Compare Active & Discovery on the Seine (Southbound) by Avalon Waterways vs Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 4,519 | $ 3,375 |
| Price Per Day | $ 502 | $ 375 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | With a delicious menu of culturally immersive experiences, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise on the Seine serves up joie de vivre at every port. History meets happiness as you decide how to savor the castles, croissants, châteaux, and chèvre of fabulous France from Paris to Normandy.Our wide array of Classic, Discovery, and Active excursions puts you in the driver’s seat of your vacation – whether that’s a bicycle seat, canoe seat, or a front row seat at a culinary or cocktail workshop where you’ll learn hands-on how to master the delightful delicacies this gastronomic country is known for. This is your tour de France. No matter how you choose to journey through it, monumental discoveries and moving experiences await at every turn.Move.Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:•Say “oui” and “whee” on a bicycle tour through the heart of Paris. •Paddle a canoe past the timbered houses, 12th century castles and gothic church of charming Vernon. •Hop on an E-bike for a leisurely tour of the impressive Château de Maisons-Lafitte.And be moved.Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:•Whip up sweet Chantilly cream with the culinary experts at the even sweeter Chantilly Castle.•Stop and smell the roses as you stroll through the home and gardens of master impressionist Claude Monet.•Shake it up at a Benedictine cocktail workshop at the palace where the world-famous liqueur is made. Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Seine. | Enjoy the sights and smells of France during this 8-day guided tour. Travel to Normandy and stand on the 100-foot-tall Pointe du Hoc, overlooking the beaches where soldiers fought in World War II — and walk with a Local Expert through the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach, where Allied Forces landed on D-Day. Drive through the Loire Valley to the glorious fragrant gardens of Château de Villandry, stopping to smell the basil, rosemary and other herbs grown in its gardens. You’ll remember those scents at a celebration dinner featuring a farm-to-table feast and sparkling wine. See Paris’ top attractions, from the glistening pyramids of the Louvre to the gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, then watch as the City of Light illuminates at dark. |
Day 1: PARIS, FRANCE
Bienvenue en France!
Your day is free to explore the world’s most romantic city. 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.
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Day 2: PARIS–LE HAVRE (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to France! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Enjoy some free time in Paris today, before transfer to Le Havre and board your cruise on the Seine. Tonight, enjoy dinner on board and explore your Suite Ship®.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LE HAVRE
(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 3: LE HAVRE
20th Century Architecture and White Cliffs of Normandy
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Explore the city as only a local would: by bicycle. Cycle up to the quartier Saint François, OR: DISCOVERY Travel to Fecamp to visit the Palais Benedectine where the world famous Benedectine liquor is made. Enjoy a short Self-Guided Tour followed by a cocktail workshop focused around the famous liquor, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour to Le Havre and discover the modern architecture of its city center, rebuilt by Auguste Perret and part of the World Heritage of Humanity. This afternoon, you may want to choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 4: CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions
DISCOVERY Join a ‘Day in Normandy’ tour with a Local Guide to trace the steps of William the Conqueror, King Henry IV, and Queen Marie de' Medici. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to the WWII landing beaches of Normandy. Take a full-day tour of 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship while sailing to Rouen. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 5: ROUEN
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—home of the martyred Saint Joan of Arc—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. In the afternoon, you're free to explore the city on your own or to join one of our Optional Excursions.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 6: LES ANDELYS
Serenity on the Seine’s Most Beautiful Riverbends
ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart and a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, OR:DISCOVERY Visit one of 'most beautiful villages of France' situated in a beautiful forested setting in Normandy. Afterwards discover the legends of the haunted Abbey de Mortemere, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine. Visit the Saint Sauveur’s Church of Le Petit Andely.DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.VERNON
Monet’s Muses and Castle Courtyards
ACTIVE Spend a fun and active day kayaking. Join an expert guide and paddle your way through areas accessible only by water, OR:DISCOVERY 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 Explore the picturesque town of Vernon with a leisurely Guided Tour through its marvelous medieval streets on the banks of the Seine River.EVENING CRUISE TO CONFLANS
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 7: CONFLANS
Walk in the Footsteps of Van Gogh and Bonaparte
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE This Guided E-bike Tour will take you to the Château de Maisons-Lafitte where you will enjoy a special snack, OR:DISCOVERY Travel to the Chantilly Castle on your own where the experts of the Confrérie des Chevaliers Fouetteurs de crème Chantilly will show you how to prepare your own Chantilly cream, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, and walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who lived, worked, and is buried here. See the landscapes and village scenes captured in his paintings, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings.
This afternoon, cruise to Paris and in the evening enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
*Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Monday of each month.
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Day 8: PARIS
Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases—The City of Lights Truly Shines
ACTIVE Hop on a bike to explore Paris like a local on this enjoyable guided tour through its sights, mesmerizing history, and incredible ambiance, OR:DISCOVERY Immerse yourself on our Food and Cultural Tour of Paris where you will find out why the French food and culinary tradition has been even added to the UNESCO heritage list, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing which will show you magnificent must-see sights.Alternatively, stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 9: PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)
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Day 1: Welcome to Paris
On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, transfers leave for the hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:30. After checking in, the capital’s grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks are yours to explore. At 17:30, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner at Rural, a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.
Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Rouen, Honfleur and Deauville
Follow the River Seine to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its ancient cathedral - a masterpiece of Gothic style and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square. Here, a superb modern church commemorates the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur and to your luxurious hotel, located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville.
Hotel Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville.
Breakfast
Day 3: Normandy Beaches and D-Day Landings
Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Then with a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach. Explore Normandy with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay. Alternatively, visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and learn about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy becoming the King of England. This evening you are treated to a delightful dinner, which promises creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients and delicious wines.
Hotel Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Mont-Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo
Journey through Bocage country and explore the hilltop abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel with your Local Expert. Situated on an island, the abbey is reached by a bridge across the shining sands. Behind the outer ring of defences huddles the small town - it's one street containing shops, cafes and hotels. Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance Estuary and one of the most charming places in France. A Local Expert will take you on an exploration of the City of the Corsairs. Walk through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city, home of Jacques Cartier and other celebrated voyagers. At your leisure, you can wander around the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay. By night, the town’s medieval maze of winding streets is abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you may wish to join an Optional Experience to Cancale, known throughout France of its oyster beds, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood and other Breton specialties?
Hôtel Le Nouveau Monde, St Malo.
Breakfast
Day 5: Villandry Experience
Head south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated Angers Castle. Cross the Loire to Saumur, where a local vintner will guide you through tastings of the region's delicious wines. Head to Château de Villandry, the jewel of the Loire, to visit the glorious sustainable gardens on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Ensure you don't miss the water, ornamental and kitchen gardens. This stunning sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages and purple basil which has been grown organically to re-generate the local ecosystem. Continue to your chateau hotel, where you can relax like royalty in sumptuous surroundings.
Château De Rochecotte, Saint Patrice, Loire Valley.
Breakfast
Day 6: Scenic Drive Along the Loire Valley
Journey to the fairy-tale Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, considered one of the best representations of French Renaissance architecture. Having recently undergone extensive restoration, your Local Expert will show you the subtle blend of French tradition and innovative Italian decor within this 16th century icon of the Loire Valley. Return to your superb chateau for relaxation and free time. This evening, your Celebration Dinner starts with a glass of local sparkling wine and continues with excellent service and delicious Farm-to-Table dishes in the most wholesome setting, ensuring the memory of your meal will linger long after you've returned home.
Château De Rochecotte, Saint Patrice, Loire Valley.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: La Beauce and Chartres to Paris, City of Light
Travelling through the vast wheat fields of the the Beauce region, Chartres Cathedral, nicknamed the 'Acropolis of France' by August Rodin, looms large on the horizon. Enjoy a guided tour of this architectural delight.From here, return to the French capital where your Travel Director introduces you to all the fabulous sights, including the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral and the immense facades of the Louvre. Behold the vast Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood, then travel down the Champs Élysées to Napoléon's Arc de Triomphe. After dark, the City of Light really lives up to its name, when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour, don't miss the chance to experience one of the world-famous cabaret shows.
Pullman Paris Centre Bercy.
Breakfast
Day 8: Au Revoir Paris
Your departure transfer will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 or 11:00.
Breakfast
