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French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux WWII Remembrance & History Cruise

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Operated by Avalon
Tripcode: WPX-T8
Overview
Destination:
Start:,
Finish:,
Duration:15 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
June 2026 - June 2026
15 Day River Cruise Paris to Bordeaux
On this resplendent river cruise through France, you’ll be wined, dined, and wowed by breathtaking views and so much to do in the charming and historic locales of France. You’ll sail from Paris to Vernon with your choice of two included excursions—a guided visit to master impressionist Claude Monet’s home and gardens at Giverny, or a guided tour of the remarkable Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” You’ll sail through the picturesque and historic landscapes of Normandy, with the choice to visit the historic sites of the famed WWII landing beaches, and moving monuments to Allied forces, or you may explore the farming region for a “Taste of Normandy.”

In Rouen, site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom, take a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the Gothic Rouen Cathedral—once the tallest building in the world. From Conflans, join in an excursion to the quaint and inspiring town of Auvers-Sur-Oise—inspired setting for several famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh—or visit Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison. Your Seine River cruise returns to Paris with more time to explore the romantic city. Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour to see its iconic landmarks, including the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more, or take a tour focused on WWII and visit the museum of Les Invalides.

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
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PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
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 café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON

(D)

VERNON
Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes 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 crêpes, followed by an onboard history presentation.

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



Serenity on the Seine

ACTIVE 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 your ship.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC

(B,L,D)

CAUDEBEC
Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine

ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a guided excursion to a V-1 flying bomb launch site, 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 Onboard lecture about WWII hosted by your history expert.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC

(B,L,D)

CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
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 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)

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:

DISCOVERY Join a Guide Tour to visit Dieppe, where Operation Jubilee (Dieppe Raid) took place during WWII, 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.

DISCOVERY Onboard history lecture hosted by your history expert.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS

(B,L,D)

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

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:

DISCOVERY Take a WWII tour of Paris which will include a visit to the museum of Les Invalides, dedicated to the Ordre de la Libération which was created in 1940 by General Charles de Gaulle, leader of the Free French Forces, 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, that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées.

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)–BORDEAUX (EMBARKATION)
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)

BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE
On the Steps of Montesquieu

DISCOVERY Join a delicious onboard experience in Bordeaux wines with a presentation by a worldclass wine sommelier.

CLASSIC Take a guided tour of Château de la Brêde—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 wine estate. 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 PAUILLAC

(B,L,D)

CUSSAC FORT MÉDOC
Bikes, Vines, and Wines

This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort Médoc

Visit the Adventure Center 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 Join a guided tour to discover the culture and traditions of the southern Médoc region at one of Margaux' beautiful château and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:

CLASSIC Take a scenic drive through the famed Médoc wine country and enjoy a tasting of their wonderful wines, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as protagonists.

This evening, enjoy a brief sailing to Blaye.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BLAYE

(B,L,D)

BLAYE–BOURG
Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive

Ask your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Join a refreshing power walk through the historic Citadel of Blaye with your Adventure Host, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting, OR:

CLASSIC Take a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, followed by a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg.

CLASSIC Take a wonderful walking tour in the Citadel of Bourg on the banks of the Dordogne River and visit the carriage museum.

Alternatively, join an optional guided excursion to learn how the Fine Champagne of Cognac is made while enjoying a Rémy Martin tasting.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG

(B,L,D)

LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILION
The Village Amid the Vineyards

DISCOVERY Enjoy a guided visit to Saint-Émilion to discover one Bordeaux’ must-see wine-growing towns and celebrate your day with a wine tasting, OR:

CLASSIC Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes, OR:

CLASSIC Take an orientation walking tour to discover the history and beauty of Libourne, where wine and wonderful views are cherished in the 12th-century fortified town.

DISCOVERY Onboard lecture about WWII hosted by a history expert.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX

(B,L,D)

BORDEAUX
Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

DISCOVERY While sailing to Bordeaux, enjoy a pastry demonstration.

ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:

CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX

(B,L,D)

BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO ARCACHON’S BAY
Seas, Shells, and Sips

ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:

CLASSIC Take a guided tour to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s iconic wine museum and cultural center, 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.

This afternoon, consider an optional guided excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières 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)

BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Departure dates

Select your preferred date or enquire

Enquire now

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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