Grand France WWII Remembrance & History Cruise (Northbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through the heart of France, where history, art, and culture converge in a symphony of unforgettable experiences. From the vibrant city of Marseille to the iconic landmarks of Paris, this multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of guided excursions, leisure activities, and cultural immersion. Discover the artistic legacy of Van Gogh in Arles, explore the medieval charm of Avignon, and savor the world-renowned wines of the Rhône Valley. Delight in the picturesque landscapes of Normandy and the historic significance of its beaches. As you cruise along the Seine, indulge in the culinary delights of French cuisine and enjoy live entertainment on board. With luxurious accommodations and a wealth of activities to choose from, this tour promises an enriching and memorable adventure through the enchanting regions of France.
Included
14 nights onboard cruise ship
Avalon Waterways cruise ship
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
Marseille
Dijon
Paris
Beaune
Lyon
Arles
Vernon
Avignon
RouenMap
Attractions
Palais des Papes
Château Gaillard
Louvre Museum
Fondation Monet in Giverny
Bayeux Cathedral
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Eiffel Tower
Arles Amphitheatre
Botanical Garden
Place Bellecour
Biotropica, animal gardensDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles
- Marseille
- Arles - Arrival day
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Arrive in the vibrant city of Marseille and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of France. Your luxurious Suite Ship® awaits in the charming city of Arles, where you'll spend your first night docked. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board as you settle into the serene ambiance of the Provence region.
Day 2 – Day 2: Arles to Avignon
- Arles
- Avignon
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Immerse yourself in the artistic legacy of Arles with a choice of engaging activities. Opt for a brisk power walk, a painting workshop inspired by Van Gogh, or a guided tour of the city's Roman Amphitheater. Relish a glass of wine at Le Café Van Gogh before setting sail for Avignon, where you'll dock overnight.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
- Pont du Gard Museum
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Discover the fortress city of Avignon with a guided tour that includes the majestic Palace of the Popes. Explore the city's art, culture, and historic sites like the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet. Optional excursions to the Pont du Gard or Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine cellars are available. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you dock overnight in Avignon.
Day 4 – Day 4: Viviers
- Tain-l'Hermitage
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- Orange Cathedral
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Sail leisurely to the quaint village of Viviers, where you can choose to hike to the hilltop cathedral or explore the village's historical sites on a guided walking tour. Discover the blend of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences in this charming locale. Cruise overnight to Tain l'Hermitage.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon to Lyon
- Lyon
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Explore the medieval town of Tournon with a guided walking tour or a morning hike. Discover its 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. In the afternoon, cruise to the vibrant city of Lyon, where you'll dock overnight. Enjoy the scenic views and the rich history of this beautiful region.
Day 6 – Day 6: Discovering Lyon
- Lyon
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- Place Bellecour
- Tour d'Oingt
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Join a guided tour of Lyon, exploring the historic Fourvière Hill and the bustling Place des Terreaux. Spend your free time cycling through the city's squares and along the riverbanks. As you sail to Tournus, enjoy live entertainment on board, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this cultural hub.
Day 7 – Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
- Royal Monastery of Brou
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Venture into the Mâconnais region to explore its renowned Chardonnay vineyards and partake in a wine-tasting session at a medieval castle. Spend the afternoon cruising along the picturesque Saône River. Later, enjoy a cheese tasting on board, accompanied by live entertainment as you dock overnight in Chalon-sur-Saône.
Day 8 – Day 8: 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, board a high-speed train from Dijon to the iconic city of Paris. Settle into your Suite Ship® for an evening cruise, enjoying the enchanting views of the Seine River as you prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 9 – Day 9: 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 legacy of Vernon with a visit to the Chateau des Tourelles or a guided tour of Monet's Giverny. Alternatively, visit Bizy Castle, known as 'Normandy's Versailles.' Enjoy a traditional French luncheon on board before cruising to the picturesque town of Les Andelys, where you can hike to the ruins of Château Gaillard or take a guided walking tour.
Day 10 – Day 10: Caudebec
- Paris
- Les Andelys
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Delve into the rich history of Normandy with a choice of activities. Enjoy a bike ride along the Seine, visit a V-1 flying bomb launch site, or explore the Normandy Abbeys Route. Optional excursions to the seaside town of Honfleur are available. Learn about WWII during an onboard lecture as you dock overnight in Caudebec.
Day 11 – Day 11: Normandy Beaches
- Les Andelys
- Rouen
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- Tour Vauban de Tatihou
- Botanical Garden
- Arbre de la Liberté
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Experience the poignant history of Normandy with guided tours of the WWII landing beaches, including Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, explore British and Canadian commemorative sites or enjoy a 'Taste of Normandy' tour. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment as you cruise to Rouen.
Day 12 – Day 12: Rouen
- Rouen
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- Cleres Zoological Park
- Évreux Cathedral
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Explore Rouen's rich history with a guided bike tour or a visit to Dieppe, site of the WWII Dieppe Raid. Alternatively, discover Vimy Ridge and Beaumont-Hamel, or take a walking tour of Rouen's medieval quarter, home to the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock. Enjoy an onboard history lecture as you cruise to Conflans.
Day 13 – Day 13: 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 opulent Château de Malmaison, home of Napoleon Bonaparte. Optional excursions to the Palace of Versailles are available. Cruise to Paris, where you'll dock overnight, ready to explore the City of Light.
Day 14 – Day 14: Paris
- Paris
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- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
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Experience the magic of Paris with a guided walk through its historic heart or a city tour showcasing iconic landmarks like the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower. Alternatively, take a WWII tour or explore the Seine by foot. Enjoy your final evening in Paris, savoring the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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Conclude your extraordinary journey with a delightful breakfast on board. Bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes and rich history of France as your cruise comes to an end in the captivating city of Paris.
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