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Grand France WWII Remembrance & History Cruise (Southbound)
Operated by Avalon
Tripcode: WPL-T8
Overview
Destination:
France,
Start:Paris, France
Finish:Arles, France
Finish:Arles, France
Duration:15 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Travel Period
June 2027 - June 2027
15 Day River Cruise Paris to Arles
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. Your adventure begins on the Seine River, offering a choice of excursion opportunities, rich in history! 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.” Continue 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, or take a tour focused on WWII and visit the museum of Les Invalides.Disembark your ship on the Seine, and board a high-speed train for Dijon and transfer to your Suite Ship® on the Saône River. Sail to Lyon, sitting at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers. Explore France’s third-largest city and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards. Enjoy a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. In historic 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, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.
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. Your adventure begins on the Seine River, offering a choice of excursion opportunities, rich in history! 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.” Continue 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, or take a tour focused on WWII and visit the museum of Les Invalides.Disembark your ship on the Seine, and board a high-speed train for Dijon and transfer to your Suite Ship® on the Saône River. Sail to Lyon, sitting at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers. Explore France’s third-largest city and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards. Enjoy a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. In historic 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, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.
Highlights:
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allPARIS, 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. Explore 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 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 an onboard history presentation.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 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: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.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)
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)
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:DISCOVERY Join a Guide Tour to visit Vimy Memorial and the Battle of the Somme battlefield, the largest battle on the Western Front. Continue Beaumont-Hamel and visit the memorial to the Newfoundland Regiment, 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 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)
PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–DIJON–BEAUNE–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (EMBARKATION)
Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune. CLASSIC Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of 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.ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host in Tournus, OR: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.DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and the wines produced here. Attend a wine tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LYON(B,L,D)
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: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 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!This afternoon, enjoy leisurely sailing to Tournon.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN 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.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.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.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 live entertainment on board. 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.Take free time to stop at Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B,L,D)
ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise 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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14 nights
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