Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera (Southbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 17-day journey through France's most iconic cities and picturesque landscapes. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomy, taking you from the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-kissed French Riviera. Explore the world-renowned art and architecture of Paris, the medieval charm of Vernon, the historic beaches of Normandy, and the culinary delights of Lyon. Discover the Provencal beauty of Avignon, the artistic heritage of Arles, and the glamorous allure of Nice. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, this tour offers an unforgettable French adventure.
Included
2 nights in Paris
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
Avalon Tapestry II
Avalon Poetry II
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
Nice
Dijon
Paris
Beaune
Lyon
Arles
Vernon
Avignon
RouenMap
Attractions
Caen Castle
Pont du Gard
Château Canon
Cleres Zoological Park
Palais des Papes
Champ de Mars
Château Gaillard
Louvre Museum
Palace of Versailles
Fondation Monet in Giverny
Longues-sur-Mer Battery
Bayeux Cathedral
Le Clos des Ratites
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Arc de Triomphe
Eiffel Tower
Arles Amphitheatre
Palais Garnier
Château de Grignan
Botanical Garden
Louvre Pyramid
Évreux Cathedral
Arbre de la Liberté
Biotropica, animal gardensDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Paris
- Paris - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to the City of Light, Paris. Arrive by 2:30 pm and board your Suite Ship® by 5 pm. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city's romantic streets, iconic landmarks, and charming cafes. Overnight cruise to Vernon.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Vernon and Les Andelys
- Vernon
- Les Andelys
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- Château Gaillard
- Fondation Monet in Giverny
- Biotropica, animal gardens
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Start your day with a visit to Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles. Then, take a guided tour of Giverny, the home of impressionist painter Claude Monet, or visit the magnificent Bizy Castle. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon on board as you cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. Here, you can hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard or take a guided walking tour of the town. Overnight cruise to Caudebec.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Caudebec
- 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: Journey through Normandy
- Rouen
- More
- Vieux-la-Romaine Museum
- Bayeux Cathedral
- Botanical Garden
- Arbre de la Liberté
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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: Exploring Rouen
- Rouen
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- Évreux Cathedral
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Discover Rouen's architectural gems on a guided bike tour or take a guided walking tour of the city, visiting the site of Saint Joan of Arc's martyrdom, the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Overnight cruise to Conflans.
Day 6 – Day 6: Discovering 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: Exploring Paris
- Paris
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- Champ de Mars
- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- Palais Garnier
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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. Spend the rest of the day exploring Paris on your own. Overnight docking in Paris.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Paris to 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 on to Beaune. Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital, a historic monument built in 1443, now home to 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: Exploring Tournus and Trévoux
Day 9: Exploring Tournus and Trévoux
Discover the charm of Tournus, one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region. A local guide will show you the highlights of this delightful town. Consider a guided optional excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or to the Castle of Cormatin. Later, enjoy a delicious cheese tasting on board your ship. Overnight docking in Trévoux.
Day 10 – Day 10: Discovering Lyon
- Lyon
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Sail for lovely Lyon in the morning. Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike or join a guided sightseeing tour to survey Lyon with its numerous churches from Fourvière Hill. You'll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux. Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board your ship. Overnight docking in Lyon.
Day 11 – Day 11: Culinary Adventures in Lyon
- Lyon
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Join a culinary walk through Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of France. Spend the rest of your day exploring the city's local produce markets and parks, or take a leisurely tour of the city's more than 100 murals. Overnight cruise to Tournon.
Day 12 – Day 12: Exploring Tournon and Viviers
Day 12: Exploring Tournon and Viviers
Take a morning guided walking tour to explore Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle. 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: Discovering 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. Consider a guided optional excursion to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Overnight cruise to Arles.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Arles
- Arles
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Get your daily dose of exercise through 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, the captivating city of the Provence region. Visit the Roman Amphitheater and take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine. Overnight docking in Arles.
Day 15 – Day 15: From Arles to the French Riviera
- Arles
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After breakfast, drive to the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.
Day 16 – Day 16: Discovering Nice
- Nice
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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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