A Culinary Experience in Grand France (Northbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through the heart of France, immersing yourself in the country's rich history, culture, and gastronomy. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant city of Marseille to the romantic streets of Paris, with numerous enchanting stops along the way. Discover the artistic heritage of Arles, the medieval charm of Avignon, the vineyards of Tain L'Hermitage, and the gastronomic delights of Lyon. Explore the picturesque Saône region, the historic Normandy beaches, and the architectural wonders of Rouen. This tour offers a unique blend of guided activities and leisure time, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, this tour promises a memorable French adventure.
Included
14 nights onboard cruise ship
Avalon Waterways cruise ship
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles
- Marseille
- Arles - Arrival day
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Welcome to France! Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Marseille. Please ensure your flight arrives by 3 pm and that you are on board the ship by 5 pm. We set sail for Arles, where we will dock overnight. Dinner will be served on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Arles to Avignon
- Arles
- Avignon
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- L'espace Van Gogh
- Arles Amphitheatre
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Start your day with a power walk in Arles or attend a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh. Alternatively, join a guided walking tour to explore the city's Roman Amphitheater. Enjoy some free time at Le Café Van Gogh before we sail to Avignon. Onboard, savor a delicious crêpes lunch. We will dock in Avignon for the night.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
- Pont du Gard Museum
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Today, we delve into the history of Avignon. Join a guided sightseeing tour of the fortress city, including a visit to the magnificent Palace of the Popes. 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. Enjoy an evening of live onboard entertainment.
Day 4 – Day 4: Viviers to Tain L'Hermitage
- Tain-l'Hermitage
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- Orange Cathedral
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Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers. Choose between a guided walk through the Old Town with a tasting of local culinary delights or a hike up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral. In the afternoon, you may opt for one of the offered excursions. We then set sail for Tain L'Hermitage, where we will dock for the night.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon to Lyon
- Lyon
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- Armenian Heritage Center
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Explore Tournon on foot or join a guided walking tour to discover one of France's oldest medieval cities. Visit the 16th-century castle and Roman ruins before we cruise to Lyon in the early afternoon. Onboard, enjoy a pastry demonstration by a French chef. In the evening, savor a French cuisine tasting dinner with wine pairing.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lyon to Tournus
- Lyon
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- Place Bellecour
- Tour d'Oingt
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Discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France with a culinary walk or join a guided sightseeing tour to explore the city's iconic sites. Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon's town squares, over bridges, and along the river banks. In the evening, enjoy a unique onboard dinner inspired by legendary chef Paul Bocuse as we sail to Tournus.
Day 7 – Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
- Royal Monastery of Brou
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Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region, famous for its Chardonnay vineyards. Attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle. Later, enjoy a delicious cheese tasting onboard. We will dock in Chalon-sur-Saône for the night.
Day 8 – Day 8: Beaune to Paris via Vernon
- Beaune
- Paris
- Vernon
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- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Drive to Beaune and visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital, a masterpiece of French architecture. In the afternoon, take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris, where you will board your Suite Ship. We will cruise to Vernon for the night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Vernon to Caudebec via Les Andelys
- Vernon
- Les Andelys
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- Château Gaillard
- Fondation Monet in Giverny
- Biotropica, animal gardens
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Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles or take a guided tour of Giverny, the home and inspiration of Claude Monet. Alternatively, visit Bizy Castle, known as 'Normandy's Versailles'. After a traditional French luncheon, we cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. Here, you can hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard or take a guided walking tour of the town. We then sail to Caudebec, where we will dock for the night.
Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Caudebec
Day 10: Exploring Caudebec
- Valmont Abbey
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Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river or take a guided trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route, home to more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the old seaside town of Honfleur. We will dock in Caudebec for the night.
Day 11 – Day 11: Caudebec to Rouen
- Rouen
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- Bayeux Cathedral
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Join a guided tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches or take a full-day guided tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites. Alternatively, join 'A Taste of Normandy' guided tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. Visit the famous Bayeux Tapestry and taste Calvados at a local distillery. In the evening, we cruise to Rouen.
Day 12 – Day 12: Rouen to Conflans
- Rouen
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- Cleres Zoological Park
- Évreux Cathedral
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Take a guided bike tour to explore Rouen's famous monuments and hidden gems or join a guided walking tour of the city, home of the martyred Joan of Arc. Visit the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock and Notre-Dame Cathedral. In the evening, we cruise to Conflans.
Day 13 – Day 13: Conflans to Paris
- Paris
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- Château de Malmaison
- Queen's House
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Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine or join a guided visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison, home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. You may also choose to visit the Palace of Versailles. In the evening, we cruise to Paris.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Paris
- Paris
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- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
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Experience the Seine river by foot or discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating guided walk. Alternatively, 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, and more. Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank. We will dock in Paris for the night.
Day 15 – Day 15: Farewell Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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Your unforgettable French adventure comes to an end. After breakfast, you will disembark from the ship. We hope you enjoyed your journey and look forward to welcoming you again on your next adventure.
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