France, Uncorked: The Rhone, The Seine & Bordeaux 2025

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Description

Summary

Starts
Arles
Duration
22 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
8 years

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.

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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

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AVALON POETRY II or similar

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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

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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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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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Destinations

Saint Jean Castle and Cathedral de la Major and the Vieux port in Marseille, France.Marseille
Saint-Émilion
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
Photo of Bordeaux aerial panoramic view. Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne river in Southwestern France.Bordeaux
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

Normandy American CemeteryNormandy American Cemetery
photo of Temple of Love in the Bois de Vincennes in Paris Park in autumn in France.Vincennes Woods
Château de GaillonChâteau de Gaillon
photo of Cleres Zoological Park in France.Cleres Zoological Park
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 Champ de Mars view from top of Eiffel tower looking down see the entire city as a beautiful classic architecture, France.Champ de Mars
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
The Pointe Du HocThe Pointe Du Hoc
The cathedral Notre-Dame de Bayeux. Antique Norman-Romanesque cathedral is located in the Bayeux, Calvados department of Normandy, France.Bayeux Cathedral
Gisors Castle
photo of the National Opera of Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France.National Opera of Bordeaux
Orange Cathedral
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
Château de Nogent-le-Roi Stephen
Omaha Beach Golf, Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, Bayeux, Calvados, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceOmaha Beach Golf
photo of the Roman Arles Amphitheatre in the Old Town of Arles in France.Arles Amphitheatre
Opéra Bastille
Touroparc Zoo
Musée du car
photo of the equestrian monument of King Louis XIV in Place Bellecour at morning in Lyon, France.Place Bellecour
Cathedral of Our Lady of Évreux, Normandy, FranceÉvreux Cathedral

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles

  • Marseille
  • Arles - Arrival day
  • More

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.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Arles - A Brush with Genius

  • Arles
  • Avignon
  • More
  • Arles Amphitheatre
  • More

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.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Avignon - The City of Popes

  • Avignon
  • More
  • Pont du Gard
  • Palais des Papes
  • Pont du Gard Museum
  • More

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.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Viviers - World History in a Charming Village

  • Tain-l'Hermitage
  • More
  • 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.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon - Castle Views and Vineyards

  • Lyon
  • More
  • Train de l'Ardèche
  • More

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.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Lyon - La Vie En Rose

  • Lyon
  • More
  • Place Bellecour
  • Tour d'Oingt
  • More

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.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Tournus - Wine and Cheese on the Saône

Day 7: Tournus - Wine and Cheese on the Saône

  • Royal Monastery of Brou
  • More

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.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Beaune to Paris

  • Beaune
  • Dijon
  • Paris
  • More
  • Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
  • More

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.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Vernon to Les Andelys

  • Vernon
  • Les Andelys
  • More
  • Château Gaillard
  • Biotropica, animal gardens
  • More

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.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Caudebec - Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine

  • Les Andelys
  • More
  • Valmont Abbey
  • More

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.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Normandy - Heroic Bravery and Traditions

  • Rouen
  • More
  • Tour Vauban de Tatihou
  • Botanical Garden
  • Arbre de la Liberté
  • More

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.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Rouen - The Cathedral and Joan of Arc

  • Rouen
  • More
  • Cleres Zoological Park
  • Évreux Cathedral
  • More

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.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Conflans - Footsteps of Van Gogh and Bonaparte

  • Paris
  • More
  • Château de Malmaison
  • Queen's House
  • More

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.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Paris - Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases

  • Paris
  • More
  • Louvre Museum
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Palais Garnier
  • More

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.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Paris to Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux
  • More

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.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Cadillac-sur-Garonne - On the Steps of Montesquieu

Day 16: Cadillac-sur-Garonne - On the Steps of Montesquieu

  • Château Peixotto
  • More

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.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Cussac Fort Médoc - Bikes, Vines, and Wines

Day 17: Cussac Fort Médoc - Bikes, Vines, and Wines

  • miroir d'eau
  • More

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.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Blaye - Fine Art and Bubbly

Day 18: Blaye - Fine Art and Bubbly

  • National Opera of Bordeaux
  • More

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.

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Day 19

Day 19 – Day 19: Saint-Émilion - The Village Amid the Vineyards

  • Saint-Émilion
  • Bordeaux
  • More
  • Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion
  • More

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.

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Day 20

Day 20 – Day 20: Bordeaux - Sights and Brilliant Lights

  • Bordeaux
  • More
  • Tour Pey-Berland
  • More

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.

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Day 21

Day 21 – Day 21: Bordeaux - Seas, Shells, and Sips

  • Bordeaux
  • More
  • Parc Mauresque
  • More

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.

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Day 22

Day 22 – Day 22: Bordeaux - Farewell

  • Bordeaux - Departure day
  • More

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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