Set sail on your Seine River cruise and sail to Vernon with your choice of a visit to Claude Monet’s Giverny or Bizy Castle, nicknamed “Normandy’s Versailles. In Caudebec, take an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, or select an excursion for a traditional “Taste of Normandy.” Visit Joan of Arc’s Rouen, then choose between a visit to Vincent Van Gogh’s Auver-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison. Return to Paris for your choice of sight-seeing in the “City of Light”—discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour to see the iconic landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more . Board a high-speed train bound for Dijon, and transfer to Beaune to embark on your second Avalon Suite Ship in Chalon-sur-Saône. A Certified Sommelier will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.

Cruise to Tournus for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar. In Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture, take a culinary walk and enjoy a tour to Beaujolais, the famous wine of the region. In Tournon, enjoy a guided walk with a wine-and-chocolate tasting or a walk in the vineyards. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world– and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. Situated on the Rhône River, Arles is famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. As a perfect finale to your French river cruise holiday, spend 2 nights on the French Riviera along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea.

About Certified Sommeliers

Seldom do travellers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honoured to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!

Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.