A Culinary Experience in Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera (Northbound) 2025

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Description

Summary

Starts
Nice
Duration
17 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
8 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 17-day journey through the heart of France, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await. This multi-day tour takes you from the sun-drenched shores of the French Riviera to the iconic landmarks of Paris, offering a perfect blend of guided excursions and leisure time. Discover the artistic legacy of Arles, the medieval charm of Avignon, and the gastronomic delights of Lyon. Explore the historic sites of Normandy and the picturesque villages along the Seine. With luxurious accommodations aboard the Avalon Suite Ship® and a variety of activities to suit every interest, this tour promises an enriching and memorable experience. Savor the flavors of French cuisine, immerse yourself in the local culture, and create lasting memories as you journey through one of the world's most captivating destinations.

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Included

16 night accommodation onboard Avalon Waterways cruise ship

2 nights in French Riviera

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Avalon Waterways cruise ship

Train

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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

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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

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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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Destinations

View of Mediterranean luxury resort and bay with yachts. Nice, Cote d'Azur, France. Nice
Dijon - city in FranceDijon
Paris, France. Panoramic view from Arc de Triomphe. Eiffel Tower and Avenue des Champs Elysees. Europe.Paris
Beaune - city in FranceBeaune
The City of Lyon in the daytime.Lyon
Arles - city in FranceArles
Les Andelys
photo of The Old Mill of Vernon in Vernon Normandy France.Vernon
Avignon - city in FranceAvignon
Rouen - city in FranceRouen

Map

Attractions

#ILoveNICE, Vieux Nice, Nice, Maritime Alps, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Metropolitan France, France#ILoveNICE
photo of Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes), once fortress and palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, at morning, Avignon, France.Palais des Papes
photo of on the way in the beautiful valley of the Seine at Château Gaillard in Les Andelys, Normandy, France.Château Gaillard
Photo of beautiful summer view of Louvre Museum, one of the world's most important museums, historic monument and parisian landmark, Paris, France.Louvre Museum
photo of The Foundation Claude Monet is a nonprofit organization that runs and preserves the house and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, France.Fondation Monet in Giverny
The cathedral Notre-Dame de Bayeux. Antique Norman-Romanesque cathedral is located in the Bayeux, Calvados department of Normandy, France.Bayeux Cathedral
L'espace Van Gogh
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune, Beaune, Côte-d'Or, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Metropolitan France, FranceHôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Photo of Arc de Triomphe  Early in the morning with the French flag, France.Arc de Triomphe
Photo of Eiffel Tower in Paris, France best Destinations in Europe.Eiffel Tower
Pont du Gard Museum
photo of the Roman Arles Amphitheatre in the Old Town of Arles in France.Arles Amphitheatre
Abbaye of Saint-Roman
Cathedral of Our Lady of Évreux, Normandy, FranceÉvreux Cathedral
Biotropica, animal gardens, Val-de-Reuil, Les Andelys, Eure, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceBiotropica, animal gardens

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Nice

  • Nice - Arrival day
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  • Fort de la Revère
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Welcome to the enchanting French Riviera, where the azure waters of the Mediterranean meet the vibrant city of Nice. Spend your day exploring the stunning coastline, indulging in the local culture, and savoring the delightful cuisine. Enjoy the freedom to wander through the charming streets and discover the hidden gems of this beautiful region.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Nice

  • Nice
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  • #ILoveNICE
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Embark on a guided exploration of Nice, often referred to as the 'Queen of the French Riviera.' Discover the historic charm of Vieux Nice, with its narrow streets and baroque architecture that have remained unchanged for centuries. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you prepare for a day filled with cultural discoveries and scenic views.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Arles

  • Arles
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  • Abbaye of Saint-Roman
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Today, board your luxurious Avalon Suite Ship® in the historic city of Arles. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your floating hotel, where you'll settle in for an overnight stay. Relish a delightful breakfast and dinner onboard as you prepare for the adventures that await in the coming days.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Arles to Avignon

  • Arles
  • Avignon
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  • L'espace Van Gogh
  • Arles Amphitheatre
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Immerse yourself in the artistic legacy of Arles, a city that inspired Vincent van Gogh. Choose between a power walk, a painting workshop, or a guided tour of the Roman Amphitheater. Enjoy a glass of wine at Le Café Van Gogh before sailing to Avignon. Delight in a crêpes lunch onboard and savor the scenic views as you cruise.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Avignon

  • Avignon
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  • Pont du Gard
  • Palais des Papes
  • Pont du Gard Museum
  • Château de Grignan
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Explore the fortress city of Avignon, known for its medieval architecture and the majestic Palace of the Popes. Opt for excursions to the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard or the renowned wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Capture the beauty of the Pont Saint-Bénézet and enjoy live entertainment onboard as you dock overnight in Avignon.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Viviers

  • Avignon
  • Tain-l'Hermitage
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  • Orange Cathedral
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Sail leisurely to the quaint village of Viviers, where you can hike to the hilltop cathedral or explore the Old Town's charm with a guided walk and local culinary tasting. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps joining an optional excursion, before continuing your journey with an evening cruise to Tain l'Hermitage.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Tournon to Lyon

  • Lyon
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  • Train de l'Ardèche
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Discover the medieval charm of Tournon, with its 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. Choose between a morning hike or a guided walking tour before cruising to Lyon. Onboard, enjoy a pastry demonstration and a French cuisine tasting dinner with wine pairing, guided by your Master of Wine. Dock overnight in Lyon.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Lyon to Tournus

  • Lyon
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  • Place Bellecour
  • Tour d'Oingt
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Experience Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, through a culinary walk or a guided tour from Fourvière Hill. Explore the Old Town's medieval alleyways and the vibrant Place des Terreaux. In the evening, enjoy a dinner inspired by chef Paul Bocuse as you sail to Tournus, accompanied by live entertainment.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône

Day 9: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône

  • Royal Monastery of Brou
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Venture into the Mâconnais region to explore its renowned Chardonnay vineyards and partake in a wine-tasting session at a medieval castle. Later, enjoy a cheese tasting onboard as you cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône, where live entertainment awaits in the evening.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: 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, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. In the afternoon, travel by high-speed train from Dijon to Paris, where you'll board your Suite Ship® for an overnight cruise to Vernon. Enjoy breakfast and dinner onboard as you prepare for the next leg of your journey.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Vernon to Les Andelys

  • Vernon
  • Les Andelys
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  • Château Gaillard
  • Fondation Monet in Giverny
  • Biotropica, animal gardens
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Explore the artistic inspiration of Claude Monet in Giverny or the grandeur of Bizy Castle. Alternatively, discover the Chateau des Tourelles in Vernon. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon onboard before cruising to Les Andelys, where you can hike to the ruins of Château Gaillard or enjoy a guided walking tour of this picturesque town.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Caudebec

Day 12: Caudebec

  • Valmont Abbey
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Delve into the rich history of the Normandy Abbeys Route, where medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys line the Seine. Opt for a relaxing bike ride along the river or join a guided excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur. Enjoy a leisurely day with breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard as you dock overnight in Caudebec.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Normandy to Rouen

  • Rouen
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  • Tour Vauban de Tatihou
  • Bayeux Cathedral
  • Botanical Garden
  • Arbre de la Liberté
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Reflect on the heroic events of WWII with a guided tour of Normandy's landing beaches, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, explore the British and Canadian commemorative sites or delve into Normandy's agricultural traditions with a visit to the Bayeux Tapestry. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Rouen.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Rouen to Conflans

  • Rouen
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  • Cleres Zoological Park
  • Évreux Cathedral
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Discover the historical treasures of Rouen, from the Notre-Dame Cathedral to the medieval quarter with its Astronomical Clock. Choose between a guided bike tour or a walking tour to uncover the city's rich history, including the legacy of Joan of Arc. Cruise overnight to Conflans, enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Conflans to Paris

  • Paris
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  • Château de Malmaison
  • Queen's House
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Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise or explore the opulent Château de Malmaison, once home to Napoleon Bonaparte. Alternatively, opt for a guided excursion to the Palace of Versailles. Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Paris, where you'll dock overnight, with meals and entertainment onboard.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Paris

  • Paris
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  • Champ de Mars
  • Louvre Museum
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Palais Garnier
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Experience the allure of Paris, the City of Lights, with a guided walk through its historic heart, including the Palais-Royal and the Louvre pyramid. Alternatively, join a city tour to see iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Paris at your own pace, with meals and an overnight stay onboard.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Paris

  • Paris - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey with a delightful breakfast in Paris. Reflect on the memories made during this extraordinary multi-day tour through the heart of France, from the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera to the vibrant streets of Paris.

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