France, Uncorked: The Rhone, The Seine & Bordeaux with 2 Nights in French Riviera

Highlights

• Welcome to France
• Guided tour
• Transfer to the ship; onboard welcome reception
• Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, or painting workshop, or walk with your Adventure Host
• Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes
• Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral or walk with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided walk in Tournon or hike with your Adventure Host
• Guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill
• Chardonnay excursion with tasting; Cheese tasting on board
• Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; TGV train from Dijon to Paris; onboard welcome reception
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What's this trip about?

The timeless charms of France flow freely on this French river cruise vacation brimming with breathtaking views and vibrant history. Begin with two nights on the French Riviera to explore the Mediterranean treasures before sailing on the resplendent Rhône River. Visit 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!

Accommodation