France's Finest Avignon to Paris
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through the heart of France, immersing yourself in the country's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. This multi-day tour takes you from the sun-drenched shores of Marseille to the romantic city of Paris, with numerous enchanting stops along the way. Discover the architectural wonders of Avignon, the Roman ruins of Arles, the medieval charm of Viviers, and the gastronomic delights of Lyon. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Seine River, the artistic heritage of Giverny, and the historic beaches of Normandy. With guided tours, leisurely walks, and wine tastings, this tour offers a perfect blend of structured activities and free time for personal exploration. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or an art enthusiast, this tour promises an unforgettable French adventure.
Included
Meals including regional specialties
Viking Cruise ship
14 nights onboard cruise ship
Outside staterooms with river view
Bottled water replenished daily
Voltage: 220V & 110V (US outlet), plus USB ports
Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed with optional twin-bed configuration
All Upper & Middle Deck staterooms have a full veranda or French balcony (a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door)
Private bathroom with shower; heated floor & anti-fog mirror; premium Freyja toiletries; robes & slippers (upon request)
40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more
Telephone, safe, refrigerator, hair dryer & individual climate control
* All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.
Viking Heimdal: Standard Stateroom ,Stateroom ,Suite ,Explorer Suite, Viking Hermod: Standard Stateroom ,Stateroom ,Suite ,Explorer Suite
The services of a cruise director are included
One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
Port taxes & fees
Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
Visits to UNESCO Sites
Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
Onboard gratuities
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Avignon
- Avignon
- Marseille - Arrival day
- More
Start your French adventure as you fly into Marseille. From there, you'll be transferred to your ship docked in the picturesque town of Avignon. After settling in, take some time to explore the town's charming streets or join a welcome walk to get your bearings. End your day with a delightful dinner on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Avignon to Arles
- Arles
- Avignon
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- Escattes Aventure
- Abbaye of Saint-Roman
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After breakfast, disembark and embark on a walking tour of Arles, a city renowned for its diverse architectural highlights and Roman ruins. Visit the impressive Les Arènes and the Romanesque Church of Saint-Trôphime. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Arles at your own pace before returning to the ship for dinner.
Day 3 – Day 3: Avignon to Viviers
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
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Start your day with a guided walk through Avignon, also known as the 'City of Popes'. Visit the historic center, the picturesque Pont d’Avignon, and the renowned Palace of the Popes. In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting. Later, we set sail for Viviers.
Day 4 – Day 4: Viviers to Tournon
Day 4: Viviers to Tournon
- Orange Cathedral
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Join a morning walking tour of Viviers' Old Town, home to medieval and Renaissance buildings. Visit the 12th-century St. Vincent Cathedral before setting sail for Tournon in the afternoon.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon to Vienne
Day 5: Tournon to Vienne
- Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière
- Ron des Fades
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Board the Train de l’Ardèche for a scenic ride through the Ardèche plateau. After lunch on board, arrive in Vienne, a town rich in Roman history. Visit the Temple of Augustus and Livia, and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Maurice on a walking tour before dinner.
Day 6 – Day 6: Vienne to Lyon
- Lyon
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- Wall of the Canuts
- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
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Disembark in Lyon for a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Basilica of Notre Dame and drive past the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral. Take a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town), with free time to shop for souvenirs or sample some of the fine French cuisine for which Lyon is world-famous.
Day 7 – Day 7: Lyon
- Lyon
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After breakfast, take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Beaujolais, where you'll enjoy a tasting in one of the region's famous cellars. Return to your ship for lunch and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 8 – Day 8: Lyon to Paris
- Lyon
- Paris
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After breakfast, disembark and enjoy a leisurely train ride from Lyon through the countryside of east central France to Paris. Board your second ship in Paris, where a Welcome Dinner is served.
Day 9 – Day 9: Paris
- Paris
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- Louvre Museum
- Eiffel Tower
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Embark on a tour of dazzling Paris, marveling at its most remarkable sights, including the iconic Eiffel Tower, Orsay Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Drive past the Louvre and Opera House and along the famed Champs-Élysées. In the afternoon, you may choose to explore Montmartre Hill and the Sacré-Coeur or sample the delights of French cuisine during a food tour.
Day 10 – Day 10: Paris to La Roche-Guyon and Giverny
- La Roche-Guyon
- Vernon
- Paris
- Giverny
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- Fondation Monet in Giverny
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Arrive in La Roche-Guyon before breakfast and enjoy a morning at your leisure to explore. After lunch, join an included tour to the town of Giverny, where Claude Monet resided. Visit the beautiful gardens and charming stone farmhouse where he lived and worked.
Day 11 – Day 11: Giverny to Rouen
- Rouen
- Giverny
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- Évreux Cathedral
- Le Gros-Horloge
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Spend the afternoon in the medieval city of Rouen, the capital of Normandy. Begin with a walking tour through the center of Old Town, where you'll see the spectacular Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral and the famous Gros Horloge, a 16th-century astronomical clock.
Day 12 – Day 12: Rouen to Normandy
- Rouen
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- Botanical Garden
- Arbre de la Liberté
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After breakfast, begin your full-day tour to the historic beaches of Normandy. Visit World War II landmarks such as Omaha Beach, the American Military Cemetery, and Arromanches Debarkment D-Day Museum. Alternatively, you may choose to tour Bayeaux and admire the magnificent tapestry that chronicles the pre–Battle of Hastings events.
Day 13 – Day 13: Normandy to Les Andelys
- Les Andelys
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- Château Gaillard
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Arrive in the small town of Les Andelys, known for its imposing castle, Château Gaillard. Join a guided walk to this masterpiece of Middle Ages architecture before returning to your ship. Enjoy scenic sailing in the afternoon as you cruise toward Paris.
Day 14 – Day 14: Les Andelys to Paris
- Paris
- Les Andelys
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- Palace of Versailles
- Château de Malmaison
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After breakfast, disembark for a visit to Château de Malmaison, where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final days in France. In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional tour to the luxurious Palace of Versailles. In the evening, take in the illuminated sights of Paris during a panoramic drive and cruise.
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight. Alternatively, you can extend your stay in Paris with a 3-night extension to further explore France’s romantic capital.
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