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France, Uncorked: The Rhone, The Seine & Bordeaux with 2 Nights in French Riviera 2025
24 Day River Cruise French Riviera to Bordeaux
Tour Description:
The timeless charms of France flow freely on this French river cruise vacation brimming with breathtaking views and vibrant history. Begin with two nights on the French Riviera to explore the Mediterranean treasures before sailing on the resplendent Rhône River. Visit 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!
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Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & Sightseeing| Day 1 French Riviera: | Welcome to France |
| Day 2 French Riviera: | Guided tour |
| Day 3 French Riviera–Arles (Embarkation): | Transfer to the ship; onboard welcome reception |
| Day 4 Arles: | Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, or painting workshop, or walk with your Adventure Host |
| Day 5 Avignon: | Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes |
| Day 6 Viviers: | Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral or walk with your Adventure Host |
| Day 7 Tain l’Hermitage: | Choice of guided walk in Tournon or hike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 8 Lyon: | Guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill |
| Day 9 Tournus–Chalon-sur-Saône: | Chardonnay excursion with tasting; Cheese tasting on board |
| Day 10 Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Dijon–Paris (Embarkation): | Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; TGV train from Dijon to Paris; onboard welcome reception |
| Day 11 Vernon–Les Andelys: | Choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle or walk with your Adventure Host; choice of guided walk, or guided hike in Les Andelys; crêpes tasting on board and Pastry Demonstration |
| Day 12 Caudebec: | Choice of excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 13 Caudebec: | Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches, or Normandy excursion |
| Day 14 Rouen: | Choice of guided walk, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral or bike tour |
| Day 15 Conflans–Paris: | Choice of guided excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 16 Paris: | Choice of guided sightseeing or “Heart of Paris” walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host |
| Day 17 Paris (Disembarkation)–Bordeaux (Embarkation): | Transfer to Bordeaux; onboard welcome reception |
| Day 18 Cadillac-sur-Garonne: | Wine introduction; Choice of guided visit to Château de la Brède or Sauternes tasting in a local wine estate |
| Day 19 Cussac Fort Médoc–Blaye: | Choice of wine tasting in a Médoc-area wine estate or e-bike guided tour in the vineyards |
| Day 20 Blaye-Bourg: | Choice of Panoramic drive with visit to the Citadel of Blaye or art and wine experience or power walk with Adventure Host; orientation walk in Bourg |
| Day 21 Libourne-Bordeaux: | Choice of Libourne walking tour, visit to Saint-Émilion village or visit to Saint-Émilion village with wine tasting |
| Day 22 Bordeaux: | Pastry demonstration; choice of guided walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 23 Bordeaux: | Choice of guided visit to Arcachon with oysters tasting, guided tour to La Cité du Vin or biking with your Adventure Host |
| Day 24 Bordeaux (Disembarkation): | Your vacation ends this morning |
Notes:
•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.
•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.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
FRENCH RIVIERA Welcome to France!
Enjoy free time to discover the beauty of the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.
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Day 2
FRENCH RIVIERA The Queen of the French Riviera
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city—an area which has changed little since the 1700s.
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Breakfast
BreakfastDay 3
FRENCH RIVIERA–ARLES (EMBARKATION) Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Join a motorcoach transfer to board your Avalon Suite Ship®.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
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Day 4
ARLES 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 that inspired the works of Vincent van Gogh.
Take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine before sailing to Avignon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 5
AVIGNON 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 6
VIVIERS 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 7
TAIN L’HERMITAGE 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 8
LYON 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 9
TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 10
CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION) BEAUNE–DIJON–PARIS (EMBARKATION) 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
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Day 11
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
*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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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 12
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 13
CAUDEBEC. EXCURSIONS 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 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 14
ROUEN 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 15
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
*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.
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 16
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 17
PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–BORDEAUX (EMBARKATION) 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*
*Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.
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Day 18
CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE* 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
*Sailing to Cadillac-sur-Garonne pending tides and water levels. Alternative motorcoach transportation for today’s excursions provided.
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 19
CUSSAC FORT MÉDOC 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 20
BLAYE–BOURG 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 21
LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILION 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.
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 22
BORDEAUX 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 23
BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO ARCACHON’S BAY 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 24
BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
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Accommodations
Accommodations| Nice | Bordeaux |
Le Meridien Nice
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
1, Promenade Des Anglais Nice Cedex 1 France
With a "touch of chic" inspired by the timeless elegance of the Côte d'Azur, Le Méridien Nice is an authentic jewel located facing the Mediterranean Sea on world famous Promenade des Anglais. It is a few steps from the pedestrian area with its many fashion boutique, shops, restaurants, and bars. The Old Town is also within walking distance. Discover signature cocktails at the bar or enjoy a tasty dinner inspired by the region on the panoramic rooftop restaurant while watching the sunset. Relax in the heated outdoor pool or exercise in the fitness centre. Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access is provided. The refined and exotic interior design inspired by the Golden Sixties gives each of the 318 guestrooms a unique sun-drenched style featuring soft Mediterranean blue and sandy beige shades. Fully air conditioned rooms include a flat-screen TV with international channels, coffee/tea maker facilities, in-room safe, minibar, iron and ironing board, and free wireless high speed internet access.
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
1, Promenade Des Anglais Nice Cedex 1 France
With a "touch of chic" inspired by the timeless elegance of the Côte d'Azur, Le Méridien Nice is an authentic jewel located facing the Mediterranean Sea on world famous Promenade des Anglais. It is a few steps from the pedestrian area with its many fashion boutique, shops, restaurants, and bars. The Old Town is also within walking distance. Discover signature cocktails at the bar or enjoy a tasty dinner inspired by the region on the panoramic rooftop restaurant while watching the sunset. Relax in the heated outdoor pool or exercise in the fitness centre. Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access is provided. The refined and exotic interior design inspired by the Golden Sixties gives each of the 318 guestrooms a unique sun-drenched style featuring soft Mediterranean blue and sandy beige shades. Fully air conditioned rooms include a flat-screen TV with international channels, coffee/tea maker facilities, in-room safe, minibar, iron and ironing board, and free wireless high speed internet access.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
