Have questions? We're here.
Saint Emilion views

French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux

Paris to Bordeaux - Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Artistry II
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Europe trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Talk with an expert
On this 15-day French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux aboard Avalon Artistry II, be wined, dined, & wowed by France’s iconic sights. Sail along the Seine River to the picturesque Normandy region—choose to visit Monet’s gardens at Giverny or the elegant Bizy Castle, explore the Normandy Landing Beaches, or stroll through Rouen’s medieval quarter. In Paris, opt for a guided walk through historic neighborhoods or a tour of landmarks like the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, & Eiffel Tower. Continue to Bordeaux, famed for vineyards & charming villages, & select from Avalon’s Classic, Active, or Discovery excursions—perhaps visiting castles & châteaux, cycling scenic routes, tasting wines in historic cellars, or exploring coastal Arcachon. From panoramic drives to seaside delicacies, savor la belle vie in Southwest France.
Incredible Vineyards of BordeauxTouring on Seine river in Paris with sunsetEiffel Tower and the Seine RiverExplore the legendary city of ParisSaint Emilion views
Highlights
  • Explore Monet’s gardens in Giverny, inspiration for his famous paintings
  • Tour Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc on Normandy coast
  • Stroll through Rouen’s medieval quarter and see the Gothic Rouen Cathedral
  • Savor Arcachon’s fresh oysters paired with local Bordeaux white wine
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Paris, France | Embark

Welcome to France! Your Suite Ship® is waiting to welcome you aboard. Flights should arrive by 2:30 pm, and all guests must be on board by 5:00 pm. Until then, you have the day to explore Paris before your cruise on the Seine. Enjoy some shopping, take a walk, or relax with a croissant and coffee while you take in the sights and sounds of Paris.

Evening/overnight cruise to Vernon

Day 2: Vernon | Les Andelys

Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
  • Active Excursion- Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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 Excursion- Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.
  • Discovery Excursion- 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 Excursion- Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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

Day 3: Caudebec

Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
  • Active Excursion- Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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.
Overnight docking in Caudebec 

While your trip includes your choice of many excursions, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.

Honfleur, Jewel of Normandy
Visit the place where the Seine River begins and where artists have flocked for centuries: Honfleur with its captivating old harbor, medieval Old Town, and coastal charm.
Duration: 4h 0m

Day 4: Caudebec | Normandy

Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions
  • Classic Excursion- 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 Excursion- 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 Excursion- 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.

Day 5: Rouen

The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France
  • Active Excursion- 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 Excursion- 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

Day 6: Conflans

The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV
  • Active Excursion- Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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.

Evening/overnight cruise to Paris
*Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month and on 21st September. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly

Day 7: Paris

Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases in the City of Light

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
  • Active Excursion- Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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 Excursion- 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

While your trip includes your choice of many excursions, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.

Excursion to Montmartre
Experience Montmartre, one the of most artistic and picturesque districts in Paris.
Duration: 4h 0m

Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience in Paris
Indulge in this exclusive wine tasting experience in Paris, allowing you to delve into the captivating world of the French "art de vivre" and gastronomy.
Duration: 4h 15m

Day 8: Paris | Disembark | Bordeaux | Embark

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 | Pauillac

On the Steps of Montesquieu
  • Discovery Excursion- Join a delicious onboard experience in Bordeaux wines with a presentation by a worldclass wine sommelier.
  • Classic Excursion- 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 Excursion- 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

Day 10: Cussac Fort Medoc

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 Excursion- 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 Excursion- 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

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 Excursion- Join a refreshing power walk through the historic Citadel of Blaye with your Adventure Host, OR:
  • Discovery Excursion- Join a guided tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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 Excursion- 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

While your trip includes your choice of many excursions, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.

Visit to Cognac House & Tasting at Rémy Martin
Duration: 5h 15m

Day 12: Libourn | Saint-Emilion

The Village Amid the Vineyards
  • Discovery Excursion- 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 Excursion- Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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 Excursion- Onboard lecture about WWII hosted by a history expert.
Overnight docking in Libourn 

While your trip includes your choice of many excursions, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.

Pastry Chef for a day: Baking Class
Learn the art of the perfect French cream puff with a local chef at Château Fleur de Lisse.
Duration: 3h 0m

Chocolate & Wine at Château Fleur de Lisse
Discover one of the world's most perfect pairings with a chocolate-and-wine tasting at Château Fleur de Lisse!
Duration: 3h 0m

Wine Blending Experience
Create your own custom wine blends under the guidance of expert winemakers during a hands-on experience at a local wine property.
Duration: 2h 30m

Day 13: Bordeaux

Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
  • Discovery Excursion- While sailing to Bordeaux, enjoy a pastry demonstration.
  • Active Excursion- Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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 

Day 14: Bordeaux | Arcachon's Bay

Seas, Shells, and Sips
  • Active Excursion- Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Take a guided tour to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s iconic wine museum and cultural center, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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

While your trip includes your choice of many excursions, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.

Les Bassins des Lumières
Discover Bordeaux' stunning art installation of Bassins des Lumières in the former WWII German submarine base.
Duration: 2h 30m

Day 15: Bordeaux | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Artistry II

Avalon Artistry II

Avalon Artistry II

Embark on a luxurious river cruise aboard the Avalon Artistry II, an Avalon Waterways Suite Ship famed for spacious staterooms, panoramic views, and unique river tours in Europe and Asia.
Avalon Artistry II Bar
Avalon Artistry II Panorama Lounge
Avalon Artistry II Club Lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Free Air or Save $1500 per person 28836
Book a select 2026 Avalon Europe River Cruise and enjoy free round-trip economy class trans-Atlantic airfare from select major U.S. gateways or save $1,500 per person. This offer is valid on new bookings made and deposited between April 5, 2025, and December 10, 2025. A non-refundable deposit of $550 per person is required at the time of booking. Availability is capacity-controlled, and the promotion may be withdrawn at any time. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Click for departure dates
No Single Supplement 28845
Book a select 2026 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to waive the cabin single supplement fee on the cruise portion of your booking. This offer applies to select cabin categories. It is valid for new bookings, subject to availability, and may be withdrawn at any time. The offer cannot be combined with other promotions. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
Applies to Jul 28, 2026 departure
Holiday Deals 29702
Book a select 2026 Avalon cruise by December 10, 2025, and receive standard pre-paid gratuities for the full length of the cruise portion of your vacation. This offer is valid for new bookings only and is subject to availability. Combinable with valid Welcome Back Credits and select partner promotions. Not combinable with the Single Supplement Waiver Promotion. Not valid for groups or charter bookings. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
Click for departure dates
Per person starting at
$8,402 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Avalon Artistry II Deluxe Staterooms
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets.
Avalon Artistry II Deluxe Staterooms
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets.
Avalon Artistry II Panorama SuiteAvalon Artistry II Panorama Suite
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Artistry II Panorama SuiteAvalon Artistry II Panorama Suite
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets
Avalon Artistry II Panorama SuiteAvalon Artistry II Panorama Suite
Cat. P
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Artistry II Royal Suite
Royal Suite
Royal Suite: 300 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds,Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, Marble countertops in bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress toppers, European-style duvets.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
  • Panoramic windows
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
  • Cruise taxes
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
  • Porterage
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • Prices do not include airfare, taxes and other government-imposed fees

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block

Europe Travel Guide

Top Europe Travel Destinations

Europe Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Europe

Europe Trips by Duration

Europe Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By

Franny Friesz Adventure Life employee profile
Franny F
Plan My Trip
We love travel, talk with an expert 1.800.344.6118