RIVER CRUISE ESCAPE | Discover the Beauty of France from Côte d’Azur to Paris on an elegant exploration

July 1, 2012 ESCAPE No Comments

Board this unique River Cruise experience, as you glide through France’s breathtaking scenery, immerse yourself in its rich history, and explore the incredible variety that France has to offer.

Travel on the 16-day journey from Côte d’Azur to Paris aboard the Avalon Scenery ship. Accommodating only 138 passengers in an elegant, contemporary design, the Avalon Scenery also offers deluxe staterooms and suites – most with floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors and French balconies – with all the comforts you’d want and expect on a vacation to France.

The adventure begins with an overnight on the French Riviera, also known as the Cote d’Azur. Then travel to Port St. Louis to board your ship and sail north up the scenic Rhône and Saône Rivers. Along the way, explore Arles, Avignon, delightful Viviers, medieval Tournon, charming Vienne, France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as Mâcon, Tournus, Chalon-sur-Saône, and fascinating Beaune.

In Paris, embark your second cruise ship and spend two overnights in Paris and visit some of the famous sites of the city. Then begin your journey along the Seine River into the picturesque Normandy region. Choose between a guided excursion to Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s elegant Château de Malmaison. A guided visit of Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or magnificent Bizy Castle is not to be missed. Afterwards, on to Joan of Arc’s historic Rouen, where you choose between an included excursion to Normandy’s historic landing beaches or an interesting “Taste of Normandy.” Continue to Les Andelys, home of dramatic Château Gaillard, with free time to explore on your own. Finally, the ship returns to Paris, where guests will have a final tasty breakfast for the conclusion of this enchanting cruise escape.

Rates starting from $5,979.00 per person.

Itinerary Highlights:

CRUISE:  Deluxe 14-night cruise from Port St. Louis to Chalon-sur-Saône and Paris to Paris in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

PORT ST. LOUIS:  Welcome reception

ARLES: The capital of the Provence and was once known as the “Little Rome of Gaul.” Guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheater. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the special light of the Provence and spent a very productive year in Arles.

AVIGNON: The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence. Also referred to as the “City of Popes,” it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, and the city landscape is dominated by the grandiose Palace of the Popes.

VIVIERS: The charming town of Viviers was developed around its Romanesque Cathedral, and the Old Town has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.

LYON:   Lyon is France’s second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and much renaissance architecture delight the visitor. Survey the city from Fourvière Hill; explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its maze of medieval alleyways; Place des Terreaux, and beautiful Place Bellecour. Guided sightseeing and picture stop on Fourvière Hill

BEAUNE: Head for the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area, which produces the Burgundy region’s finest vintages. Its most famous historical site, the Hôtel-Dieu charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement and is one of France’s architectural highlights.

PARIS:  Welcome reception; guided sightseeing, the 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, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age.

CONFLANS:  Choice of guided excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise or Château de Malmaison   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 CHÂTEAU de MALMAISON just outside Paris.

VERNON:  Choice of guided excursions to Giverny, where you can visit Claude Monet’s house and stunning gardens at Giverny or Bizy Castle; plus an onboard pastry-making demonstration.

ROUEN:   Rouen is the capital of Upper Normandy and is best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, who lived and died in the marketplace of this town in 1431. Enjoy the guided walk through the medieval quarter and the Gros Horloge, an intricate Astronomical Clock dating back to the 16th century. Choice of excursion between the historic Normandy Landing Beaches—or a “Taste Of Normandy” for a more in-depth look at this picturesque, mainly agricultural region.

LES ANDELYS: 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.

Amenities include:

Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs
Sightseeing with a Certified Local Guide
Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
Room service available featuring Continental breakfast and beverages
Internet Corner
Fitness Center
Hair salon (manicures available)
Lounges and upscale bar serving premium spirits
Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees
Biking excursions available in Lyon
Relax and enjoy onboard movie nights
Alternate dining experience with local specialties and lighter fare in the Panorama Bistro
Complimentary maps and use of Nordic walking sticks
Culture & Cruise onboard experiences with local chefs, entertainers, artisans and experts
Full buffet breakfast in Côte d’Azur
Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a welcome reception, Captain’s reception and farewell dinner;
Quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner