A Culinary Experience in Grand France (Northbound) 2026
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 15-day journey through the heart of France, where history, art, and gastronomy come alive. From the vibrant streets of Marseille to the iconic landmarks of Paris, this multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and luxurious relaxation. Sail along the Rhône and Seine rivers, discovering charming villages, medieval cities, and world-renowned vineyards. Engage in unique activities, from painting workshops in Arles to culinary walks in Lyon, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of French heritage. With comfortable accommodations onboard your Suite Ship® and a variety of guided excursions, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking the essence of France.
Included
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
Cruise ship
Open–Air Balconies® and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama SuitesSM
Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane® bath products & hairdryer
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
Individual climate control and in-room safe
Full-size closet and mirror
Additional under-bed storage
Well-stocked mini-bar
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
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
Destinations
Marseille
Dijon
Paris
Beaune
Lyon
Arles
Vernon
Avignon
RouenMap
Attractions
Cleres Zoological Park
Palais des Papes
Château Gaillard
Louvre Museum
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Arc de Triomphe
Eiffel Tower
Arles Amphitheatre
Palais Garnier
Botanical Garden
Queen's House
Place Bellecour
Évreux Cathedral
Arbre de la Liberté
Biotropica, animal gardensDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles
- Marseille
- Arles - Arrival day
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Begin your French adventure in the vibrant city of Marseille, where you'll board your luxurious Suite Ship®. As you set sail towards Arles, enjoy a delightful dinner onboard, setting the tone for the enchanting journey ahead. Overnight docking in Arles ensures a restful night as you prepare for the artistic wonders of Provence.
Day 2 – Day 2: Arles - A Brush with Genius
- Arles
- Avignon
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Awake in Arles, a city that inspired Van Gogh, and choose from a variety of activities. Engage in a power walk, participate in a painting workshop, or enjoy a guided tour of the Roman Amphitheater. Relish a crêpes lunch onboard before sailing to Avignon, where you'll dock overnight.
Day 3 – Day 3: Avignon - The City of Popes
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
- Pont du Gard Museum
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Explore Avignon, a fortress city with rich history. A guided tour will take you to the Palace of the Popes and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet. Optional excursions include a visit to the Pont du Gard or wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you dock overnight in Avignon.
Day 4 – Day 4: Viviers - World History in a Charming Village
- Tain-l'Hermitage
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- Crest Tower
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Sail leisurely to Viviers, a quaint village with a rich past. Choose between a hike to the hilltop Cathedral or a guided walk through the Old Town, complete with local culinary tastings. In the evening, cruise to Tain l'Hermitage, where you'll dock overnight.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon - Castle Views and Vineyards
- Lyon
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Discover Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval towns. Choose between a morning hike or a guided tour of the 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. Cruise to Lyon in the afternoon, where a pastry demonstration and a wine-paired dinner await. Dock overnight in Lyon.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lyon - Adventures in Food and Wine
- Lyon
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- Place Bellecour
- Tour d'Oingt
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Explore Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France. Choose a culinary walk or a guided tour of Fourvière Hill and the Old Town. Enjoy free time biking through the city before an onboard dinner inspired by Paul Bocuse. Sail to Tournus overnight.
Day 7 – Day 7: Tournus - Wine and Cheese on the Saône
Day 7: Tournus - Wine and Cheese on the Saône
Travel to the Mâconnais region to explore its renowned Chardonnay vineyards and partake in a wine tasting at a medieval castle. Later, enjoy a cheese tasting onboard. Live entertainment accompanies your evening as you dock overnight in Chalon-sur-Saône.
Day 8 – Day 8: Beaune to Paris
- Beaune
- Dijon
- Paris
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- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Visit the historic Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune, home to Van der Weyden's masterpiece. In the afternoon, board a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris, where your Suite Ship® awaits. Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise to Vernon.
Day 9 – Day 9: Vernon to Les Andelys
- Vernon
- Les Andelys
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- Château Gaillard
- Biotropica, animal gardens
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In Vernon, explore Chateau des Tourelles or visit Monet's House and Gardens in Giverny. Alternatively, tour Bizy Castle. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon onboard as you cruise to Les Andelys. Choose between a hike to Château Gaillard or a walking tour of this picturesque town.
Day 10 – Day 10: Caudebec - Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
Day 10: Caudebec - Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
- Valmont Abbey
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In Caudebec, enjoy a bike ride along the Seine or take a guided tour of the Normandy Abbeys Route. Optional excursions to Honfleur are available. Spend the night docked in Caudebec, soaking in the serene atmosphere of the Seine.
Day 11 – Day 11: Normandy - Heroic Bravery and Traditions
- Rouen
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- Tour Vauban de Tatihou
- Botanical Garden
- Arbre de la Liberté
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Explore Normandy's WWII landing beaches, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, visit British and Canadian sites or enjoy a 'Taste of Normandy' tour. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment as you cruise to Rouen.
Day 12 – Day 12: Rouen - The Cathedral and Joan of Arc
- Rouen
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- Cleres Zoological Park
- Évreux Cathedral
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In Rouen, choose between a bike tour or a walking tour to discover the city's famous monuments, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock. In the evening, cruise to Conflans, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Day 13 – Day 13: Conflans - In the Footsteps of Van Gogh
- Paris
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- Château de Malmaison
- Queen's House
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Visit Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent his final days, or explore the Château de Malmaison, home to Napoleon and Josephine. Optional excursions to the Palace of Versailles are available. Cruise to Paris in the evening, ready to explore the City of Light.
Day 14 – Day 14: Paris - Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases
- Paris
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- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- Palais Garnier
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Explore Paris with a guided walk through its historic heart, featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre, and more. Alternatively, take a city tour to see iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy free time to wander or relax in a Left Bank café. Dock overnight in Paris.
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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Conclude your enchanting journey through France with a delightful breakfast onboard. Bid farewell to the City of Light, taking with you cherished memories of an unforgettable adventure.
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