Grand France for Jazz Lovers (Northbound) 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 breathtaking landscapes. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided sightseeing, leisurely cruising, and interactive activities, taking you from the vibrant city of Marseille to the romantic streets of Paris. Along the way, you'll explore ancient Roman ruins, medieval villages, iconic landmarks, and world-renowned vineyards. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in painting workshops, wine tastings, and culinary demonstrations, adding an extra layer of engagement to your adventure. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a foodie, or an art lover, this tour promises a wealth of experiences that will create lasting memories.
Included
14 nights onboard cruise ships
Avalon Waterways cruise ship
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
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
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Destinations
Marseille
Paris
Beaune
Lyon
Arles
Vernon
Avignon
RouenMap
Attractions
Cleres Zoological Park
Palais des Papes
Château Gaillard
Louvre Museum
Fondation Monet in Giverny
Bayeux Cathedral
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Eiffel Tower
Arles Amphitheatre
Place Bellecour
Évreux Cathedral
Biotropica, animal gardensDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles
- Marseille
- Arles - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to France! Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Marseille. Please ensure your flights arrive by 3 pm and that you are on board the ship by 5 pm. As the evening unfolds, we'll set sail for Arles, where we'll dock overnight. Dinner will be served on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Arles to Avignon
- Arles
- Avignon
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- L'espace Van Gogh
- Arles Amphitheatre
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Start your day with a power walk in Arles or attend a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh. Alternatively, join a guided walking tour to explore the city's Roman Amphitheater. Enjoy some free time at Le Café Van Gogh before we sail to Avignon. In the evening, unwind with live jazz entertainment on board. Overnight docking in Avignon.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
- Pont du Gard Museum
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Today, we delve into the history of Avignon with a guided sightseeing tour. Visit the magnificent Palace of the Popes and take in the medieval charm of Pont Saint-Bénézet. Optional excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Day 4 – Day 4: Viviers to Tournon
Day 4: Viviers to Tournon
- Orange Cathedral
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After a leisurely morning sail, we arrive in Viviers. Choose between a guided walking tour of the city's charming old town and a hike to the hilltop cathedral with your Adventure Host. As the day winds down, we set sail for Tournon, where we'll cruise overnight.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon to Vienne
Day 5: Tournon to Vienne
- Armenian Heritage Center
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Explore Tournon on foot with your Adventure Host or join a guided walking tour to discover the city's 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. As we sail to Vienne, enjoy jazz entertainment on board. In Vienne, join a guided walk through this charming hill town, and in the evening, experience the well-known Vienne Jazz Festival.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lyon to Tournus
- Lyon
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- Place Bellecour
- Tour d'Oingt
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Today, we survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill and explore the city's Old Town. Marvel at the city's maze of medieval alleyways, lively cafés, monuments, and the famed fountain of Place des Terreaux. In the evening, we set sail for Tournus, enjoying the strains of Gypsy Jazz on board.
Day 7 – Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
- Royal Monastery of Brou
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Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and attend a wine-tasting in a real medieval castle. Later, enjoy a delicious cheese tasting on board as we cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône.
Day 8 – Day 8: Beaune to Paris
- Beaune
- Paris
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- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Drive to Beaune and visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital, a stunning example of French architecture. In the afternoon, take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris, where you'll board your Suite Ship and cruise to Vernon.
Day 9 – Day 9: Vernon to Les Andelys to Caudebec
- Vernon
- Les Andelys
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- Château Gaillard
- Fondation Monet in Giverny
- Biotropica, animal gardens
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Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles or take a guided tour of Giverny, the home of Claude Monet. Alternatively, visit Bizy Castle, known as 'Normandy's Versailles'. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic crêpes, followed by a pastry demonstration. In the afternoon, we cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys, where you can hike to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard or take a guided walking tour. We then continue to Caudebec, where we'll dock overnight.
Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Caudebec
Day 10: Exploring Caudebec
- Valmont Abbey
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Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river or take a guided trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route, home to more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the old seaside town of Honfleur.
Day 11 – Day 11: Normandy to Rouen
- Rouen
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- Bayeux Cathedral
- Botanical Garden
- Arbre de la Liberté
- World War 2 Museum
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Join a guided tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, or take a full-day guided tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites. Alternatively, join 'A Taste of Normandy' guided tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board as we cruise to Rouen.
Day 12 – Day 12: Rouen to Conflans
- Rouen
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- Cleres Zoological Park
- Évreux Cathedral
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Take a guided bike tour to discover Rouen's famous monuments and hidden gems, or join a guided walking tour to explore the city's medieval quarter, the 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. In the evening, we set sail for Conflans.
Day 13 – Day 13: Conflans to Paris
- Paris
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- Château de Malmaison
- Queen's House
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Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine or join a guided visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, the home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison, home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. In the evening, we cruise to Paris.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Paris
- Paris
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- Champ de Mars
- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- Palais Garnier
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Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host or discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating guided walk. Alternatively, join a guided city tour that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring Paris or relaxing at a café on the Left Bank.
Day 15 – Day 15: Farewell Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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Your unforgettable journey through France comes to an end today. After breakfast, you'll disembark from the ship, taking with you a lifetime of memories and stories to share. Safe travels!
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