes du Jour
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Active: Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: 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: Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle - called "Normandy's Versailles" for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.
- Discovery: While sailing, enjoy a traditional French Luncheon of authentic French crepes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.
This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.
LES ANDELYS: Serenity on the Seine
- Active: Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Chateau Gaillard - historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys - one of France's most picturesque spots on the Seine.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC (B/L/D)
*Monet's House is closed in March and November. During this period this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche - Guyon and its castle
Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
- Active: Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route - where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.
This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC (B/L/D)
Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions
- Classic: Join a Guided Tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches, visit 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, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN (B/L/D)
The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France
- Active: Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen - site of Saint Joan of Arc's martyrdom - and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS (B/L/D)
The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV
- Active: Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of the opulent Chateau de Malmaison* - home of Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.
Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles - home to a succession of French kings.
EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS (B/L/D)
* Chateau de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month and on 21st September. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Chateau de Chantilly
Cafes, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of Light
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Active: Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Ile de la Cite, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided City Tour, that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opera Garnier, and the famous Champs-Elysees.
Stroll through Paris on your own, or linger over wine in a literary cafe on the Left Bank.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS (B/L/D)
Take a High - Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.
- Classic: Visit the Hotel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgement.
This afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saone to board your Suite Ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS (B/D)
Pearl of Southern Burgundy
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Classic: Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centres in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town.
Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or to the Castle of Cormatin.
- Discovery: Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TREVOUX (B/L/D)
La Vie En Rose in Lyon
Sail for lovely Lyon this morning.
- Active: Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon with its numerous churches from Fourviere Hill. You'll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafes, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.
- Discovery: Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board your ship.
Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B/L/D)
Adventures in Food and Wine
- Classic: Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why it is known as the gastronomic capital of France.
The rest of your day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France's third largest city. Take a bike from the ship and explore local produce markets and parks, or take a leisurely tour of the city's more than 100 murals.
EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON (B/L/D)
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
- Classic: Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon - one of France's oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.
Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.
VIVIERS: World History in a Charming French Country Village
- Classic: Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You'll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON (B/L/D)
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Classic: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon - with its ramparts encircling the city - and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.
Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhone wine region. Explore Avignon on your own for the city's art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Benezet. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES (B/L/D)
A Brush with Genius
- Active: Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Discovery: Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles - the captivating city of the Provence region. You'll visit the Roman Amphitheatre in this visually stunning city.
Take advantage of any free time with a stop in Le Cafe Van Gogh for a glass of wine to relax and watch the world go by.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B/L/D)
Spectacular Seascapes of the Mediterranean Coast
After breakfast this morning, you'll drive to the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy. (B)
The "Queen of the French Riviera"
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city - an area which has changed little since the 1700s. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Please Note: The end city and accommodation in the French Riviera is yet to be confirmed and subject to change.
Life Onboard Avalon Tapestry II
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Brochure
Avalon River Cruises (2024-25)
Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details
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.
