8 Day AmaWaterways River Cruise from Paris to Bordeaux 2026

Day 1 Paris

Step aboard your luxurious ship in the “City of Light,” where your French adventure begins. As you settle in, let the magic of Paris set the tone for the days of art, wine, and wonder that await.

Day 2 Les Andelys

Explore the dramatic cliffs and medieval ruins of Château Gaillard, or bike through the charming streets of Les Andelys. However you wander, the stories of knights and kings will follow you along the winding riverbanks.

Day 3 Le Havre

Visit Honfleur, the seaside village that inspired generations of Impressionists, or tour the modern marvels of UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Every scene here feels like a living painting–washed in color, light, and sea air.

Day 4 Le Havre

Choose your journey through Normandy’s heart–walk the solemn sands of D-Day beaches, savor Calvados and cider in the pastoral countryside, or explore the region’s maritime history. Each path reveals a different side of this storied land.

Day 5 Rouen

Discover Rouen’s half-timbered charm, its medieval square, and the spirit of Joan of Arc. Taste the region’s best cheeses, chocolates, and ciders–or wander through the stunning Bonnemare Castle beneath rows of poplar trees.

Day 6 Vernon

Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny, where every petal and pond still whispers his genius. Or tour the regal Château de Bizy, inspired by Versailles, before setting out on a peaceful bike ride through the French countryside.

Day 7 Paris

Journey to Auvers-sur-Oise, the final home of Vincent van Gogh, or visit Château Malmaison, the romantic retreat of Napoleon and Josephine. Later, discover Paris anew–from the Latin Quarter’s timeless charm to the beauty of the Luxembourg Gardens.

Day 8 Paris

Bid adieu to the Seine as you board your train to Bordeaux. Relax as the French countryside rolls by, then step aboard your next ship to begin the second chapter of your journey–where wine, warmth, and southern beauty await.

Day 9 Chalon-sur-Saône

Uncover the medieval charm of Chalon‑Sur‑Saône on a historic city tour, or visit Beaune to stroll its cobblestone streets and admire the mosaic‑tiled roof of the 15th‑century Hôtel‑Dieu. Later, enjoy a scenic cruise to Tournus, savor the region’s Mâconnais wines, or take an exhilarating guided bike ride from Chalon‑Sur‑Saône to Tournus.

Day 10 Tournus

Explore the charming cities of Tournus and Mâcon. Take a guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert, visit the moated Château de Cormatin with its ornate apartments and gardens, or stroll through the medieval village of Brancion. Return to the ship for a scenic cruise to Mâcon, or enjoy a guided bike tour or wine tasting before rejoining the voyage.

Day 11 Mâcon

Enjoy a day in Mâcon, the “South Burgundy City,” on a guided tour exploring its vineyards, museums, and historic sites, or venture to Cluny to admire the captivating Romanesque architecture of its once-mighty abbey. Return to the ship and relax on the Sun Deck with a light lunch, or enjoy a tasting of Beaujolais wines as you sail toward Villefranche-sur-Saône.

Day 12 Lyon

Begin your journey through Lyon on Fourvière Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the 19th-century Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica. Wander through the city’s old town and St. Jean district to see the city’s unique covered “traboules.” More adventurous passengers can join a guided bike tour or hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. Finish the day by indulging your palate on a Vieux Lyon tasting tour of local culinary delights.

Day 13 Viviers

Enjoy a leisurely morning coffee from your balcony or the Sun Deck as you cruise to Viviers, a charming medieval city with 16th- and 18th-century monuments. Choose to pedal through the bicycle-friendly streets, visit the hilltop village of Grignan and hunt for prized “Black Diamond” truffles, or hike for stunning views. In the evening, join a guided stroll through Viviers with costumed interpreters reenacting the city’s rich history and legends.

Day 14 Avignon

Discover the “City of Popes” on a guided walking tour of Avignon, exploring the Palais des Papes and medieval city walls, or sample regional specialties like macarons, cheese, wine, and tapenade. In Arles, admire the Romanesque cathedral and amphitheater on a walking or bike tour, explore Van Gogh’s legacy at the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, or enjoy a leisurely wellness-focused ride through the town.

Day 15 Arles

Begin your journey home