Spectacular South of France , Beautiful Bordeaux & Gems of the Seine 2025 - 31 Days (from Paris to Lyon)

Today, cruise towards the picturesque town of Les Andelys, nestled on a scenic bend of the Seine River. Explore the charming medieval streets and admire the imposing ruins of Château Gaillard, once the stronghold of King Richard the Lionheart. Choose from a selection of excursions, including a hike to the castle or a visit to the beautiful village of Lyons la Forêt, surrounded by lush beech forests. Enjoy a taste of local cider at Le Pressoir d'or before returning to your ship.

Arrive in Rouen, the vibrant capital of Normandy, known for its rich history and stunning architecture. Discover the city's medieval past on a guided tour, visiting the magnificent Rouen Cathedral and the charming Old Town. Learn about the city's connection to Joan of Arc and explore the winding streets lined with half-timbered houses. In the evening, enjoy a fascinating lecture on World War I, bringing history to life with an immersive experience.

Today, delve deeper into history with a choice of excursions. Visit the Somme Battlefields, a poignant reminder of World War I, or take a walking tour to Rouen's Fine Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of artworks. Learn about the region's rich history and cultural heritage, and enjoy the opportunity to explore at your own pace.

Embark on a journey to the historic Normandy Beaches, where the D-Day Landings took place. Choose from excursions focusing on different national perspectives, including Omaha Beach, the Bayeux War Cemetery, and the Juno Beach Centre. Alternatively, explore the town of Bayeux and its famous tapestry. Gain a deeper understanding of the events that shaped history and pay tribute to the brave soldiers who fought for freedom.

Explore the artistic haven of Giverny, home to Claude Monet's House and Garden. Wander through the beautiful gardens that inspired Monet's masterpieces, and enjoy free time to explore the charming village. In the evening, attend an exclusive concert at Château de La Roche Guyon, a stunning historical site nestled in the French countryside.

Discover the medieval town of Conflans-Saint-Honore, where you can choose from a variety of excursions. Visit Auvers-Sur-Oise, the village where Vincent Van Gogh spent his final days, or explore the magnificent Chantilly Castle and Gardens. Alternatively, enjoy a kayaking adventure on the River Oise, taking in the beautiful landscapes from a unique perspective.

Spend the morning relaxing on board as you cruise into the beautiful port of Libourne. In the afternoon, explore the nearby town of Saint-Émilion, a World Heritage-listed medieval village known for its world-famous wineries and historic monuments. Enjoy a guided tour of the caves and catacombs beneath the city, including the impressive Monolithic church. This evening, your ship will be docked overnight in Libourne.

Choose from a variety of activities in Libourne, including a walking tour of the fortified harbour town, a wine tasting at the prestigious Château Siaurac, or a biking and tasting tour through the renowned Pomerol wine-growing region. Alternatively, join a local artist for a painting class on the Sun Deck, enjoying the stunning river views as you create your own masterpiece. This afternoon, your ship will sail onwards to Fort Medoc, where you will dock overnight.

Explore the world-renowned Medoc wine region, known for its exceptional red wines. Choose from a coach tour or a bicycle tour through the scenic countryside, visiting local wineries for tastings. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive classical concert at Château d'Agassac, set in the enchanting Medoc countryside. Wander through the château and its gardens before being treated to a performance by a string quartet.

Arrive in the charming fortified city of Cadillac, centered around its magnificent château. Spend the day exploring this historic town, with its rich history and beautiful architecture. Learn about the fascinating story of Anthony Laumet, the French explorer who founded modern-day Detroit, and discover the connection between Cadillac and the American auto industry.

Explore the region surrounding Cadillac, with a choice of excursions to suit your interests. Visit the Sauternes wine region for a tasting at Château Rayne Vigneau or Château La Tour Blanche, or cycle through the vineyards to Château Mayne la Merci. In the afternoon, tour the historic Roquetaillade Castle, or cycle to Château Benauge for breathtaking views. Alternatively, visit Château Toulouse-Lautrec, the family home of the renowned French artist.

Explore the fascinating city of Bordeaux, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Choose from a guided tour of the city's highlights, a cycling tour through its historic streets, or a culinary experience with a visit to a local food market and a cooking class on board. In the evening, enjoy exclusive after-hours access to Les Bassins de Lumiere, a stunning art installation in a former submarine base.

Continue your exploration of Bordeaux and its surrounding regions. Visit the Cité du Vin Museum for an interactive journey of wine discovery, or tour the city by motorbike and sidecar. Alternatively, join a walking tour of the charming bayside town of Arcachon, with its elegant architecture and beautiful beaches. Spend the afternoon at leisure on board as you sail towards Bourg.

Discover the picturesque town of Bourg, with its ancient alleyways and historic sites. Visit the Carriages Museum, located within the grounds of Bourg Castle, or take a full-day excursion to Cognac, renowned for its world-famous brandy. Enjoy a walking tour of the fortified city, followed by a visit to the breathtaking estate of Rémy Martin for a tasting of their finest cognacs.

Explore the charming town of Blaye, home to a World Heritage-listed citadel overlooking the Gironde Estuary. Choose from a walking tour of the citadel, an active walking tour with a focus on its defense system, or a guided cycling tour along the Captain's Road. Alternatively, visit the historic Chateau de la Roche Courbon, a fortified castle with sprawling gardens. In the afternoon, sail back to Bordeaux for your final evening on board.

Sail towards Chalon-sur-Saône, an idyllic base for exploring the Burgundy wine region. Choose from a guided tour of Beaune and the spectacular Les Hospices de Beaune, a visit to a local estate for wine tasting, or a tour focusing on the town's role during World War II. Discover the rich history and culture of this beautiful region, surrounded by vineyards and picturesque countryside.

Arrive in the riverside town of Tournus, known for its splendid Romanesque architecture. Choose from a variety of excursions, including a visit to the historic Château de Cormatin, a truffle tasting with a local farmer, or a cooking class at the restaurant of renowned chef Georges Blanc. Alternatively, witness a cooperage demonstration and learn about the traditional craft of barrel making.

Explore the hillside village of Tournon, with its terraced vineyards and enchanting castle. Choose from a walking tour of the town, a hike through the vineyards, or a guided cycling tour along the Rhône River. In the afternoon, enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace of Tournon Castle, taking in the stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside.

Arrive in the historic city of Avignon, known for its stunning medieval architecture and vibrant arts scene. Choose from a guided walking tour of the city, an excursion to the ancient Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, or a kayaking adventure along the Gardon River. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive classical concert and dinner at the prestigious Palais des Papes, one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe.

Explore the captivating region of Provence, with its vineyards, lavender fields, and historic villages. Choose from an excursion to the picturesque village of Gordes and the nearby Senanque Abbey, a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, or a visit to the Lavender Museum and the village of Roussillon. Alternatively, join a culinary experience with a visit to a local food market and a cooking class on board.

Discover the rich Roman history of Arles, with its impressive ruins and vibrant artistic heritage. Choose from a guided tour of the city, a visit to the stunning medieval village of Les Baux and the Carrières de Lumières, or a culinary experience at a local olive farm. Alternatively, learn about the production of aromatic herbs and create your own lavender-based cream at a Provence herbal workshop.

Explore the medieval town of Viviers, with its rich heritage and architectural treasures. Choose from a walking tour of the town, a French Resistance walking tour, or an excursion to the Ardèche Nature Park and the Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum. Alternatively, visit the Madeleine Caves or the beautiful town of Grignan de Provence, with its mighty castle and charming streets.