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Grand France (Southbound)

Embark on a spectacular journey through France on this 15-day itinerary, featuring ports across 3 different rivers.

Through your Avalon Adventure Host, embark on a wide range of tours and excursions – from the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to Normandy’s WWII landing beaches.

Relax and make the most of the amenities aboard either the Avalon Tapestry II or the Avalon Poetry II – the luxurious vessels appointed for this journey.

4.6
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from 311 reviews
  • Cruise Line: Avalon Waterways
  • Ship: Avalon Tapestry II / Avalon Poetry II
  • Duration: 14 Nights
  • Departure: Apr - Nov
£4,822pp
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Grand France Cruise Itinerary

On this adventure, enjoy a blend of classic, active and discovery excursions – all made available through your Avalon Adventure Host. You’ll also have access to a wide variety of on-board workshops, tastings, lectures and live entertainment.

Day 1

Paris (EMBARK)

Welcome to France. Spend the day exploring at your leisure before boarding your suite ship before 5pm.

Day 2

Vernon / Les Andelys

Explore Vernon’s Château des Tourelles on foot, take a guided tour of Giverny, visit Bizy Castle or, back on-board enjoy a traditional French Luncheon and pastry demonstration.
Upon arrival in Les Andelys, choose to explore via walking tour or guided hike to Chateau Gaillard.

Day 3

Caudebec

Today, enjoy a relaxing bike ride alongside your Adventure Host or journey along the Normandy Abbeys Route on a guided trip. You may also choose to embark on an optional guided excursion to Honfleur.

Day 4

Caudebec (excursion to Normandy)

Join a guided tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, take a full-day guided tour of British and Canadian commemorative sites or opt for the ‘A Taste of Normandy’ guided tour.

Day 5

Rouen

Opt for either a standard walking tour or bike tour of Rouen.

Day 6

Conflans

Embark on a bike ride along the Seine, join a guided visit to Auvers-sur-Oise or take a guided tour of the Château de Malmaison. You may also wish to join an optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles.

*Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Monday of each month and on 22nd September. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly.

Day 7

Paris

Experience the Seine by foot with your Adventure Host, enjoy a guided walk through the heart of Paris or embark on a guided city tour to all the iconic sites.

Day 8

Paris / Dijon / Beaune / Chalon-sur-Saône

Today, you’ll take a high-speed train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.
Visit the Hotel-Dieu Charity Hospital – home of Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement.
This afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your ship.

Day 9

Tournus

Explore Tournus with a local guide – later, enjoy a Cheese Tasting back on board your ship.
You may also consider joining an optional guided excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or to the Castle of Cormatin.

Day 10

Lyon

Discover Lyon by bike with your Adventure Host, join a guided sightseeing tour including the Old Town or enjoy a WWII and French Resistance lecture back on-board.

Day 11

Lyon

On offer today is a culinary walk through Lyon – the gastronomic capital of France. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

Day 12

Tournon / Viviers

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Tournon, before a leisurely sail to Vivers after lunch.
Upon arrival, explore Vivers on a guided walking tour through its Old Town.

Day 13

Avignon

Today, you’ll explore this fortress city on a guided sightseeing tour – including a visit to the Palace of the Popes.
You may also join a guided excursion to Pont du Gard or the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Day 14

Arles

Keep fit on a Power Walk through Arles with your Adventure Host, attend a painting workshop on the techniques of Vincent Van Gogh or enjoy a guided walking tour with a visit to the Roman Amphitheater.

Day 15

Arles (DISEMBARK)

Your cruise ends after breakfast this morning.

Grand France Cruise Ships

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Grand France Deals

Continue your travels through France

14 Nights
Apr Nov

Grand France (Southbound)

  • Paris (EMBARK)
  • Vernon / Les Andelys
  • Caudebec
  • Caudebec (excursion to Normandy)
  • Rouen
  • Conflans
  • Paris
  • Paris / Dijon / Beaune / Chalon-sur-Saône
  • Avignon
  • Lyon
  • Arles
  • Tournon / Viviers
  • Tournus
£4,822pp Est. Price per person
  • Avalon Tapestry II / Avalon Poetry II  

Grand France Cruise Review

“Genuinely a pleasant and informative trip. A large range of excursions on a well-paced itinerary which includes free-time to explore on your own. My room was lovely and well-maintained throughout my stay – staff were kind, helpful and knowledgable.”

Eric Smith, Leeds

Grand France FAQ

Find answers to some of the most common questions about river cruising here.

Which ships are available?

On this adventure, you’ll travel aboard either the Avalon Tapestry II or Avalon Poetry II – both featuring free on-board wifi and an elegant contemporary design.

What kinds of activities are available?

On this adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to go on walking tours, bike tours, tastings, train rides and much more. There’s also a variety of on-board lectures, workshops and live entertainment.

How many rivers are on this cruise?

This cruise conducts you down the Seine, Saône and Rhône rivers.

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