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Grand France (Southbound)
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Grand France (Southbound)
Embark on a spectacular Avalon Waterways River Cruise 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 Saône River Cruise.
4.6
from
311 reviews
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Cruise Line: Avalon Waterways -
Ship: Avalon Tapestry II / Avalon Poetry II -
Duration: 14 Nights
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Departure: Mar - Oct
Grand France (Southbound) Cruise Prices
Grand France Gallery
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
Grand France Deals
Continue your travels through France
Avalon Waterways
Departure:
Mar to
Oct
BENEFITS:
Flights & Transfers Inc.
All Inclusive
Daily Excursions
Flights & Transfers Inc.All InclusiveDaily Excursions
FROM
£
6,227 pp
Avalon Waterways
Departure:
Mar to
Aug
BENEFITS:
Flights & Transfers Inc.All InclusiveDaily Excursions
Flights & Transfers Inc.All InclusiveDaily Excursions
FROM
Price on Request
Avalon Waterways
Departure:
Mar to
Nov
BENEFITS:
Flights & Transfers Inc.All InclusiveDaily Excursions
Flights & Transfers Inc.All InclusiveDaily Excursions
FROM
£
2,050 pp
Grand France Cruise Review
Grand France FAQ
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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