Grand France with 2 Nights in Nice (Northbound) 2022
17 Day River Cruise Nice to Paris
Starting at $6,457
Destinations & Sightseeing
Itinerary and Meals
Accomodations
800.528.9300
This incredible European river cruise highlighting the best of France is certainly grand! Begin your adventure in captivating Nice on the French Riviera. Cruise on the Rhône River to Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh—and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic-style fortress in the world. Take a guided walk through the city of Tournon, beautifully nestled among vineyards and a medieval treasure of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Visit Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. On your Seine River cruise, you’ll have the choice of seeing the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, the delightful Les Andelys, Joan of Arc’s Rouen, Vincent Van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise, or Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison. On this French river cruise, you’ll enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful views, and stops in the most charming parts of France. Your vacation in France would not be complete without a stay in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover its true heart on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour to see the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Walk in the footsteps of the great master artists, enjoy the delectable cuisine of France, and stand where heroes fought for freedom on the beaches of Normandy. This and so much more is waiting for you on your French cruise on the Seine!
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Destination & Sightseeing
| Day 1 Nice: | welcome to France |
| Day 2 Nice: | guided tour |
| Day 3 Nice–Port St. Louis (Embarkation): | transfer to the ship; onboard welcome reception |
| Day 4 Arles: | guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheatre |
| Day 5 Avignon: | guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes |
| Day 6 Cruising–Viviers: | guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral |
| Day 7 Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Vienne: | guided walk in Tournon; guided walk in Vienne |
| Day 8 Lyon: | guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill |
| Day 9 Cruising–St. Jean de Losne: | day at leisure; cheese tasting on board |
| Day 10 St. Jean de Losne (Disembarkation)–Beaune–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; choice of guided walk or guided hike in Les Andelys; onboard crêpe tasting and Pastry Demonstration |
| Day 12 Caudebec: | excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” |
| Day 13 Caudebec: | choice of full day excursions to Normandy landing beaches, or “A Taste of Normandy” excursion |
| Day 14 Rouen: | guided tour, see the Astronomical Clock and visit to the cathedral |
| Day 15 Conflans: | choice of excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise, or excursion to Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison |
| Day 16 Paris: | choice of guided sightseeing, or “Heart of Paris” walking tour to see Paris’ historic sights |
| Day 17 Paris (Disembarkation): | 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.
ITINERARY
Day 1
ACTIVE Grab a Nordic walking stick for a walk with your Adventure Host
Day 2
ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart
Day 3
ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser-known gems of Rouen on two wheels
Day 4
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
Day 5
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
Day 6
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
Day 7
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
Day 8
CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Vienne and discover this charming little town surrounded by steep hills
Day 9
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
Day 10
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
Day 11
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine, OR:
Day 12
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, OR:
Day 13
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
Day 14
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, OR:
Day 15
CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine
Day 16
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
Day 17
DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship
Day 18
DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration
Day 19
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
Day 20
Day 21
Day 22
Day 23
Day 24
Day 25
Day 26
Day 27
Day 28
Day 29
Day 30
Day 31
Day 32
Day 33
Day 34
Day 35
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning
Day 36
NICE
Day 37
NICE
Day 38
NICE–PORT ST. LOUIS (EMBARKATION)
Day 39
ARLES
Day 40
AVIGNON
Day 41
VIVIERS
Day 42
VIENNE
Day 43
LYON
Day 44
ST. JEAN DE LOSNE
Day 45
ST. JEAN DE LOSNE (DISEMBARKATION) BEAUNE–DIJON–PARIS (EMBARKATION)
Day 46
LES ANDELYS
Day 47
CAUDEBEC
Day 48
CAUDEBEC. NORMANDY EXCURSIONS
Day 49
ROUEN
Day 50
CONFLANS
Day 51
PARIS
Day 52
PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)
Day 53
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES
Day 54
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
Day 55
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
Day 56
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON
Day 57
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
Day 58
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ST. JEAN DE LOSNE
Day 59
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ST. JEAN DE LOSNE
Day 60
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON
Day 61
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
Day 62
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
Day 63
EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
Day 64
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS
Day 65
EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS
Day 66
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
Day 67
Breakfast
Day 68
BreakfastDinner
Day 69
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 70
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 71
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 72
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 73
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 74
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 75
BreakfastDinner
Day 76
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 77
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 78
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 79
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 80
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 81
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 82
Breakfast
Day 83 NICE
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
Day 84 NICE
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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 85 NICE–PORT ST. LOUIS (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Join a motorcoach transfer to board your Avalon Suite Ship.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast
DinnerDay 86 ARLES
Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host
ACTIVE Grab a Nordic walking stick for a walk with your Adventure Host.
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.
Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Carrières de Lumières (Cathedral of Images) a unique experience of art, sound, and light in the old quarries of Val d’Enfer.
Take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine, before sailing to Avignon
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 87 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.
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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 88 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 89 TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
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 late morning cruise to Vienne
VIENNE
Roman and Middle Age History
CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Vienne and discover this charming little town surrounded by steep hills.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 90 LYON
Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of France
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 ST. JEAN DE LOSNE
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 91 ST. JEAN DE LOSNE
Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône
Enjoy a leisurely cruising day along the majestic Saône River. 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.
Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ST. JEAN DE LOSNE
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 92 ST. JEAN DE LOSNE (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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 93 VERNON
Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour
Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.
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
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine, OR:
ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 94 CAUDEBEC
Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
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, OR:
This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 95 CAUDEBEC. NORMANDY EXCURSIONS
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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 96 ROUEN
The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France
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, OR:
ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser-known gems of Rouen on two wheels.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 97 CONFLANS
The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV
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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 98 PARIS
Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Lights
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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 99 PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Accommodations
| Nice | Paris |
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.
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