Duration: 9 Days
With a delicious menu of culturally immersive experiences, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise on the Seine serves up joie de vivre at every port. History meets happiness as you decide how to savour the castles, croissants, châteaux, and chèvre of fabulous France from Paris to Normandy.
Our wide array of Classic, Discovery, and Active excursions puts you in the driver’s seat of your holiday – whether that’s a bicycle seat, canoe 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. 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 holiday when you:
- Say “oui” and “whee” on a bicycle tour through the heart of Paris.
- Paddle a canoe 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.
And be moved.
Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:
- Whip up sweet Chantilly cream with the culinary experts at the even sweeter Chantilly Castle.
- 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.
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.
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 embarking on your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Lights today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and cafe au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS (D)
Cafes, Cathedrals, and Canvases-The City of Lights Truly Shines
ACTIVE 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 want to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles.
Alternatively, stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary cafe on the Left Bank.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CONFLANS (B,L,D)
Walk in the 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 Chateau de Maisons-Lafitte where you will enjoy a special snack, OR:
DISCOVERY Travel to the Chantilly Castle on your own where the experts of the Confrerie des Chevaliers Fouetteurs de creme Chantilly will show you how to prepare your own Chantilly cream, 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 Chateau de Malmaison-home of Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.
Enjoy an afternoon sailing to Vernon.
This evening, enjoy onboard live entertainment after dinner.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VERNON (B,L,D)
Monet's Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crepes du Jour
ACTIVE Spend a fun and active day kayaking. Join an expert guide and paddle your way through areas accessible only by water, OR:
DISCOVERY 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 Explore the picturesque town of Vernon with a leisurely Guided Tour through its marvelous medieval streets on the banks of the Seine River, OR:
DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crepes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.
This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.
LES ANDELYS
Serenity on the Seine's Most Beautiful Riverbends
ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Chateau Gaillard-historic home of King Richard the Lionheart and a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, OR:
DISCOVERY Visit one of 'most beautiful villages of France' situated in a beautiful forested setting in Normandy. Afterwards discover the legends of the haunted Abbey de Mortemere, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys-one of France's most picturesque spots on the Seine. Visit the Saint Sauveur's Church of Le Petit Andely.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship while sailing to Rouen.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN (B,L,D)
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France
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 or to join one of our Optional Excursions.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN (B,L,D)
Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions
DISCOVERY Join a 'Day in Normandy' tour with a Local Guide to trace the steps of William the Conqueror, King Henry IV, and Queen Marie de' Medici. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados, 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 centre, and the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LE HAVRE (B,L,D)
20th Century Architecture and White Cliffs of Normandy
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Explore the city as only a local would: by bicycle. Cycle up to the quartier Saint Francois, OR:
DISCOVERY Travel to Fecamp to visit the Palais Benedictine where the world-famous Benedictine liquor is made. Enjoy a short Self-Guided Tour followed by a cocktail workshop focused on the famous liquor, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour to Le Havre and discover the modern architecture of its city centre, rebuilt by Auguste Perret and part of the World Heritage of Humanity.
This afternoon, you may want to choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LE HAVRE (B,L,D)
Au Revoir, River Seine. Bonjour, Paris!
Bid farewell to your ship's crew and take a transfer to Paris. Take time to linger in a sidewalk cafe, shop for mementos, or take photographs of the city's picturesque bridges. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
