Cruise - Creativity & Scenery, Grand France ex Paris to Cote d'Azur
Journey
14 Night Cruise sailing from Paris to Arles aboard Avalon Creativity and Avalon Scenery. 1 night stay post-cruise in Nice.
Ship
Avalon Creativity (More about the ship)
Departure Date
23-Apr-2013
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Itinerary
Cruise Itinerary
Day
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
Day 1 23 Apr 13 Paris, France Embark Creativity Day 2 24 Apr 13 Paris, France Day 3 25 Apr 13 Paris, France Day 3 25 Apr 13 Conflans-Ste-Honorine, France Day 4 26 Apr 13 Vernon, France Day 5 27 Apr 13 Rouen, France Day 6 28 Apr 13 Rouen, France Day 7 29 Apr 13 Les Andelys, France Day 8 30 Apr 13 Paris, France Disembark Creativity Day 8 30 Apr 13 Chalon-sur-Saone, France Embark Scenery Day 9 1 May 13 Tournus, France Day 9 1 May 13 Macon, France Day 10 2 May 13 Lyon, France Day 11 3 May 13 Lyon, France Day 12 4 May 13 Tournon, France Day 12 4 May 13 Viviers, France Day 13 5 May 13 Avignon, France Day 14 6 May 13 Arles, France Day 15 7 May 13 Arles, France Disembark Scenery Day 15 7 May 13 Nice, France Hotel Day 16 8 May 13 Nice, France
** Itinerary may vary by sailing date -
Your cruise in detail
14 Night Cruise sailing from Paris to Arles aboard Avalon Creativity and Avalon Scenery. 1 night stay post-cruise in Nice.
This splendid holiday showcases France's exciting scenery, history, and culture as you sail along its beautiful rivers. Embark in Paris and head northwest along the Seine River up to the picturesque Normandy region. Dock at Conflans and choose between a guided excursion to Vincent van Gogh's Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine's elegant Château de Malmaison. Next up: your choice of a guided visit of Claude Monet's stunning gardens at Giverny or remarkable Bizy Castle. On to Joan of Arc's historic Rouen, where you choose between an included excursion to the poignant Normandy landing beaches or a fascinating "Taste of Normandy." Continue to Les Andelys-home of Château Gaillard, built by England's King Richard the Lionheart in 1196-and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town on your own. Return to Paris, where you'll disembark and travel south to fascinating Beaune for a wine tasting. In Chalon-sur-Saone, board your second cruise ship and sail on to medieval Tournus, Mâcon, the twin cities of Tournon and Tain l'Hermitage, Viviers, Avignon, and Arles as well as France's gastronomic capital of Lyon, where you have time to explore this fascinating city. Your holiday ends with an overnight on the stunning Cote d'Azur.
Day 1 Arrive in Paris, France (Embarkation)
(Tue.) Welcome to Paris, France's capital on the River Seine, the "City of Light," where romance fills the air. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)
Day 2 Paris
(Wed.) Paris' famous sights are living history. Included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, Champs Elysees, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife, including some of the world's most famous cabaret shows. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 Paris-Conflans
(Thu.) After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning on the Sky Deck as your ship slips its moorings and glides gently down the River Seine, passing through suburban Paris. This afternoon, dock at Conflans-and now the choice is yours: either join our guided excursion to AUVERS-SUR-OISE, the quaint little town where Vincent Van Gogh lived and died, or Napoleon and Josephine's CHNTEAU de MALMAISON just outside Paris. Requiring extensive renovations, this large country estate was purchased by Josephine Bonaparte in 1799 while Napoleon was fighting in Egypt. It was her aim to make it "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe, a model of good cultivation." (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 Vernon
(Fri.) This morning, choose between a guided visit of Claude Monet's house and stunning gardens at GIVERNY or a visit of BIZY CASTLE with its magnificent courtyard. There's still time to stroll through this delightful city on your own before your ship departs for Rouen. Relax on board this afternoon or take your pick of a number of optional excursions on offer. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 Rouen
(Sat.) Rouen is the capital of Upper Normandy and an important commercial city, perhaps best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, who lived, was imprisoned, and burned at the stake in the marketplace of this town in 1431. Enjoy the guided walk through the medieval quarter with its half-timbered, glazed-tile houses, and the Gros Horloge, an intricate Astronomical Clock dating back to the 16th century. The splendid gothic CATHEDRAL was once the tallest building in the world and the subject of a series of Claude Monet's paintings. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own, or you can join an optional excursion to the pretty coastal town of Honfleur or to the busy port city of Le Havre with its contemporary architecture. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Rouen
(Sun.) Make your choice today of an included excursion to the historic NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES-with poignant sites such as Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery-or a "TASTE OF NORMANDY" for a more in-depth look at this picturesque, mainly agricultural region. The most important products are dairy, apples, and grain. Camembert cheese is a specialty, as is Calvados, a strong apple brandy. Thoroughbred horses are also reared here. (B,L,D )
Day 7 Les Andelys
(Mon.) The most dramatic sight along the Seine is imposing Château Gaillard at Les Andelys. Built by England's King Richard the Lionheart in 1196, the château is truly a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. Explore on your own and enjoy this last day in France in this delightful small town. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)-BEAUNE-CHALON-SUR-SAONE (EMBARKATION), TOURNUS.
After breakfast today, bid farewell to the crew of the Avalon Creativity and head south into Burgundy. Beaune owes its wealth to the production, aging, and selling of fine wines. Its most famous historical site, the Hotel-Dieu charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgement and is one of France's architectural highlights. Enjoy a TASTING of Burgundy wines before continuing to Chalon-sur-Saone, where you'll board the Avalon Scenery. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception as your ship departs for Tournus. (B,D)
Day 9 TOURNUS-MACON.
After breakfast, a local expert will show you the highlights of this delightful town, tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy. Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, with a superb ABBEY, St. Philibert, part of which dates back to the 10th century. There's free time to stroll through the quaint streets or to explore the arts and crafts shops near the abbey. After lunch, your ship departs for Macon, a city with a rich history and which plays an important role in the wine trade. A choice of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, is available. (B,L,D)
Day 10 BEAUJOLAIS REGION-LYON.
Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising on the Rhone. Lyon is France's second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city's prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and much renaissance architecture delight the visitor. Survey the city from Fourviere Hill and explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its maze of medieval alleyways, Place des Terreaux, and the beautiful Place Bellecour. Beaujolais is the wine of the region and wine connoisseurs will know that the grapes must be hand picked. Tradition dictates that the "Beaujolais Nouveau" is tasted for the first time on the third Thursday of November each year. (B,L,D)
Day 11 LYON.
A free day in this fascinating city to explore at leisure. Early risers might like to visit the local produce market. Your Cruise Director will have plenty of suggestions for things to do. (B,L,D)
Day 12 TOURNON/TAIN L'HERMITAGE-VIVIERS.
The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l'Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the River Rhone and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Charming Viviers developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL, and the OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (B,L,D)
Day 13 AVIGNON.
Avignon, also referred to as the "City of Popes," was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, and is dominated by the grandiose PALACE OF THE POPES. Optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape are available this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 14 CAMARGUE-ARLES.
During the night your ship will have sailed to Port St. Louis on the mouth of the Rhone. If you are an early riser, you might like to watch the sun come up over the Camargue, and then take in the tranquil scenes as you sail through this nature park toward Arles during breakfast. On arrival in Arles, the capital of the Provence region, located on the northern tip of the Camargue, a local expert will show you the city. Take in sights such as the church of St. Trophime; "Les Alyscamps," the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road; and visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. This afternoon, there is free time to relax or join an optional excursion. (B,L,D)
Day 15 ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)-COTE D-AZUR.
After breakfast, a comfortable motorcoach ride takes you to the Cote d'Azur for a last night in France. Also known as the French Riviera, the Cote d'Azur stretches along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the Italian border. (B)
Day 16 COTE D'AZUR.
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B) -
Travel dates
*Terms and Conditions
Offer subject to availability at time of booking. Prices are per person share twin based on best available cruise fare, inclusive of all discounts unless otherwise stated and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations and are based on cash or cheque. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry.
