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2024 Season

Grand France for Wine Lovers (Southbound)

cruise: WPL-T2
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 an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe 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.

Transfer to Beaune and board your second Avalon Suite Ship® in Chalon-sur-Saône . A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.

Cruise to Tournus for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar. Lyon, sitting at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, is France’s third-largest city and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Take a culinary walk and enjoy a tour to Beaujolais, the famous wine of the region. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards. Enjoy a guided walk with a wine-and-chocolate tasting or a walk in the vineyards. In historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world– and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. Situated on the Rhône 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.

cruise

at-a-glance

Day 1 Paris (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Vernon–Les Andelys: Choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle or walk with your Adventure Host; choice of guided walk or guided hike in Les Andelys; onboard crêpe tasting and Pastry Demonstration

Day 3 Caudebec: Choice of excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 4 Caudebec: Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches or “A Taste of Normandy” excursion

Day 5 Rouen: Choice of guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral or bike tour

Day 6 Conflans: Choice of excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise or excursion to Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 7 Paris: Choice of guided sightseeing or historic sights of the “Heart of Paris” walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 8 Paris (Disembarkation)–Dijon–Beaune–Chalon-sur-Saône (Embarkation): High-speed train from Paris to Dijon; motorcoach transfer to Beaune and visit to the Hôtel-Dieu; onboard welcome reception

Day 9 Tournus: Guided walk in Tournus; onboard lecture about wine; Chardonnay excursion

Day 10 Lyon: Onboard cheese and wine tasting; choice of guided sightseeing with picture stop on Fourvière Hill or bike with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture

Day 11 Lyon: Culinary tour; guided tour to Beaujolais; onboard food and wine pairing dinner

Day 12 Tournon–Viviers: Guided walk in Tournon with wine and chocolate tasting or hike in the vineyards (weather permitting); guided walk in Viviers, visit the Old Town and the cathedral

Day 13 Avignon: Guided sightseeing, visit to the Palace of the Popes; guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape

Day 14 Arles: Choice of guided sightseeing in Arles, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, or painting workshop, or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 15 Arles (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. Plus, we offer independent exploration options and the use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP on most of our cruises. 

Below are 3 types of included shore excursions for you to experience.

The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, 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 a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.