France, Uncorked: The Rhone, The Seine & Bordeaux 2025 - 22 Day River Cruise Arles to Bordeaux

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France, Uncorked: The Rhone, The Seine & Bordeaux 2025

22 Day River Cruise Arles to Bordeaux



Tour Description:

The timeless charms of France flow freely on this French river cruise vacation brimming with breathtaking views and vibrant history. Embark on the resplendent Rhône River with a visit to Arles, France—home to the brilliantly preserved 1st-century Roman Amphitheater and the colorful settings that inspired some of Van Gogh’s most moving paintings. More stirring sights await you on the Rhône, including the world’s largest Gothic palace—Avignon’s 14th-century Palace of the Popes. Visit Tournon—beautifully nestled among the vineyards. Delight in the delicacies and delicious French fare of Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital—a showcase of magnificent medieval and Renaissance architecture. Your French river cruise adventure continues on the Seine River with an exciting selection of excursions, including a visit to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery; a visit to delightful Les Andelys, Joan of Arc’s Rouen, and the choice between a visit to Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison. Be wined and dined along the way with stops in France’s most charming and historic locales, highlighted by a visit to Paris—the City of Light. Take in the legendary sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower—to name a few.

Your river cruise vacation in France gets even better with a captivating cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers in the brilliant Bordeaux region—famed for its legendary vineyards and lovely villages. Be carried away with your choice of Avalon’s included Classic, Active, and Discovery experiences—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 Arcachon—the world is your oyster on this adventure in la belle vie of Bordeaux!

Map for France, Uncorked: The Rhone, The Seine & Bordeaux 2025 - 22 Day River Cruise Arles to Bordeaux
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Dates & Pricing

Monday 14 Apr 25 — Tuesday 06 May 25Starting at $12,597Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 04 Aug 25 — Tuesday 26 Aug 25Starting at $11,397Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 18 Aug 25 — Tuesday 09 Sep 25Starting at $8,850Check 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

Day 1 Arles (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception
Day 2 Arles: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, or painting workshop, or walk with your Adventure Host
Day 3 Avignon: Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes
Day 4 Viviers: Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral or walk with your Adventure Host
Day 5 Tain l’Hermitage: Choice of guided walk in Tournon or hike with your Adventure Host
Day 6 Lyon: Guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill
Day 7 Tournus–Chalon-sur-Saône: Chardonnay excursion with tasting; Cheese tasting on board
Day 8 Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Dijon–Paris (Embarkation): Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; TGV train from Dijon to Paris; onboard welcome reception
Day 9 Vernon–Les Andelys: Choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle or walk with your Adventure Host; choice of guided walk, or guided hike in Les Andelys; crêpes tasting on board and Pastry Demonstration
Day 10 Caudebec: Choice of excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 11 Caudebec: Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches, or Normandy excursion
Day 12 Rouen: Choice of guided walk, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral or bike tour
Day 13 Conflans–Paris: Choice of guided excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 14 Paris: Choice of guided sightseeing or “Heart of Paris” walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host
Day 15 Paris (Disembarkation)–Bordeaux (Embarkation): Transfer to Bordeaux; onboard welcome reception
Day 16 Cadillac-sur-Garonne: Choice of guided visit to Château de la Brêde or Sauternes tasting in a local Château
Day 17 Cussac Fort Médoc–Blaye: Choice of wine tasting in a Médoc-area Château or e-bike guided tour in the vineyards
Day 18 Blaye-Bourg: Choice of Panoramic drive with visit to the Citadel of Blaye or art and wine experience; free time in Bourg
Day 19 Libourne-Bordeaux: Visit to Saint-Émilion village
Day 20 Bordeaux: Guided walking tour
Day 21 Bordeaux: Choice of guided visit to Arcachon with oysters tasting or biking with your Adventure Host
Day 22 Bordeaux (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning
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.

ITINERARY

Day 1
ARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) Welcome to France! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES ARLES-WINDOW-DETAIL.jpg

Day 2
ARLES A Brush with Genius Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city. Take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine before sailing to Avignon. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON ARLES-PAINTING-CLASS.jpg
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Day 3
AVIGNON The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes. Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Or explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON AVIGNON-BRIDGE.jpg
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Day 4
VIVIERS World History in a Charming French Country Village Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers. ACTIVE Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on an afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE VIVIERS.jpg
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Day 5
TAIN L’HERMITAGE A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. ACTIVE Explore Tournon by foot as you follow your Adventure Host for a morning hike in this beautiful town along the Rhone, OR: CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. In the early afternoon, cruise to Lyon. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON TOURNON.jpg
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Day 6
LYON La Vie En Rose in Lyon CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux. Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS LYON-BRIDGE.jpg
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Day 7
TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle! Enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruising along the majestic Saône River. DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship. Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE TOURNUS.jpg
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Day 8
CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION) BEAUNE–DIJON–PARIS (EMBARKATION) Drive to Beaune and take a High-Speed Train from Dijon to Paris. CLASSIC Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgment and is one of France’s architectural highlights. This afternoon, take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris to board your Suite Ship®. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON BEAUNE-HOTEL-DIEU.jpg

Day 9
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 VERNON.jpg
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Day 10
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. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC CAUDEBEC.jpg
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Day 11
CAUDEBEC. EXCURSIONS 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 NORMANDY-OMAHA-BEACH.jpg
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Day 12
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—home of the martyred Joan of Arc—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS ROUEN.jpg
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Day 13
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. 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. CONFLANS.jpg
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Day 14
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 PARIS-EIFEL-TOWER.jpg
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Day 15
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 *Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels. BORDEAUX_CITY.jpg

Day 16
CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE On the Steps of Montesquieu CLASSIC Take a guided tour of Château de la Brêde—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 château. 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 CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE *Sailing to Cadillac-sur-Garonne pending tides and water levels. Alternative motorcoach transportation for today’s excursions provided. CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE.jpg
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Day 17
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 Take a Guided Visit to an historic Château in the Médoc area 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 CUSSAC FORT MEDOC_BIKING.jpg
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Day 18
BLAYE–BOURG Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive Ask your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. CLASSIC Take a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, OR: DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting. Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg. Enjoy free time to explore this storybook village or 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 BLAYE_CITADEL.jpg
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Day 19
LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILION The Village Amid the Vineyards CLASSIC Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes. Later, sail Bordeaux. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX SAINT-EMILION.jpg
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Day 20
BORDEAUX Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights. This afternoon, consider an optional guided excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières for a breathtaking visit to the submarine base where art and music create an immersive experience. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX BORDEAUX_PLACE DE LA BOURSE.jpg
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Day 21
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 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. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX ARCACHONS BAY_OYSTERS.jpg
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Day 22
BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. BORDEAUX_CORKS.jpg

Accommodations

Bordeaux
Le Burdigala
Deluxe



115 Rue Georges Bonnac Bordeaux France

Located in Bordeaux city centre, Le Burdigala is a lifestyle hotel synonymous with good living, day and night. It features large, open spaces where the watchword is `sharing¿. This vibrant venue sets the pace of the neighbourhood, bringing travellers and Bordeaux locals together. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, our rooms are calm and peaceful. Every detail helps guests to focus on themselves and find new energy to better reconnect with others.
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.