Overview
Before saying bonjour to 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 the city’s rich history or take a tour highlighting the iconic landmarks of this enchanting city. Transfer to your Suite Ship® in Bordeaux, the capital of the splendid Nouvelle-Aquitaine region—famed for its legendary vineyards and lovely villages. Cruise through one of France’s most exquisite regions and be carried away by your choice of Avalon’s included Classic, Active, or Discovery excursions—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 Arachon—the world is your oyster on this adventure in la belle vie of Bordeaux!
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.
Your day is free to explore the world's most romantic city before starting your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Light today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON
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
*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.
This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.
- Discovery: Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D - Day.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
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
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
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. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS
*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 featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.
Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
This morning, travel to Bordeaux to board your Suite Ship® and start your cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. This evening, enjoy a very special sailing featuring the illuminated skyline of Bordeaux.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
On the Steps of Montesquieu.
- Discovery: Join a delicious onboard experience in Bordeaux wines with a presentation by a worldclass wine sommelier.
- Classic: Take a guided tour of Château de la Brède—birthplace of Montesquieu—political philosopher and author of “The Spirit of Law.” Visit the fortress - style castle still reflected in its impressive moat, OR:
- Discovery: Join a guided visit with wine tasting at a local wine estate. Sip the sweet notes and fresh acidity of Sauternes, the beloved golden - yellow wine.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your Suite Ship®
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PAUILLAC
Bikes, Vines, and Wines
This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort Médoc. Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Active: Enjoy a relaxing E-bike guided tour in Bordeaux's finest wine region. You will be amazed by the picturesque countryside while you enjoy a wonderful ride through the vineyards, OR:
- Classic: Join a guided tour to discover the culture and traditions of the southern Médoc region at one of Margaux' beautiful château and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:
- Classic: Take a scenic drive through the famed Médoc wine country and enjoy a tasting of their wonderful wines, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as protagonists.
This evening, enjoy a brief sailing to Blaye.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BLAYE
Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive.
Ask your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Active: Join a refreshing power walk through the historic Citadel of Blaye with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Discovery: Join a guided tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting, OR:
- Classic: Take a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, followed by a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg.
- Classic: Take a wonderful walking tour in the Citadel of Bourg on the banks of the Dordogne River and visit the carriage museum.
Alternatively, join an optional guided excursion to learn how the Fine Champagne of Cognac is made while enjoying a Rémy Martin tasting. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG
The Village Amid the Vineyards.
- Discovery: Enjoy a guided visit to Saint - Émilion to discover one Bordeaux' must - see wine-growing towns and celebrate your day with a wine tasting, OR:
- Classic: Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint - Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes, OR:
- Classic: Take an orientation walking tour to discover the history and beauty of Libourne, where wine and wonderful views are cherished in the 12th-century fortified town.
- Discovery: Onboard lecture about WWII hosted by a history expert.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LIBOURNE
Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Discovery: While sailing to Bordeaux, enjoy a pastry demonstration.
- Active: Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux' postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:
- Classic: Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
Seas, Shells, and Sips
- Active: Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux' postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:
- Classic: Take a guided tour to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux's iconic wine museum and cultural center, OR:
- Classic: Join a full-day guided tour of the seaside resort of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast. Gaze upon its 19th-century architectural treasures and taste its local delicacy of oysters and wine.
This afternoon, consider an optional guided excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières for a breathtaking visit to the submarine base where art and music surround you in an immersive experience.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Life On Board
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.
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
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Avalon River Cruises (2026)
or rushed schedules, just immersive journeys that keep you in the heart of each destination. Our modern Suite Ships sail
the world’s legendary rivers and waterways, placing you just steps from vibrant cities, charming villages, more and breathtaking scenery. Wake to Vienna at your doorstep, watch Budapest sparkle at night, or take in 360-degree views of the Rhine Gorge and Wachau Valley from the Sky Deck. Cycle through Cologne or Paris, savour fine cuisine in Lyon, or sample sweets in Linz, then retreat to your spacious suite without missing a moment.
From Southeast Asia and Egypt to the Amazon and Galápagos, Avalon offers a front-row seat to the world’s most extraordinary places—all while unpacking once. Backed by nearly a century of Swiss heritage, we infuse precision, care, and timeless craftsmanship into every journey. Welcome aboard the wideopen wonder of Avalon. Your journey begins here.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
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.
