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15 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Paris to Arles 2027(WPL)
Grand France
Starting from $6,402
Ship(s): Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II
Specialty Cruises: World War II Remembrance & History; Wine Lovers
River Cruise Description
On this France river cruise vacation, enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful views, and stops in the most charming and historical parts of France. Sail along the Seine River to the picturesque Normandy region. In Vernon, choose between two exciting guided visits-Claude Monet's stunning gardens at Giverny or the remarkable Bizy Castle, known as "Normandy's Versailles." Go on (Take) an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. In Rouen, go on a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the gothic Rouen Cathedral. Before you depart the beautiful Seine River, spend time in Paris-one of the world's most romantic cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris' rich history, or take a guided city tour to see its famous landmarks. 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, is (Explore) France's third-largest city and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards. You'll go on (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.Get More Cruise Info
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| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 23, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $7,902 | Call Us! |
| Apr 6, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,802 | Call Us! |
| Apr 20, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $9,202 | Call Us! |
| May 18, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $9,552 | Call Us! |
| Jun 1, 2027 World War II Remembrance & History(WPL-T8) 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." | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $9,302 | Call Us! |
| Jun 29, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,702 | Call Us! |
| Jul 13, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,702 | Call Us! |
| Jul 27, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,202 | Call Us! |
| Aug 10, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,802 | Call Us! |
| Aug 24, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $9,002 | Call Us! |
| Sep 7, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $9,752 | Call Us! |
| Oct 5, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,752 | Call Us! |
| Oct 19, 2027 Wine Lovers(WPL-T7) A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,052 | Call Us! |
| Nov 2, 2027 Wine Lovers(WPL-T7) A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $6,402 | Call Us! |
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 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)
Day 2 VERNON
Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour
Visit 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.
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
(B,L,D)
*Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period, this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle.
Day 3 CAUDEBEC
Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
Active
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.
Discovery
Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.
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.
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
(B,L,D)
Day 8 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS
(B,D)
Day 9 TOURNUS
Pearl of Southern Burgundy
Visit 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)
Day 10 LYON
La Vie En Rose in Lyon
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
(B,L,D)
Day 11 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!
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNON
(B,L,D)
Day 12 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.
VIVIERS
World History in a Charming French Country Village
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON
(B,L,D)
Day 13 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.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES
(B,L,D)
Day 14 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
(B,L,D)
Day 15 ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.(B)
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