Grand France for Wine Lovers (Southbound) 2025

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Description

Summary

Starts
Paris
Duration
15 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
8 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of France, where history, art, and gastronomy intertwine to create a journey of a lifetime. From the romantic streets of Paris to the historic beaches of Normandy, and the culinary delights of Lyon, this tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Cruise along the Seine and Rhône rivers, explore medieval towns, and savor the finest wines and cheeses. With luxurious accommodations on your Suite Ship and expert-guided excursions, each day promises new adventures and discoveries. Whether you're an art enthusiast, history buff, or food lover, this tour is designed to captivate and inspire. Join us for an extraordinary voyage through France's most iconic and picturesque destinations.

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Included

14 nights onboard Avalon Waterways cruise ship

Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness

Egyptian super-combed cotton linens

Bathrobes & slippers

Premium L'Occitane bath products

Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door

Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels

Individual climate control and in-room safe

USB Ports

And, much more

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Avalon Tapestry II

Avalon Poetry II

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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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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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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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Destinations

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
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
Mâcon - city in FranceMâcon
Rouen - city in FranceRouen

Map

Attractions

Utah Beach Landing Museum, Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, Cherbourg, Manche, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceUtah Beach Landing Museum
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
Photo of Versailles palace outside Paris at sunset, France.Palace of Versailles
photo of The Foundation Claude Monet is a nonprofit organization that runs and preserves the house and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, France.Fondation Monet in Giverny
The cathedral Notre-Dame de Bayeux. Antique Norman-Romanesque cathedral is located in the Bayeux, Calvados department of Normandy, France.Bayeux Cathedral
Le Clos des Ratites, Saint-Pierre-de-Mailloc, Valorbiquet, Lisieux, Calvados, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceLe Clos des Ratites
L'espace Van Gogh
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
Aerial view of The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Lyon city.The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a minor basilica in Lyon.La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
Photo of Eiffel Tower in Paris, France best Destinations in Europe.Eiffel Tower
photo of the Roman Arles Amphitheatre in the Old Town of Arles in France.Arles Amphitheatre
Photo of Palais or Opera Garnier & The National Academy of Music in Paris, France.Palais Garnier
grignan's castleChâteau de Grignan
Botanical Garden, Bayeux, Calvados, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceBotanical Garden
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
Biotropica, animal gardens, Val-de-Reuil, Les Andelys, Eure, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceBiotropica, animal gardens
photo of Château de Cormatin at beautiful morning in Cormatin, French.Château de Cormatin Stephen Abragan

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Paris

  • Paris
  • Vernon - Arrival day
  • More
  • Les Invalides
  • More

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.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Vernon to Les Andelys

  • Vernon
  • Les Andelys
  • More
  • Château Gaillard
  • Les Jardins d'Angélique
  • Biotropica, animal gardens
  • More

Awake in Vernon and choose from a variety of excursions. Explore the historic Chateau des Tourelles, or visit Monet's House and Gardens in Giverny, where the artist found inspiration for his masterpieces. Alternatively, discover the grandeur of Bizy Castle, known as Normandy's Versailles. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional French luncheon onboard as you cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. Here, take a guided walking tour to soak in the serene beauty of this charming location.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Caudebec

Day 3: Caudebec

  • Labyrinthe de Honfleur
  • Valmont Abbey
  • More

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.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Normandy Beaches to Rouen

  • Rouen
  • More
  • Caen Castle
  • Tour Vauban de Tatihou
  • Château Canon
  • Longues-sur-Mer Battery
  • Parc Ornavik
  • Botanical Garden
  • Arbre de la Liberté
  • More

Embark on a poignant journey to the historic Normandy beaches. Choose between a guided tour of the U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, or explore the British and Canadian commemorative sites. Alternatively, delve into the traditions of Normandy with a brandy tasting in Calvados. Return to your ship for live entertainment as you cruise towards Rouen.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Rouen to Conflans

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

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.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Conflans to Paris

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

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.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Paris

  • Paris
  • More
  • Champ de Mars
  • Louvre Museum
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Palais Garnier
  • More

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Paris. Choose a guided walk through the city's ancient heart, featuring the Palais-Royal and the Louvre pyramid, or embark on a city tour to see iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure or relaxing in a Left Bank café. Enjoy a final overnight docking in Paris.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Paris to Beaune

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

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.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Tournus to Mâcon

  • Mâcon
  • More
  • Château de Cormatin Stephen Abragan
  • More

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.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Trévoux to Lyon

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

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.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Lyon

  • Lyon
  • More
  • Cluny Abbey
  • More

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.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Tournon to Viviers

  • Avignon
  • More
  • Viaduc de Vogüé
  • Musée de Valence, art et archéologie
  • More

Begin your day with a hike in the vineyards for breathtaking views or take a guided walking tour of Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval cities. Enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona. In the afternoon, sail to Viviers, where you can explore its charming pale-stone buildings and Romanesque cathedral on a guided walking tour. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Avignon.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Avignon to Arles

  • Avignon
  • Arles
  • More
  • Palais des Papes
  • Château de Grignan
  • More

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.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Arles

  • Arles
  • More
  • L'espace Van Gogh
  • Arles Amphitheatre
  • More

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.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from Arles

  • Arles - Departure day
  • More

Conclude your unforgettable journey with a final breakfast onboard. As you disembark in Arles, ensure your flights from Marseille airport are scheduled after 10 am to accommodate your travel plans. Reflect on the memories made during this extraordinary multi-day tour through France.

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