A Culinary Experience in Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera (Northbound) 2026
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 17-day journey through the heart of France, exploring its most captivating destinations and attractions. From the sun-drenched beaches of the French Riviera to the historic streets of Paris, this multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and culinary delights. Discover the artistic legacy of Van Gogh in Arles, the medieval charm of Avignon, and the gastronomic wonders of Lyon. Sail along the Seine, visiting Normandy's poignant WWII sites and the picturesque villages of the French countryside. With luxurious accommodations onboard your Avalon Suite Ship and guided excursions led by expert hosts, this tour promises an immersive experience of France's rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Join us for an adventure that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and history of this remarkable country.
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
Map
Attractions
#ILoveNICE
Cleres Zoological Park
Palais des Papes
Château Gaillard
Louvre Museum
Fondation Monet in Giverny
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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: Arrival in Nice
- Nice - Arrival day
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- Fort de la Revère
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Welcome to the enchanting French Riviera! Begin your journey in Nice, where you have the freedom to explore the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais or relax on the sun-kissed beaches. Accommodation in Nice (or similar) awaits you for a restful night.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discovering Nice
- Nice
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- #ILoveNICE
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Dive into the heart of Nice with a guided tour through the charming streets of Vieux Nice. Marvel at the baroque architecture and vibrant atmosphere of this historic district. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting out on your adventure. Accommodation in Nice (or similar) ensures a comfortable stay.
Day 3 – Day 3: Boarding in Arles
- Arles
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Today, embark on your luxurious Avalon Suite Ship in Arles. Enjoy a scenic motorcoach transfer and settle into your comfortable suite. Relish a delightful breakfast and dinner onboard as you prepare for the journey ahead. Overnight docking in Arles ensures a peaceful night.
Day 4 – Day 4: Artistic Arles
- Arles
- Avignon
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Experience the artistic allure of Arles with a guided walking tour, exploring the Roman Amphitheater and the city's picturesque streets. Engage in a painting workshop inspired by Van Gogh or enjoy a power walk with your Adventure Host. Savor a crêpes lunch onboard before sailing to Avignon. Overnight docking in Avignon promises a restful night.
Day 5 – Day 5: Avignon's Historic Charm
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
- Pont du Gard Museum
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Uncover the historic wonders of Avignon with a guided tour of the Palace of the Popes and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet. Explore the city's vibrant art and culture scene at your own pace. Optional excursions to Pont du Gard or Châteauneuf-du-Pape offer additional exploration. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you dock overnight in Avignon.
Day 6 – Day 6: Viviers' Timeless Beauty
Day 6: Viviers' Timeless Beauty
- Orange Cathedral
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Sail leisurely to the charming village of Viviers. Ascend to the hilltop cathedral with your Adventure Host or explore the Old Town's culinary delights. Optional excursions offer further exploration. Enjoy a delightful evening cruise to Tain l'Hermitage, with overnight accommodation onboard.
Day 7 – Day 7: Tournon and Lyon
- Lyon
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- Train de l'Ardèche
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Explore Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval towns, with a guided walking tour or a morning hike. Discover the 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. Cruise to Lyon in the afternoon, where a pastry demonstration and a French cuisine tasting dinner await. Overnight docking in Lyon ensures a restful night.
Day 8 – Day 8: Culinary Delights in Lyon
- Lyon
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- Place Bellecour
- Tour d'Oingt
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Discover why Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France with a culinary walk or a guided sightseeing tour. Explore the Old Town and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Place des Terreaux. In the evening, indulge in a dinner inspired by legendary chef Paul Bocuse. Overnight cruise to Tournus ensures a peaceful night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Wine and Cheese in Tournus
Day 9: Wine and Cheese in Tournus
Travel to the Mâconnais region to explore its renowned Chardonnay vineyards and partake in a wine-tasting session in a medieval castle. Later, enjoy a cheese tasting onboard. Live entertainment adds to the evening's enjoyment as you dock overnight in Chalon-sur-Saône.
Day 10 – Day 10: From Beaune to Paris
- Beaune
- Paris
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- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Visit the historic Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune, a masterpiece of French architecture. In the afternoon, board a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris, where your Suite Ship awaits. Enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you prepare for an overnight cruise to Vernon.
Day 11 – Day 11: Monet's Inspiration
- Vernon
- Les Andelys
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- Château Gaillard
- Fondation Monet in Giverny
- Biotropica, animal gardens
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Explore the artistic legacy of Vernon with a visit to Chateau des Tourelles or a guided tour of Giverny, the home of Claude Monet. Alternatively, visit Bizy Castle, known as Normandy's Versailles. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon onboard before cruising to Les Andelys, where you can hike to Château Gaillard or explore the town's picturesque beauty. Overnight cruise to Caudebec ensures a restful night.
Day 12 – Day 12: Abbeys of Normandy
Day 12: Abbeys of Normandy
- Valmont Abbey
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Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine or take a guided trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route, where medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys line the river. Optional excursions to the seaside town of Honfleur offer additional exploration. Overnight docking in Caudebec ensures a peaceful night.
Day 13 – Day 13: Normandy's Heroic Past
Day 13: Normandy's Heroic Past
- Tour Vauban de Tatihou
- Botanical Garden
- Arbre de la Liberté
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Embark on a guided tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches, including Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, explore British and Canadian commemorative sites or delve into Normandy's rich agricultural traditions with a visit to the Bayeux Tapestry and a Calvados tasting. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Rouen.
Day 14 – Day 14: Rouen's Rich Heritage
- Rouen
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- Cleres Zoological Park
- Évreux Cathedral
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Discover Rouen's historical treasures with a guided bike tour or a walking tour of the medieval quarter. Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock, and learn about Joan of Arc's legacy. Overnight cruise to Conflans ensures a restful night.
Day 15 – Day 15: Artistic and Royal Legacies
Day 15: Artistic and Royal Legacies
- Château de Malmaison
- Queen's House
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Explore the artistic heritage of Auvers-sur-Oise, the final resting place of Vincent van Gogh, or visit the opulent Château de Malmaison, home of Napoléon Bonaparte. Optional excursions to the Palace of Versailles offer a glimpse into royal history. Overnight cruise to Paris ensures a peaceful night.
Day 16 – Day 16: Parisian Wonders
- Paris
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- Louvre Museum
- Eiffel Tower
- Palais Garnier
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Immerse yourself in the magic of Paris with a guided walk through the city's historic heart, featuring the Palais-Royal and the Louvre Museum. Alternatively, enjoy a city tour showcasing iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées. Explore Paris at your leisure or relax in a Left Bank café. Overnight docking in Paris ensures a restful night.
Day 17 – Day 17: Departure from Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey with a delightful breakfast in Paris. Reflect on the memories made and the sights seen as you prepare for your departure. We hope you enjoyed this extraordinary tour of France's most captivating destinations.
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