Find the River Cruise you’re looking for...
When do you want to start your cruise?
Where do you want to go?
15 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Paris to Bordeaux 2026(WPX)
French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux
Please call for Pricing.
River Cruise 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!
Get More Cruise Info
We'd love to connect with you and answer any questions you might have about this cruise. Fill out the form below and we'll get back with you pronto.
* Required fields.
(Note: either your Email or Phone is required—not both.)
Please call for pricing.
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day-By-Day
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
(D)
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.
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
(B,L,D)
*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
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
(B,L,D)
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 Taste of Normandy” Guided Tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry, visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados at a local distillery.
EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
(B,L,D)
Day 5 ROUEN
The Cathedral of Our Lady 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
(B,L,D)
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.
EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS
(B,L,D)
*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
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
(B,L,D)
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
(B,D)
*Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.
Day 9 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE
(B,L,D)
*Sailing to Cadillac-sur-Garonne pending tides and water levels. Alternative motorcoach transportation for today’s excursions provided.
Day 10 CUSSAC FORT MÉDOC
Bikes, Vines, and Wines
This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort MédocVisit 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BLAYE
(B,L,D)
Day 11 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG
(B,L,D)
Day 12 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
(B,L,D)
Day 13 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
(B,L,D)
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
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
(B,L,D)
Day 15 BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
Need more information?
Having trouble deciding which cruise is right for you?
Call Us Today at 1.888.804.CRUISE (2784)Having trouble deciding which cruise is right for you?