Compare Unforgettable France by SmarTours vs France Bike & River Cruise: Lyon to Nice by VBT

Day 1: Depart USA.

Your fascinating journey to France begins this evening with an overnight flight to Paris.

Day 2: Arrive Paris (France)

Accommodation: Oceania Paris Porte de Versailles

Arrive in the beautiful city of Paris, also known as the “City of Light.” For centuries, Paris has been been one of the world’s most important cities and certainly one of the world’s most beautiful. Not only is Paris the capital of France, but Paris is considered the global capital for cuisine, art, fashion, and more. After being picked up at the airport by your Tour Director, you’ll be taken to your upscale hotel. You’ll have some time to say “bonjour” to Paris before a welcome drink and briefing at your hotel. Oceania Porte de Versailles Hotel

Day 3: Paris/Giverny/Normandy.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance

After breakfast, travel to the lovely town of Giverny. The town rose to fame in 1883, when the famous impressionist Claude Monet “discovered” the village and moved there. Here, enjoy a visit to the Monet House and Gardens and see firsthand the inspiration for many of Monet’s most famous works. Your next stop is Rouen, one of the largest and most prosperous cities of medieval Europe located on the River Seine. Upon arrival in Rouen, the capital of Normandy, you’ll enjoy a walking tour and visit the famous (and imposing) Notre Dame cathedral, which was the subject of a series of paintings by none other than Claude Monet. You’ll also visit the Place due Vieux-Marche (or “Old Marketplace”), where Joan of Arc was executed for heresy in the 15th century and where a church in her name was built in 1979. Continue your journey and arrive at your hotel in Caen, in the heart of the Normandy region. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance Hotel

Day 4: Mont St. Michel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance

Today travel to the rugged coast of Normandy and savor the breathtaking views of magnificent Mont St. Michel, built on an isolated island in the gulf of Saint-Malo. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont St. Michel is reached by causeway. The lower towers and medieval sea wall protect a small village, capped magnificently by the commanding Abbey dedicated to the Archangel Michael. You’ll enjoy a visit of the spectacular interior of the Abbey, which was designated as a monument historique in 1874. Prior to the causeway, Mont St. Michel was on an isolated island that pilgrims could approach mindful of a tide that could seep in at any time. Return to Caen and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 5: Normandy Beaches/American Cemetery & Memorial.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance

Spend a remarkable day experiencing and learning about one of the most famous days in history: D-Day. You’ll visit the Normandy Beaches, including Omaha Beach near the coastal village of Colleville-sur-Mer. Omaha was one of the principal beachheads where the U.S. Army stormed ashore on D-Day (June 6th, 1944).  Explore Pointe du Hoc, located between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, where a group of American Army Rangers defied all odds by scaling a massive cliff at a critical moment during the invasion. Continue to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, a spectacular and emotional setting located on a bluff overlooking both Omaha Beach and the English Channel. You’ll later visit the city of Bayeux, home to the world famous Bayeux Tapestry and the fortress of William the Conqueror, before returning to your upscale hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 6: Normandy/Chateau Villandry/Loire Valley.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Novotel Amboise Hotel

Morning at leisure to explore Caen (Normandy) independently before traveling to Loire Valley, famous for its old world villages and charming chateaux (castles). En route, pay a visit to the Chateau and Gardens of Villandry, the last of the great Renaissance chateaux built on the banks of the Loire River. The estate’s renowned architecture is matched (if not surpassed) by its magnificent gardens, which are spread across three levels and are truly a sight to see. You’ll continue to your upscale hotel, where you’ll enjoy an included dinner. Novotel Amboise Hotel

Day 7: Chateau de Chambord/Chateau de Chenonceau/Wine Tasting.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Novotel Amboise Hotel

This morning, you’ll visit Chateau de Chambord, the undisputed crown jewel of the region and arguably the emblem of the French Renaissance. Originally a weekend hunting lodge for King Francois I in the early 16th century, the Chateau evolved into among the most expensive (and excessive) architectural projects by a French Monarch. Continue to Chateau de Chenonceau, the second most visited chateau in France (behind Versailles), where you’ll be blown away by the magical architecture that was constructed in harmony with the beautiful River Cher. On the way back to your hotel, enjoy a delicious wine tasting in Saumur, a region known for its sparking wines and Cabernet. Return to your hotel, and your evening is at leisure.

Day 8: Loire Valley/Paris.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Oceania Paris Porte de Versailles

After breakfast, travel back to Paris for your second taste of one of the world’s greatest cities. Upon returning to Paris, enjoy a guided city orientation tour of this magnificent city. See the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Latin Quarter, Pantheon, Place  Vendome, and the Paris Opera. The evening is at leisure with endless possibilities. You may wish to take a stroll along the famous River Seine, where you’ll savor spectacular views, before you select an authentic Parisian restaurant or cafe for dinner. Oceania Porte de Versailles Hotel

Day 9: Optional Versailles Excursion.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Oceania Paris Porte de Versailles

A full day at leisure or perhaps join an optional excursion to Versailles for a fascinating visit of the Chateau and the brilliant hall filled with mirrors and chandeliers, numerous galleries, salons, and royal apartments, all lavishly decorated and fitted with ornate furnishings. The magnificent fountains, supplied by almost 100 miles of pipes, spray jets of water in a forceful dance. You will also have an opportunity to explore the palace and grounds at your own pace. This evening, enjoy dinner at an authentic Parisian restaurant in Montmartre, a famous area part of the Right Bank (“Rive Droite”) in Paris.

Day 10: Paris/Avignon.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Novotel Avignon Centre

After breakfast, you’ll head to the Paris train station and board the TGV train to the historic city of Avignon in the heart of Provence. En route, be sure to admire the beautiful landscapes of Burgundy and the Rhone Valley. A charming medieval city that was home to seven successive popes during the 14th century, Avignon will wow you with its imposing Gothic architecture, magnificent art, and fascinating history. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a guided city tour, highlighted by the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in the world. You’ll also marvel at the iconic bridge Pont Saint Benezet on the Rhone River, better known as Pont d’Avignon because of the famous French song that the bridge inspired in the 15th century called “Sur le Pont d’Avignon”. Later, arrive at your upscale, centrally located hotel in Avignon and enjoy an included dinner this evening. Novotel Avignon Centre Hotel

Day 11: Aix-en-Provence/Les Baux-de-Provence.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Novotel Avignon Centre

Today, visit the arts capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence (or “Aix”, as it’s commonly called). A vibrant town located in the shadow of Mt. Sainte-Victoire, Aix is famous for its charming squares, elegant fountains, majestic avenues, and, of course, spectacular art. Following a guided city tour, you’ll visit the home and workshop of renowned painter, Paul Cezanne, who used the natural beauty of Aix and its surrounding areas as the subject of much of his work. Continue to Saint-Remy-de-Provence, a historic village where Vincent van Gogh painted The Starry Night in 1889 depicting the view from his hospital window. Here, you’ll enjoy an olive oil tasting before some free time for lunch on your own. After lunch, you’ll visit one of the most beautiful villages in all of France, Les Baux-de-Provence, perched on a hill in the Alpilles mountains. Set atop a rocky formation, the village’s name is derived from “baou,” meaning rocky spur. Along with its paved alleyways and stone houses, enjoy a visit to the Church of St. Vincent, the oldest religious building in the village  and home to magnificent stained-glass windows. Later, return to your upscale hotel, and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 12: Marseille/Cassis/Nice.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame

This morning visit Marseille, a vibrant port city and the oldest city in France with twenty six centuriers of history. Marseille, the second largest city in France, has a contagious energy and rich culture that centers around Vieux Port (or “Old Port”). You’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour, where you’ll savor the magnificent architecture, highlighted by your visit to Notre-Dame de la Garde, a Neo-Byzantine Catholic basilica. Later, travel east to Cassis, a quaint fishing port famous for its cliffs and sheltered inlets (calanques). Boasting a picturesque harbor and quintessential Provençal houses, Cassis will be the launching point for your spectacular calanques cruise, featuring France’s version of fjords with its inlets surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs. After your cruise, continue to Nice, the capital of the French Riviera (Cote D’Azur), where you’ll check into your centrally-located hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Mercure Centre Notre Dame Hotel

Day 13: Nice/Antibes.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame

With the beautiful blue waters of Cote D’Azur as its backdrop, Nice is one of the most beloved cities in all of Europe, blending old-world opulence with a lively cosmopolitan vibe. Long recognized as one of the gems of Europe, Nice changed hands several times between the French and the Italians before eventually settling in as part of France. In the old city of Nice, you’ll discover the narrow streets and renowned Baroque architecture and enjoy a walk along the Promenade des Anglais (“Walkway of the English”), a famous promenade along the Mediterranean named as such due to the large number of English tourists who began flocking to Nice in the 19th century. Train up to the Colline du Chateau (or “Castle Hill”), where you’ll savor a sweeping panorama of Nice and the Baie des Anges (“Bay of Angels”). In the afternoon, proceed to the charming neighboring town of Antibes, where you’ll visit the Picasso Museum, housing one of the world’s great Picasso collections: 24 paintings, 44 drawings, 32 lithographs, 11 oils on paper, 80 pieces of ceramics, two sculptures, and five tapestries. The rest of your day is at leisure before an included farewell dinner with your group.

Day 14: Nice/USA.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame

After breakfast, say “au revoir” to France and head to the airport for your flight back to the USA. Your exciting journey ends as you touch down in New York. 

DAY 1: Lyon / Embark ship

You are responsible for making your own way to Lyon, France, to meet your trip leaders and fellow travelers. Please note that you cannot embark before 12:30 p.m. as the ship is being prepared for you. If you fly to Lyon Airport, the flight arrival must be no later than 4:30 p.m., as the ship leaves Lyon at 7:00 p.m.

The ship will be docked either at Quai Claude Bernard, between the bridges Pont Gallieni and Pont de l’Université, or at Port Rambaud (37 Quai Rambaud, Lyon). VBT will confirm the location in your final guest documents. As the exact location of the ship may change, please call the ship upon your arrival in Lyon for directions.

Your cabin may not be ready for you until 3:00 p.m. However, you are welcome to enjoy lunch on board, served between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m., relax in the ship’s common areas, stretch your legs, or explore town.

After lunch, meet your trip leaders and fellow travelers on board for introductions and a safety orientation, followed by an introductory walk through Lyon. Later, enjoy dinner on board. The ship sails for Chalon-sur-Saône this evening.

Today’s Ride Choices

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What to Expect:

Non-biking day

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: Chalon-sur-Saône / Burgundy vineyards / Visit Beaune

After cruising north along the picturesque Saône River, dock at Chalon-sur-Saône, where the river meets the Canal du Centre. You are in the heart of Burgundy, where more than 4,500 family-run wineries produce world-renowned wines in the Côtes de Beaune. Disembark to ride a scenic bike route among the most famous vineyards in the world, passing vast expanses of arbor-laid grapes and fine wineries. Coast through charming winemaking villages that lend Burgundy its distinctive character, from Puligny-Montrachet to Pommard, and produce some of the finest Grand Cru vintages.

Your bike ride will finish in Beaune, the center of Burgundy wine production and home to the Hospices of Beaune. After lunch in a local restaurant, you will visit this finely preserved example of 15th-century Burgundian architecture, renowned for its polychrome roof and its annual wine auction. Following the visit to the Hospices and some free time, a shuttle will take you back to the ship.

This evening on board, enjoy a captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner as you sail back to Lyon.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Chalon-sur-Saône to Puligny-Montrachet — 26 km (16 miles)

Afternoon: Puligny-Montrachet to Beaune — 13 km (8 miles)

What to Expect:

Cycle on a beautiful paved path along the Canal du Centre to Santenay. Then, continue on a bike route through the vineyards of the Côtes de Beaune, passing world-famous villages such as Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, and Pommard. Continue cycling, or board the shuttle to Beaune after a snack stop. If you prefer, our longer cycling option leads you through vineyards on the prestigious Route des Grand Crus, with wine-tasting opportunities all the way to Beaune.

Cumulative Distance Range: 26 – 39 km (16 – 24 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Lyon city walking / Afternoon loop to nature reserve

Arrive back in Lyon this morning as you’re enjoying breakfast on board. Then disembark for a city tour of France’s gastronomic capital renowned for its coq au vin, or chicken with wine, and quenelles de brochet, or mousse of pike. The heart of the 2,000-year-old city lies on a thin peninsula between the Rhône and Saône rivers. It’s easy to imagine canuts, or silk merchants of old, zigzagging through the maze of Old World streets, cutting through the purpose-built narrow passageways known as traboules. Much of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned as an urban “site of great commercial and strategic significance.” You will also ascend Fourvière Hill, where the splendid Basilique de Notre Dame gazes out over the city.

After lunch on board, head out on the bikes to the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage on the outskirts of Lyon, beyond its city gates. This 5,400-acre (2,185-hectare) parkland blankets most of the Rhône’s Miribel-Jonage island, created in the 1800s when the Miribel and Jonage canals were dredged. Today, it is a pleasure park for city dwellers and a wildlife preserve. After time enjoying its flat bike paths through forests and past a lake, you may shuttle or cycle back to the ship and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring on your own or relaxing on deck or in the ship’s lounge. After dinner, you sail toward Tournon for another day of riding.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon: Lyon to Grand Parc — 23 km (14 miles) | Grand Parc to Lyon — 14 km (9 miles)

What to Expect:

This afternoon, you ride through an urban area to the outskirts of Lyon and the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage, a nature park where bike paths pass lakes and follow small canals. In the nature reserve, some of your bike route follows packed gravel roads. You may return to the ship either by shuttle or by bicycle.

Cumulative Distance Range: 23 – 37 km (14 – 23 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Tournon

Begin today with a ride along the Rhône, following the renowned Via Rhôna bike trail. When complete, this remarkable pathway will take cyclists from Geneva, Switzerland, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, passing spectacular riverscapes, pretty villages in the typical style of southern France, and expansive vineyards along the way. With a detour along the Isère River, your scenic loop will finish at the ship just before lunch.

In the afternoon, take a short walk in the charming little town of Tournon, nestled between the river and vineyard-laden slopes that produce some of the region’s finest wines. As you explore, an ancient castle oversees your progress from high upon a promontory. Later, enjoy a wine tasting of local vintages and a delicious barbeque lunch on board (eather permitting). This evening, you sail towards Viviers.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Tournon to Beaumont — 24 km (15 miles)

Afternoon: Beaumont to Tournon — 14 km (9 miles)

What to Expect:

This morning’s ride follows easy bike trails along the river, partly on packed gravel bike paths past highly scenic vistas. After a van snack stop in Beaumont, you return to the ship via your choice of shuttle or bicycle. The riding route back to our mooring follows small vineyards and quiet country roads.

Cumulative Distance Range: 24 – 38 km (15 – 24 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Viviers

Disembark in Viviers, a historic town on the Rhône, you return to the scenic bike paths of the Via Rhôna and cycle toward Bourg-Saint-Andéol, home to handsome patrician houses, churches, chapels, and grand clerical residences. The second part of the ride leads you past some of the Rhône’s religious treasures, tracing lovely greenways, quiet roads, and the Iles des Dames islands, along your way back to Viviers.

Settled by Romans, Viviers was forced to erect walls when conflicts of the ensuing centuries arrived. The Renaissance period was kinder and more peaceful; the stunning Maison des Chevaliers still stands as a testament to that creative era. After lunch on board the ship, a stroll through Viviers’ cobbled streets is a journey back in time. You may also choose to cycle an out-and-back ride along the Rhône, instead of the walking tour.

A delicious dinner with your trip leaders and a music-request evening on board are still in store, as you sail to Avignon later in the evening.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Viviers to Bourg-Saint-Andéol — 17 km (11 miles) | Bourg-Saint-Andéol to Viviers — 18 km (11 miles)

Afternoon: Optional afternoon ride — 31 km (19 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s ride follows the easy, flat path along the Rhône River on dedicated bike trails to Bourg-Saint-Andéol. You pass various villages marked by churches and chapels and ride along quiet branches of the river, traversing the Iles des Dames islands. The short option offers a shuttle from the small town of Bourg-Saint-Andéol back to the ship. The longer option leads you to Viviers on a different bike route.

Cumulative Distance Range: 17 – 66 km (11 – 41 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Avignon / Bike to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

You dock early this morning in Avignon, the legendary City of Popes where the papacy was centered for 70 years in the 14th century. After breakfast on board, set out on a walking tour of this magnificent and historic city. Marvel at the mighty Palais des Papes, the Papal Palace, one of the great architectural wonders of France. View the adjacent historic Pont St. Bénzet, a medieval bridge reaching out into the river; only four of its original 22 arches remain. Then step through Avignon’s gates to explore this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site; its medieval walls enclose a rich repository of architecture that spans the ages. There’ll be free time here before lunch on board.

Alternatively, cycle a scenic loop around Avignon, discovering small, countryside roads and small villages.

This afternoon, enjoy a short ride across the river to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, which once served as a resort of the French cardinals who resided at Avignon. You pass over the island Ile de la Barthelasse to reach the river’s opposite bank. Quiet, scenic roads with minimal traffic lead to one of the former olive-oil mills in Provence, founded in 1358. Enjoy a tasting of their production and learn how olive oil is made; perhaps you’ll purchase some so you can take a taste of France home with you! After savoring some delicate pastries and a drink, you have free time here before returning to the ship by shuttle or bicycle.

This evening, savor an authentic Provençal dinner, prepared and hosted by a local chef whom we have invited on board.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Independent Avignon loop — 26 km (16 miles)

Afternoon: Avignon to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon — 19 km (12 miles) | Villeneuve-lès-Avignon to Ship — 5 km (3 miles)

What to Expect:

Ride across the Rhône River to Ile de la Barthelasse, a tranquil island, then continue to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon on the opposite bank. You ride on quiet roads with very limited traffic. After a tour of a former olive-oil mill and free time in town, you have the option to ride back following a slightly different route. The optional morning loop follows small, countryside roads through small villages.

Cumulative Distance Range: 19 – 50 km (12 – 31 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Arles / Bike to Pont du Gard / Farewell dinner

Begin the day with a morning walk to the magnificent old town of Arles with your trip leaders. Then board a 45-minute shuttle to the spectacularly preserved Pont de Gard. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct once transported water 31 miles (50 km) from Nimes. There’ll be time to visit the enlightening museum, where you can learn how this towering structure was built without mortar.

Your trip leaders have arranged a savory picnic lunch to enjoy by the river, with a magnificent view of the aqueduct. After lunch, your bike invites you for a last, scenic ride of the week. The first part of your route follows an old, renovated rail trail to Beaucaire, where you can join a shuttle to Arles. If you choose to continue cycling, you will follow quiet, paved country roads through the fertile farmlands that provide Provence with its rich bounty. Later join the captain’s cocktail and farewell dinner with your trip leaders and raise your glass to an unforgettable week.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Pont du Gard to Beaucaire — 20 km (12 miles) | Beaucaire to Arles — 22 km (14 miles)

What to Expect:

Begin the day with a short walk in the historic center of Arles, followed by a 45-minute shuttle to the Pont du Gard. You cycle in the afternoon on a beautifully renovated bike path along the rails of an old train line to Beaucaire. The second part of the bike ride follows paved, quiet country roads along flat terrain. As you are riding through open fields, you might experience some wind. For a shorter option, you can shuttle from Beaucaire to the ship.

Cumulative Distance Range: 20 – 42 km (12 – 26 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: Disembark / VBT Bicycling Vacation ends

After breakfast, say goodbye to your ship crew and trip leaders as your tour ends. It is important that you disembark ship no later than 9:00 a.m. The Gare d’Arles train station is across the pier, a three-minute walk. Taxis will be available for transportation to the airport. The closest international airport is Marseille Provence (MRS); by taxi, it takes about one hour and costs approximately $160-200 USD per car.

Included Meals: Breakfast