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 this enchanting city. 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, Mar 23, 2027

   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, Mar 24, 2027

   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 at 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, Mar 25, 2027

   The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
   
   Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
   
   ACTIVE Discover Avignon by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
   
   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.
   
   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 live entertainment on board.
   
   OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
4. Day 4
   VIVIERS

   Fri, Mar 26, 2027

   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.
   
   DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a tasting of Local Specialties on board your ship.
   
   EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
   
5. Day 5
   TAIN L’HERMITAGE. EXCURSION TO TOURNON

   Sat, Mar 27, 2027

   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 Join a Guided Tour through the scenic Doux Valley aboard the Train des L’Ardeche steam-engine train, 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.
   
   This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
   
   OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
6. Day 6
   LYON

   Sun, Mar 28, 2027

   La Vie En Rose in Lyon
   
   ACTIVE Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR:
   
   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 biking 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, Mar 29, 2027

   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!
   
   ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host in Tournus, OR:
   
   CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Tournus. See the highlights of this delightful town, one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region.
   
   DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship while sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône.
   
   OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
   
8. Day 8
   CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION) BEAUNE–DIJON–PARIS (EMBARKATION)

   Tue, Mar 30, 2027

   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, Mar 31, 2027

   Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour
   
   Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
   
   ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour through the picturesque Normandy countryside from Vernon to Giverny, ending with a visit to Monet’s enchanting gardens and home, 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.
   
   This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
   
   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, Apr 01, 2027

    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.
    
    DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.
    
    Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
11. Day 11
    CAUDEBEC. EXCURSIONS TO NORMANDY

    Fri, Apr 02, 2027

    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.
    
    EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
    
12. Day 12
    ROUEN

    Sat, Apr 03, 2027

    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, Apr 04, 2027

    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.
    
    This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
    
    AFTERNOON/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, Apr 05, 2027

    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 featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.
    
    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, Apr 06, 2027

    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.
    
    This evening, enjoy a very special sailing featuring the illuminated skyline of Bordeaux.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
    
    (B,D)
    
    
16. Day 16
    BORDEAUX–PAUILLAC

    Wed, Apr 07, 2027

    On the Steps of Montesquieu
    
    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.
    
    DISCOVERY Join a delicious onboard Bordeaux wine experience while sailing to Pauillac with a presentation by a world-class wine sommelier.
    
    This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your Suite Ship®.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PAUILLAC
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
17. Day 17
    CUSSAC FORT MÉDOC

    Thu, Apr 08, 2027

    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 Join a guided tour to discover the culture and traditions of the southern Médoc region at one of Margaux' beautiful château and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Take a scenic drive through the famed Médoc wine country and enjoy a tasting of wonderful wines, featuring Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
    
    This evening, enjoy a brief sailing to Blaye.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BLAYE
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
18. Day 18
    BLAYE–BOURG

    Fri, Apr 09, 2027

    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.
    
    Enjoy a 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, Apr 10, 2027

    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.
    
    DISCOVERY Onboard lecture about WWII hosted by a history expert.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LIBOURNE
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
20. Day 20
    BORDEAUX

    Sun, Apr 11, 2027

    Bordeaux Sights, Bikes, and Bites
    
    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.
    
    Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
21. Day 21
    BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO ARCACHON’S BAY

    Mon, Apr 12, 2027

    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, Apr 13, 2027

    Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
    
    (B)