Overview
Read 10 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 15 Day Grand France (Southbound). On this France river cruise vacation, enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful views, and stops in the most charming and historical parts of France. Sail along the Seine River to the picturesque Normandy region. In Vernon, choose between two exciting guided visits—Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the remarkable Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” Go on (Take) an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. read more In Rouen, go on a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the gothic Rouen Cathedral.
Before you depart the beautiful Seine River, spend time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic cities! Discover the true heart of Paris 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. Disembark your ship on the Seine, and board a high-speed train for Dijon and transfer to your Suite Ship® on the Saône River. Sail to Lyon, sitting at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, is (Explore) France’s third-largest city and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards. You’ll go on (Enjoy) a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. In historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. Situated on the Rhône River, Arles is famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.
Before you depart the beautiful Seine River, spend time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic cities! Discover the true heart of Paris 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. Disembark your ship on the Seine, and board a high-speed train for Dijon and transfer to your Suite Ship® on the Saône River. Sail to Lyon, sitting at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, is (Explore) France’s third-largest city and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards. You’ll go on (Enjoy) a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. In historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. Situated on the Rhône River, Arles is famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.
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US$7,798 per person
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Cruise Line
Avalon
10 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 4.4/5
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
WPL
Itinerary
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5pm.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON (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.
- 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)
*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.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 (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.
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—site of Saint Joan of Arc's martyrdom—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.
AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS (B/L/D)
*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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS (B/L/D)
Take a High - Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.
- Classic: Visit the Hôtel - Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgement.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS (B/D)
Pearl of Southern Burgundy.
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.- Classic: Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town.
- Discovery: Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRÉVOUX (B/L/D)
La Vie En Rose in Lyon.
Sail for lovely Lyon this morning.- 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 with its numerous churches from Fourvière Hill. 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.
- Discovery: Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B/L/D)
Adventures in Food and Wine
- Classic: Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why it is known as the gastronomic capital of France.
EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON (B/L/D)
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
- Classic: Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France's oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.
- Classic: Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late 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 AVIGNON (B/L/D)
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.- 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.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES (B/L/D)
A Brush with Genius.
- 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 ARLES (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. (B)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 (10)
A great way to holiday and see the sights without the rush 2
Tony & Gayleen, New Zealand, Jul 2017
We loved the way we could set our own pace. Plenty of choice in the excursions and plenty of time to just chill and enjoy the sights. The food was amazing in both quantity and quality. If we travel again it will be with Avalon.
Fantastic French Journey 2
M & B, NSW, Australia, Sep 2016
It was so relaxing to sail along the french rivers and have everything taken care of. We saw so many lovely old villages and towns.So much more than you could do on your own. The crew were wonderful and so was the food. Our cruise director Tony was excellent.
Quite rude cruise guide, amazing food 2
Robyn Mason, Australia, Jul 2014
We found our cruise guide Yvette quite rude & abrupt. And we weren't the only ones. The food was amazing, the cruise lovely. However, the changing of ships was a bit of a drag and a lost day. With damage to the second ship and repairs needed, we spent a fair bit of time against the wharf which was a shame. We thought the cruise should have finished read more perhaps in Nice for easy of onward travel. However in our case it wasn't a problem as we stayed on in Monaco and then onto Italy. Hannah at Global Journeys was most helpful with our booking.
Tour was great and the staff on-board were terrific 2
Larry Regterschot, Australia, Jun 2014
All went very well. Tour was great and the staff on-board were terrific. Must say that the staff on the first leg were better and more motivated than on the second leg. Tour director was out of this world. Sylvia Kok did everything that had to be done and did it with great aplomb! Gave her and the crew on the first leg (Paris-Normandy vv) a solid 10 out of 10.
Well paced and provided a fair bit of variety 1
Roger Fermino, Australia, Apr 2014
Our Grand France river cruise was well paced and provided a fair bit of variety with places that the boat docks. Both crews were excellent and worked hard to keep the passengers happy. Possibly the only downside was the extra day spent in Monte carlo, it was a long coach trip to an expensive congested town. Seemed pointless, a closer trip into Nice read more would have surfficed if there needed to be an extra day in the process. The high risk activity on both the boats was the food. It was first class and plentiful. I needed to spend the next 4 weeks undoing the damage it did to my waistline.
Places visited were interesting and the guides very informative 2
Darrell Williams, Australia, Jun 2013
I enjoyed both cruises. The places visited were interesting and the guides very informative. Of the two cruises I thought the Seine cruise better. The staff were caring and responsive on both boats. The Tour Director Daniella was excellent as was our cabin steward on the second cruise. The internet service was excellent and free. The only real issue read more was the noise level in the dining room of the second cruise boat Creativity I think. It was very loud. Not sure why this occurred when it did not occur on the Seine Cruise. All passengers complained but nothing could be done except to ask them to please be extra careful to keep the communication low at the tables. Thanks Georgina for your assistance in setting up the cruise arangements. We are stll in the UK!
Very impressed with the layout of the vessel 1
Donald & Margaret Cameron, Australia, Jul 2012
We are very satisfied with all aspects of the service provided by the crew of Avalon Vista. In particular we were impressed by the competence and friendliness of captain, the 'hotel manager' and the cruise director. With regard to the Vista, I was very impressed with the layout and attention to detail in the design of the vessel. The crew has every read more reason to be proud of their vessel.
Probably one of the best tours we have ever done 1
Tom & Robyn McCourt, Australia, Jun 2012
The Grand France cruise was the first river cruise my husband and I had done and after experiencing it feel that it will definitely not be our last. We booked quite late after friends referred us to Georgie at Global Journeys who we found to be extremely professional. Within a few days, our cruise and air fares were booked and Georgie answered all our read more queries extremely promptly and to our satisfaction. It was one of the easiest holidays we have ever booked and the holiday itself proved to be every bit as wonderful. This was probably one of the best tours we have ever done, due to Georgie's Knowledge and guidance as well as the superb guides and beautiful Avalon cruise ships and crew. I have no hesitation in recommending Georgie and Global Journeys to any future travelers who value expertise and excellence in travel agents!
Excellent food and service on the cruise vessels 1
Alf & Eileen Evans, Australia, Apr 2012
Very good accommodation and excellent food and service on the cruise vessels. Pre booking a couple of nights at the Pullman Hotel gave us time to look around Paris and get over the tiredness of the long flight from Australia. Pick at CDG Airport went very smoothly. Tour director Yvette worked hard to arrange the included and optional tours but should read more have had some support. Optional activities were in most cases good value. Overall we both had a most enjoyable cruise, learned a lot about French history from excellent local guides and saw the spectacular French scenery and ancient villages, cities and buildings as we cruised passed in the comfort of MS Avalon Creativity and MS Avalon Scenery. Many thanks for your excellent service.
Met all our expectations 1
Trevor & Josephine Whitelaw, Australia, Aug 2011
This was great experience and met all of our expectations. The support from Yvonne in putting this all together for us was much appreciated and all went to plan.
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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)
Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and it’s easy to see how the tides are changing. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.
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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.
