France, Uncorked: The Rhone, The Seine & Bordeaux 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 22-day journey through the heart of France, where history, art, and culture intertwine seamlessly. This multi-day tour offers a captivating blend of guided excursions, scenic cruises, and immersive experiences. From the vibrant streets of Marseille to the artistic allure of Arles, the medieval charm of Avignon, and the picturesque landscapes of Bordeaux, each day promises new adventures and discoveries. Delight in exquisite wine tastings, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and savor the rich flavors of French cuisine. With luxurious accommodations on board your Suite Ship® and the guidance of expert hosts, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience. Whether you're exploring the iconic landmarks of Paris or the serene vineyards of Saint-Émilion, this journey through France promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, leaving 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
AVALON POETRY II or similar
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
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles
- Marseille
- Arles - Arrival day
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Begin your enchanting journey in the vibrant city of Marseille, where you'll board your luxurious Suite Ship®. As the sun sets, sail towards the historic city of Arles, where you'll dock for the night. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board as you prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Arles - A Brush with Genius
- Arles
- Avignon
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Explore the artistic allure of Arles with a guided walking tour, visiting the iconic Roman Amphitheater. Engage in a painting workshop inspired by Van Gogh, or enjoy a power walk with your Adventure Host. Relish a glass of wine at Le Café Van Gogh before sailing to Avignon for an overnight stay.
Day 3 – Day 3: Avignon - The City of Popes
- Avignon
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- Pont du Gard
- Palais des Papes
- Pont du Gard Museum
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Discover the fortress city of Avignon with a guided tour, including a visit to the magnificent Palace of the Popes. Opt for excursions to the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard or the wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Capture the beauty of the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet before enjoying live entertainment on board.
Day 4 – Day 4: Viviers - World History in a Charming Village
- Tain-l'Hermitage
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- Orange Cathedral
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Sail leisurely to the quaint village of Viviers, where you'll embark on a guided walking tour. Explore the Romanesque cathedral and the old town, rich with Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. Enjoy a peaceful evening cruise to Tain l'Hermitage.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon - Castle Views and Vineyards
- Lyon
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- Train de l'Ardèche
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Explore the medieval town of Tournon with a guided walking tour, visiting its 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. Enjoy a morning hike or a leisurely stroll before cruising to the vibrant city of Lyon, where you'll dock overnight.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lyon - La Vie En Rose
- Lyon
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- Place Bellecour
- Tour d'Oingt
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Discover Lyon's rich history with a guided tour from Fourvière Hill, exploring the Old Town's medieval alleyways and the lively Place des Terreaux. Spend free time biking through the city's squares and along the rivers before enjoying live entertainment as you sail to Tournus.
Day 7 – Day 7: Tournus - Wine and Cheese on the Saône
Day 7: Tournus - Wine and Cheese on the 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 at a medieval castle. Cruise leisurely along the Saône River, enjoying a cheese tasting and live entertainment on board as you dock 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 architectural marvel of Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune, home to Van der Weyden's masterpiece. Travel by high-speed train from Dijon to the enchanting city of Paris, where you'll board your Suite Ship® for an overnight 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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Explore the artistic legacy of Vernon with visits to Chateau des Tourelles and Monet's Gardens in Giverny. Alternatively, tour the majestic Bizy Castle. Savor a traditional French luncheon on board before cruising to the picturesque Les Andelys, where you'll hike to Château Gaillard or enjoy a guided walking tour.
Day 10 – Day 10: Caudebec - Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
- Les Andelys
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- Valmont Abbey
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Embark on a guided tour along the Normandy Abbeys Route, home to numerous medieval abbeys and churches. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine. Consider an optional excursion to the charming seaside town of Honfleur before docking overnight in Caudebec.
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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Experience the poignant history of Normandy with guided tours of the WWII landing beaches, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, explore British and Canadian commemorative sites or savor a brandy tasting in Calvados. Enjoy live entertainment on board 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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Discover Rouen's rich history with a guided walking tour, visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock. Alternatively, explore the city by bike, uncovering its famous monuments and hidden gems. Enjoy an evening cruise to Conflans.
Day 13 – Day 13: Conflans - Footsteps of Van Gogh and Bonaparte
- Paris
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- Château de Malmaison
- Queen's House
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Explore the artistic heritage of Auvers-sur-Oise, the final resting place of Van Gogh, or tour the opulent Château de Malmaison, home to Napoleon Bonaparte. Consider an optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles before cruising to Paris.
Day 14 – Day 14: Paris - Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases
- Paris
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- Louvre Museum
- Eiffel Tower
- Palais Garnier
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Experience the magic of Paris with a guided walk through its ancient heart, featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre Museum, and Eiffel Tower. Alternatively, join a city tour to see iconic sites like the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées. Enjoy a leisurely evening in the City of Light.
Day 15 – Day 15: Paris to Bordeaux
- Bordeaux
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Travel to the elegant city of Bordeaux to embark on your Suite Ship® for a scenic cruise along the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board as you prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Day 16 – Day 16: Cadillac-sur-Garonne - On the Steps of Montesquieu
Day 16: Cadillac-sur-Garonne - On the Steps of Montesquieu
- Château Peixotto
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Visit the birthplace of Montesquieu at Château de la Brède or enjoy a wine tasting at a local château. Experience the rich flavors of Sauternes wine before returning to your ship for live entertainment and an overnight stay in Cadillac-sur-Garonne.
Day 17 – Day 17: Cussac Fort Médoc - Bikes, Vines, and Wines
Day 17: Cussac Fort Médoc - Bikes, Vines, and Wines
- miroir d'eau
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Embark on an E-bike tour through Bordeaux's picturesque wine region or visit a historic château in Médoc for a wine tasting. Enjoy a brief evening sail to Blaye, where you'll dock overnight.
Day 18 – Day 18: Blaye - Fine Art and Bubbly
Day 18: Blaye - Fine Art and Bubbly
- National Opera of Bordeaux
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Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Citadel of Blaye and enjoy a scenic drive along the Route de la Corniche. Alternatively, explore Blaye's art scene with a wine tasting. Sail to Bourg for an evening of exploration or an optional excursion to Cognac.
Day 19 – Day 19: Saint-Émilion - The Village Amid the Vineyards
- Saint-Émilion
- Bordeaux
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- Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion
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Explore the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its legendary landscapes and wines. Return to Bordeaux for an overnight stay, reflecting on the day's enchanting experiences.
Day 20 – Day 20: Bordeaux - Sights and Brilliant Lights
- Bordeaux
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- Tour Pey-Berland
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Discover Bordeaux's heart with a guided walking tour, exploring its stunning squares and cathedrals. Consider an optional visit to Les Bassins des Lumières for an immersive art experience. Enjoy an overnight stay in Bordeaux, savoring the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Day 21 – Day 21: Bordeaux - Seas, Shells, and Sips
- Bordeaux
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- Parc Mauresque
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Join a bike ride along Bordeaux's scenic river views or take a full-day tour to the seaside resort of Arcachon. Discover its 19th-century architecture and indulge in local oysters and wine. Return to Bordeaux for a final overnight stay, cherishing the memories of your journey.
Day 22 – Day 22: Bordeaux - Farewell
- Bordeaux - Departure day
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Conclude your extraordinary journey with a delightful breakfast on board. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and breathtaking sights as you disembark in Bordeaux, carrying cherished memories of your multi-day tour through France.
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