Your Cruising Itinerary Grand France

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. Meals included: Dinner

Day 2: Vernon - Monet’s muses, castle courtyards, and crêpes du jour

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

  • 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 fl ower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces, OR:
  • Classic: Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnifi cent courtyard, water garden, and stables.
  • Disovery: 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.

Evening/Overnight cruise to Caudebec. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Les Andelys

Serenity on the Seine’s Most Beautiful Riverbends.

  • Classic: Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine, OR:
  • Active: Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart.

Evening/Overnight cruise to Caudebec. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Caudebec - churches, cherry orchards, and white cliffs of Normandy

  • 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.

This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.

Overnight docking in Caudebec. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Caudebec - excursion to Normandy - heroic bravery and French farming traditions 

  • Classic: Join a Guided Tour of the WWII landing beaches of Normandy, with a full-day tour of signifi cant 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 Centre, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR: 
  • Classic: Join “A Taste of Normandy” Guided Tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry, visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados apple brandy at a local distillery

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

Evening cruise to Rouen. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Rouen - The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and a heroine for France 

  • Classic: Take a Guided Waking Tour of Rouen—home of the martyred Saint Joan of Arc—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Enjoy onboard entertainment before setting sail this evening.

Evening/overnight cruise to Conflans. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Conflans - In the footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV

  • 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 tour of the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings.

Evening cruise to Paris. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Paris - cafés, cathedrals, and canvases — the city of lights truly shines

  • 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Paris (disembarkation) - Dijon - Beaune - St Jena de Losne (embarkation) 

Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.

  • Classic:  Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital, built in 1443, today home of Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement. 

This afternoon, travel to St. Jean de Losne to board your Suite Ship.

Overnight cruise to Macon. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Maçon - wine and cheese on the stunning Saône 

Enjoy leisurely cruising en route to Mâcon this morning along the majestic Saône River. 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 Trevoux. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Lyon

Sail for lovely Lyon this morning.

  • 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: Attend a WWII and French Resistance Lecture on board your ship

Live entertainment after dinner.

Overnight docking in Lyon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Lyon - French food and wine — la vie en rose in Lyon 

  • 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Evening cruise to Tournon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Touron - a rendezvous with castle views and vineyards

  • Classic: Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.

Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.

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.

Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

Evening/overnight cruise to Avignon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Avignon - the City of Popes in picturesque Provence 

  • 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Arles - inspiring sights and avant-garde lights

  • Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Walk
  • Classic: Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheatre in this visually stunning city that inspired the works of Vincent van Gogh. OR
  • Discovery: Attend a Painting Workshop to learn the style and techniques of Vincent van Gogh. You’ll
    create your own painting in the style of the classic master who took inspiration from the Provence light and landscape in Arles

Consider also a Guided Optional Excursion to the Carrières de Lumières (Cathedral of Images) for a truly unique experience of art, sound, and light in the old quarries of Val d’Enfer.

Take advantage of any free time with a stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine to relax and watch the world go by.

Evening cruise to Port-Saint-Louis. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Port-Saint-Louis (disembarkation) 

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. Meals included: Breakfast

Included meals: B = Breakfast. L = Lunch. D = Dinner

Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.

This cruise is also available from Port-Saint-Louis to Paris

Departure dates and prices 2022 - Grand France : 7% discount on all dates

Prices shown exclude flights and transfers, call Avalon to add flights

Avalon brochure price in black from £5165

Travel 55 discount price in red from £4804

Telephone Avalon on 0330 0588 237 and quote the code TRAVEL55

 

Cruise from Paris to Port-Saint-Louis : tour code WPL - cruise price without flights and transfers
Dates Delux Stateroom Panorama Suite Royal Suite
April 12
 SOLD OUT £6913
£6430		 SOLD OUT
May 10
 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT SOLD OUT
June 7
 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT SOLD OUT
June 21
 £5513
£5128		 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT
August 2
 £5440
£5060		 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT
August 16
 £5165
£4804		 £7065
£6570		 SOLD OUT
September 13
 £5845
£5436		 £7744
£7202		 SOLD OUT
September 27 £5499
£5115		 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT
October 25 SOLD OUT £6379
£5933		 £8079
£7514

Prices include daily excursions, full-board dining and gratuities but exclude flights. Book your flights with us and we'll also include overseas transfers and ATOL protection. All holidays subject to Avalon Waterways Holidays Terms & Conditions. Please check tour details with the operator at time of booking as Cennet Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors showing on it’s website

Avalon Waterways
Grand France

15 days 7% discount

2022 discount prices from only £4804

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 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 tour showing you the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Lyon, sitting at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, is 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 a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. In 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, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.

This stunning 15 day Grand France cruise comes with a 7% discount when you book direct with Avalon Waterways call 0330 0588 237 and quote the code TRAVEL55

Travel 55 in association with Avalon Waterways. To book a luxury cruise call direct on 0330 0588 237 and quote the code TRAVEL55 you will then receive a 7% discount from the Avalon brochure price. 

Request a Brochure

 

Included for every Avalon guest

At Avalon, ‘included’ is one of our favourite words. Along with the widest suite views that  river cruising has to offer, and the space to soak it up from your window-facing bed, our cruises come with the following:

Full-board dining

From the full breakfast of your choice, with Bucks Fizz and a dedicated egg station, to lunch, afternoon snacks, afternoon tea, dinner and late-night supper, you will be fully catered for all day.

Excursions

At each port of call, a local guide will show you around to give you a first-hand, behind-the-scenes look at each destination.

Complimentary paired wine

You'll enjoy sommelier-selected regional wines at lunch and dinner, or beer if you prefer.

Gratuities

All tips for crew and staff are included, so you don't have to budget extra for tipping or worry about how much to give.

Your choice

Avalon knows there is more than one way to explore new destinations.

In addition to included Active, Discovery, and Classic excursions and activities, they offer Guided Optional Excursions designed to personalize your experience even more. And they are there with plenty of free-time suggestions to help you get the most out of every adventure.

Rouen

Paris

Your Ships - Avalon Tapestry II - Avalon Poetry II

Onboard every one of our Suite Ships you'll find the same exacting standards and attention to detail. They all feature our one-of-a-kind Panorama Suites, with the widest opening windows in river cruising, and beds facing the incredible views. This cruise operates on the following ships.

The Avalon Tapestry II is a true haven on the river with two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning in your window-facing Comfort Collection bed to enchanting scenery. Onboard amenities and services include complimentary computer use in public areas and free Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, an elevator, and a spacious Sky Deck with shade system, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al-fresco lunches of light grill fare. The Avalon Tapestry II weaves a wonderful river cruise experience from ship to shore.

Avalon Tapestry II

The Avalon Poetry II offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting. Like its sister Suite Ships, the Poetry II features two full The Avalon Poetry II offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting. Like its sister Suite Ships, the Poetry II features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With a spacious 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard. Stretch out at day's end and wake to the world at your feet with Comfort Collection bed that faces the view. It truly is a view with a room! Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro, complimentary computer use in public areas and Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro. The Avalon Poetry II truly is poetry in motion!

Avalon Poetry II

Book your cruise with or without flights

Cruise prices are shown without flights included in case you wish to book them separately, or aren't ready to return home when you disembark! Or we can book your flights for you from most UK airports, with overseas transfers and ATOL protection included. The choice is yours!

Paris

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Brochures requested. Click here to go to the brochures page.

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