Grand France (2025) (Paris to Arles, 2025)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through the heart of France, immersing yourself in the country's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. This multi-day tour takes you from the romantic city of Paris to the sun-drenched Provençal town of Arles, with stops at enchanting destinations like Normandy, Lyon, and Avignon. Discover the grandeur of French châteaux, the inspiration behind Monet's masterpieces, the medieval charm of Rouen, and the gastronomic delights of Lyon. Walk the hallowed grounds of the Normandy beaches, marvel at the opulence of the Palace of Versailles, and explore the ancient Roman ruins in Arles. This tour is a perfect blend of guided excursions and free time, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, this tour offers something for everyone.
Included
14-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the alluring
S.S. Joie de Vivre
and the striking
S.S. Catherine
Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
Free Wi-Fi
S.S Joie de Vivre: Grand Suite ,Suite ,Deluxe Suite
1 country: France
4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
TGV train between Paris and Lyon
Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment
Excursions included:
- Nights Out: Private Concert at the Rouen Cathedral
- Versailles Palace Secret Apartments
- Burgundy Landscapes, Beaune, and the Hospices
- Village Day: Ardèches
- Arles Walking Tour
Additional excursions to choose from:
- Château de La Roche-Guyon
- Let's Go: Hike on the Crests Trail
- Monet’s Gardens at Giverny
- Let's Go: Bike Ride from Vernon to Giverny
- Rouen Walking Tour, the Dukes of Normandy’s Capital
- Camembert Cheese Farm
- Honfleur Walking Tour
- Let's Go: Golfing in Étretat
- Normandy Beaches: Highlights of American Sites
- Normandy Beaches: Highlights of British & Commonwealth Sites
- Normandy Beaches: Highlights of Canadian Sites
- Paris City Tour
- Paris Walking Tour of the Latin Quarter
- Lyon Panoramic Tour with Traboules Visit
- Silk Weavers Walking Tour
- Let's Go: Lyon Peninsula Bike Tour
- Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage Twin Villages Stroll with Wine Tasting
- Let's Go: Hermitage Terrace Vineyards Hike with Wine Tasting
- Avignon Walking Tour with Palace of the Popes
- Pont du Gard Roman Aqueduct Visit
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 14 dinners
2 Captain's Welcome and 2 Captain's Farewell Receptions
2 Welcome and 2 Farewell Gala Dinners
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral waterMeals as per itinerary
S.S. Joie de Vivre or S.S. Catherine
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
Destinations
Marseille
Paris
Versailles
Beaune
Lyon
Arles
Vernon
Avignon
RouenMap
Attractions
Palace of Versailles
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Omaha Beach Memorial
Évreux Cathedral
Stade de France
Castle of La Roche-GuyonDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Paris
- Paris
- Champs-sur-Marne - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Paris, the City of Light! Upon your arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, you'll be greeted by a representative and transferred to your cruise ship. Settle into your accommodation and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: La Roche-Guyon and Giverny
- La Roche-Guyon
- Vernon
- Giverny
- Paris
- More
- Château Gaillard
- Fondation Monet in Giverny
- More
Today, you'll experience the natural beauty of northern France. Choose between a scenic hike or a visit to the hilltop Château de La Roche-Guyon, surrounded by beautiful gardens and offering sweeping views over the Seine. Later, explore the beautiful gardens of Monet at Giverny. You can either take an invigorating bike ride through the French countryside or opt to arrive by coach.
Day 3 – Day 3: Rouen
- Rouen
- Paris
- More
- Évreux Cathedral
- More
Step into the past in Normandy's medieval capital, Rouen. From the cathedral that Monet painted dozens of times to the spot where Joan of Arc was martyred, Rouen is a treasure trove for the culturally curious. You can also choose to visit a local Camembert Cheese Farm for a unique culinary experience.
Day 4 – Day 4: Caudebec-en-Caux, Honfleur, and Étretat
- Rouen
- Honfleur
- Étretat
- More
- Etretat Gardens
- More
Today, you'll be based in the lovely town of Caudebec-en-Caux, on the right bank of the Seine Estuary. Choose between a drive through the beautiful Calvados countryside to Honfleur, a delightful seaside harbor and city of painters, or head to the windy cliffs of Étretat for a game of golf.
Day 5 – Day 5: Normandy Beaches
Day 5: Normandy Beaches
- Omaha Beach Memorial
- More
Today, you'll visit the hallowed grounds of the Normandy beaches. Choose to venture to either the American, British and Commonwealth, or Canadian beaches. Afterward, partake in a private memorial ceremony for a sentimental remembrance of Operation Overlord.
Day 6 – Day 6: Versailles
- Versailles
- More
- Palace of Versailles
- More
Today, you'll step into the private rooms of the Palace of Versailles, the lavish palace built by the Sun King. Marvel at the opulence and grandeur of this historic site, which offers a glimpse into how France's rulers lived over the centuries.
Day 7 – Day 7: Paris
- Paris
- Versailles
- More
- Stade de France
- More
Whether you're a first-time visitor to the 'City of Light' or you've been here many times before, there's something for everyone today in Paris. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the city, or join a local expert for a walk through two much-loved neighborhoods, including the vibrant Latin Quarter.
Day 8 – Day 8: Transfer to Lyon
- Paris
- Lyon
- More
Today, you'll transfer from the magical cruise ship in Paris to the striking ship in Lyon via high-speed TGV train. Once you've settled into your new home, you'll have some time to explore delightful Lyon, which is nestled alongside the Saône River.
Day 9 – Day 9: Lyon
- Lyon
- More
Ancient Lyon is a city of tantalizing contrasts. There's much to explore here, from the city's bike paths to the silk weavers' secret passageways known as Traboules. While you're in town, you might like to have lunch on your own at one of the many traditional bouchons that proliferate in the epicenter of French gastronomy.
Day 10 – Day 10: Beaune
- Lyon
- Beaune
- More
- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
- More
Today, you'll visit Beaune, the capital of the region's wine trade. Beaune is renowned for its history, beauty, and highly prized wine, as well as its medieval-era hospital—the Hospices de Beaune. Immerse yourself in the Burgundy landscapes and explore the rich heritage of this charming city.
Day 11 – Day 11: Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage
- Tain-l'Hermitage
- Beaune
- More
If you love fine wine, you'll love the twin villages of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage. Explore the handsome houses constructed by wealthy merchants and garrison officers when you walk through the Rue de Doux area. You can also choose to hike the Hermitage Terrace Vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting.
Day 12 – Day 12: Viviers
- Tain-l'Hermitage
- More
Today, you'll visit the enchanting village of Viviers, where time seems to have stopped centuries ago. Your exploration of the town will take you through both the upper and lower parts, as you begin at the crest and make your way to the riverbank.
Day 13 – Day 13: Avignon
- Avignon
- More
- Pont du Gard
- Palais des Papes
- More
The walled city of Avignon is one of the most fascinating towns in southern France. You'll see the Palace of the Popes and much more today, or have the chance to visit a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard.
Day 14 – Day 14: Arles
- Arles
- Avignon
- More
Explore the sun-drenched Provençal town of Arles today. Known for its remarkable Roman ruins, Arles so inspired Van Gogh that he painted some 200 paintings there. Discover the city's ancient roots and vibrant artistic heritage on a guided walking tour.
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure
- Arles
- Marseille - Departure day
- More
Your grand tour of France comes to an end today. After disembarking the ship, you'll be transferred to the Marseille Airport for your flight home. Bon voyage!
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