French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux (wwii History)
15 Days
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. You’ll sail from Paris to Vernon with your choice of two included excursions—a guided visit to master impressionist Claude Monet’s home and gardens at Giverny, or a guided tour of the remarkable Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” You’ll sail through the picturesque and historic landscapes of Normandy, with the choice to visit the historic sites of the famed WWII landing beaches, and moving monuments to Allied forces, or you may explore the farming region for a “Taste of Normandy.”
In Rouen, site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom, take a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the Gothic Rouen Cathedral—once the tallest building in the world. From Conflans, join in an excursion to the quaint and inspiring town of Auvers-Sur-Oise—inspired setting for several famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh—or visit Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison. Your Seine River cruise returns to Paris with more time to explore the romantic city. Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour to see its iconic landmarks, including the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more, or take a tour focused on WWII and visit the museum of Les Invalides.
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!
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.
In Rouen, site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom, take a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the Gothic Rouen Cathedral—once the tallest building in the world. From Conflans, join in an excursion to the quaint and inspiring town of Auvers-Sur-Oise—inspired setting for several famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh—or visit Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison. Your Seine River cruise returns to Paris with more time to explore the romantic city. Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour to see its iconic landmarks, including the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more, or take a tour focused on WWII and visit the museum of Les Invalides.
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!
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.
Priced From:
$ 16201pp *
Start Location: Paris, France
End Location: Bordeaux, France
Major Destinations: Blaye ,Bordeaux,Cussac Fort Medoc,Garonne,Saint Emilion,Wine Tasting,Rouen
Breakfast Meals Included:
14
Lunch Meals Included:
12
Dinner Meals Included:
14
Itinerary
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 cafe au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON (D)
Day
2
VERNON
Monet's Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crepes du Jour
Visit the Adventure Centre 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 crepes, followed by an onboard history presentation.
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 Chateau 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 (B,L,D)
Day
3
CAUDEBEC
Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a guided excursion to a V-1 flying bomb launch site, 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.
DISCOVERY Onboard lecture about WWII hosted by your history expert.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC (B,L,D)
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 centre, and the Beny-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 (B,L,D)
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:
DISCOVERY Join a Guide Tour to visit Dieppe, where Operation Jubilee (Dieppe Raid) took place during WWII, 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.
DISCOVERY Onboard history lecture hosted by your history expert.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS (B,L,D)
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 Chateau de Malmaison*-home of Napoleon 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 (B,L,D)
* Chateau de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Chateau de Chantilly
Day
7
PARIS
Cafes, 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:
DISCOVERY Take a WWII tour of Paris which will include a visit to the museum of Les Invalides, dedicated to the Ordre de la Liberation which was created in 1940 by General Charles de Gaulle, leader of the Free French Forces, OR:
CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Ile de la Cite, 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, Opera Garnier, and the famous Champs-Elysees.
Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary cafe on the Left Bank.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS (B,L,D)
Day
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 (B,D)
*Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.
Day
9
CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE
On the Steps of Montesquieu
CLASSIC Take a guided tour of Chateau de la Brede-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 chateau. 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 (B,L,D)
*Sailing to Cadillac-sur-Garonne pending tides and water levels. Alternative motorcoach transportation for today's excursions provided.
Day
10
CUSSAC FORT MEDOC
Bikes, Vines, and Wines
This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort Medoc
Visit the Adventure Centre 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 Guided Visit to an historic Chateau in the Medoc area 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 (B,L,D)
Day
11
BLAYE-BOURG
Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive
Ask your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
CLASSIC Take a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting.
Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg. Enjoy free time to explore this storybook village or join an optional guided excursion to learn how the Fine Champagne of Cognac is made while enjoying a Remy Martin tasting.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG (B,L,D)
Day
12
LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-EMILION
The Village Amid the Vineyards
CLASSIC Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Emilion-a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes.
Later, sail Bordeaux.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX (B,L,D)
Day
13
BORDEAUX
Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights.
This afternoon, consider an optional guided excursion to Les Bassins des Lumieres for a breathtaking visit to the submarine base where art and music surround you in an immersive experience.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX (B,L,D)
Day
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 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX (B,L,D)
Day
15
BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Dates & prices
Dates
Prices
Status
Departure Date :
2026-06-02
Return Date :
2026-06-16
Single :
24435 NZD
Twin :
16201 NZD
Open