Active & Discovery on the Seine & Rhône (Southbound) 2027
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Dig into a delicious menu of culturally immersive experiences, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise on the Seine and Rhone Rivers! serves up joie de vivre at every port. History meets happiness as you decide how to savor the castles, croissants, châteaux, and chèvre of fabulous France from Paris to Normandy. With a wide array of Classic, Discovery, and Active excursions, you’re in the driver’s seat on the Seine – whether that’s a bicycle seat, kayak seat, or a front row seat at a culinary or cocktail workshop where you’ll learn hands-on how to master the delightful delicacies this gastronomic country is known for. And dive into Provence with immersive experiences on the Rhone River. Choose your adventure from bird watching from the seat of a bicycle, kayaking on the gorge, wine tasting in a cool cave or turning up the heat in a French cooking class! This is your tour de France. No matter how you choose to journey through it, monumental discoveries and moving experiences await at every turn.Move.Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:•Say “oui” and “whee” on a bicycle tour through the heart of Paris. •Paddle a kayak past the timbered houses, 12th century castles and gothic church of charming Vernon. •Hop on an E-bike for a leisurely tour of the impressive Château de Maisons-Lafitte.•Join an urban hike through Lyon’s secret passageways for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade. •Take in the panoramic views from the seat of a rail bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux. •Cool off with a special underground wine tasting accompanied by a cave guide and winemaking expert.And be moved.Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:•Whip up sweet Chantilly cream with the culinary experts on the even sweeter Chantilly Castle grounds.•Stop and smell the roses as you stroll through the home and gardens of master impressionist Claude Monet.•Shake it up at a Benedictine cocktail workshop at the palace where the world-famous liqueur is made. •Join a cooking class in the gastronomic capital of Lyon and make your own Lyonnaise specialty. •Discover how essential oils are created at an authentic Provencal farmhouse. •Mimic the brushstrokes of Van Gogh in a painting workshop in Arles where the artist created some of his most famous works. Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Seine and Rhone.
- Day 1PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)Tue, May 04, 2027Welcome 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 embarking on your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Lights today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LA ROCHE GUYON(D)
- Day 2LA ROCHE GUYONWed, May 05, 2027Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du JourACTIVE Spend a fun and active day kayaking. Join an expert guide and paddle your way through areas accessible only by water, OR:DISCOVERY Delight in a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces, OR:DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to one of France’s most remarkable castles—Château de La Roche-Guyon, perched on the picturesque chalk cliffs overlooking the village of La Roche-Guyon; during the visit, enjoy a tasting of local products.DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes.This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. LES ANDELYSSerenity on the Seine’s Most Beautiful RiverbendsACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart and a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine. Visit Saint Sauveur’s Church of Le Petit Andely.DISCOVERY Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)
- Day 3CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDYThu, May 06, 2027Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and White Cliffs of NormandyDISCOVERY Travel to Fecamp to visit the Palais Bénédictine where the world-famous Bénédictine liquor is made. Enjoy a short Self-Guided Tour followed by a cocktail workshop focused on the famous liquor. Enjoy a photo stop in Étretat to capture breathtaking views over the cliffs of the Alabaster Coast en route back to Caudebec, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to the WWII landing beaches of Normandy. Take a full-day tour of significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.Enjoy onboard live entertainment after dinner, while sailing to RouenEVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUEN(B,L,D)
- Day 4ROUENFri, May 07, 2027The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France ACTIVE Pedal your way through hundreds of years of history on this Guided Bike Tour around Rouen, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to the magnificent Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen to marvel at masterpieces in fine art. Be awed by one of the most outstanding collections of art in France—from the works of Rubens, Monet, Degas, and countless other masters, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—home of the martyred Saint Joan of Arc—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. In the afternoon, you're free to explore the city on your own.DISCOVERY Enjoy a fascinating presentation on art and impressionism with an onboard lecture.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN(B,L,D)
- Day 5ROUENSat, May 08, 2027Heritage and Nature Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to the magnificent Château de Bonnemare, a Renaissance castle amid serene natural beauty in the heart of Normandy.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS(B,L,D)
- Day 6CONFLANSSun, May 09, 2027The Footsteps of Van Gogh and Bonaparte Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE This Guided E-bike Tour will take you to the Château de Maisons-Lafitte where you will enjoy a special snack, OR:DISCOVERY Prepare your own Chantilly cream on the grounds of Chantilly Castle, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, and walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who lived, worked, and is buried here. See the landscapes and village scenes captured in his paintings, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.Enjoy an afternoon sailing to Paris. This evening, enjoy onboard live entertainment on board your ship after dinner.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS(B,L,D)
- Day 7PARISMon, May 10, 2027Cafés, Cathedrals, and CanvasesACTIVE Hop on a bike to explore Paris like a local on this enjoyable guided tour through its sights, mesmerizing history, and incredible ambiance, OR:DISCOVERY Immerse yourself on our Food and Cultural Tour of Paris where you will find out why the French food and culinary tradition has been even added to the UNESCO heritage list, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing, which will show you magnificent must-see sights.This afternoon, you may stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS(B,L,D)
- Day 8PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–LYON (EMBARKATION)Tue, May 11, 2027Your Suite Ship Awaits! Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Lyon to board your Suite Ship®. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,D)
- Day 9LYONWed, May 12, 2027A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE Take a Guided Urban Hike through Lyon’s secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade, OR:DISCOVERY Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colors, aromas and taste—exclusive for Avalon guests, OR: DISCOVERY Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.EVENING CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON(B,L,D)
- Day 10TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNONThu, May 13, 2027Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers ACTIVE For a unique experience and panoramic views, join a Guided Excursion this morning on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR: DISCOVERY Have a true “chocolate experience” with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Tournon—twin city to Tain-l’Hermitage and one of France’s oldest medieval cities. You’ll see its imposing 16th-century castle.DISCOVERY Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS(B,L,D)
- Day 11VIVIERS–LOCK BOLLÈNEFri, May 14, 2027River Gorge Kayaks and Underground Wines ACTIVE Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR: ACTIVE Join a Guided Visit for a surprising underground Wine Tasting—under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert), OR:DISCOVERY Visit a traditional truffle farm to see a harvesting demonstration by the farmer’s dog; meet a truffle-producer to hear about the process of cultivating these culinary delicacies and taste delicious truffle carpaccio and truffled toast, OR:CLASSIC Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a tasting of Local Specialties on board your ship.Cruise through the soaring walls of Lock Bollène on your way to Avignon this afternoon. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON(B,L,D)
- Day 12AVIGNONSat, May 15, 2027Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in ProvenceACTIVE Join a Guided Kayak Excursion through the waters of Pont du Gard—the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts, OR:DISCOVERY Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you see how essential oils are created, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Avignon, including a visit to the world’s largest gothic fortress—the 14th-century Palace Of the Popes. Also, enjoy a tasting of local products while exploring Les Halles’ covered market.This afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, or you may opt for a Guided Optional E-Bike Ride through Gard region.You may choose to spend free time exploring Avignon—known as the heart of Provence. Take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares within Avignon’s medieval walls.EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES(B,L,D)
- Day 13ARLESSun, May 16, 2027A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations, OR:DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices. Alternatively, feel free to choose one of the optional excursions on offer.Later, enjoy on board live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES(B,L,D)
- Day 14PORT-SAINT-LOUISMon, May 17, 2027Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône DeltaEnjoy an early morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the Sky Deck of your ship.ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species—including pink flamingos—along the trails of the Mediterranean’s Rhône delta, OR:DISCOVERY Enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to an oyster farm in the Camargue Natural Park on a Guided Tour to enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed, OR:DISCOVERY Visit one of France’s most popular and pristine nature reserves on this memorable visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park! In the afternoon enjoy a relaxing sailing to Arles.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES(B,L,D)
- Day 15ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)Tue, May 18, 2027Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.(B)
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Inclusions
•In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
•Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Accommodation Information
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Avalon has always been my favorite River Cruise line. The staff were great, excursions were very good, but sometimes I wish guides would not ramble on and keep tour moving. We left the tour groups most of the time because guide was toooo wordy and didn't give us enough free time.
We found Avalon Waterways to be an excellent experience. The rooms were good sized and well appointed. The food was outstanding and the staff went above our expectations to make the trip comfortable and enjoyable.
The tour was very good organized! Staff, meals, logistics were amazing.
We enjoyed the river cruise very much. The food was excellent, the staterooms were very nice, and the excursions were well-run.
Pairing lunch and dinner wines with the city/area we were in would enhance the experience. The cruise directors, Jean and Tony were outstanding. Very professional and always coordinating so there were no unpleasant experiences.
Wonderful tour directors . So accommodating and personable.
It was my second trip with Avalon, everything was great as it was for the Daube cruise. Highly recommend them.
Trip was GREAT! WEre somewhat disappointed that high speed train from Arle to AIX was cancelled ( did not happen).
I would have liked a better description of the land tours. For instance -Eat your way around Paris should have stated it was a walking tour.
Reasoning related to my rating on price - is associated to the cruise and how Avalone handled the last cruise of the season and closing the boat- with not having or refilling standard items, for example the last two days shampoos and soap were not refilled - lucky us we brought our own. No cocktail napkins - the staff had to pass appetizers and apologize for not having any napkins, the final dinner menu was not up to par with the rest of the week- I had the vegetarian dish pasta with cheese and broccoli Au gratin- basic Macaroni and Cheese for dinner and there was one floret of broccoli. If Avalone does not want guests on the boat on the last day of the cruise they should transfer guests to hotels sooner- our entire group would have preferred to go to Cannes one day earlier and pay for our own dinner.
We did two Avalon River cruises back to back that was actually listed as one program. After one week on Avalon's Poetry II we traveled via high speed train to Avalon's Tapestry II and did another week on a different cruise. Avalon did a great job coordinating all aspects of both weeks and the transfer itself between boats. The itineraries for both weeks were interesting and informative.
Hi Helga, I wanted to let you know about our travel experiences while they are still fresh in our minds. The cruise was wonderful! The cruse director (Gusta) did an outstanding job. She had everything well arranged and we couldn't have asked for a better planner. The scenery was great, the meals were wonderful, and the daily provided tours were very well staffed with really good leaders. There were two items that fell short of our expectations. This was the first time that we purchased the travel package including air travel. I probably will not ever do this again. We did it in part because Pat and I were covering the expenses for our four additional family members and the cost to round trip looked good. In actual fact it was more expensive that we had expected because we purchased reserve seating for all four legs of the round trip, which then greatly increased the cost (more than 25% additional cost). Even more troubling was the very poor scheduling of the flights, which included a five plus hour layover in Montreal on both the going and returning flights. This made for a 24 hour day of flying. A second disappointment was our stay in Paris at the Hotel du Collectionneur which was rated as five star, but did not come close to meeting five star. Luggage for one family member's room and for our room was not delivered to the correct rooms. Instead we received someone else's luggage. The female Avalon representative did not seem at all concerned and after an hour and a half of waiting we returned to the Avalon desk and fortunately met the individual who had our luggage and we had their luggage (no help from Avalon). One of our rooms had unit dose coffee, but no coffee maker. That same room did not have hot water for a shower. The location of the hotel was also a problem in that there were very limited restaurants (especially on Sunday) within walking distance from the hotel and eating at the hotel was far more expensive than we were prepared for. On our first night at the hotel a very loud late night party took place in the courtyard of the hotel. The party lasted until 3:00 or 4:00 am. Neither of the Avalon representatives were helpful and both appear noticeable bored by their assignment which was totally opposite to the welcoming representatives in Nice and Cannes. Overall the travel experience was wonderful and we will be in contract with you soon about travels in 2019. Thanks you, Tom & Pat
The 2018 Avalon Rhone Cruise Tour with stops in Monaco and Paris which we took in early May 2018 was outstanding, on par (maybe even a little better) than the Rhine Cruise we also took through Avalon in fall 2016. I especially enjoyed the scheduled tours of Avignon, Lyon, and Vivenne, and clearly the optional tour of Versailles was phenomenal, on par with an Italy land tour we had previously taken with Insight that included a 3-hour tour of the Vatican. The Poetry II Cruise Ship was great (outstanding food, beverages, and the rooms were efficient and very clean), and the crew was very competent and pleasant. Spent time with both the Ship Hotel director and the cruise director and really enjoyed getting to see how professional they both were - very customer focused.
The Intercontinental Carlton Hotel in Cannes was very nice, but the air conditioning was not working for the hotel. Our room was on the backside of the hotel with strong afternoon sun and jack-hammer work being done outside until 7pm. No facilities for free coffee/tea in the room. The breakfast buffet and sea-side room were great! The Avalon cabin was very well arranged and pleasing.
My second river cruise with Avalon and I loved this one as much as the first.
Avalon is well organized and the staff is exceptional. The guides were knowledgable and helpful.
The river cruise consultant was exceptionally helpful in putting out vacation trip together. Would certainly recommend her to others and use her as an agent again.
We had a great trip. All went off without a hitch! I had never taken a tour like this and we didn't know what to expect. We were very pleasantly surprised. Avalon Waterways was superb!
Agent was great as was Avalon Waterways! Can't wait till our next trip!
The ships staff were one of the best I have ever seen.
everything was great - river cruise was excellent Thank you
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We were impressed with all the ship’s personnel. They were competent, cheerful, and always helpful. Our agent from Affordable Tours was outstanding. Very knowledgeable and responsive.