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The timeless charms of France flow freely on this French river cruise vacation brimming with breathtaking views and vibrant history. Embark on the resplendent Rhône River with a visit to Arles, France—home to the brilliantly preserved 1st-century Roman Amphitheater and the colorful settings that inspired some of Van Gogh’s most moving paintings. More stirring sights await you on the Rhône, including the world’s largest Gothic palace—Avignon’s 14th-century Palace of the Popes. Visit Tournon—beautifully nestled among the vineyards. Delight in the delicacies and delicious French fare of Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital—a showcase of magnificent medieval and Renaissance architecture. Your French river cruise adventure continues on the Seine River with an exciting selection of excursions, including 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. Be wined and dined along the way with stops in France’s most charming and historic locales, highlighted by a visit to Paris—the City of Light. Take in the legendary sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower—to name a few. Your river cruise vacation in France gets even better with a captivating cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers in the brilliant Bordeaux region—famed for its legendary vineyards and lovely villages. Be carried away with your choice of Avalon’s included Classic, Active, and Discovery experiences—from the regal histories of castles and Châteaux to the romantic cellars where wine bouquets and bon-vivant cuisine tempt the palate. While the landscapes and lush pastoral treasures are plentiful along the shores of the Garonne and Dordogne, Avalon elevates each immersive experience for a deeper discovery of the cultural and architectural treasures that recall the rich traditions of Southwest France. From unparalleled panoramic drives to forested two-wheel excursions by bike to the delicacies of seaside Arcachon—the world is your oyster on this adventure in la belle vie of Bordeaux!
- Day 1ARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)Tue, Apr 15, 2025Welcome to France! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for BoardingFlights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES(D)
- Day 2ARLESWed, Apr 16, 2025A Brush with GeniusVisit 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.Take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine before sailing to Avignon. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON(B,L,D)
- Day 3AVIGNONThu, Apr 17, 2025The 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.Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Or explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON(B,L,D)
- Day 4VIVIERSFri, Apr 18, 2025World 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 5TAIN L’HERMITAGESat, Apr 19, 2025A Rendezvous with Castle Views and VineyardsJoin 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.In the early afternoon, cruise to Lyon. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)
- Day 6LYONSun, Apr 20, 2025La 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.Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS(B,L,D)
- Day 7TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNEMon, Apr 21, 2025Wine 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!Enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruising along the majestic Saône River.DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE(B,L,D)
- Day 8CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION) BEAUNE–DIJON–PARIS (EMBARKATION)Tue, Apr 22, 2025Drive 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.This afternoon, take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris to board your Suite Ship®.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON(B,D)
- Day 9VERNONWed, Apr 23, 2025Monet’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.This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. LES ANDELYSSerenity on the SeineACTIVE 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 10CAUDEBECThu, Apr 24, 2025Ancient Abbeys Along the SeineACTIVE 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.This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)
- Day 11CAUDEBEC. EXCURSIONS TO NORMANDYFri, Apr 25, 2025Heroic 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.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN(B,L,D)
- Day 12ROUENSat, Apr 26, 2025The 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 13CONFLANSSun, Apr 27, 2025The 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.Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings. 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 14PARISMon, Apr 28, 2025Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of LightJoin 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.Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS(B,L,D)
- Day 15PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–BORDEAUX (EMBARKATION)Tue, Apr 29, 2025Your Suite Ship® is Ready for BoardingThis morning, travel to Bordeaux to board your Suite Ship® and start your cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX*(B,D)*Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.
- Day 16CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE*Wed, Apr 30, 2025On the Steps of MontesquieuDISCOVERY Join a delicious onboard experience in Bordeaux wines with a presentation by a worldclass wine sommelier. CLASSIC Take a guided tour of Château de la Brède—birthplace of Montesquieu—political philosopher and author of “The Spirit of Law.” Visit the fortress-style castle still reflected in its impressive moat, OR:DISCOVERY Join a guided visit with wine tasting at a local wine estate. Sip the sweet notes and fresh acidity of Sauternes, the beloved golden-yellow wine.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your Suite Ship® .OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE (B,L,D)*Sailing to Cadillac-sur-Garonne pending tides and water levels. Alternative motorcoach transportation for today’s excursions provided.
- Day 17CUSSAC FORT MÉDOCThu, May 01, 2025Bikes, Vines, and Wines This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort MédocVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing E-bike guided tour in Bordeaux’s finest wine region. You will be amazed by the picturesque countryside while you enjoy a wonderful ride through the vineyards, OR:DISCOVERY Take a scenic drive through the famed Médoc wine country and enjoy a tasting of their wonderful wines, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as protagonists.This evening, enjoy a brief sailing to Blaye.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BLAYE(B,L,D)
- Day 18BLAYE-BOURGFri, May 02, 2025Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a DriveAsk your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. ACTIVE Join a refreshing power walk through the historic Citadel of Blaye with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Join a guided tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting, OR: CLASSIC Take a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, followed by a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site.Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg. CLASSIC Take a wonderful walking tour in the Citadel of Bourg on the banks of the Dordogne River and visit the carriage museum. Alternatively, join an optional guided excursion to learn how the Fine Champagne of Cognac is made while enjoying a Rémy Martin tasting. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG (B,L,D)
- Day 19LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILIONSat, May 03, 2025The Village Amid the VineyardsDISCOVERY Enjoy a guided visit to Saint-Émilion to discover one Bordeaux’ must-see wine-growing towns and celebrate your day with a wine tasting, OR:CLASSIC Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes, OR:CLASSIC Take an orientation walking tour to discover the history and beauty of Libourne, where wine and wonderful views are cherished in the 12th-century fortified town. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LIBOURNE(B,L,D)
- Day 20BORDEAUXSun, May 04, 2025Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.DISCOVERY While sailing to Bordeaux, enjoy a pastry demonstration. ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX(B,L,D)
- Day 21BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO ARCACHON’S BAYMon, May 05, 2025Seas, Shells, and Sips ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:CLASSIC Take a guided tour to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s iconic wine museum and cultural center, OR: CLASSIC Join a full-day guided tour of the seaside resort of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast. Gaze upon its 19th-century architectural treasures and taste its local delicacy of oysters and wine.This afternoon, consider an optional guided excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières for a breathtaking visit to the submarine base where art and music surround you in an immersive experience. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX(B,L,D)
- Day 22BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION)Tue, May 06, 2025Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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Inclusions
•In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
•Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Accommodation Information
Gateway city for arrivals is Marseille.
Port charges are included.
Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).
Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
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Ship Information
Cabins
Life on Board
Questions & Answers Ask A Question
Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?
Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?
Absolutely pleased with the Avalon experience.
As a past Viking traveler, with this being my first Avalon trip, I still favor Viking. Both river cruise experiences were comparable but there were some procedural differences that I feel were handled better with Viking. I would travel with either cruise line in the future based on price and/or itinerary.
This was my fifth river cruise with Avalon, and I’ve loved everyone of them. The ship is beautifully designed for travelers; the staff is efficient, enthusiastic, and accommodating; the local guides are knowledgeable; and the food is quite good. I definitely would embark on another cruise with Avalon.
This is our third river cruise with Avalon Waterways and they have done an outstanding job on every cruise. Will recommend them without hesitation.
The trip was absolutely perfect. I have a long experience with Globus (17 trips) and more recently with Avalon Waterways (4 cruises), and I have never considered using another company because of the outstanding quality of the staff, the professionalism and helpfulness of everyone involved and the outstanding nature of activities. They are simply the best.
While our cabin had a 4 pm check-in, we were given a room as soon as we arrived... a nice perk after an overnight flight! This was our second time on an Avalon cruise and we noticed improvements in on-board electronic communications, kiosks, and TV displays with daily information. This cruise also included a daily happy hour.
Great food, beautiful scenery, friendly staff and travelers with similar travel plans make for a amazing vacation. I highly recommend it.
The staff was welcoming and accommodating to all our needs. They made the trip extremely pleasureable.
Was a great trip
We've sailed with Avalon before and love their ships.
Dinner, as with all river cruises, was later than we like. It became a matter of either eating dinner or managing to sleep. The food was good but not good enough to pass on sleeping.
Love Avalon river cruises. This was our third and we love it!!
Our river cruise was excellent especially visiting Omaha Beach which was the highlight of the whole experience. We enjoy meeting people from all over the world. The food was superb and our room was very comfortable.
All good. Stop at a gift shop in Normandy would be nice.
Avalon tours run smoothly. The ships, food, excursions, etc. are all first class.
Great trip, great service, couldn't visit Rouen because of a chemical fire, which we really missed. Had to stay on the boat at another small town because of this issue. Would have rather sailed more. This trip was pricey but we enjoyed it. Trip was suppose to include WiFi on the coaches but we did not have access to WiFi at all.
The entire trip was incredible with the exception of one excursion. We not only took this trip for our 50th Anniversary but the experience of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day was of equal importance as my wife and I both had relatives involved in the campaign. The excursion for that purpose was a tremendous disappointment. The entire day was dedicated for that excursion, so we anticipated we would stop for lunch. During the morning leg of the tour we made a stop for more than an hour at the British landing area to basically go to a museum and as the tour guide suggested, to shop for souvenirs. Lunch wound up being another long drawn out affair as we had a three course meal with coffee which encompassed more than another hour. In my opinion a box lunch with a beverage would have been totally appropriate and saved a lot of time. As we started our afternoon travel, the tour guide started complaining that we were behind schedule and would have to make up time somewhere. When we finally arrived at Omaha Beach, which should have been the focal point of the day, we were told we had to be back on the bus in 15 minutes. Mostly everyone on the bus were irritated at this announcement. As we entered Omaha Beach we passed what looked to be large museum with lots of artifacts in front. We drove right past it on the way in and again on the way out. This entire day tour was entirely mismanaged and poorly timed out. We did not go on this particular excursion to go shopping or for a 3 course meal as our priority. Our priority was to spend the majority of our time experiencing the D-Day Anniversary, Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Very sad to not get what we expected.
We had a wonderful time on this trip. I am an experienced traveler although this was my first River Cruise. Rest assured it won't be my last. Ed has traveled in this country, but this was his first overseas adventure. He can't wait to go back. My only criticism is I would have preferred the extra days at the end of the trip instead of the beginning. After being awake all night(I don't sleep on planes), we were in no shape to tour museums, and they are closed on Mondays. If our two days were at the end of the trip, we would not have been tired on arriving from the ship and in better shape to tour that day. Other than that, we couldn't have been happier. The crew, the accommodations, the food, and the tours were all excellent. We are planning on making our next trip on Avalon.
I did not like that the back of the boat had a private party sign posted at least twice and may more so I could not access the coffe station and pastries. This is why I gave Avalon a agree instead of a strongly agree. Maybe I would try another cruise line.
Absolutely wonderful cruise!!! Accommodations were lovely and service by all crew was beyond what one might ever expect. The food was incredible and the waiters were so much fun. The excursions were very good! This historian who was on the cruise was extremely knowledgeable and the evening lectures very good!
A very well tenet mean and courteous staff that is willing to see to tour every need.
Vivian was wonderful - top notch for her service. She answered emails on weekends and days off. Could not have asked for more.
Avalon Tapestry II is a beautiful ship w generous rooms and balcony windows. Staff is courteous and very helpful.
We were treated like royalty! Everything was wonderful from start to finish. Lots of time to just relax and enjoy the view as we floated by.
Transportation from Paris airport to boat was delayed by at least an hour and no one could tell us why Little disappointed with food on the ship
While the crew, ship and itinerary met and sometimes exceeded my expectations, booking another trip with Avalon would depend on price and itinerary offered.
Avalon rocks!! After the flooding in Paris made it impossible to proceed with the published itinerary, we were give the choice to leave & receive a full refund or embark on a modified itinerary at a large discount. We chose to remain and are very glad we did. The staff went out of their way to ensure we still had a wonderful time and did it in a very organized & efficient manner. We will definitely travel with them again.
This was our 3rd Avalon cruise and hopefully will not be our last. Great company!
Avalon's Tapestry II is a new ship that reflects improvementrs over their earlier ships. These improvements are quite positive, from the increase in size of the rooms to the increase in size of the Bathrooms, all very difficult to accomplish on a River Ship that is limited in it's overrall size due to the Locks it must negoptiate on the Rivers. The Staff was warm, friendly and helpful and the food was very good..
Everything went exactly as planned and we really enjoyed the experience. The tour director and all of the guides were exceedingly helpful and the towns and sites that we visited were just excellent. We will definitely recommend this trip and Affordable Tours. Thank you
We had a wonderful time and we look forward to our next trip overseas. Thank you for assisting us on our Danube River Cruise, we cannot wait until our next trip!
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The accommodations were very spacious and appealing. The crew and staff excellent and attentive. The menu at at night was varied and the food was very good. Tours were well organized and the guides very knowledgeable.