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 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
    • Wine introduction; Choice of guided visit to Château de la Brède or Sauternes tasting in a local wine estate
    • Choice of wine tasting in a Médoc-area wine estate 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 transport
Start CityPARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
End CityBORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

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.

Day 9: CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE*

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 ...

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

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 Bla...

Day 12: LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILION

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 UNES...

Day 13: BORDEAUX

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 th...

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 Take a guided tour to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s iconic wine museum and cultural center, OR: CLASSIC Join a full-da...

Day 15: BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,998
Price per day$533
Last Updated: 3/12/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
01 Apr 2025
15 Apr 2025
$8,298
08 Apr 2025
22 Apr 2025
$8,498
15 Apr 2025
29 Apr 2025
$8,698
22 Apr 2025
06 May 2025
$8,898
13 May 2025
27 May 2025
$9,198
20 May 2025
03 Jun 2025
$9,198
27 May 2025
10 Jun 2025
$9,098
24 Jun 2025
08 Jul 2025
$8,998
01 Jul 2025
15 Jul 2025
$8,898
08 Jul 2025
22 Jul 2025
$8,898

Port charges are included. Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability). Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not 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
1,559
Great
145
Average
48
Disappointing
16
Terrible
47
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Other Avalon Waterways Reviews

c

crezet kickartz

Feb 2025

Written on

My husband and I went on our first trip from Amsterdam to Basel. It was so great and as it was my first big OE the sights were very breath-taking.

The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lo...

J

James Allen

Jan 2025

Written on

Great Staff

The staff was interactive, polite, and memorable. We were lucky enough to have met and interacted with the staff on 2 different boats. Avalon handled the necessary c...

J

Janis Lloyd

Jan 2025

Written on

Avalon consistency—good!

Cabins always great. Food very good. I wish there were semi-dry white wine offered at dinner. (Rieslings, not dry). Christmas market in Colmar was not enjoyable, way...

Write a Review

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Logistics

Accommodation

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

Enjoying 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.

Paris

France

18,Avenue De Suffren

Le Burdigala

Located in Bordeaux city centre, Le Burdigala is a lifestyle hotel synonymous with good living, day and night. It features large, open spaces where the watchword is `sharing¿. This vibrant venue sets the pace of the neighbourhood, bringing travellers and Bordeaux locals together. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, our rooms are calm and peaceful. Every detail helps guests to focus on themselves and find new energy to better reconnect with others.

Bordeaux

France

115 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
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Trip ID
AVALON-WPX

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