AVALON 2025: Grand France (Southbound) (WPL)
15 Day River Cruise Paris to Arles
On this France river cruise vacation, enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful views, and stops in the most charming and historical parts of France. Sail along the Seine River to the picturesque Normandy region. In Vernon, choose between two exciting guided visits-Claude Monet's stunning gardens at Giverny or the remarkable Bizy Castle, known as 'Normandy's Versailles.' Go on (Take) an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. In Rouen, go on a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the gothic Rouen Cathedral.
Before you depart 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 Paris' rich history, or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Disembark you ship on the Seine, and board a high-speed train for Dijon and transfer to your Suite Ship on the Saone River. Sail to Lyon, sitting at the confluence of the Saone and Rhone Rivers, is (Explore) France's third-largest city and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards. You'll go on (Enjoy) a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. In historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes-the largest gothic fortress in the world. Situated on the Rhone River, Arles is famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.*
During the Olympics and Paralympic games some venues and areas might be closed or not accessible to groups, therefore the program might be subject to change.
Before you depart 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 Paris' rich history, or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Disembark you ship on the Seine, and board a high-speed train for Dijon and transfer to your Suite Ship on the Saone River. Sail to Lyon, sitting at the confluence of the Saone and Rhone Rivers, is (Explore) France's third-largest city and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards. You'll go on (Enjoy) a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. In historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes-the largest gothic fortress in the world. Situated on the Rhone River, Arles is famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.*
During the Olympics and Paralympic games some venues and areas might be closed or not accessible to groups, therefore the program might be subject to change.
Call 718 442 8000 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17493417
- Tour Operator
- Globus
- Duration
- 15 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Paris | 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) |
| Day 2 | Vernon | Monet's Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crepes du Jour Visit the Adventure Center 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. |
| Day 3 | Caudebec | 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) |
| Day 4 | Caudebec | 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 Center, 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) |
| Day 5 | Rouen | 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) |
| Day 6 | Conflans | 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. |
| Day 7 | Paris | 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) |
| Day 8 | Chalon-Sur-Saone | 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 the 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) |
| Day 9 | Tournus | Pearl of Southern Burgundy Visit the Adventure Center 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 centers 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) |
| Day 10 | Lyon | 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) |
| Day 11 | Lyon | 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) |
| Day 12 | Tournon | A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon-one of France's oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhone River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. 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) |
| Day 13 | Avignon | 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) |
| Day 14 | Arles | Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights 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 Amphitheater 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) |
| Day 15 | Arles | Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. (B) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Gateway city for departures is Marseille
Port charges:
$420
Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).
Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Avalon Waterways, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Avalon Waterways, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
Important Notes- Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Avalon Waterways to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
- The following charges are not included in the land/cruise vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; intra-vacation air, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.10 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Avalon menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.
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Booking your Vacation with Air
Our volume buying power saves you money. We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. Avalon Waterways offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Early Airfare Price Guarantee locks in a price that is guaranteed not to increase. Air pricing and schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to last travel date in the itinerary. At that time the best air price will be utilized and a new invoice with the air cost and confirmed schedule will be sent. The identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier's codeshare partner, will be assigned and disclosed at this time. If the guaranteed price is the lowest, the schedule with the lowest fare per contracted classes of service will be booked. Any voluntary change to the confirmed flights negates the guaranteed price and is subject to air pricing at the time of the change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices - air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional non-refundable air deposit of $300 per person is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Avalon in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable per person service fee of $30 (North/Central America), $50 (Europe/Middle East) or $80 (all other international destinations). Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
Air-Inclusive Vacations - Applicable Taxes & Fees
Air-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.
'Starting at' Disclaimer
The 'Starting at' or 'From' listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on double occupancy and any applicable non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes limited-time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.
