Grand France for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 15-day immersive journey through the heart of France, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided sightseeing, leisurely cruising, and interactive activities that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the French way of life. From the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence to the bustling city streets of Paris, each day presents a new adventure. Discover the artistic legacy of Vincent van Gogh in Arles, the medieval charm of Viviers, the gastronomic delights of Lyon, and the romantic allure of Paris. Along the way, you'll visit iconic landmarks, sample regional wines, and even have the opportunity to create your own masterpiece in a painting workshop. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an art enthusiast, this tour promises a truly unforgettable experience.
Included
14 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
stateroom-suite: 14 night(s);
Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
Train
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
Dijon
Paris
Lyon
Arles
Vernon
Avignon
RouenMap
Attractions
Cleres Zoological Park
Palais des Papes
Champ de Mars
Château Gaillard
Louvre Museum
Fondation Monet in Giverny
Bayeux Cathedral
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Arc de Triomphe
Eiffel Tower
Arles Amphitheatre
Palais Garnier
Château de Grignan
Botanical Garden
Évreux Cathedral
Arbre de la Liberté
Biotropica, animal gardensDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles
- Marseille
- Arles - Arrival day
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Welcome to France! Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Marseille. Please ensure your flight arrives by 3 pm and that you are on board the ship by 5 pm. We'll set sail for Arles, where we'll dock overnight. A delicious dinner awaits you on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Arles to Avignon
- Arles
- Avignon
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Today, you'll have the opportunity to explore Arles, a city that inspired many of Vincent van Gogh's masterpieces. Choose between a power walk, a painting workshop, or a guided walking tour that includes a visit to the Roman Amphitheater. Afterward, enjoy some free time at Le Café Van Gogh before we sail to Avignon. On board, join a lecture about wine hosted by a Master of Wine. We'll dock in Avignon for the night.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
- Château de Grignan
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Today, we'll explore the fortress city of Avignon. A guided sightseeing tour will take you to the magnificent Palace of the Popes. Later, we'll visit the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a taste of the Rhône wine region. In the evening, enjoy live onboard entertainment.
Day 4 – Day 4: Viviers to Tain L'Hermitage
- Tain-l'Hermitage
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Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers. You can choose to walk up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host or join a guided walking tour of this charming village. In the evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine. We'll then cruise to Tain L'Hermitage, where we'll dock for the night.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon to Lyon
- Lyon
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Today, you can explore Tournon on foot with your Adventure Host or join a guided walking tour of one of France's oldest medieval cities. In the early afternoon, we'll cruise to Lyon. While sailing, enjoy an onboard chocolate and wine tasting hosted by your Master of Wine. We'll dock in Lyon for the night.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lyon to Tournus
- Lyon
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Join a guided sightseeing tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill and explore the Old Town. Later, take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine. Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus, where we'll dock for the night.
Day 7 – Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruising along the majestic Saône River. We'll travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real Medieval castle! Later, enjoy a delicious cheese and wine tasting hosted by your Master of Wine. We'll dock in Chalon-sur-Saône for the night.
Day 8 – Day 8: Dijon to Paris via Beaune
- Dijon
- Paris
- Vernon
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- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Today, we'll drive to Beaune and visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital, a masterpiece of French architecture. In the afternoon, we'll take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris to board your Suite Ship. We'll then cruise to Vernon, where we'll dock for the night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Vernon to Caudebec via Les Andelys
- Vernon
- Les Andelys
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- Château Gaillard
- Fondation Monet in Giverny
- Biotropica, animal gardens
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Today, you'll have the opportunity to explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles or take a guided tour of Giverny, the home and inspiration of Claude Monet. Alternatively, you can join a guided visit to Bizy Castle. After a traditional French luncheon on board, we'll cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. Here, you can join a guided hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard or take a guided walking tour of Les Andelys. We'll then cruise to Caudebec, where we'll dock for the night.
Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Caudebec
Day 10: Exploring Caudebec
Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host or take a guided trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route, where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine. In the afternoon, you may choose to join a guided optional excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur. We'll dock in Caudebec for the night.
Day 11 – Day 11: Caudebec to Rouen
- Rouen
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- Bayeux Cathedral
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Join a guided tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches 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 your ship as we cruise to Rouen, where we'll dock for the night.
Day 12 – Day 12: Rouen to Conflans
- Rouen
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- Évreux Cathedral
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Take a guided bike tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser-known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels or take a guided walking tour of Rouen, home of the martyred Joan of Arc, and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. We'll then cruise to Conflans, where we'll dock for the night.
Day 13 – Day 13: Conflans to Paris
- Paris
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Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host or join a guided visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, 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. We'll then cruise to Paris, where we'll dock for the night.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Paris
- Paris
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- Louvre Museum
- Eiffel Tower
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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. Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank. We'll dock in Paris for the night.
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, prepare for your onward journey. We hope you've enjoyed your tour and look forward to welcoming you back soon!
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