Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2025

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Description

Summary

Starts
Nice
Duration
17 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
8 years

Description

Embark on an extraordinary 17-day journey through the heart of France, where history, art, and gastronomy intertwine. From the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera to the vibrant streets of Paris, this multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of guided sightseeing, cultural immersion, and leisurely exploration. Discover the charm of medieval towns, the grandeur of historic castles, and the allure of world-renowned vineyards. Indulge in exquisite cuisine and savor the finest wines as you cruise along picturesque rivers. With luxurious accommodations and a variety of activities tailored to your interests, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most captivating destinations.

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Included

2 nights stay in Nice

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

NICE CEDEX

Le Meridien Nice

With a "touch of chic" inspired by the timeless elegance of the Côte d'Azur, Le Méridien Nice is an authentic jewel located facing the Mediterranean Sea on world famous Promenade des Anglais. It is a few steps from the pedestrian area with its many fashion boutique, shops, restaurants, and bars. The Old Town is also within walking distance. Discover signature cocktails at the bar or enjoy a tasty dinner inspired by the region on the panoramic rooftop restaurant while watching the sunset. Relax in the heated outdoor pool or exercise in the fitness centre. Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access is provided. The refined and exotic interior design inspired by the Golden Sixties gives each of the 318 guestrooms a unique sun-drenched style featuring soft Mediterranean blue and sandy beige shades. Fully air conditioned rooms include a flat-screen TV with international channels, coffee/tea maker facilities, in-room safe, minibar, iron and ironing board, and free wireless high speed internet access.

PARIS

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

Enjoying an unbeatable location next to the iconic Eiffel Tower, this 456-room sleek, modern hotel offers free Wi-Fi internet access throughout and has a California-inspired Brasserie with open kitchen and stylish wine bar. Other amenities include a large gym on the 9th floor with panoramic rooftop vistas.

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Avalon Poetry II

Avalon Tapestry 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

View of Mediterranean luxury resort and bay with yachts. Nice, Cote d'Azur, France. Nice
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
Tain-l'Hermitage
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
Rouen - city in FranceRouen

Map

Attractions

#ILoveNICE, Vieux Nice, Nice, Maritime Alps, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Metropolitan France, France#ILoveNICE
Palais de la Bourse de Lyon
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 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 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
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 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
grignan's castleChâteau de Grignan
Cathedral of Our Lady of Évreux, Normandy, FranceÉvreux Cathedral
Biotropica, animal gardens, Val-de-Reuil, Les Andelys, Eure, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceBiotropica, animal gardens

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Nice

  • Nice - Arrival day
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  • Fort de la Revère
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Begin your journey in the enchanting city of Nice, where the azure waters of the French Riviera beckon. Spend your day exploring the vibrant streets and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. Enjoy free time to discover the stunning coastline that stretches from Toulon to the Italian border.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Nice

  • Nice
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  • #ILoveNICE
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Dive into the heart of Nice with a guided tour of its historic old town, Vieux Nice. Wander through narrow streets lined with baroque churches and charming shops. This area has retained its 18th-century charm, offering a glimpse into the past. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on your exploration.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Arles

  • Arles
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Board your luxurious Avalon Suite Ship in Arles, a city steeped in history and culture. Enjoy a relaxing day as you settle into your accommodations, with breakfast and dinner provided. Spend the night docked in this picturesque city, ready to explore its wonders the following day.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Arles to Avignon

  • Arles
  • Avignon
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  • L'espace Van Gogh
  • Arles Amphitheatre
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Immerse yourself in the artistic legacy of Arles with a guided walking tour. Visit the Roman Amphitheater and enjoy a painting workshop inspired by Van Gogh. Take a break at Le Café Van Gogh before sailing to Avignon. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard as you dock overnight in Avignon.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Avignon

  • Avignon
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  • Palais des Papes
  • Château de Grignan
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Explore the fortress city of Avignon with a guided tour, including a visit to the magnificent Palace of the Popes. Discover the renowned wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and savor the flavors of the Rhône wine region. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you dock overnight in Avignon.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Viviers to Tain l'Hermitage

  • Tain-l'Hermitage
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  • Orange Cathedral
  • Crest Tower
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Sail to the charming village of Viviers, where you can explore its Romanesque cathedral and historical Old Town. Choose between a guided walking tour or a hike to the hilltop cathedral. In the evening, enjoy a food and wine pairing dinner onboard as you cruise to Tain l'Hermitage.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Tournon to Lyon

  • Lyon
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  • Armenian Heritage Center
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Explore the medieval town of Tournon with a guided walking tour or a hike. Discover its 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. In the afternoon, cruise to Lyon while enjoying a chocolate and wine tasting onboard. Dock overnight in the vibrant city of Lyon.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Lyon to Tournus

  • Lyon
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  • Place Bellecour
  • Tour d'Oingt
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Discover Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, with a guided tour of Fourvière Hill and the Old Town. Explore the lively Place des Terreaux and enjoy a guided tour of the Beaujolais wine region. In the evening, cruise to Tournus while enjoying live entertainment onboard.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône

Day 9: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône

  • Musée Ampère
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Enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruising along the Saône River. Visit the Mâconnais region to learn about its famous Chardonnay vineyards and partake in a wine tasting at a medieval castle. Return to the ship for a delightful cheese and wine tasting dinner as you dock overnight in Chalon-sur-Saône.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Beaune to Paris

  • Beaune
  • Dijon
  • Paris
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  • Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Visit the historic Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. In the afternoon, take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris, where you'll board your Suite Ship. Enjoy dinner onboard as you prepare for the next leg of your journey, cruising overnight to Vernon.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Vernon to Les Andelys

  • Vernon
  • Les Andelys
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  • Château Gaillard
  • Fondation Monet in Giverny
  • Biotropica, animal gardens
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Explore the artistic inspiration of Claude Monet in Giverny or visit the grand Bizy Castle. Alternatively, take a guided hike to the Chateau des Tourelles. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon onboard as you cruise to Les Andelys, where you can hike to the ruins of Château Gaillard or explore the picturesque town.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Caudebec

Day 12: Caudebec

  • Valmont Abbey
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Embark on a guided tour along the Normandy Abbeys Route, home to numerous medieval abbeys and churches. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine. In the afternoon, consider an optional excursion to the charming seaside town of Honfleur. Dock overnight in Caudebec.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Normandy to Rouen

  • Rouen
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  • Tour Vauban de Tatihou
  • Botanical Garden
  • Arbre de la Liberté
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Delve into the history of Normandy with a guided tour of the WWII landing beaches, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, explore British and Canadian commemorative sites or enjoy a 'Taste of Normandy' tour. Return to the ship for live entertainment as you cruise to Rouen.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Rouen to Conflans

  • Rouen
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  • Cleres Zoological Park
  • Évreux Cathedral
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Explore Rouen, the city of Joan of Arc, with a guided walking tour. Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the medieval quarter with its Astronomical Clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike tour to discover the city's hidden gems. Cruise overnight to Conflans.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Conflans to Paris

  • Paris
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  • Château de Malmaison
  • Queen's House
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Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh with a visit to Auvers-sur-Oise or explore the Château de Malmaison, home of Napoléon Bonaparte. Alternatively, take an optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard as you cruise to Paris.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Paris

  • Paris
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  • Louvre Museum
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Palais Garnier
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Experience the magic of Paris with a guided walk through its historic heart, including the Palais-Royal and the Louvre. Alternatively, join a city tour to see iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy your final evening in Paris with dinner onboard.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Paris

  • Paris - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey with a delightful breakfast in Paris. Reflect on the memories made and the sights seen as you prepare to depart from the City of Lights.

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