Active & Discovery on the Seine
Pont Neuf, Seine River in Paris
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, kayak 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.
8 Day River Cruise Roundtrip from Paris, France
Normandy, France
Move, and Be Moved
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 kayak past the timbered houses, 12th century castles and gothic church of charming Vernon, and hop on an E-bike for a leisurely tour of the impressive Château de Maisons-Lafitte.
Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you: whip up sweet Chantilly cream with the culinary experts on the even sweeter Chantilly Castle grounds, stop and smell the roses as you stroll through the home and gardens of master impressionist Claude Monet, and 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.
Every Season. A Different Perspective.
From summer’s vibrant Parisian energy to the softer tones of spring and fall, this journey along the Seine offers something special in every season. Depending on when you sail, you can explore charming La Roche Guyon with its seasonal specialties, marvel at the magical Rouen Cathedral light show, stroll through Paris in Bloom with a Cheese Museum visit or immerse yourself in Paris Fashion Week through chic city walks and inspiring onboard couture lectures. Changing light, riverside scenery, and a more relaxed pace bring fresh perspectives to both the City of Light and Normandy’s historic shores. Enjoy the same route, revealed through the unique lens of the season you set sail.
Your Ship, Avalon Tapestry II
The Avalon Tapestry II is a true haven on the river with two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning in your window-facing Comfort Collection bed to enchanting scenery. Onboard amenities and services include complimentary computer use in public areas and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center, an elevator, and a spacious Sky Deck with shade system, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al-fresco lunches of light grill fare. The Avalon Tapestry II weaves a wonderful river cruise experience from ship to shore.
Les Andelys Chateau Gaillard
Itinerary
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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 embarking on your cruise on the Seine. 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.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to La Roche Guyon
Meals Included Dinner
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Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour
Active Excursion Spend a fun and active day kayaking. Join an expert guide and paddle your way through areas accessible only by water, OR:
Discovery Excursion Delight in 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:
Take a Guided Tour to one of France’s most remarkable castles—Château de La Roche-Guyon, perched on the picturesque chalk cliffs overlooking the village of La Roche-Guyon; during the visit, enjoy a tasting of local products.
While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes.
This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.
Les Andelys
Serenity on the Seine’s Most Beautiful Riverbends
Active Excursion 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:
Classic Excursion Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine. Visit Saint Sauveur’s Church of Le Petit Andely.
Discovery Excursion Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Caudebec
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and White Cliffs of Normandy
Discovery Excursion Travel to Fecamp to visit the Palais Bénédictine where the world-famous Bénédictine liquor is made. Enjoy a short Self-Guided Tour followed by a cocktail workshop focused on the famous liquor. Enjoy a photo stop in Étretat to capture breathtaking views over the cliffs of the Alabaster Coast en route back to Caudebec, OR:
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:
Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial (until the end of May replaced by a visit to the D-Day Museum), the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.
Enjoy onboard live entertainment after dinner, while sailing to Rouen
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Rouen
Excursion to Normandy
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France
Active Excursion Pedal your way through hundreds of years of history on this Guided Bike Tour around Rouen, OR:
Classic Excursion Join a Guided Visit to the magnificent Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen to marvel at masterpieces in fine art. Be awed by one of the most outstanding collections of art in France—from the works of Rubens, Monet, Degas, and countless other masters, OR:
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.
Discovery Excursion Enjoy a fascinating presentation on art and impressionism with an onboard lecture.
Overnight Docking in Rouen
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Heritage and Nature. Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
Active Excursion Stroll from the ruins of Jumièges Abbey through orchards, timbered houses, open meadows and peaceful views of the Seine River, OR:
Discovery Excursion Stroll through the lively Marché Saint-Marc, sampling Norman cheeses, seasonal specialties, and local delicacies before relaxing with a drink at a neighborhood brasserie, OR:
Classic Excursion Join a Guided Visit to the magnificent Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen to marvel at masterpieces in fine art. Be awed by one of the most outstanding collections of art in France—from the works of Rubens, Monet, Degas, and countless other masters.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Conflans
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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The Footsteps of Van Gogh and Bonaparte. Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
Active Excursion This Guided E-bike Tour will take you to the Château de Maisons-Lafitte where you will enjoy a special snack, OR:
Discovery Excursion Prepare your own Chantilly cream on the grounds of Chantilly Castle, OR:
Classic Excursion 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:
Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.
Enjoy an afternoon sailing to Paris. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after dinner.
Overnight Docking in Paris
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases—The City of Lights Truly Shines
Active Excursion 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 Excursion 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 Excursion Join a Guided Sightseeing, which will show you magnificent must-see sights.
This afternoon, you may stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.
Overnight Docking in Paris
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals Included Breakfast
Cruise Inclusions
8-Day River Cruise roundtrip from Paris
Accommodation 7 nights aboard your Avalon Suite Ship®, featuring Panorama Suites and premium onboard amenities
Included Meals 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
Choose Your Style of Discovery A wide range of Active, Discovery and Classic excursions are included throughout the journey, allowing you to tailor each day to your interests
Book by 12 October 2026 and save $5,200 per couple off select 2027 Europe Avalon Waterways Cruises.
From $7,069 per person share twin, save $2,600 per person
*From pricing listed above is based on the departure date 22 Jun 2027 in a Deluxe Stateroom. Personalize your Trip: Start sooner, Stay longer. Extend your journey with an extra 2 nights in Saint-Malo from $9,443pp share twin, save $2,600 per person, in a Deluxe Stateroom, based on departure 19 Jun 2027. The listed price does not include your airfare, taxes, or fees. Contact your Travel Expert to receive an air quote and a final cruise quote. Offer applies to new bookings only and is not transferable.
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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.
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Terms & Conditions Pricing is to be used as a guide only and is subject to availability at the time of booking. *Book select 2027 Avalon Waterways Europe River cruises and save $2,600 per person. Saving is dependent upon cruise and cabin availability and will be confirmed at time of reservation. Applicable cruise dates and savings can be viewed online, on each cruise's dates & prices page. Offer applicable across all cabin categories. Offer valid for new 2027 bookings made and deposited by 12/10/26 or until sold out. Non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $750 per person/per cruise required at time of booking to secure reservation and offers. Cruises including intra-tour flights require additional deposit, confirmed at time of reservation. Offers cannot be combined with any other promotion except Welcome Back Credit and/or Second Tour Discount (may be applied when multiple cruises are booked at the same time for travel within the same calendar year). Offer applies to new 2027 bookings only and cannot be applied retrospectively. Offer applicable for singles - single supplement applies. Offer can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Travel agent service fees and credit card fees may apply. For full terms & conditions, current availability and pricing for your preferred departure date, please contact our Wanderlust Travel Experts for details
Interested in this experience? Mention this Deal Code: 1258 when speaking with your travel agent. Don't have an agent? Click here to connect with one of our experts.