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15 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Arles to Paris 2026(WLP)
Grand France
Starting from $5,860Ship(s): Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II
Specialty Cruises: Culinary; World War II Remembrance & History; Jazz Lovers; Wine Lovers
River Cruise Description
This river cruise vacation showcases France's charm, breathtaking views, and rich history. Your adventure begins on the Rhône River 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. 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. Lyon, France's gastronomic capital is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The Seine River offers a choice of excursion opportunities, such as a visit to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point 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!Thanks for your interest!
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I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try Again| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31, 2026 Culinary(WLP-T2) Indulge in legendary Central European cuisine on this culinary-focused cruise. With a Master of Wine on board for special culinary highlights throughout your cruise, you’ll sample regional specialties with onboard tastings and with a special dinner featuring a wonderful menu created just for you. | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $7,060 | Call Us! |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $7,860 | Call Us! |
| May 12, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,260 | Call Us! |
| May 26, 2026 World War II Remembrance & History(WLP-T8) Sail through the picturesque and historic landscapes of Normandy, with the choice to visit the historic sites of the famed WWII landing beaches, and moving monuments to Allied forces, or you may explore the farming region for a "Taste of Normandy." | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,760 | Call Us! |
| Jun 23, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $7,760 | Call Us! |
| Jul 7, 2026 Jazz Lovers(WLP-T5) Throughout the French portion of your cruise, you’ll enjoy several onboard jazz performances and the chance to visit the Vienne Jazz Festival on your own. | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $7,560 | Call Us! |
| Jul 21, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $7,560 | Call Us! |
| Aug 4, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $7,560 | Call Us! |
| Aug 18, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $7,660 | Call Us! |
| Sep 1, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,710 | Call Us! |
| Sep 29, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,160 | Call Us! |
| Oct 13, 2026 Wine Lovers(WLP-T7) A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $7,160 | Call Us! |
| Oct 27, 2026 Wine Lovers(WLP-T7) A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $6,160 | Call Us! |
| Nov 10, 2026 Wine Lovers(WLP-T7) A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $5,860 | Call Us! |
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. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 ARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
(D)
Day 2 ARLES
A Brush with Genius
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Active
Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR:
Discovery
Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:
Classic
Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
(B,L,D)
Day 3 AVIGNON
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Classic
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
(B,L,D)
Day 4 VIVIERS
World History in a Charming French Country Village
Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.Active
Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on an afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE
(B,L,D)
Day 5 TAIN L'HERMITAGE
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.Active
Explore Tournon by foot as you follow your Adventure Host for a morning hike in this beautiful town along the Rhone, OR:
Classic
Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
(B,L,D)
Day 6 LYON
La Vie En Rose in Lyon
Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS
(B,L,D)
Day 7 TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône
Discovery
Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!
Discovery
Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
(B,L,D)
Day 8 CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION) BEAUNE–DIJON–PARIS (EMBARKATION)
Drive to Beaune and take a High-Speed Train from Dijon to Paris.Classic
Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgment and is one of France’s architectural highlights.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON
(B,D)
Day 9 VERNON
Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Active
Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces*, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.
Discovery
While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.
LES ANDELYS
Serenity on the Seine
Active
Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart**, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
(B,L,D)
*Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle.**This excursion will not be operated in November
Day 10 CAUDEBEC
Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
Active
Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
(B,L,D)
Day 11 CAUDEBEC. EXCURSIONS TO NORMANDY
Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions
Classic
Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Join “A Taste of Normandy” Guided Tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry, visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados at a local distillery.
EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
(B,L,D)
Day 12 ROUEN
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France
Active
Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—home of the martyred Joan of Arc—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS
(B,L,D)
Day 13 CONFLANS
The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV
Active
Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.
EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS
(B,L,D)
*Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly.
Day 14 PARIS
Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of Lights
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.Active
Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
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, OR: CLASSIC 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
(B,L,D)
Day 15 PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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