Grand France with Mont St. Michel & Loire Valley with Journeys Club Celebration

19 days
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River Cruise
This river cruise highlighting the best of France is certainly grand! Begin your adventure on the captivating French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur. Explore this elegant area and relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman...

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Welcome to France
    • Onboard welcome reception; sail into the Camargue region (daylight permitting)
    • Guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheater
    • Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes
    • Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral
    • Guided walk in Tournon; guided walk in Vienne
    • Guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill
    • Day at leisure; cheese tasting
    • Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; TGV train from Dijon to Paris; onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle or painting class; guided walk in Les Andelys, visit the Parish Church of Le Petit Andely

What's this trip about?

    This river cruise highlighting the best of France is certainly grand! Begin your adventure on the captivating French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur. Explore this elegant area and relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage are beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of Tournon, a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Transfer to the Seine River for the next portion of this Grand France river cruise vacation, which offers a choice of activities, such as a painting class, a visit to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, or a “Taste of Normandy”; a guided tour of Le Havre and Etretat or along the “Normandy Abbeys” route; a chance to hike or visit pretty little Honfleur; 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. In Paris, one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities, we offer a choice of guided walks, a visit to the Louvre or to Montmartre, and an unforgettable panoramic view of the city from the Eiffel Tower. Leave your ship and take the opportunity to add other memorable destinations to your list. Head north to one-of-a-kind Mont St. Michel, surrounded by water at high tide, and to the Loire Valley to visit the Château of Chenonceau and to admire its sumptuous gardens. En route back to Paris for one last night, stop in Chartres to visit the magnificent cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this French river cruise, you’ll enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery, and stops in the most charming and historical parts of France—truly a grand adventure!

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityArrive in Côte d’Azur
End CityParis

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • France

Attractions

  • Arles
  • Avignon
  • Burgundy
  • Dijon
  • Giverny
  • Lyon
  • Normandy
  • Paris
  • Rouen
  • Vienne

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Côte d’Azur, France. Welcome to France! Located between the mountains and the deep-blue Mediterranean Sea, the Côte d’Azur is synonymous with prestige and beauty with its enchanting yachts, glamorous villas, and famous events. Time at leisure lets you get acquainted with this amazing place.

Day 2

Côte d’Azur–Transfer to Arles (Embarkation). This morning, enjoy free time to explore further or join an optional excursion. In the early afternoon, transfer by motorcoach to Arles in the Provence region, where you’ll board your river cruise vessel. Before dinner, mee...

Day 3

Arles. In Arles, capital of the Provence, join your LOCAL GUIDE for a tour of the city. See the church of St. Trophime, dating from the 12th century, and visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. Still used today, the amphitheater dates to the 1st century, and was constructed to ...

Day 4

Avignon. On your GUIDED TOUR you may choose to join an included visit of the PALACE OF THE POPES, built in the 14th century as the sovereign popes’ residence. With a living space equivalent to four gothic cathedrals, it is the largest gothic fortress in the world. Alt...

Day 5

Cruising–Viviers. A leisurely morning on board to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. After lunch, join your LOCAL GUIDE for a walk around the charming town of Viviers, which developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL. The OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Vienne. The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Enjoy a GUIDED WALK of Tournon, one of France’s oldest medieval cities, with its imposing 16th...

Day 7

Lyon. Lyon is France’s third-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and much re...

Day 8

Cruising–St. Jean de Losne. A leisurely day today as your final day on board. If you prefer to stay busy, a choice of optional excursions is available, including a visit to a wine cellar. While sailing to St. Jean de Losne, enjoy an onboard CHEESE TASTING. (B,L,D)

Day 9

St. Jean de Losne (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Dijon–Paris (Embarkation). After breakfast, disembark and head by motorcoach to Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area and Burgundy’s wine capital. Although life here centers around wine, Beaune offers much more ...

Day 10

Vernon–Les Andelys. This morning in Vernon, choose between a guided visit of Giverny and a visit to Bizy Castle. Claude Monet lived at GIVERNY for almost 43 years (1883-1926), and viewed his flower and water gardens as works of art—just like his paintings. See his col...

Day 11

Caudebec. Make your choice today between an included full-day excursion to the historic NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES—with poignant sites such as Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery—or a “TASTE OF NORMANDY” for an in-depth look at this pictur...

Day 12

Le Havre. This morning wake up in Le Havre and join a guided excursion along the “NORMANDY ABBEYS ROUTE”.. More than 100 abbeys once covered this region, which has a microclimate suited to growing fruit such as apples, pears, plums, and cherries. Alternatively, explo...

Day 13

Rouen. Rouen, capital of Upper Normandy, is an important commercial city perhaps best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, who lived, was imprisoned, and burned at the stake in the marketplace of this town in 1431. Enjoy the included GUIDED WALK through the mediev...

Day 14

Conflans. After breakfast you may either join our included guided excursion to AUVERS-SUR-OISE, the quaint little town where Vincent Van Gogh lived and died, or to Napoleon and Josephine’s CHÂTEAU DE MALMAISON just outside Paris. Requiring extensive renovations, this ...

Day 15

Paris. Known as one of the world’s most romantic and lively cities, Paris delights the senses. Choose from a choice of GUIDED WALKS through Paris’ history and habits. In your free time, stroll down the Champs-Elysées with its lavish cafés, or perhaps join one of our...

Day 16

Paris (Disembarkation)–Mont St. Michel. Say Au Revoir to the crew of Avalon Tapestry II and enjoy the drive to Mont St. Michel. In this flat terrain you can already spot this unique hill with its Abbey perched on the top, from afar, as it appears to grow right out of ...

Day 17

Mont. St Michel–Loire Valley: Take your last picture of Mont St Michel with morning lights and relax on the transfer to the Loire Valley. After lunch visit CHENONCEAU CASTLE, the favorite residence of Catherine de’ Medici, built in 1500. Check in at your hotel for ton...

Day 18

Loire Valley–Chartres–Paris: On your way back to Paris, stop in Chartres and visit the CATHEDRAL, dreaming of the stories that you might have read in Ken Follett’s novels. In the afternoon, arrive in Paris where you have free time to buy the last gifts that will always remind you of this fantastic trip to France. (B)

Day 19

Paris. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Last Updated: 11/14/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Avalon Waterways

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CRUISING ELEVATED.
Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and
away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. 

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

IT DOESN’T GET ANY SUITER.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

PACK YOUR PASSIONS.
As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

SEE MORE THAN THE SEA/
On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. 

LET’S DISH.
While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

What they’re known for
River cruises to classic and exotic destinations with a luxury flair and personalization options.

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Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
WLP-T2|Grand France with Journeys Club Celebration
Additional Information
Trip ID
AVALON-WLPE-T2

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