Active & Discovery Cruise Grand France With Nice (Paris To Nice) 17D16N

Welcome to the vibrant city of Paris where you will board your Avalon ship. Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30 pm where boarding your ship is by 5pm. Step onboard your luxury floating home and be welcomed with cocktails, sparkling wine and canapes to begin your cruise down The Seine. Unwind in your ensuite staterooms with large private bathrooms, enjoy cocktails with a view at the Sky Deck or simply bask in the view with your floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door with open-air balcony.

Your day is free to explore the ‘City of Lights’ at your own pace. Take a stroll through the scenic streets of Paris and discover some local shops, markets, and cafes. Marvel at its legendary icons from the spectacular Eiffel Tower to the Champs Elysees from Place de la Corde to the Arc de Triomphe.

Return to your Avalon Suite Ship and breathe in the romantic view of this magical city from your deck. Enjoy an amazing dinner and an overnight sailing toward your next destination, Vernon.

Start your first trip day with the beautiful Vernon. Wake up with the lovely morning view of this outstanding town and have a nice breakfast onboard. Today, choose from different excursion options.

Active: Discover the amazing town of Vernon, a relaxing commune located on the bank of the Seine River. This Guided Active Tour’s highlight is Chateau des Tourelles, a significant landmark of this stunning town. Originated in 1196, marvel at this castle where the structure is unchanged for 800 years. Spend time wandering around and get to know more about Vernon’s history with the help of your guide.

Classic:
Option 1: Venture to Giverny, a postcard-perfect village located on the right bank of the Seine River. This little village is well-known for its scenic landscapes and natural wonders. In addition, Giverny is popular for being the residence of Claude Monet, a famous American impressionist painter. Stroll around the small paths of Giverny and capture the artistic beauty in your lens.

Option 2: Discover the magnificent Bizy Castle, popularly known as “Normandy’s Versailles”. The highlight of this stunning castle is its grand courtyard, gardens, and stables. Each corner of this historic castle tells a different story. Walk around the courtyard complex with your local guide and learn about French history from a different perspective. After this tour, come back to your ship and be ready for a short sailing.

Discovery: While sailing, delight your tastebuds with a traditional French Luncheon of authentic French crepes before a Pastry Demonstration.

This afternoon, enjoy a relaxing voyage toward the scenic town of Les Andelys.

Active: Explore one of France's prettiest areas on this exhilarating guided hike through the Norman countryside and up to King Richard the Lionheart's 12th-century.

Classic: Discover the charming french village of Les Andelys on a guided walking adventure, with Richard the Lionheart's imposing Château Gaillard castle ruins, enchanting half-timbered houses, and a visit to the medieval St. Sauveur church.

Retreat back to your ship and take your R&R moments before another delightful dinner. You will overnight cruise to Caudebec.

Explore Caudebac your style.

Active: Discover the charm of this picture-perfect region by joining a Guided Bike Tour with your Adventure Host. This tour highlights the best-kept parts of Caudebec, a former town until it merged into Rives-en-Seine. Bike along the calming river of the Seine and explore the region from your own point of view from stunning vineyards to rolling fields.

Classic: Experience something unique with a Guided Tour along the famous Normandy Abbeys Route, an iconic trail where over 100 Augustine and Benedictine abbeys and churches are built. Explore overwhelming beauty and hear riveting historical tales including a visit of the charming 7th-century ruins of Jumièges Abbey.

Optional Tour (at additional cost): Visit the old seaside town of Honfleur where the Seine River begins and where artists have flocked for centuries with its captivating old harbor, medieval old town and coastal charm.

Tonight, the ship is docking overnight in Caudebec.

Today, you have a chance to learn more about the French local traditions and history with these excursion options.

Classic:
Option 1: Take a Guided Tour of Normandy’s famous WWII landing beaches and visit historic sites of this place. The highlight of this classic tour is Omaha Beach, one of the five land sectors which were designed for operation Overlord during the Second World War. Keep wandering and visit the iconic Pointe du Hoc monument, a famous landmark from World War II and visit the American Cemetery.

Option 2: 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 centre, and the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery. Discover these historic sites where evidence of the intense fighting that took place still litter the landscape.

Option 3: Embark on the must-see highlights, including the famed bayeux tapestry, along with lunch and a tasting of the region's delectable apple brandy at a local distillery on this full-day excursion into the lovely Normand countryside

This evening, be treated to dinner onboard with live entertainment as you enjoy a lovely evening cruise to Rouen.

Uncover Rouen at your pace.

Active: Discover Rouen’s city highlights on two wheels. Pedal your way around Rouen on this exhilarating guided bike tour for a fun and proper introduction to the home of Joan of Arc from its famous monuments to its hidden gems.

Classic: Take a guided walk of Rouen, home of Joan of Arc, and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century astronomical clock, and notre-dame cathedral.

Unwind back onboard where this evening you will overnight cruise to Conflans.

Start your day with the romantic morning view of the artistic town of Conflans. Have an early breakfast and get ready to uncover the hidden charm of this magical French town.

Active: Awaken your adventurous soul by venturing on a thrilling bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host.

Classic:
Option 1: Experience the breath-taking landscapes that inspired Vincent Van Gogh on this half-day guided excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise. Follow in Van Gogh's footsteps on a walking tour through town, see the subjects of many of his paintings, and pay tribute at the cemetery where he is buried.

Option 2: Get a glimpse into the lives of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine during a guided visit of their lavish home and gardens at Château de Malmaison.

Optional Tour: Spend part of your day like a French aristocrat, strolling through the halls and gardens of Louis XIV's opulent palace of Versailles.

This evening, enjoy a relaxing voyage towards Paris.

Today, unearth the delights of Paris with a list of activities on offer.

Active: Unleash the charm of Paris by foot with your Adventure Host. Walk through the cobblestone streets of the City of Lights and discover the rich heritage and posh lifestyle of local people. Uncover iconic highlights as well hidden corners.

Classic:
Option 1: Discover Seine River and the ancient heart of Paris on this captivating guided walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on île de la Cité, the left bank, bustling Latin quarter, and more.

Option 2: Embark on a Paris city highlights adventure and get a first-hand look at just what makes Paris so magical on this delightful introduction to the city of light. See the capital's most famous icons, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Opéra Garnier, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and more

Tonight, the ship is docking in Paris.

Today, you will disembark your ship and venture on a high speed train to Dijon before a drive to Beaune.

Classic: Visit the Hotel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement.

This afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your suite ship. Take some moments for relaxation while enjoying the picturesque river view from the sun deck. You will overnight dock in Tournus.

Get ready for yet another adventure with your host. Start your day with the breathtaking view of Tournus and have a delicious breakfast onboard. After having breakfast, visit Adventure Center where your Adventure Host will give a brief on today’s activities.

Classic: Discover the treasures of one of the oldest and most important monastic centres of the region at Tournus with a walking tour through its vibrant and historic streets on the Saône river.

Discovery:
Option 1: Tantalise your tastebuds as you join a lecture about wine hosted by your master of wine while sailing to Macon.

Option 2: Be treated to an excursion that will take you to a Chardonnay cellar for a wine tasting experience as you learn its history and process.

Tonight, the ship is docking in Trevoux.

This morning, savour a serene voyage towards Lyon. Your choice of adventure are:

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

Classic: Marvel at France's beautiful "Second city" with the 2,000-year-old history of the old town and its iconic fountain that is UNESCO World Heritage, Place des Terreaux. Discover Lyon’s numerous churches from Fourviere Hill to exploring the old town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafes and monuments.

Discovery: Join a lecture program about WWII & French Resistance onboard. It’s an ideal activity if you want to know about the history, tradition, and culture of this region as you tap the region’s contribution to the Second World War.

This evening, savour live entertainment onboard after a delicious dinner. You will overnight dock in Lyon.

Today, delight your tastebuds to the food and wine scenes of Lyon.

Classic: Today, you have a chance to explore the colorful city of Lyon from a different perspective. Join a Guided Culinary City Walk Tour to taste the best cuisine of the gastronomic capital of France.

This afternoon, spend the day exploring and making your own adventures in Lyon. Explore by splurging in endless shops or take a bike from the ship and discover it on two wheels traversing local produce markets, parks or uncover the city’s more than 100 murals. For those in pursue of relaxation can unwind the luxuries onboard.

Tonight, you will voyage to Tournon.

Today, enjoy guided excursions to discover the culture and traditions of Tournon.

Classic:
Option 1: Uncover the ancient treasures of Tournon, one of france's oldest cities, on this guided walk. Marvel at its 16th-century castle, and the roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Enjoy lunch before a leisurely sail to Viviers.

Option 2: Unearth the charms of Viviers as you explore the pale-stone buildings on this inspiring guided walking adventure. See the Romanesque Cathedral and Old Town with its mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.

Retreat back onboard with lovely live entertainment. You will overnight cruise to Avignon.

Explore the region of Provence your way.

Classic: Unleash the soul of Avignon with a guided sightseeing tour of the fortress city with its ramparts encircling the city and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.

Optional Tour (at an additional cost):
Option 1: Visit the masterpiece of ancient engineering that supplied water to Nîmes during the Roman Empire at the towering, triple-tiered Pont du Gard on this exciting half-day guided tour.

Option 2: Savour a Châteauneuf Du Pape Wine Experience for a tantalising half-day guided excursion into the famous wine region. Visit a traditional winery and indulge in a tasting of its incomparable wines for a true taste of the Rhone region.

If you want to skip optional excursions, you have free time to uncover the charming city of Avignon in your own style. Wander around through city streets and explore museums, local shops, markets, cafes, and more. Unwind back onboard and enjoy live entertainment in the evening as you cruise towards Arles.

Experience something incredible by exploring the picturesque city of Arles with different options of excursion. Have an early breakfast on your Suite Ship and meet your Adventure Host before choosing a suitable excursion.

Active: Get your daily dose of exercise through nordic walking in Arles with your adventure host

Discovery: Unleash your inner artist as you create your own masterpiece in a painting workshop. Learn techniques of Vincent Van Gogh and create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist.

Classic: This morning join your local guides for a discovery of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Admire the city's vibrant colors and the Provençale striking quality of light that have inspired artists such as Van Gogh. Arles is also the site of some impressive roman ruins, including Les Arènes, an arena that seats 20,000 and is still in use for the famous annual la feria bullfights, as well as Romanesque monuments such as the church of Saint-Trôphime, completed in the 15th century. There is opportunity for free time to explore the surroundings or shop for the regions Provençale handcrafted gifts such as santon dolls, lavender, fabrics.

Optional Tour (at an additional cost): Stimulate your senses on this inspiring excursion to Carrières de Lumières, the world-famous cathedral of images in a former limestone quarry of Val d’Enfer. Traverse the fantastical rock formations of Hell Valley and then to charming Saint-Rémy in the heart of Provence.

Enjoy free time with a break in Le Cafe Van Gogh for a refreshing glass of wine as you unwind the moment. This evening, you will cruise to Port St Louis.

Savour one last breakfast onboard before disembarking your ship. Enjoy a scenic drive to Nice on the breathtaking French Riviera.

Today, explore the charming city in your own style. Unearth the picturesque city of Nice as you discover some amazing landmarks including Palais de l'agriculture, Palais communal de Nice, Notre-Dame de Nice, Nice Cathedral, Musée Matisse, Musée Masséna, and more. Continue your discovery and visit local markets, shops, and cafes. Unwind at a local restaurant by the seaside and savour fresh traditional cuisine.

Classic: Get to know more about the charming city of Nice with a Guided Sightseeing Tour. Walk through the scenic alleyways of the old part of this vibrant city and discover the unique lifestyle. This tour features some century-old buildings and churches where you will get the real essence of this magical French city. Explore more of the old city that will take you back to the 1700s.

Spend the rest of. The day at your leisure.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your onward journey, before making your own arrangements for your onward journey.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.