Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera for Wine Lovers (Southbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 17-day journey through the heart of France, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided activities and free time to explore at your own pace. From the romantic cityscape of Paris to the picturesque Provence region, you'll be captivated by the diverse beauty of France. Discover the masterpieces of Monet in Giverny, the historic landing beaches of Normandy, and the architectural wonders of Rouen. Savor the gastronomic delights of Lyon, the wines of Burgundy, and the seascapes of the Mediterranean coast. This tour is a feast for the senses, offering unforgettable experiences and memories.
Included
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
Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
16 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
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
Map
Attractions
#ILoveNICE
Normandy American Cemetery
Château de Gaillon
Cleres Zoological Park
Palais des Papes
Champ de Mars
Château Gaillard
Louvre Museum
Palace of Versailles
The Pointe Du Hoc
Bayeux Cathedral
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Arc de Triomphe
Omaha Beach Memorial
Eiffel Tower
Omaha Beach Golf
Arles Amphitheatre
Île de la Cité
Botanical Garden
Louvre Pyramid
Place Bellecour
Évreux CathedralDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Paris
- Paris - Arrival day
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Welcome to the City of Light, Paris. Arrive by 2:30 pm and board your Suite Ship. Spend the rest of the day exploring the world's most romantic city at your leisure. Stroll through the charming streets, indulge in some shopping, or savor a croissant and café au lait as you watch the world go by. Overnight cruise to Vernon.
Day 2 – Day 2: Vernon and Les Andelys
- Vernon
- Les Andelys
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- Château de Gaillon
- Château Gaillard
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Start your day exploring Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles on foot or take a guided tour of Giverny, the home and inspiration of Claude Monet. Alternatively, visit the magnificent Bizy Castle, known as 'Normandy's Versailles'. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic crêpes, followed by a pastry demonstration. In the afternoon, cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys and take a guided walking tour of one of France's most scenic spots on the Seine. Overnight cruise to Caudebec.
Day 3 – Day 3: Caudebec and Honfleur
- Honfleur
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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. Overnight docking in Caudebec.
Day 4 – Day 4: Normandy and Rouen
- Rouen
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- Normandy American Cemetery
- The Pointe Du Hoc
- Bayeux Cathedral
- Omaha Beach Memorial
- Omaha Beach Golf
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Join a guided tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, take a full-day guided tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, or join 'A Taste of Normandy' guided tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. Visit the famous Bayeux Tapestry, the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge, and taste Calvados at a local distillery. Overnight cruise to Rouen.
Day 5 – Day 5: Rouen and Conflans
- Rouen
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- Cleres Zoological Park
- Botanical Garden
- Évreux Cathedral
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Discover Rouen's architectural wonders on a guided bike tour or take a guided walking tour of the city, the site of Saint Joan of Arc's martyrdom. Visit the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Overnight cruise to Conflans.
Day 6 – Day 6: Conflans and Paris
- Paris
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- Palace of Versailles
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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. You may also choose to join a guided optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles. Overnight cruise to Paris.
Day 7 – Day 7: Paris
- Paris
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- Champ de Mars
- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- Île de la Cité
- Louvre Pyramid
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Experience the Seine river by foot or discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating guided walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more. 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. Overnight docking in Paris.
Day 8 – Day 8: Beaune, Chalon-sur-Saône, and Tournus
- Paris
- Dijon
- Beaune
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- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Take a high-speed train from Paris to Dijon, then drive to Beaune. Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital, built in 1443, which houses the Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgement. In the afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship. Overnight docking in Tournus.
Day 9 – Day 9: Tournus and Trévoux
- Mâcon
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Explore Tournus, one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region. Visit a Chardonnay cellar for a wine tasting and join a lecture about wine hosted by your Master of Wine while sailing to Mâcon. Overnight docking in Trévoux.
Day 10 – Day 10: Trévoux and Lyon
- Lyon
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- Place Bellecour
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Sail for lovely Lyon this morning. Enjoy an onboard cheese and wine tasting hosted by your Master of Wine. Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike or join a guided sightseeing tour to survey Lyon with its numerous churches from Fourvière Hill. Explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux. Overnight docking in Lyon.
Day 11 – Day 11: Lyon and Tournon
- Lyon
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Join a culinary walk through Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of France. Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine. In the evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine. Overnight cruise to Tournon.
Day 12 – Day 12: Tournon and Viviers
- Avignon
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Hike in the vineyards and take in the breathtaking views from the hills, or take a morning guided walking tour to explore Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins. The tour also includes a wine and chocolate tasting at the Cité du Chocolat at Valrhona. Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch. Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon guided walking tour of this charming village. Overnight cruise to Avignon.
Day 13 – Day 13: Viviers, Avignon, and Arles
- Avignon
- Arles
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- Palais des Papes
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Take a guided sightseeing tour of the fortress city of Avignon, with its ramparts encircling the city, and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes. Enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Overnight cruise to Arles.
Day 14 – Day 14: Arles
- Arles
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Get your daily dose of exercise through a power walk in Arles, attend a painting workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh, or enjoy a guided walking tour of Arles, the captivating city of the Provence region. Visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city. Take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine to relax and watch the world go by. Overnight docking in Arles.
Day 15 – Day 15: Arles to Nice
- Arles
- Nice
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After breakfast, drive to Nice on the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.
Day 16 – Day 16: Nice
- Nice
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- #ILoveNICE
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Enjoy a guided sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city, an area which has changed little since the 1700s.
Day 17 – Day 17: Departure from Nice
- Nice - Departure day
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Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
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