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17 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Paris to Arles 2027(WRL)
France Unveiled: Seine & Rhône
Starting from $9,101
Ship(s): Avalon Artistry II
Specialty Cruises: World War II Remembrance & History; Wine Lovers
River Cruise Description
Let your story unfold in the enchanting city of Paris, where you'll embark on a 7-night river cruise along the picturesque Seine. Cruise your way with Avalon Choice® excursions-choose from Classic, Active, and Discovery experiences to tailor your journey to you. Savor French wine and cheese as you glide through the heart of Normandy, soaking in the region's rich history and breathtaking scenery. Stand on the storied Normandy landing beaches, wander through Monet's gardens, and discover the medieval charm of Rouen. End this unforgettable week back in Paris, where you'll get two additional overnights exploring world-famous sights and iconic landmarks that capture the true spirit of this enchanting city.
The adventure continues in the South of France, where your Avalon Suite Ship® awaits in Lyon-the culinary heart of France, sitting at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers. Drift past sun-warmed vineyards and indulge in tastings of the region's renowned Chardonnay wines. Marvel at the Renaissance and Roman heritage of Tournon, wander through Avignon's grand Palace of the Popes, and walk where Van Gogh once found his inspiration amid the golden light of Arles. Three rivers, countless memories-this is river cruising that lingers long after you return home.
France, in Every Season.
From the warmth of summer to the gentle transitions of fall and spring, this journey through France takes on a distinct character in every season. You may marvel at Rouen Cathedral's dazzling summer light show, enjoy Paris in Bloom on Île Saint Louis, take part in hands on apricot harvests, fragrant flower picking and oil distillation, savor fall wine and apple harvest experiences or enjoy pastry demonstrations inspired by each season's freshest flavors. Seasonal light and landscapes bring fresh perspectives to vineyard-lined valleys, riverside villages, and France's celebrated art of living. Enjoy the same route, revealed through the unique lens of the season you set sail.
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| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 4, 2027 | Avalon Artistry II | $11,151 | Call Us! |
| Apr 18, 2027 | Avalon Artistry II | $12,051 | Call Us! |
| May 16, 2027 | Avalon Artistry II | $12,401 | Call Us! |
| May 30, 2027 World War II Remembrance & History(WRL-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 Artistry II | $12,401 | Call Us! |
| Jun 27, 2027 | Avalon Artistry II | $11,401 | Call Us! |
| Jul 11, 2027 | Avalon Artistry II | $10,501 | Call Us! |
| Jul 25, 2027 | Avalon Artistry II | $10,001 | Call Us! |
| Aug 8, 2027 | Avalon Artistry II | $10,101 | Call Us! |
| Aug 22, 2027 | Avalon Artistry II | $11,751 | Call Us! |
| Sep 5, 2027 | Avalon Artistry II | $12,601 | Call Us! |
| Oct 3, 2027 | Avalon Artistry II | $12,101 | Call Us! |
| Oct 17, 2027 Wine Lovers(WRL-T7) A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. | Avalon Artistry II | $10,551 | Call Us! |
| Oct 31, 2027 Wine Lovers(WRL-T7) A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. | Avalon Artistry II | $9,101 | 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-By-Day
Day 1 PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Your day is free to explore the world’s most romantic city before starting your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Light today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON
(D)
Day 2 VERNON
Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Active
Take a Guided Bike Tour through the picturesque Normandy countryside from Vernon to Giverny, ending with a visit to Monet’s enchanting gardens and home, 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 3 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.
Discovery
Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
(B,L,D)
Day 4 CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
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 Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados.
EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
(B,L,D)
Day 5 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—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS
(B,L,D)
Day 6 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.
AFTERNOON/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 7 PARIS
Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of Light
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 featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
(B,L,D)
Day 8 PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)
The City of Light
Disembark your ship and transfer to your hotel in Paris.Enjoy a day at leisure to explore on your own. Consider browsing Paris’ classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience, or have your portrait sketched by a Parisian artist in the square at Place du Tertre.(B)
Day 9 PARIS
Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases
Classic
Join a Guided City Tour featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.
(B)
Day 10 PARIS–LYON (EMBARKATION)
On to Lyon!Board the TGV train to Lyon where your Suite Ship® is ready for boarding.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
(B,D)
Day 11 LYON
La Vie En Rose in Lyon
Active
Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR:
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 lively cafés, monuments, and maze of medieval alleyways where history comes to life.
Discovery
Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance your lecture on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
(B,L,D)
Day 12 LYON–MÂCON
Fine Silk and French Sweets
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Classic
Explore Lyon’s silk heritage with a museum visit, a Walking Tour of La Presqu’île, and a live demonstration of hand-printed silk serigraphy in a workshop. A rich journey through silk history!
Discovery
Later, enjoy a Pastry Demonstration on board your ship, while sailing to Mâcon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MÂCON
(B,L,D)
Day 13 MÂCON
Wine on the Stunning Saône
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Discovery
Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and the wines produced here. Attend a wine tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON
(B,L,D)
Day 14 TOURNON
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
Classic
Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.
VIVIERS
World History in a Charming French Country Village
Classic
Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late 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 AVIGNON
(B,L,D)
Day 15 AVIGNON
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.Active
Discover Avignon by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
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.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES
(B,L,D)
Day 16 ARLES
A Brush with Genius
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 ARLES
(B,L,D)
Day 17 ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.(B)
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