This fabulous river cruise combines time in France’s unparalleled capital of Paris with beautiful scenery along the Seine River and the picturesque and historical region of Normandy.
Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind—offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That's why we've designed a cruise experience that's just a bit different. Guests can enjoy some features and amenities when they experience on board of the Avalon ships.
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Day 01
Paris, France (Embarkation)
Bienvenue en France! Your Suite Ship® is ready for boarding. Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5pm. 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 Lights today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.
Meals included: Dinner (D)
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Day 02
Vernon
Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour. Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.
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 join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables. 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’s Most Beautiful Riverbends. Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine, or join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)
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Day 03
Caudebec
Churches, Cherry Orchards, and White Cliffs of Normandy. Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Jog in Normandy’s town of Caudebec.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 explore Boucles de la Seine Normande with a Guided Hike of Normandy’s vast regional nature park in a region rich in apple, plum, pear, and cherry orchards.
This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)
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Day 04
Caudebec - Excursion to Normandy
Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions. 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 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 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)
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Day 05
Rouen
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and a Heroine for France. Join your Adventure Host for a Morning Walk. 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.
Spend free time this afternoon to explore Rouen’s city markets, shops, and bike paths. Enjoy onboard entertainment before setting sail this evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)
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Day 06
Conflans
In the Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV. Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise,home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, or 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)
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Day 07
Paris
Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases—The City of Lights Truly Shines. Take a Morning Walk with your Avalon Adventure Host to see Paris at first light. Take a Guided Walking Tour through the Heart of Paris to see the historic Île St. Louis, Île de la Cité, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, or 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.
Stoll through Paris on your own, or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)
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Day 08
Paris (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Your river cruise adventure may be over, but we know you'll enjoy the memories you've made for years to come.
Details
Contact us about this itineraryCruise Line: Avalon Waterways
Cruise Ship: Avalon Tapestry II
The Avalon Tapestry II is a true haven on the river - two full decks of Panorama Suites with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to enchanting scenery and fresh breezes.
Crew: 37
Guests: 128
Built: 2015
Passenger Decks: 4
Route details
Paris to Normandy
Dates (7 nights)
2019 departures are available from April to November
Notes
- In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
- Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.