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French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux 2025
15 Day River Cruise Paris to Bordeaux
Tour Description:
On this resplendent river cruise through France, you’ll be wined, dined, and wowed by breathtaking views and so much to do in the charming and historic locales of France. Sail along the Seine River to the picturesque Normandy region. In Vernon, choose between two exciting, guided visits—Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the beautiful Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” Join in an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. In Rouen, take a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the Gothic Rouen Cathedral. Before saying bonjour to the beautiful Seine River, spend time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of the city’s rich history or take a tour highlighting the iconic landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Transfer to your Suite Ship® in Bordeaux, the capital of the splendid Nouvelle-Aquitaine region—famed for its legendary vineyards and lovely villages. Cruise through one of France’s most exquisite regions and be carried away by your choice of Avalon’s included Classic, Active, or Discovery excursions—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 Arachon—the world is your oyster on this adventure in la belle vie of Bordeaux!
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Dates & Pricing
| Monday 21 Apr 25 — Tuesday 06 May 25 | Starting at $8,898 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 19 May 25 — Tuesday 03 Jun 25 | Starting at $9,198 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 26 May 25 — Tuesday 10 Jun 25 | Starting at $9,098 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 23 Jun 25 — Tuesday 08 Jul 25 | Starting at $8,498 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 07 Jul 25 — Tuesday 22 Jul 25 | Starting at $8,398 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
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.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & Sightseeing| Day 1 Paris (Embarkation): | Onboard welcome reception |
| Day 2 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; onboard crêpe tasting and Pastry Demonstration |
| Day 3 Caudebec: | Choice of excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 4 Caudebec: | Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches or Normandy excursion |
| Day 5 Rouen: | Choice of guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral or bike tour |
| Day 6 Conflans: | Choice of excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise or excursion to Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 7 Paris: | Choice of guided sightseeing or historic sights of the ‘Heart of Paris’ walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host |
| Day 8 Paris (Disembarkation)–Bordeaux (Embarkation): | Transfer to Bordeaux; onboard welcome reception |
| Day 9 Cadillac-sur-Garonne: | Wine introduction; Choice of guided visit to Château de la Brède or Sauternes tasting in a local wine estate |
| Day 10 Cussac Fort Médoc–Blaye: | Choice of wine tasting in a Médoc-area wine estate or e-bike guided tour in the vineyards |
| Day 11 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 12 Libourne–Bordeaux: | Choice of Libourne walking tour, visit to Saint-Émilion village or visit to Saint-Émilion village with wine tasting |
| Day 13 Bordeaux: | Pastry demonstration; choice of guided walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 14 Bordeaux: | Choice of guided visit to Arcachon with oysters tasting or guided tour to La Cité du Vin or biking with your Adventure Host |
| Day 15 Bordeaux (Disembarkation): | Your cruise 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.•Departure April 15th will operate the cruise portion from Paris to Paris in a revised order: Day 1 Paris, Day 2 Paris, Day 3 Conflans, Day 4 Les Andelys-Rouen, Day 5 Caudebec, Day 6 Caudebec. Normandy excursions, Day 7 Vernon. From day 8 back to regular schedule.
•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.•Departure April 15th will operate the cruise portion from Paris to Paris in a revised order: Day 1 Paris, Day 2 Paris, Day 3 Conflans, Day 4 Les Andelys-Rouen, Day 5 Caudebec, Day 6 Caudebec. Normandy excursions, Day 7 Vernon. From day 8 back to regular schedule.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 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
PARIS-CROISSANT.jpg
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
*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
VERNON.jpg
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 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
CAUDEBEC.jpg
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 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 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
NORMANDY-OMAHA-BEACH.jpg
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 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
ROUEN.jpg
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 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
*Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month and on 21st September. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly
CONFLANS.jpg
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 8
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.
BORDEAUX_CITY.jpg
Day 9
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.
CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE.jpg
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 10
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
CUSSAC FORT MEDOC_BIKING.jpg
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 11
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
BLAYE_CITADEL.jpg
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 12
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, 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
SAINT-EMILION.jpg
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 13
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
BORDEAUX_PLACE DE LA BOURSE.jpg
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 14
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
ARCACHONS BAY_OYSTERS.jpg
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 15
BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
BORDEAUX_CORKS.jpg
Accommodations
Accommodations| Paris | Bordeaux |
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
18,Avenue De Suffren Paris France
Enjoying an unbeatable location next to the iconic Eiffel Tower, this 456-room sleek, modern hotel offers free Wi-Fi internet access throughout and has a California-inspired Brasserie with open kitchen and stylish wine bar. Other amenities include a large gym on the 9th floor with panoramic rooftop vistas.
Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
18,Avenue De Suffren Paris France
Enjoying an unbeatable location next to the iconic Eiffel Tower, this 456-room sleek, modern hotel offers free Wi-Fi internet access throughout and has a California-inspired Brasserie with open kitchen and stylish wine bar. Other amenities include a large gym on the 9th floor with panoramic rooftop vistas.
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.
