Members save more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide
Unlock member discounts
Unlock exclusive discounts and inclusions
Members only pricing
Bonus hand-picked inclusions
Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera (Southbound)
Operated by Avalon
Tripcode: WPLE-T7 51111
Overview
Destination:
Start:,
Finish:,
Finish:,
Duration:17 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Travel Period
November 2025 - November 2025
17 Day River Cruise Paris to French Riviera
Set sail on your Seine River cruise and sail to Vernon with your choice of a visit to Claude Monet’s Giverny or Bizy Castle, nicknamed “Normandy’s Versailles. In Caudebec, take an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, or select an excursion for a traditional “Taste of Normandy.” Visit Joan of Arc’s Rouen, then choose between a visit to Vincent Van Gogh’s Auver-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison. Return to Paris for your choice of sightseeing in the “City of Light”—discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour to see the iconic landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Board a high-speed train bound for Dijon, and transfer to Beaune to embark on your second Avalon Suite Ship® in Chalon-sur-Saône. Cruise to Lyon, is the gastronomic capital of France and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Take a guided walk of Tournon, beautifully nestled among vineyards, to see its Roman ruins and fascinating 16th-century castle. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world. Situated on the Rhône River, Arles is famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. As a perfect finale to your French river cruise vacation, spend 2 nights on the French Riviera along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea.
Set sail on your Seine River cruise and sail to Vernon with your choice of a visit to Claude Monet’s Giverny or Bizy Castle, nicknamed “Normandy’s Versailles. In Caudebec, take an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, or select an excursion for a traditional “Taste of Normandy.” Visit Joan of Arc’s Rouen, then choose between a visit to Vincent Van Gogh’s Auver-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison. Return to Paris for your choice of sightseeing in the “City of Light”—discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour to see the iconic landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Board a high-speed train bound for Dijon, and transfer to Beaune to embark on your second Avalon Suite Ship® in Chalon-sur-Saône. Cruise to Lyon, is the gastronomic capital of France and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Take a guided walk of Tournon, beautifully nestled among vineyards, to see its Roman ruins and fascinating 16th-century castle. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world. Situated on the Rhône River, Arles is famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. As a perfect finale to your French river cruise vacation, spend 2 nights on the French Riviera along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea.
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allPARIS, 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.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS(D)
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, 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)
CONFLANS
The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Conflans.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.EVENING CRUISE TO LES ANDELYS(B,L,D)
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.Enjoy a relaxing cruise to the picturesque town of 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.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)
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. 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/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LA ROCHE-GUYON(B,L,D)
LA ROCHE-GUYON
Castle Courtyards and Crêpes du JourVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.CLASSIC Explore the lovely village of La Roche-Guyon with a guided tour of its remarkable 12th-century castle, 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.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS(B,L,D)
PARIS (DISEMBARKATION) DIJON–BEAUNE–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (EMBARKATION)
Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune. DISCOVERY Visit the Hôtel-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-Saône to board your Suite Ship®. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS (B,D)
TOURNUS
Pearl of Southern BurgundyVisit 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 TRÉVOUX(B,L,D)
LYON
La Vie En Rose in LyonSail 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 Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon with its numerous churches from Fourvière Hill. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, 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)
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)
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 with its 16th-century castle. Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch. 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 onboard. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON(B,L,D)
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 Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône 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-Bénézet. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment. EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES(B,L,D)
ARLES
A Brush with GeniusACTIVE 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 that inspired the works of Vincent van Gogh.Take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine to relax and watch the world go by.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES(B,L,D)
ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)–FRENCH RIVIERA
Spectacular Seascapes of the Mediterranean CoastAfter breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.(B)
FRENCH RIVIERA
The “Queen of the French Riviera” CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city—an area which has changed little since the 1700s.(B)
FRENCH RIVIERA
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
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
Book now
Need help?
Price from
$14,601
$13,925
*
Member price from
$13,925*
per person
16 nights
Check departuresCan't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch with our friendly Travel Consultants.
Call 1800 850 888Speak to one of our friendly consultants, available during business hours.
Mon to Fri · 9am - 5pm AEST
Speak to an expert in-store
Prefer to plan in person? Make an appointment at our Travel Store to speak with one of our experts
247e11bd9dedce26eb14638b1b1f1da1
© 2025 Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) All rights reserved.