French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux

15 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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River Cruise
On this resplendent river cruise through France, you’ll be wined, dined, and wowed by breathtaking views and so much to do in the charming and historic locales 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 beautiful Bizy Castle, ...
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle or walk with your Adventure Host; choice of guided walk or guided hike in Les Andelys; onboard crêpe tasting and Pastry Demonstration
    • Choice of excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches or ‘A Taste of Normandy’ excursion
    • Choice of guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral or bike tour
    • Choice of excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise or excursion to Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of guided sightseeing or historic sights of the ‘Heart of Paris’ walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host
    • Transfer to Bordeaux; onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of guided visit to Château de la Brêde or Sauternes tasting in a local Château
    • Choice of wine tasting in a Médoc-area Château or e-bike guided tour in the vineyards

What's this trip about?

    On this resplendent river cruise through France, you’ll be wined, dined, and wowed by breathtaking views and so much to do in the charming and historic locales 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 beautiful Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” Join in an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. In Rouen, take a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the Gothic Rouen Cathedral. 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 the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. 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!

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityPARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
End CityBORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • France

Attractions

  • Bordeaux
  • Normandy
  • Paris
  • Rouen

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

Itinerary

Day 1: PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to France! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Your day is free to explore the world’s most romantic city before starting your cruise on the Seine. Get acqu...

Day 2: 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, ho...

Day 3: CAUDEBEC

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 alon...

Day 4: CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY

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 5: ROUEN

The Cathedral of Our Lady 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...

Day 6: 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 ...

Day 7: PARIS

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 Wal...

Day 8: PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–BORDEAUX (EMBARKATION)

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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX (Breakfast,Dinner) *Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.

BORDEAUX_CITY.jpg

Day 9: CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE

On the Steps of Montesquieu

CLASSIC Take a guided tour of Château de la Brêde—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 ...

Day 10: CUSSAC FORT MÉDOC

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 b...

Day 11: BLAYE–BOURG

Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive

A brief morning sailing to Blaye. Ask your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

CLASSIC Take a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by a panoramic drive fo...

Day 12: LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILION

The Village Amid the Vineyards

CLASSIC Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes. Later, sail Bordeaux.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

SAINT-EMILION.jpg

Day 13: BORDEAUX

Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights. This afternoon, c...

Day 14: BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO ARCACHON’S BAY

Seas, Shells, and Sips

ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR: CLASSIC Join a full-day guided tour of the seaside resort of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast. Gaze upon its 19th-century architectu...

Day 15: BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

BORDEAUX_CORKS.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,998
Price per day$533
Last Updated: 4/18/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
01 Apr 2025
15 Apr 2025
$8,298
Available
08 Apr 2025
22 Apr 2025
$8,498
Available
15 Apr 2025
29 Apr 2025
$8,698
Available
22 Apr 2025
06 May 2025
$8,898
Available
13 May 2025
27 May 2025
$9,198
Available
20 May 2025
03 Jun 2025
$9,198
Available
27 May 2025
10 Jun 2025
$9,098
Available
24 Jun 2025
08 Jul 2025
$8,998
Available
01 Jul 2025
15 Jul 2025
$8,898
Available
08 Jul 2025
22 Jul 2025
$8,898
Available

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 Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,450
Great
134
Average
45
Disappointing
15
Terrible
41
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Other Avalon Waterways Reviews

D

DEBBIE

Dec 2023

Written on

From favorite cruise line to Never Again!!!

My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it ...

c

customer

Dec 2023

Written on

Avalon waterways went out of their way to accommodate our early morning arrival.

We booked an Egyptian cruise with Avalon months ago that included airport transfers, but we did not book our flights through them. Ten days before departure we had ...

R

Robert

Nov 2023

Written on

It was the Paris to Normandy then to…

It was the Paris to Normandy then to Marseille 14 day cruise. The whole cruise was terrible, ports were bypassed, crew was very inexperienced, the restaurant was uno...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

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

Accommodation

Pullman Paris Tour EiffelEnjoying an unbeatable location next to the iconic Eiffel Tower, this 456-room sleek, modern hotel offers free Wi-Fi internet access throughout and has a California-inspired Brasserie with open kitchen and stylish wine bar. Other amenities include a large gym on the 9th floor with panoramic rooftop vistas.ParisFrance18,Avenue De SuffrenLe BurdigalaBordeauxFrance115 Rue Georges Bonnac,
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
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
AVALON-WPX

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