French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux 2026 - 15 Day River Cruise Paris to Bordeaux

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French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux 2026

15 Day River Cruise Paris to Bordeaux



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. Sail along the Seine River to the picturesque Normandy region. In Vernon, choose between two exciting, guided visits—Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the beautiful Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” Join in an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. In Rouen, take a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the Gothic Rouen Cathedral.

Before saying bonjour to the beautiful Seine River, spend time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of the city’s rich history or take a tour highlighting the iconic landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. 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!

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Dates & Pricing

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Monday 30 Mar 26 — Tuesday 14 Apr 26Starting at $8,460Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 06 Apr 26 — Tuesday 21 Apr 26Starting at $8,560Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 20 Apr 26 — Tuesday 05 May 26Starting at $9,960Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 11 May 26 — Tuesday 26 May 26Starting at $10,060Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 18 May 26 — Tuesday 02 Jun 26Starting at $10,060Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 25 May 26 — Tuesday 09 Jun 26Starting at $9,960Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 01 Jun 26 — Tuesday 16 Jun 26Starting at $9,960Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 22 Jun 26 — Tuesday 07 Jul 26Starting at $9,460Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 29 Jun 26 — Tuesday 14 Jul 26Starting at $9,360Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 06 Jul 26 — Tuesday 21 Jul 26Starting at $8,860Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 13 Jul 26 — Tuesday 28 Jul 26Starting at $8,860Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 20 Jul 26 — Tuesday 04 Aug 26Starting at $8,860Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 27 Jul 26 — Tuesday 11 Aug 26Starting at $8,860Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 03 Aug 26 — Tuesday 18 Aug 26Starting at $8,860Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 17 Aug 26 — Tuesday 01 Sep 26Starting at $9,060Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 24 Aug 26 — Tuesday 08 Sep 26Starting at $9,760Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 31 Aug 26 — Tuesday 15 Sep 26Starting at $10,260Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 07 Sep 26 — Tuesday 22 Sep 26Starting at $10,260Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 28 Sep 26 — Tuesday 13 Oct 26Starting at $9,960Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 05 Oct 26 — Tuesday 20 Oct 26Starting at $9,260Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 12 Oct 26 — Tuesday 27 Oct 26Starting at $8,960Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 19 Oct 26 — Tuesday 03 Nov 26Starting at $8,060Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 26 Oct 26 — Tuesday 10 Nov 26Starting at $7,760Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


Destination & Sightseeing

Notes:
•In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
•Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
•Departures March 31st & July 14th will operate the itinerary in a revised order: Day 1 Paris, Day 2 Paris, Day 3 Conflans, Day 4 Les Andelys-Rouen, Day 5 Caudebec, Day 6 Caudebec. Normandy excursions, Day 7 Vernon, From day 8 back to regular schedule.

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 café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON

Day 2
VERNON Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour Visit the Adventure Center 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 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 ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château 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 *Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period, this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle
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Day 3
CAUDEBEC Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, 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 Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
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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 Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
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Day 5
ROUEN The Cathedral of Notre-Dame 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: 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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS
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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 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. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS *Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly
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Day 7
PARIS Cafés, 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: CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, 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, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées. Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
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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

Day 9
BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE On the Steps of Montesquieu DISCOVERY Join a delicious onboard experience in Bordeaux wines with a presentation by a worldclass wine sommelier. CLASSIC Take a guided tour of Château de la Brède—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 wine estate. 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 PAUILLAC
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Day 10
CUSSAC FORT MÉDOC Bikes, Vines, and Wines This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort Médoc Visit the Adventure Center 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 Join a guided tour to discover the culture and traditions of the southern Médoc region at one of Margaux' beautiful château and enjoy a wine tasting, OR: CLASSIC Take a scenic drive through the famed Médoc wine country 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
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Day 11
BLAYE–BOURG Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive Ask your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. ACTIVE Join a refreshing power walk through the historic Citadel of Blaye with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Join a guided tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting, OR: CLASSIC Take a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, followed by a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site. Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg. CLASSIC Take a wonderful walking tour in the Citadel of Bourg on the banks of the Dordogne River and visit the carriage museum. Alternatively, join an optional guided excursion to learn how the Fine Champagne of Cognac is made while enjoying a Rémy Martin tasting. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG
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Day 12
LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILION The Village Amid the Vineyards DISCOVERY Enjoy a guided visit to Saint-Émilion to discover one Bordeaux’ must-see wine-growing towns and celebrate your day with a wine tasting, OR: CLASSIC Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes, OR: CLASSIC Take an orientation walking tour to discover the history and beauty of Libourne, where wine and wonderful views are cherished in the 12th-century fortified town. DISCOVERY Onboard lecture about WWII hosted by a history expert. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LIBOURNE
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Day 13
BORDEAUX Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. DISCOVERY While sailing to Bordeaux, enjoy a pastry demonstration. ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR: CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
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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 Take a guided tour to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s iconic wine museum and cultural center, 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. This afternoon, consider an optional guided excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières for a breathtaking visit to the submarine base where art and music surround you in an immersive experience. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
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Day 15
BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning

Accommodations

ParisBordeaux
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Superior First-Class

Hotel as shown or similar

18,Avenue De Suffren Paris France

Enjoying an unbeatable location next to the iconic Eiffel Tower, this 456-room sleek, modern hotel offers free Wi-Fi internet access throughout and has a California-inspired Brasserie with open kitchen and stylish wine bar. Other amenities include a large gym on the 9th floor with panoramic rooftop vistas.
Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.

FAQ Avalon Cruises Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Pavlus Travel tells you there's a wide World out there just waiting to be explored on river cruises by you, and Avalon Waterways like Pavlus Travel knows there is more than a river cruise for you and your family to see it all. Why not experience local cities, villages, and countrysides your way with a wide selection of active excursions and activities brought to you by Avalon River Cruises that put you right in the middle of it all. Borrow a bike to ride through the streets of Amsterdam, grab a Nordic walking stick to capture the castle with a hike up the vineyard off the Rhine River, or paddle a canoe along Austria’s river shores. Pavlus makes it easy to turn sightseeing into doing your adventure in real time. You’ll find all the guidance and gear you from Avalon Waterways staff to embark on an expedition of your own. From a complimentary yoga class aboard your Avalon River Cruise to a jogging tour of Vienna or an optional kayaking excursion. Know that Pavlus Travel discounts Avalon River Cruises be they in Europe or the Far East. You'll enjoy every Avalon River Cruises Ship.