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Active & Discovery on the Seine & Rhône with 2 Nights in Saint-Malo (Mont St. Michel Visit)

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Operated by Avalon
Tripcode: WHLQ
Overview
Destination:
France
Start:Paris, France
Finish:Marseille, France
Duration:18 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
May 2027 - September 2027
18 Day River Cruise Paris to Arles
Dig into a delicious menu of culturally immersive experiences, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise on the Seine and Rhone Rivers! serves up joie de vivre at every port. History meets happiness as you decide how to savor the castles, croissants, châteaux, and chèvre of fabulous France from Paris to Normandy.

With a wide array of Classic, Discovery, and Active excursions, you’re in the driver’s seat on the Seine – whether that’s a bicycle seat, kayak seat, or a front row seat at a culinary or cocktail workshop where you’ll learn hands-on how to master the delightful delicacies this gastronomic country is known for. And dive into Provence with immersive experiences on the Rhone River. Choose your adventure from bird watching from the seat of a bicycle, kayaking on the gorge, wine tasting in a cool cave or turning up the heat in a French cooking class! This is your tour de France. No matter how you choose to journey through it, monumental discoveries and moving experiences await at every turn.

Move.
Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:

•Say “oui” and “whee” on a bicycle tour through the heart of Paris.
•Paddle a kayak past the timbered houses, 12th century castles and gothic church of charming Vernon.
•Hop on an E-bike for a leisurely tour of the impressive Château de Maisons-Lafitte.
•Join an urban hike through Lyon’s secret passageways for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade.
•Take in the panoramic views from the seat of a rail bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux.
•Cool off with a special underground wine tasting accompanied by a cave guide and winemaking expert.

And be moved.
Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:

•Whip up sweet Chantilly cream with the culinary experts on the even sweeter Chantilly Castle grounds.
•Stop and smell the roses as you stroll through the home and gardens of master impressionist Claude Monet.
•Shake it up at a Benedictine cocktail workshop at the palace where the world-famous liqueur is made.
•Join a cooking class in the gastronomic capital of Lyon and make your own Lyonnaise specialty.
•Discover how essential oils are created at an authentic Provencal farmhouse.
•Mimic the brushstrokes of Van Gogh in a painting workshop in Arles where the artist created some of his most famous works.

Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.

Start sooner with a one-night hotel stay in Paris and two-night in Saint-Malo! Avalon Choice sightseeing and a visit to Mont St. Michel is the perfect highlight of your stay.

Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Seine.
Highlights:
Itinerary
Expand all Collapse all
PARIS, FRANCE
Bienvenue en France!

Take free time today to fall in love with the world’s most romantic city. Get inspired by its architectural icons, exquisite cuisine, chic boutiques, and priceless artistic treasures.

PARIS–HONFLEUR–SAINT-MALO
The Seine Begins

CLASSIC En route to Saint-Malo, stop for a visit to Honfleur as artists have done for centuries where the Seine River begins. Discover the captivating old harbor, medieval Old Town, and coastal beauty of this charming village.

(B)

SAINT-MALO. EXCURSION TO MONT ST. MICHEL
The Jewel of Normandy

CLASSIC Enjoy a Walking Tour of the walled city of Saint Malo, famous for its long history of pirates and heroes.

CLASSIC On the way to Le Havre, stop in Mont Saint Michel with a visit to the Abbey, one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

(B)

SAINT MALO–CHARTRES–PARIS (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

CLASSIC En route to Paris, stop for a visit to the 12th-century Notre-Dame de Chartres, one of the world’s most famous gothic cathedrals.

Tonight, enjoy dinner on board and explore your Suite Ship®.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LA ROCHE GUYON

(B,D)

LA ROCHE GUYON
Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour

ACTIVE Spend a fun and active day kayaking. Join an expert guide and paddle your way through areas accessible only by water, OR:

DISCOVERY Delight in 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:

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to one of France’s most remarkable castles—Château de La Roche-Guyon, perched on the picturesque chalk cliffs overlooking the village of La Roche-Guyon; during the visit, enjoy a tasting of local products.

DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes.

This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.


Serenity on the Seine’s Most Beautiful Riverbends

ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart and a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine. Visit Saint Sauveur’s Church of Le Petit Andely.

DISCOVERY Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC

(B,L,D)

CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and White Cliffs of Normandy

DISCOVERY Travel to Fecamp to visit the Palais Bénédictine where the world-famous Bénédictine liquor is made. Enjoy a short Self-Guided Tour followed by a cocktail workshop focused on the famous liquor. Enjoy a photo stop in Étretat to capture breathtaking views over the cliffs of the Alabaster Coast en route back to Caudebec, 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 Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.

Enjoy onboard live entertainment after dinner, while sailing to Rouen

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUEN

(B,L,D)

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

ACTIVE Pedal your way through hundreds of years of history on this Guided Bike Tour around Rouen, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to the magnificent Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen to marvel at masterpieces in fine art. Be awed by one of the most outstanding collections of art in France—from the works of Rubens, Monet, Degas, and countless other masters, 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.

DISCOVERY Enjoy a fascinating presentation on art and impressionism with an onboard lecture.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN

(B,L,D)

ROUEN
Heritage and Nature

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to the magnificent Château de Bonnemare, a Renaissance castle amid serene natural beauty in the heart of Normandy.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS

(B,L,D)

CONFLANS
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 Château de Maisons-Lafitte where you will enjoy a special snack, OR:

DISCOVERY Prepare your own Chantilly cream on the grounds of Chantilly Castle, 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 Château de Malmaison—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.

Enjoy an afternoon sailing to Paris.

This evening, enjoy onboard live entertainment on board your ship after dinner.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS

(B,L,D)



PARIS
Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases

ACTIVE Hop on a bike to explore Paris like a local on this enjoyable guided tour through its sights, mesmerizing 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 stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS

(B,L,D)

PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–LYON (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship Awaits!

Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Lyon to board your Suite Ship®.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON

(B,D)

LYON
A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Take a Guided Urban Hike through Lyon’s secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade, OR:

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colors, aromas and taste—exclusive for Avalon guests, OR:

DISCOVERY Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.

EVENING CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON

(B,L,D)

TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON
Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers

ACTIVE For a unique experience and panoramic views, join a Guided Excursion this morning on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR:

DISCOVERY Have a true “chocolate experience” with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Tournon—twin city to Tain-l’Hermitage and one of France’s oldest medieval cities. You’ll see its imposing 16th-century castle.

DISCOVERY Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS

(B,L,D)

VIVIERS–LOCK BOLLÈNE
River Gorge Kayaks and Underground Wines

ACTIVE Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR:

ACTIVE Join a Guided Visit for a surprising underground Wine Tasting—under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert), OR:

DISCOVERY Visit a traditional truffle farm to see a harvesting demonstration by the farmer’s dog; meet a truffle-producer to hear about the process of cultivating these culinary delicacies and taste delicious truffle carpaccio and truffled toast, OR:

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.

DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a tasting of Local Specialties on board your ship.

Cruise through the soaring walls of Lock Bollène on your way to Avignon this afternoon.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

(B,L,D)

AVIGNON
Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in Provence

ACTIVE Join a Guided Kayak Excursion through the waters of Pont du Gard—the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts, OR:

DISCOVERY Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you see how essential oils are created, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Avignon, including a visit to the world’s largest gothic fortress—the 14th-century Palace Of the Popes. Also, enjoy a tasting of local products while exploring Les Halles’ covered market.

This afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, or you may opt for a Guided Optional E-Bike Ride through Gard region.

You may choose to spend free time exploring Avignon—known as the heart of Provence. Take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares within Avignon’s medieval walls.

EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES

(B,L,D)

ARLES
A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations, 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 Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.

This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices. Alternatively, feel free to choose one of the optional excursions on offer.

Later, enjoy on board live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

(B,L,D)

PORT-SAINT-LOUIS
Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône Delta

Enjoy an early morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the Sky Deck of your ship.

ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species—including pink flamingos—along the trails of the Mediterranean’s Rhône delta, OR:

DISCOVERY Enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to an oyster farm in the Camargue Natural Park on a Guided Tour to enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed, OR:

DISCOVERY Visit one of France’s most popular and pristine nature reserves on this memorable visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park!

In the afternoon enjoy a relaxing sailing to Arles.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

(B,L,D)

ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.

(B)

Dates

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Travellers

Operator
Avalon Waterways

Designed from the bottom up for comfort, space, and room to dream, each Avalon Suite Ship consists of 80% Panorama Suites—offering the widest view in river cruising. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded anywhere on board. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough In the Observation Lounge, there’s never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, day dream, or just watch the world go by. From our inception, Avalon Waterways has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travellers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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