Compare Grand France (Southbound) by Avalon Waterways vs A picturesque wine tour in Paris, Burgundy & Provence by Paris-Toujours

Day 1: PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

Welcome 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 starting your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Light 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 VERNON

(Dinner)

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Day 2: VERNON

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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

*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.

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Day 3: CAUDEBEC

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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 4: CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY

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 Taste of Normandy” Guided Tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry, visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados at a local distillery.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 5: ROUEN

The Cathedral of Our Lady 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—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 6: CONFLANS

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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

*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.

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Day 7: PARIS

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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 8: PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–DIJON–BEAUNE–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (EMBARKATION)

Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.

CLASSIC Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement.

This afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship®.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS

(Breakfast,Dinner)

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Day 9: TOURNUS

Pearl of Southern Burgundy

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

CLASSIC Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town.

Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or to the Castle of Cormatin.

DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRÉVOUX

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 10: LYON

La Vie En Rose in Lyon

Sail for lovely Lyon this morning.

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 with its numerous churches from Fourvière Hill. 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.

DISCOVERY Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board your ship.

Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 11: LYON

Adventures in Food and Wine

CLASSIC Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why it is known as the gastronomic capital of France.

The rest of your day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France’s third largest city. Take a bike from the ship and explore local produce markets and parks, or take a leisurely tour of the city’s more than 100 murals.

EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 12: TOURNON

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

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.

Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.

VIVIERS

World History in a Charming French Country Village

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.

Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 13: AVIGNON

The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

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 onboard live entertainment.

EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 14: ARLES

Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights

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 advantage of any free time with a stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine to relax and watch the world go by.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 15: ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.

(Breakfast)

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Day 1: Arrival day

Start of your wine touring in France experience as you arrive at the airport : welcome and transfer to your hotel in the center of Paris by your private driver. Free time to relax and wander in the lively streets around your hotel. Late afternoon, you will be picked-up at your hotel and transferred to a century-old cellar in the heart of Paris for a private wine tasting experience paired with regional produces. A nice introduction to the French wine regions diversity.

Day 2: Introduction to Paris

After breakfast, meet your private guide for an introduction of Paris with a walking tour on the Islands (Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint-Louis). Your guide will introduce Paris’ history while walking in front of many famous monuments. You will start with the Ile de La Cité where the Sainte-Chapelle was built to protect the relics of the Christ. You will also be able to see  the gothic jewel, Notre-Dame Cathedral, dated from the 12th century.

Day 3: Day tour to Versailles & Monet's gardens

After breakfast, get picked up by your chauffeur and your guide for a private day tour to Versailles and Giverny. You will begin your day by visiting the Palace of Versailles. Along the visit discover its beautiful rooms of the King’s apartments and the spectacular gardens. After a lunch in Versailles you will continue your day with the visit of Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny before returning to your hotel in Paris.

Day 4: Parisian market tour & Eiffel Tower

After breakfast, you will have a 2-hour market tour in the 17th arrondissement. This Parisian market is located on the North-west of Paris and you’ll meet Parisians doing their daily shopping. You’ll be able to discover fresh produces as well as gourmet shops.

In the afternoon, self-visit the Eiffel Tower to the top floor with skip-the-line access. Take time to admire the breathtaking view over Paris.

Day 5: Walking tour in Le Marais

After breakfast your guide will pick you up for a walking tour in Le Marais. This neighborhood will impress you with its architecture with numerous private mansions (“hotels particuliers”) dating from when Henri IV made this an aristocratic neighborhood. It’s also a very lively districts with lots of restaurants and shops.

In the afternoon you’ll be driven to the train station and you’ll take your train to Dijon in Burgundy. You chauffeur will drive you to your hotel located in the heart of the old city of Dijon. A great way to admire the French countryside.

Day 6: Wine tour in Burgundy vineyards

Today you will have a private wine tour through the Burgundy vineyards. In the heart of beautiful landscapes, you will discover the Grands Crus wine road from Dijon to Meursault. You will be introduced to the Côtes de Nuits and Côtes de Beaune to discover prestigious wineries and to taste the great wines of Burgundy after an instructive walk in Gevrey-Chambertin vineyards. This private wine touring in France experience will be the opportunity to learn about the ‘climats’ of Burgundy, the soil specifics, and taste Grands Crus in centuries-old properties.

Day 7: Free day in Dijon

Enjoy a free day discovering the city of Dijon. You could for example follow the owl “Chouette” circuit to discover all the cultural gems of the city, and taste the local specialties such as the authentic Dijon mustard or the ginger bread at Mullot-Petitjean.

Day 8: Journey to Avignon

This morning you will take the train to Avignon. After checking-in at your charming B&B located in the heart of the old city of Avignon, take time to discover the narrow and cobbled streets bordered by somptuous 18th century private mansions. The Palace of the Popes, the biggest gothic palace in the world listed by UNESCO, is also a must see.

Day 9: Wine tour around the Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyards

After breakfast your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel for a private tour through the Côtes-du-Rhône vineyards. You will visit some wine estates located in the most famous wine areas such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras and Gigondas where you’ll be able to taste different wines. Amongst the different wineries you’ll discover gorgeous small Provencal villages like Seguret. This tasting day will be another wine touring in France experience to understand each region vineyards culture and cepages.

Day 10: Lavender fields & Luberon villages

Today you will discover the small villages of the Luberon. Some of them are classified as “the most beautiful villages in France”. You could discover Gordes which is a gorgeous perched village and the Abbey de Senanque which is surrounded by lavender fields. Another village that you will visit is Roussillon, a little village perched on an ochre cliff.

Day 11: Free time in Avignon and Farewell France

Enjoy some free time today to stroll around Avignon old town, have a lunch on a terrace at the feet of the Palace of Popes or on a small square facing a gothic church. During the day you will be transferred to the train station and you will take the high-speed train from Avignon to Paris and be transfered by chauffeur to CDG airport to spend the night before taking your flight on the next day