Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera (Northbound)

17 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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River Cruise
This incredible European river on the Rhône, Saône, and Seine Rivers highlights the best of France. Begin your adventure on the French Riviera before cruising. On the Rhône River from Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh—and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the P...
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Welcome to France
    • Guided tour
    • Transfer to the ship; onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, or painting workshop, or walk with your Adventure Host
    • Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes
    • Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral or walk with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of guided walk in Tournon or hike with your Adventure Host
    • Guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill
    • Chardonnay excursion with tasting; Cheese tasting on board
    • Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; TGV train from Dijon to Paris; onboard welcome reception

What's this trip about?

    This incredible European river on the Rhône, Saône, and Seine Rivers highlights the best of France. Begin your adventure on the French Riviera before cruising. On the Rhône River from Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh—and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world. Take a guided walk through the city of Tournon, beautifully nestled among vineyards and a medieval treasure of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Visit Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. On your Seine River cruise, you’ll have the choice of seeing the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery; the delightful Les Andelys, Joan of Arc’s Rouen, Vincent Van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise, or Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison. On this French river cruise, you’ll enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful views, and stops in the most charming parts of France. Your vacation in France would not be complete without a stay in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover its true heart on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour to see the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Walk in the footsteps of the great master artists, enjoy the delectable cuisine of France, and stand where heroes fought for freedom on the beaches of Normandy. This and so much more is waiting for you on your French cruise on the Seine!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityFRENCH RIVIERA
End CityPARIS (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Arles
  • Avignon
  • Burgundy
  • Dijon
  • Giverny
  • Lyon
  • Nice
  • Normandy
  • Paris
  • Rouen
  • Vienne

Activities

  • Culture
  • River Cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: FRENCH RIVIERA

Welcome to France.

Enjoy free time to discover the beauty of the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.

Day 2: FRENCH RIVIERA

The “Queen of the French Riviera”

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets, and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city—an area which has changed little since the 1700s. (Breakfast)

Day 3: FRENCH RIVIERA–ARLES (EMBARKATION)

Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Join a motorcoach transfer to board your Avalon Suite Ship®.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

(Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 4: ARLES

Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights

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 ...

Day 5: AVIGNON

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 R...

Day 6: VIVIERS

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 G...

Day 7: TAIN L'HERMITAGE

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 mor...

Day 8: LYON

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 ...

Day 9: TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE

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! Enj...

Day 10: CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION) BEAUNE–DIJON–PARIS (EMBARKATION)

On to Paris

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 hi...

Day 11: 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 Givern...

Day 12: 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...

Day 13: CAUDEBEC. EXCURSIONS 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 14: 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—home of the martyre...

Day 15: 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 Gu...

Day 16: 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 17: PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,357
Price per day$492
Last Updated: 3/12/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
30 Mar 2025
15 Apr 2025
$9,057
13 Apr 2025
29 Apr 2025
$9,397
11 May 2025
27 May 2025
$9,897
22 Jun 2025
08 Jul 2025
$9,917
06 Jul 2025
22 Jul 2025
$9,817
03 Aug 2025
19 Aug 2025
$9,817
17 Aug 2025
02 Sep 2025
$9,917
14 Sep 2025
30 Sep 2025
$10,217
28 Sep 2025
14 Oct 2025
$9,917
12 Oct 2025
28 Oct 2025
$9,197

Port charges: $462 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

Le Meridien Nice

With a "touch of chic" inspired by the timeless elegance of the Côte d'Azur, Le Méridien Nice is an authentic jewel located facing the Mediterranean Sea on world famous Promenade des Anglais. It is a few steps from the pedestrian area with its many fashion boutique, shops, restaurants, and bars. The Old Town is also within walking distance. Discover signature cocktails at the bar or enjoy a tasty dinner inspired by the region on the panoramic rooftop restaurant while watching the sunset. Relax in the heated outdoor pool or exercise in the fitness centre. Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access is provided. The refined and exotic interior design inspired by the Golden Sixties gives each of the 318 guestrooms a unique sun-drenched style featuring soft Mediterranean blue and sandy beige shades. Fully air conditioned rooms include a flat-screen TV with international channels, coffee/tea maker facilities, in-room safe, minibar, iron and ironing board, and free wireless high speed internet access.

Nice Cedex 1

France

1, Promenade Des Anglais

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

Travel Insurance
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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-WLPQ

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