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17 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Paris to French Riviera 2026(WPLE)
Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera
Starting from $6,519Ship(s): Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II
Specialty Cruises: Wine Lovers
River Cruise Description
Set sail on your Seine River cruise and sail to Vernon with your choice of a visit to Claude Monet's Giverny or Bizy Castle, nicknamed "Normandy's Versailles. In Caudebec, take an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, or select an excursion for a traditional "Taste of Normandy." Visit Joan of Arc's Rouen, then choose between a visit to Vincent Van Gogh's Auver-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine's Malmaison. Return to Paris for your choice of sightseeing in the "City of Light"-discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris' rich history, or take a tour to see the iconic landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Board a high-speed train bound for Dijon, and transfer to Beaune to embark on your second Avalon Suite Ship® in Chalon-sur-Saône. Cruise to Lyon, is the gastronomic capital of France and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Take a guided walk of Tournon, beautifully nestled among vineyards, to see its Roman ruins and fascinating 16th-century castle. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes-the largest Gothic fortress in the world. Situated on the Rhône River, Arles is famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. As a perfect finale to your French river cruise vacation, spend 2 nights on the French Riviera along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea.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 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $7,689 | Call Us! |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,089 | Call Us! |
| May 26, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $9,429 | Call Us! |
| Jun 23, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,579 | Call Us! |
| Jul 7, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,479 | Call Us! |
| Jul 21, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,479 | Call Us! |
| Aug 4, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,479 | Call Us! |
| Aug 18, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,679 | Call Us! |
| Sep 1, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $9,379 | Call Us! |
| Sep 29, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $8,889 | Call Us! |
| Oct 13, 2026 Wine Lovers(WPLE-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 | $7,989 | Call Us! |
| Oct 27, 2026 Wine Lovers(WPLE-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 | $6,719 | Call Us! |
| Nov 10, 2026 Wine Lovers(WPLE-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 | $6,519 | 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 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
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.
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
(B,L,D)
Day 4 CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION 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 5 ROUEN
The Cathedral of Our Lady 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.
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, 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 8 PARIS (DISEMBARKATION) DIJON–BEAUNE–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (EMBARKATION)
Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.Discovery
Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS
(B,D)
Day 9 TOURNUS
Pearl of Southern Burgundy
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Classic
Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town.
Discovery
Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRÉVOUX
(B,L,D)
Day 10 LYON
La Vie En Rose in Lyon
Sail for lovely Lyon this morning. 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 with its numerous churches from Fourvière Hill. 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.
Discovery
Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
(B,L,D)
Day 11 LYON
Adventures in Food and Wine
Classic
Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why it is known as the gastronomic capital of France.
EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON
(B,L,D)
Day 12 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 13 AVIGNON
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.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 14 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 that inspired the works of Vincent van Gogh.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
(B,L,D)
Day 15 ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)–FRENCH RIVIERA
Spectacular Seascapes of the Mediterranean Coast
After breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.(B)
Day 16 FRENCH RIVIERA
The “Queen of the French Riviera”Classic
Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city—an area which has changed little since the 1700s.
(B)
Day 17 FRENCH RIVIERA
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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