Overview
Before saying bonjour to the beautiful Seine River, spend time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of the city’s rich history or take a tour highlighting the iconic landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Transfer to your Suite Ship® in Bordeaux, the capital of the splendid Nouvelle-Aquitaine region—famed for its legendary vineyards and lovely villages. Cruise through one of France’s most exquisite regions and be carried away by your choice of Avalon’s included Classic, Active, or Discovery excursions—from the regal histories of castles and Châteaux to the romantic cellars where wine bouquets and bon-vivant cuisine tempt the palate.
While the landscapes and lush pastoral treasures are plentiful along the shores of the Garonne and Dordogne, Avalon elevates each immersive experience for a deeper discovery of the cultural and architectural treasures that recall the rich traditions of Southwest France. From unparalleled panoramic drives to forested two-wheel excursions by bike to the delicacies of seaside Arachon—the world is your oyster on this adventure in la belle vie of Bordeaux!
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 Château 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 Taste of Normandy" Guided Tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry, visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados at a local distillery.
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 Monday of each month and on 22nd 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)
Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding
This morning, travel to Bordeaux to board your Suite Ship and start your cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX (B/D)
*Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.
On the Steps of Montesquieu
- Classic: Take a guided tour of Chateau de la Brede - birthplace of Montesquieu - political philosopher and author of "The Spirit of Law." Visit the fortress - style castle still reflected in its impressive moat, OR:
- Discovery: Join a Guided Visit with wine tasting at a local chateau. Sip the sweet notes and fresh acidity of Sauternes, the beloved golden - yellow wine.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your Suite Ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE (B/L/D)
*Sailing to Cadillac - sur - Garonne pending tides and water levels. Alternative motorcoach transportation for today's excursions provided.
Bikes, Vines, and Wines
This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort Medoc.
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Active: Enjoy a relaxing E-bike guided tour in Bordeaux's finest wine region. You will be amazed by the picturesque countryside while you enjoy a wonderful ride through the vineyards, OR:
- Discovery: Take a Guided Visit to an historic Chateau in the Medoc area and enjoy a tasting of their wonderful wines, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as protagonists.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CUSSAC FORT MEDOC (B/L/D)
Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive
A brief morning sailing to Blaye. Ask your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Classic: Take a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, OR:
- Discovery: Join a Guided Tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting.
Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg. Enjoy free time to explore this storybook village or join an optional guided excursion to learn how the Fine Champagne of Cognac is made while enjoying a Remy Martin tasting.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG (B/L/D)
The Village Amid the Vineyards
- Classic: Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Emilion - a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes.
Later, sail Bordeaux.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX (B/L/D)
Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Classic: Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights.
This afternoon, consider an optional guided excursion to Les Bassins des Lumieres for a breathtaking visit to the submarine base where art and music surround you in an immersive experience.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX (B/L/D)
Seas, Shells, and Sips
- Active: Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux' postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:
- Classic: Join a full-day guided tour of the seaside resort of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast. Gaze upon its 19th-century architectural treasures and taste its local delicacy of oysters and wine.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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.
