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Grand France with London (Northbound)

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Grand France with London (Northbound)
Grand France with London (Northbound)
Grand France with London (Northbound)
New Release River Cruise Eurostar

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 18 Day Grand France with London (Northbound). This French river cruise vacation highlights France’s charm, breathtaking views, and rich history. Your incredible European river cruise through France begins on the Rhône River with a visit to Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh—and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre. Then, sail north up the scenic Rhône and Saône Rivers. Along the way, explore Avignon, delightful Viviers, medieval Tournon, France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, and fascinating Beaune.

Take a high-speed read more train to Paris, and embark your second Avalon Suite ship® to begin your cruise on the Seine River into the picturesque Normandy region. In Vernon, choose between a guided visit of Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or magnificent Bizy Castle. Continue to Les Andelys, home of dramatic Château Gaillard, then on to Caudebec, for your choice between an excursion to Normandy’s historic landing beaches or an interesting “Taste of Normandy” tour.

Next up is Joan of Arc’s historic Rouen; and in Conflans, choose between excursions to Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s elegant Château de Malmaison. Return to Paris for guided sightseeing and take in the most famous sights of this magnificent city. Then, transfer to London for three exciting nights.

Your vacation in London includes guided sightseeing of the must-see sights—Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, and more, including VIP access to St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Our Price From
US$8,327 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $2,863 per person
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Trip Length
Cruise Length

18 Days

Trip Starts
Cruise Starts

London

Trip Ends
Cruise Ends

Arles

Trip Departures
Cruise Departures
Jun 2026 to Aug 2027
Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Countries Visited
Rivers Sailed:
Cruise Line
Cruise Line
Avalon
Cruise Ship
Cruise Ship
Avalon Tapestry II +1
Passengers
Passengers

128

Crew
Crew

37

Ship Launch
Launched

2015

Ship Refurbished
Cruise Code

WLP3

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 (D)

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.
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)

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.
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.

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)

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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L'HERMITAGE (B/L/D)

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.
In the early afternoon cruise to Lyon.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B/L/D)

La 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)

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!
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)

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.
This afternoon, take a high - speed train from Dijon to Paris to board your Suite Ship®

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON (B/D)

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.
This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.

LES ANDELYS: Serenity on the Seine.

  • 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 (B/L/D)

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.

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.
This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC (B/L/D)

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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN (B/L/D)

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 (B/L/D)


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.
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)

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.

Cafés, Cathedrals and canvases in the City of Light

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. 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)

Say goodbye to your Avalon portion of your vacation after breakfast. An included transfer delivers you to the train station. Travel to London by high - speed Eurostar train (Standard class). (B)

England's Exciting Capital.

  • Classic: Enjoy a morning Guided Sightseeing including all of London's famous landmarks. Drive past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben; Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were married; Whitehall's mounted horseguards; the Prime Minister's Downing Street; Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus. Then, visit St. Paul's Cathedral (except on Sundays). Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece with its world-famous dome is an iconic feature of London's skyline. (B)

Free Time on the Thames.

Enjoy a free day to explore this spectacular city at your own pace. You could take a flight on the London Eye for fantastic views over the city, or visit Windsor Castle for a tour of the magnificent State Apartments. In the evening, see one of the dozens of celebrated West End shows, or enjoy dinner at a traditional London pub, followed by a relaxing nighttime cruise on the Thames River. There are so many possibilities to make your stay unforgettable. (B)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Life On Board

Avalon
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Total No. of River Cruises 171
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.
Avalon Tapestry II
Avalon Tapestry II

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more

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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

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Exclusive Meets Inclusive

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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
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
From View to Table

Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more

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Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $8,327
From $11,973
From $15,621
Tuesday 10 Aug 2027 10 Aug 27 Arles
Friday 27 Aug 2027 27 Aug 27 London
Details
Avalon Poetry II
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$9,214
Save $2,863
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 24 Aug 2027 24 Aug 27 Arles
Friday 10 Sep 2027 10 Sep 27 London
Details
Avalon Poetry II
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$9,995
Save $2,395
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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.

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