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France Unveiled: Seine & Rhône for Wine Lovers
Operated by Avalon Waterways
Tripcode: WRL-T7
Overview
Destination:
France,
Duration:17 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Travel Period
October 2027 - October 2027
17 Day River Cruise Paris to Arles
Raise a glass to cruising reimagined! Set sail on two unforgettable back-to-back Avalon River cruises through the heart of France. Toast to views from your Panorama Suite as you drift down the Seine, passing riverside villages and rolling vineyards along the way. Sample French wine and cheese, wander through Monet’s gardens, and walk the historic Normandy beaches. From the winding streets of Rouen to the unforgettable magic of Paris—with its café culture and iconic landmarks—there’s something new at every turn. Spend two days in Paris exploring the romantic charm that captures the true spirit of this enchanting city before embarking on the Saône and Rhône.Your wine adventure picks up in Lyon, where another Avalon Suite Ship® is ready to take you along the Saône and Rhône. Sip local wines and savor gourmet flavors as a Certified Sommelier guides you through exclusive tastings and pairings, helping you uncover the distinct character of France’s most famous vineyards. From the hills of Beaujolais and the cellars of Mâcon to the timeless charm of Avignon and Arles, every stop is a celebration of French culture. It’s more than just a cruise; it’s a way to truly experience the best of France, one glass at a time.About Certified SommeliersSeldom do travelers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honored to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!
Raise a glass to cruising reimagined! Set sail on two unforgettable back-to-back Avalon River cruises through the heart of France. Toast to views from your Panorama Suite as you drift down the Seine, passing riverside villages and rolling vineyards along the way. Sample French wine and cheese, wander through Monet’s gardens, and walk the historic Normandy beaches. From the winding streets of Rouen to the unforgettable magic of Paris—with its café culture and iconic landmarks—there’s something new at every turn. Spend two days in Paris exploring the romantic charm that captures the true spirit of this enchanting city before embarking on the Saône and Rhône.Your wine adventure picks up in Lyon, where another Avalon Suite Ship® is ready to take you along the Saône and Rhône. Sip local wines and savor gourmet flavors as a Certified Sommelier guides you through exclusive tastings and pairings, helping you uncover the distinct character of France’s most famous vineyards. From the hills of Beaujolais and the cellars of Mâcon to the timeless charm of Avignon and Arles, every stop is a celebration of French culture. It’s more than just a cruise; it’s a way to truly experience the best of France, one glass at a time.About Certified SommeliersSeldom do travelers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honored to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!
Notes:
- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Departure 1031 will operate the itinerary in a revised order: Days 1 to 7 as per regular program, Day 10 Lyon, Day 11 Mâcon-Lyon, Day 12 Lyon, Day 13 Lyon-Tournon, from Day 14 back to regular program.
Highlights:
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1 - PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for BoardingFlights 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 café 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 Crêpes du JourVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour through the picturesque Normandy countryside from Vernon to Giverny, ending with a visit to Monet’s enchanting gardens and home, 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 crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. Serenity on the SeineACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château 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.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)*Monet’s House is closed in November. During this period, this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle** This excursion will not be operated in November
Day 3 - CAUDEBEC
Ancient Abbeys Along the SeineACTIVE 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. DISCOVERY Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)
Day 4 - CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
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 Bény-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.EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN(B,L,D)
Day 5 - ROUEN
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame 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 Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS(B,L,D)* Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly
Day 7 - PARIS
Cafés, 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 Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.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)
Day 8 - PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)
The City of LightDisembark your ship and transfer to your hotel in Paris.Enjoy a day at leisure to explore on your own. Consider browsing Paris’ classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience, or have your portrait sketched by a Parisian artist in the square at Place du Tertre.(B)
Day 9 - PARIS
Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.Spend your free time strolling through the Champs-Élysées for café au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, or visit Montmartre’s Basilica of the Sacré Cœur. (B)
Day 10 - PARIS–LYON (EMBARKATION)
On to Lyon!Board the TGV train to Lyon where your Suite Ship® is ready for boarding.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON*(B,D)* On departure 1031 ship will sail in the evening to Mâcon
Day 11 - LYON*
La Vie En Rose in LyonACTIVE Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR:DISCOVERY Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its lively cafés, monuments, and maze of medieval alleyways where history comes to life.DISCOVERY Later, join a lecture on board about wine hosted by your Certified Sommelier.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)*On departure 1031 the excursions planned on this day have been moved to day 12 and the excursion through the Maconnais region originally planned for day 13 will take place on this day. Ship will dock in Macon in the morning and sail to Lyon in the afternoon.
Day 12 - LYON–MÂCON*
Fine Silk and French Sweets Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. CLASSIC Explore Lyon’s silk heritage with a museum visit, a Walking Tour of La Presqu’île, and a live demonstration of hand-printed silk serigraphy in a workshop. A rich journey through silk history, OR:DISCOVERY Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine.Later, enjoy live entertainment after dinner.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MÂCON(B,L,D)*On departure 1031 the excursions planned on this day have been moved to day 13 and the excursions originally planned for day 11 will take place on this day. Ship will dock in Lyon the whole day.
Day 13 - MÂCON*
Wine on the Stunning Saône Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and the wines produced here. Enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!DISCOVERY This evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Certified Sommelier.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON(B,L,D)*On departure 1031 the excursions planned on this day have been moved to day 11 and the excursions originally planned for day 12 will take place on this day. Ship will dock in Lyon in the morning and sail to Tournon in the afternoon.
Day 14 - TOURNON
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and VineyardsCLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle. The tour also includes a wine and chocolate tasting at the Cité du Chocolat at Valrhona.After lunch, enjoy an onboard wine and cheese tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier while sailing to Viviers.World History in a Charming French Country VillageCLASSIC 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 on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON(B,L,D)
Day 15 - AVIGNON
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Discover Avignon by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: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.DISCOVERY Enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES(B,L,D)
Day 16 - ARLES
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 Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.Take free time to stop at Le Café van Gogh for a glass of wine. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B,L,D)
Day 17 - ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.(B)
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
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.
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