Overview
Read 9 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 15 Day Grand France (Northbound). This river cruise vacation showcases France’s charm, breathtaking views, and rich history. Your adventure begins on the Rhône River with a visit to Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh—and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital read more is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The Seine River offers a choice of excursion opportunities, such as 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.
On this French river cruise, you’ll enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without a visit to Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover its true heart on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Walk in the footsteps of the great master artists, enjoy the delectable cuisine of France, and stand where heroes fought for freedom on the beaches of Normandy. This and so much more is waiting for you on your French cruise on the Seine!
On this French river cruise, you’ll enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without a visit to Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover its true heart on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Walk in the footsteps of the great master artists, enjoy the delectable cuisine of France, and stand where heroes fought for freedom on the beaches of Normandy. This and so much more is waiting for you on your French cruise on the Seine!
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Our Price From
US$8,960 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $1,500 per person
Cruise Line
Avalon
9 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 4.8/5
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
WLP
Itinerary
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
Included Meals:
Dinner
A Brush with Genius.
Visit 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
World 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.
- Discovery: Later, enjoy a tasting of Local Specialties on board your ship.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L'HERMITAGE
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards.
Join 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
La Vie En Rose in Lyon
- 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 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wine 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!
- Discovery: Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship while sailing to Chalon - sur - Saône. Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON - SUR - SAÔNE
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
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.
- 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
NOTE: 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.NOTE: This excursion will not be operated in November.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
- Discovery: Enjoy an onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D - Day.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados.
EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The 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
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS
NOTE: 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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of Lights.
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
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Life On Board
One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia, you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining options, activities more that help you tailor your experience.
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
Avalon Tapestry II
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
Our Vision. Your View.
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Avalon Choice
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Active & Discovery
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
From View to Table
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Trip Reviews (9)
Magnificent back to back river cruises from the South of France to Normandy 0
Denise, QLD, Australia, Jul 2025
It was my first experience of visiting Europe and booked with Avalon River Cruises - Grand France doing back to back from Arles to Paris then Paris to Normandy and back to Paris. It was the most wonderful experience from being welcomed onto the Avalon vessels, the spacious suites, the tours provided, the exception food and wine, lovely group of travelling read more companions, entertainment but most of all the exceptional Crew on both vessels their service was a step above. Thank you to you all you were amazing. I will certainly be recommending your Company and book another river cruise soon.
Wondeful French Adventure 8
Allen & Vyvette , QLD, Australia, Sep 2017
We have just returned from a month in France which included Avalon's Grand France cruise (WLP) from Cote D'Azur starting on 18th September and ending on 3rd October 2017. We had cabin 203 on both ships. We also had the same cruise director for both cruises - Jean-Loup Domart who kept us entertained with his dry wit during his daily briefings and was read more very helpful, knowledgeable and patient. The first cruise was on Affinity and Creativity on the second leg. The ships do sail during the night, sometimes only for a short time but sometimes all night. Unfortunately cabin 203 on Affinity had a very annoying sliding glass door rattle which happened to be next to my head. I did let the receptionist know and was told maintenance would come and check it out but they never did. Otherwise, we were very happy with both cabins and ships overall.
I would suggest they should have coffee, tea etc available in the main lounge/bar area rather than at the rear of the ship too. We enjoyed all the included and optional excursions and everything was run smoothly and we were well looked after. The food was delicious but surprisingly we thought it was a little nicer on Affinity. The weather was very king to us and we had warm days and cool nights and mornings - a nice time to be in France. Overall we would highly recommend this cruise especially for first time travellers to France. As usual, Global Journeys handled our booking well and got us a good discount.
I would suggest they should have coffee, tea etc available in the main lounge/bar area rather than at the rear of the ship too. We enjoyed all the included and optional excursions and everything was run smoothly and we were well looked after. The food was delicious but surprisingly we thought it was a little nicer on Affinity. The weather was very king to us and we had warm days and cool nights and mornings - a nice time to be in France. Overall we would highly recommend this cruise especially for first time travellers to France. As usual, Global Journeys handled our booking well and got us a good discount.
Grand France Magic 1
Gabrielle , WA, Australia, Sep 2017
Our Avalon river cruise through France was fantastic from beginning to end. From the fantastic friendly crew for whom nothing was too much trouble, and our super efficient and personable cruise director to the amazing food and fine dining, plentiful drinks and luxurious on board accommodation, everything was even better than I'd imagined. The local read more guides at each town along the way shared their extensive knowledge about the town and brought its history to life through interesting and at time humorous anecdotes. The optional extra tours provided even further opportunities to see even more. It was an unbeatable way to see France. I would thorough recommend this holiday and would happy do it all again.
We had previously travelled with Avalon some years ago and, while that tour was very good, we believe that the Avalon network has improved in quality since that time. The rooms are very efficiently designed and even though they are not large (about the size of a standard Paris hotel room - and that's not large) the amount of storage is amazing. The read more ships (back to back cruises here) were in excellent condition and kept immaculately. Anybody who has been on a river cruise knows that, by the end of the cruise, you are begging for no more food please! Breakfast, lunch and dinner are varied and of high quality.
The staff on the ships were outstanding - well trained, efficient, welcoming and very friendly. The excursions were OK and starting the tour in Monte Carlo, whilst a bit of a gimmick, was probably worth it for fun value. Although Monte Carlo is more difficult to get to than, say, Nice or Marseilles, it is probably a place most people would avoid. A room on the very front row of the Fairmont Hotel looking out over the billionaires boats and sitting directly over the F1 circuit at the Fairmont Hairpin is a bit of fun.
The on-board entertainment was not a strong feature but it was adequate. In summary, I was impressed by the commitment of Avalon to quality improvement.
The staff on the ships were outstanding - well trained, efficient, welcoming and very friendly. The excursions were OK and starting the tour in Monte Carlo, whilst a bit of a gimmick, was probably worth it for fun value. Although Monte Carlo is more difficult to get to than, say, Nice or Marseilles, it is probably a place most people would avoid. A room on the very front row of the Fairmont Hotel looking out over the billionaires boats and sitting directly over the F1 circuit at the Fairmont Hairpin is a bit of fun.
The on-board entertainment was not a strong feature but it was adequate. In summary, I was impressed by the commitment of Avalon to quality improvement.
Relaxing way to explore France 3
Kerry & Rodd, NSW, Australia, Jul 2017
This was our second Avalon cruise and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The best thing about river cruising is being able to settle into your stateroom and know you can stay there for the whole journey. Both the boats, Avalon Affinity and Avalon Creativity were comfortable and the hotel staff and crews of both provided excellent service. Our cruise director, read more Joost Ruitenberg was outstanding: a most engaging manner together with great organisational skills, which made our cruise run very smoothly. He successfully transferred 82 travellers from St Jean to Losne by coach and TGV to Paris, without losing anyone!
The experiences on the cruise were varied with lots of included walks through small towns and villages, as well as optional tours to nearby places. There were so many enjoyable experiences, I cannot name a favourite. We were, however, pleased that we had prebooked all our optional excursions before leaving Australia. Because of this those tours were guaranteed, which meant there were only four people on one tour and five on another. We were the only passengers who had prebooked and as a result, several other tours were cancelled due to insufficient numbers.
The experiences on the cruise were varied with lots of included walks through small towns and villages, as well as optional tours to nearby places. There were so many enjoyable experiences, I cannot name a favourite. We were, however, pleased that we had prebooked all our optional excursions before leaving Australia. Because of this those tours were guaranteed, which meant there were only four people on one tour and five on another. We were the only passengers who had prebooked and as a result, several other tours were cancelled due to insufficient numbers.
16 Day Grand France 6
Brett Driscoll, WA, Australia, Aug 2016
This was basically two tours. The first section was on the Affinity. We were lucky with the Captain and the Cruise Directory who went to both ships. However on the Affinity we did not enjoy the same service that we enjoyed on a previous Avalon ship. We found the Hotel Manager and the restaurant manager to be not that friendly and not as welcoming read more as expected. There was one exceptional staff member called Emile that provided very good service. At one stage the Restaurant manager had told a waitress to not serve alcohol to us after the main meal. This is not what we experience on a previous Avalon ship. Once we mentioned this to the Cruise Director the Hotel Manager and restaurant manager spoke to us an blamed the waitress. We observed other people getting served alcohol after their main meal. Also when they have the Bistro meal I the lounge all the good waiters are servicing in that area and the main dinning room is under staffed. When you have a beer in the dining room it is not as cold as it should be as they pour it into jugs from the bar upstairs and they get warm. I would suggest that they have a tap beer in the dining room area. This was the same at both ships.
The second leg was the Creativity which was a total more enjoyable experience. The Hotel Manager (Vincent) was excellent and he greeted us on all occasion we returned to the ship after and excursion. He and the Captain were wonderful. The Captain also welcomed us on returning to the ship. All the waiters , front desk staff and bar staff on the Creativity were excellent. It was a far better experience on the Creativity than the Affinity. Nancy the Cruise Director was also excellent on both tours. The Monograms extra stay at the Pullman was also very good. Our experience on the Affinity has made us think about another Cruise line and not Avalon in the Future. We have been very good ambassadors for Avalon after our trip on the Expression from Budapest but the Affinity experience may change our minds. We would have no hesitation recommending the Creativity as a fun ship to be on.
The second leg was the Creativity which was a total more enjoyable experience. The Hotel Manager (Vincent) was excellent and he greeted us on all occasion we returned to the ship after and excursion. He and the Captain were wonderful. The Captain also welcomed us on returning to the ship. All the waiters , front desk staff and bar staff on the Creativity were excellent. It was a far better experience on the Creativity than the Affinity. Nancy the Cruise Director was also excellent on both tours. The Monograms extra stay at the Pullman was also very good. Our experience on the Affinity has made us think about another Cruise line and not Avalon in the Future. We have been very good ambassadors for Avalon after our trip on the Expression from Budapest but the Affinity experience may change our minds. We would have no hesitation recommending the Creativity as a fun ship to be on.
Everything was well planned, loved all the tours 3
Donna Owen, Australia, May 2014
I felt that everything was well planned, and the staff were very co-operative. We loved all the tours and the food and wine was excellent.
Thankyou Global Journeys! 1
Brian Lloyd, Australia, Jun 2013
This river cruise was excellent, great crew great food and great tour director.
Tour group 2
Diane Leftwich, Australia, Aug 2012
Tony the guide was just wonderful, the riverboat, meals, cabins and services were excellent with Avalon. 30% Australians the rest were from US and Canada which was a good mix. Scenery was not as stunning as the Amsterdam to Budapest river cruising, but very relaxing and great weather.
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Tuesday
21 Jul 2026
21 Jul 26
Arles
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04 Aug 2026
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Paris
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04 Aug 2026
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18 Aug 2026
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23 Mar 2027
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06 Apr 2027
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18 May 2027
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01 Jun 2027
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Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
