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  • Happiness flows on an Avalon river cruise. From Asia to South America and Europe to the Nile, you’ll cruise in relaxed luxury with river cruising’s widest views of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.

2023 Season

Grand France for Wine Lovers (Northbound)

cruise: WLP-T2
15 Day River Cruise Arles to Paris
This river cruise vacation showcases France’s charm, breathtaking views, and rich history. A Master of Wine will accompany you on your cruise on the Rhône River with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. Your adventure begins with a visit to Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh—and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins. In Lyon, take a guided tour to Beaujolais and the following day to Chardonnay, where you will have the opportunity to taste local wines. Disembark your ship in Chalon-sur-Saône, transfer to Beaune and catch a high-speed train to Paris.

The Seine River offers a choice of excursion opportunities, such as a visit to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery; a visit to delightful Les Andelys, Joan of Arc’s Rouen, and the choice between a visit to Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison. On this French river cruise, you’ll enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without a visit to Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover its true heart on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Walk in the footsteps of the great master artists, enjoy the delectable cuisine of France, and stand where heroes fought for freedom on the beaches of Normandy. This and so much more is waiting for you on your French cruise on the Seine!

cruise

at-a-glance

Day 1 Arles (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Arles: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, or painting workshop, or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture about wine

Day 3 Avignon: Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes; guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape

Day 4 Viviers: Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard food and wine pairing dinner

Day 5 Tournon–Vienne: Choice of guided walk in Tournon or bike with your Adventure Host; onboard chocolate and wine tasting; choice of guided walk in Vienne or hike with your Adventure Host

Day 6 Lyon: Guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill; guided tour to Beaujolais

Day 7 Tournus–Chalon-sur-Saône: Chardonnay excursion; onboard cheese and wine tasting

Day 8 Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Dijon–Paris (Embarkation): Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; TGV train from Dijon to Paris; onboard welcome reception

Day 9 Vernon–Les Andelys: Choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle or walk with your Adventure Host; choice of guided walk, or guided hike in Les Andelys; crêpes tasting on board and Pastry Demonstration

Day 10 Caudebec: Choice of excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 11 Caudebec: Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches, or "A Taste of Normandy" excursion

Day 12 Rouen: Choice of guided walk, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral or bike tour

Day 13 Conflans: Choice of guided excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 14 Paris: Choice of guided sightseeing or “Heart of Paris” walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 15 Paris (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. Plus, we offer independent exploration options and the use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP on most of our cruises. 

Below are 3 types of included shore excursions for you to experience.

The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.