The timeless charms of France flow freely on this French river cruise vacation brimming with breathtaking views and vibrant history. Embark on the resplendent Rhône River with a visit to Arles, France—home to the brilliantly preserved 1st-century Roman Amphitheater and the colorful settings that inspired some of Van Gogh’s most moving paintings. More stirring sights await you on the Rhône, including the world’s largest Gothic palace—Avignon’s 14th-century Palace of the Popes. Visit Tournon—beautifully nestled among the vineyards. Delight in the delicacies and delicious French fare of Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital—a showcase of magnificent medieval and Renaissance architecture. Your French river cruise adventure continues on the Seine River with an exciting selection of excursions, including a visit to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery; a visit to delightful Les Andelys, Joan of Arc’s Rouen, and the choice between a visit to Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison. Be wined and dined along the way with stops in France’s most charming and historic locales, highlighted by a visit to Paris—the City of Light. Take in the legendary sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower—to name a few. Your river cruise vacation in France gets even better with a captivating cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers in the brilliant Bordeaux region—famed for its legendary vineyards and lovely villages. Be carried away with your choice of Avalon’s included Classic, Active, and Discovery experiences—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 Arcachon—the world is your oyster on this adventure in la belle vie of Bordeaux!

1. Day 1
   ARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

   Tue, May 13, 2025

   Welcome to France! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
   
   Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm.
   
   Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
   
   OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
   
   (D)
   
   
2. Day 2
   ARLES

   Wed, May 14, 2025

   A Brush with Genius
   
   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 to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:
   
   CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.
   
   Take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine before sailing to Avignon.
   
   OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
   
3. Day 3
   AVIGNON

   Thu, May 15, 2025

   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 Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Or explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet.
   
   Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.
   
   OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
4. Day 4
   VIVIERS

   Fri, May 16, 2025

   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 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.
   
   EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
   
5. Day 5
   TAIN L’HERMITAGE

   Sat, May 17, 2025

   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 morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.
   
   In the early afternoon, cruise to Lyon.
   
   OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
6. Day 6
   LYON

   Sun, May 18, 2025

   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 Terreaux.
   
   Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.
   
   Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus.
   
   EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
7. Day 7
   TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE

   Mon, May 19, 2025

   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!
   
   Enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruising along the majestic Saône River.
   
   DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.
   
   Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.
   
   OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
   
8. Day 8
   CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION) BEAUNE–DIJON–PARIS (EMBARKATION)

   Tue, May 20, 2025

   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 highlights.
   
   This afternoon, take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris to board your Suite Ship®.
   
   EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON
   
   (B,D)
   
   
9. Day 9
   VERNON

   Wed, May 21, 2025

   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, 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:
   
   CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.
   
   DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.
   
   This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.
   
   LES ANDELYS
   
   Serenity on the Seine
   
   ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR:
   
   CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.
   
   EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   *Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period, this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle
   
   
10. Day 10
    CAUDEBEC

    Thu, May 22, 2025

    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 along the Seine.
    
    This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
11. Day 11
    CAUDEBEC. EXCURSIONS TO NORMANDY

    Fri, May 23, 2025

    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 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, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados.
    
    Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
    
    EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
    
12. Day 12
    ROUEN

    Sat, May 24, 2025

    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 martyred Joan of Arc—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
    
    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
    
13. Day 13
    CONFLANS

    Sun, May 25, 2025

    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 the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.
    
    Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings.
    
    EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    *Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly.
    
    
14. Day 14
    PARIS

    Mon, May 26, 2025

    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 Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour, that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées.
    
    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)
    
    
15. Day 15
    PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–BORDEAUX (EMBARKATION)

    Tue, May 27, 2025

    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*
    
    (B,D)
    
    *Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.
    
    
16. Day 16
    CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE*

    Wed, May 28, 2025

    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 Spirit of Law.” Visit the fortress-style castle still reflected in its impressive moat, OR:
    
    DISCOVERY Join a guided visit with wine tasting at a local wine estate. Sip the sweet notes and fresh acidity of Sauternes, the beloved golden-yellow wine.
    
    This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your Suite Ship® .
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    *Sailing to Cadillac-sur-Garonne pending tides and water levels. Alternative motorcoach transportation for today’s excursions provided.
    
    
    
17. Day 17
    CUSSAC FORT MÉDOC

    Thu, May 29, 2025

    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 be amazed by the picturesque countryside while you enjoy a wonderful ride through the vineyards, OR:
    
    DISCOVERY Take a scenic drive through the famed Médoc wine country and enjoy a tasting of their wonderful wines, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as protagonists.
    
    This evening, enjoy a brief sailing to Blaye.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BLAYE
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
18. Day 18
    BLAYE-BOURG

    Fri, May 30, 2025

    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 Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Take a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, followed by a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
    
    Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg.
    
    CLASSIC Take a wonderful walking tour in the Citadel of Bourg on the banks of the Dordogne River and visit the carriage museum.
    
    Alternatively, join an optional guided excursion to learn how the Fine Champagne of Cognac is made while enjoying a Rémy Martin tasting.
    
    Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
19. Day 19
    LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILION

    Sat, May 31, 2025

    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 UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Take an orientation walking tour to discover the history and beauty of Libourne, where wine and wonderful views are cherished in the 12th-century fortified town.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LIBOURNE
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
20. Day 20
    BORDEAUX

    Sun, Jun 01, 2025

    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 the Les Quais, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
21. Day 21
    BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO ARCACHON’S BAY

    Mon, Jun 02, 2025

    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-day guided tour of the seaside resort of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast. Gaze upon its 19th-century architectural treasures and taste its local delicacy of oysters and wine.
    
    This afternoon, consider an optional guided excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières for a breathtaking visit to the submarine base where art and music surround you in an immersive experience.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
22. Day 22
    BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION)

    Tue, Jun 03, 2025

    Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
    
    (B)