Grand France for Wine Lovers (Southbound) 2025

Arrive in the enchanting city of Paris, where your luxurious Suite Ship awaits. Spend the afternoon exploring the romantic streets, indulging in a croissant at a local café, or shopping in the chic boutiques. As the evening sets in, embark on a serene cruise along the Seine River, setting the tone for the days of adventure ahead. Enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you sail towards Vernon.

Today, immerse yourself in the history of the Normandy Abbeys Route, where over 100 medieval abbeys and churches line the Seine. Alternatively, opt for a relaxing bike ride along the river. In the afternoon, consider a guided optional excursion to the charming seaside town of Honfleur. Return to your ship for a delightful dinner and overnight docking in Caudebec.

Discover the historic city of Rouen, where you can choose between a guided bike tour to explore its famous monuments or a walking tour to see the medieval quarter, the Astronomical Clock, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. As evening falls, enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you cruise to Conflans.

Today, follow in the footsteps of artistic and historical figures. Visit Auvers-sur-Oise, the final resting place of Vincent van Gogh, or explore the opulent Château de Malmaison, once home to Napoléon Bonaparte. Alternatively, opt for a guided excursion to the Palace of Versailles. Return to the ship for an evening cruise back to Paris.

Travel from Paris to Dijon by high-speed train, then continue to Beaune. Visit the historic Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital, home to Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgement. In the afternoon, journey to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship. Enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you dock overnight in Tournus.

Explore Tournus, one of Burgundy's oldest monastic centers, with a guided tour showcasing its highlights. Alternatively, join an excursion to a Chardonnay cellar for a wine tasting. As you sail to Mâcon, enjoy a lecture about wine hosted by your Master of Wine. Dock overnight in Trévoux.

Sail to the vibrant city of Lyon, where you can enjoy an onboard cheese and wine tasting. Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike or join a guided sightseeing tour to explore its numerous churches from Fourvière Hill and the lively Place des Terreaux. After dinner, enjoy live entertainment onboard as you dock overnight in Lyon.

Experience Lyon's culinary delights with a guided culinary walk through the city, renowned as the gastronomic capital of France. Alternatively, take a guided tour to the picturesque Beaujolais region to learn about its renowned wines. In the evening, enjoy an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine. Cruise overnight to Tournon.

Explore the fortress city of Avignon with a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to the impressive Palace of the Popes. Alternatively, enjoy a trip to the renowned wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a taste of the Rhône wine region. Return to your ship for live entertainment as you cruise to Arles.

Begin your day with a power walk in Arles or attend a painting workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour of Arles, visiting the Roman Amphitheater and other captivating sites. Relax with a glass of wine at Le Café Van Gogh before returning to your ship for an overnight docking in Arles.