Immerse yourself in the rich history, captivating art, vibrant culture, and epicurean delights of France on this enchanting 14-night journey along four spectacular waterways: the Seine, Garonne, and Dordogne rivers and the Gironde Estuary. Depart from the “City of Lights” and head through Normandy for the opportunity to pay your respects on the D-Day landing beaches. Whet your palate for the Bordeaux delights to come by sampling the Normandy's famed Calvados, cider, and cheese. Step inside Monet’s paintings at his home and gardens in Giverny, visit idyllic châteaux, and pedal through the French countryside before cruising back into Paris with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop. Then, board your train for Bordeaux, where you will sip a variety of wines from this famed wine region and marvel at historic architecture, from the UNESCO-designated Blaye Citadel to the impressive Roquetaillade Castle and even Bordeaux’s marvelously modern Cité du Vin wine museum. This is the ideal itinerary for those who want more than “just a taste” of France.
Immerse yourself in the rich history, captivating art, vibrant culture, and epicurean delights of France on this enchanting 14-night journey along four spectacular waterways: the Seine, Garonne, and Dordogne rivers and the Gironde Estuary. Begin with our pre-cruise land package in Paris, immersing yourself in some of the lesser-known history and neighborhoods of the “City of Lights.” Next, board your beautiful river cruise and head through Normandy for the opportunity to pay your respects on the D-Day landing beaches. Whet your palate for the Bordeaux delights to come by sampling the region’s famed Calvados, cider, and cheese. Step inside Monet’s paintings at his home and gardens in Giverny, visit idyllic châteaux, and pedal through the French countryside before cruising back into Paris with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop. Then, board your train for Bordeaux, where you will sip a variety of wines from this famed wine region and marvel at historic architecture, from the UNESCO-designated Blaye Citadel to the impressive Roquetaillade Castle and even Bordeaux’s marvelously modern Cité du Vin wine museum. After you disembark, experience the wonders of the Loire Valley. This is the ideal itinerary for those who want more than “just a taste” of France.
Grand Seine & Bordeaux
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Board the ship in Paris for your Grand Seine & Bordeaux cruise. (D)
Day 2 | Les Andelys | Château Gaillard tour |
|
Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys. After your adventures, set sail along the meandering Seine for a scenic cruise. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Le Havre | Honfleur excursion |
|
| | Le Havre “UNESCO City of Architects” tour |
|
During your time in Le Havre, set out on an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice of a bike tour through Le Havre. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Le Havre | Normandy US Landing Beaches |
|
| | OR Normandy British and Canadian Landing Beaches |
|
| Caudebec-en-Caux | Seine Museum |
|
Experience the Normandy region with a variety of excursions. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, you will visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you will visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and, finally, Arromanches. Alternatively, you can set out on a full day excursion to the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration in Caudebec-en-Caux, you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum. (B,L,D)
*Not combinable with other tours on this day.
Day 5 | Rouen | Medieval Rouen walking tour |
|
| | “Legends of Château de Bonnemare” castle visit |
|
Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. You also have the choice to go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour. Then visit Bonnemare Castle, a 16th-century architectural treasure lined with picturesque poplar trees. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Vernon | Scenic cruising |
|
| | Monet's home and gardens in Giverny** |
|
Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. You will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades. Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside. (B,L,D)
*PLEASE NOTE: Monet's Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
**Not combinable with other tours on this day.
Day 7 | Paris | Artist’s walk of Auvers-sur-Oise |
|
| | OR Château de Malmaison tour |
|
| | Paris “City of Light” tour |
|
Travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Or enjoy the exquisite architecture and gardens of the Château Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte. Alternatively, stay in Paris explore the “City of Light” on a guided bike tour. Later, enjoy some of Paris’ most famous sights during your panoramic tour. You will be guided through the charming Latin Quarter, home to the world-famous Sorbonne University, and through the stunning 400-year-old Luxembourg Gardens, created by King Henry IV’s widow, Marie de’ Medici. (B,L,D)
| | Transfer by train from Paris to Bordeaux |
|
Bid farewell to Paris and the crew of your beautiful ship as you board your comfortable train for the transfer to Bordeaux. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as we take care of your luggage for you and whisk you off to Bordeaux. Once in Bordeaux, you will board your next ship, where your luggage will be waiting for you in your stateroom. Enjoy lunch on board and you may explore Bordeaux in the afternoon at your leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Libourne | Saint-Émilion excursion and Grand Cru Classé wine tasting |
|
| | OR Saint-Émilion Excursion |
|
| | OR Saint-Émilion bike tour |
|
Welcome to Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux’s most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint Émilion, known for its celebrated vineyards, and while here, explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then go under the church to discover its catacombs and caves. Afterwards, enjoy a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting at either Château de Ferrand or Château de Pressac. Alternately, you can enjoy an excursion to Saint-Émilion solely to discover more of the small historic town. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Émilion. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Libourne | Bastide town and market visit |
|
| | OR Ancient watermill visit & breadmaking workshop |
|
| | OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting |
|
Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. Alternatively, visit a 19th-century watermill to learn about the traditional flour production process and to try your hand at kneading, shaping and baking your own bread. Or, get your heart pumping by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned family-owned vineyards at Château Boutinet, where you will learn about the challenges and rewards of combining winemaking with eco-friendly growing practices and business development. Cap your excursion off with a tasting of three wines as well as a variety of locally sourced tapas. (B,L,D)
| Bourg | OR Bourg walking tour and Carriage Museum |
|
Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride around Blaye along a former railway. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. Or, while in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles. Towards the evening, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival. Meet the local wine growers and taste the fruits of their labors as well as enjoy live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Cussac Fort Medoc | Medoc Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and scenic vineyard tour |
|
| | Margaux Vineyard hike and local specialties tasting |
|
| | OR Soulac-sur-Mer excursion |
|
Cussac-Fort-Medoc is a peaceful commune in southwestern France and your gateway to the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Bordeaux wines. You will see some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates, including Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Pichon Longueville. You’ll then visit either Château Gruaud Larose or Château Léoville Poyferré for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. Later in the day, you may hike through the vineyards of Château Margaux and taste local specialties, or enjoy a coast drive to Soulac-sur-Mer where you’ll see unique sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Cordouan lighthouse known to be the oldest in France. (B,L,D)
Day 13 | Cadillac | Roquetaillade Castle with Sauternes wine tasting |
|
| | OR Roquetaillade and Cadillac visit |
|
Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years and travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Chateau de Rayne Vigneau or Chateau Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 14 | Bordeaux | UNESCO city tour and market tasting |
|
| | Bordeaux Cité du Vin (wine museum) visit |
|
| | Bordeaux Illuminations cruise |
|
The breathtaking capital of the wine world, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified as a “City of Art and History.” You’ll have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture on a city tour followed by a visit to the famed indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties to please the palate. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. Depending on your interests, you have a choice from three excursions in the afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Alternately, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumières. Later in the evening, delight in a special illuminations cruise, gazing at the iconic structures of Bordeaux as they glow against the night sky. (B,L,D)
Day 15 | Bordeaux | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Check into your Paris hotel for the beginning of your Grand Seine & Bordeaux land package.
Day 2 | Paris | “Hidden Paris” and Atelier des Lumières tour |
|
Discover some of the lesser-known treasures of Paris on your guided tour. Setting the world stage for art, fashion, gastronomy, culture and much more, the “City of Light” has a story to tell at every corner. Afterwards, explore the Atelier-Lumières, Paris’s “Workshop of Lights,” a uniquely immersive digital art experience. You will be treated to an unforgettable colorful multimedia exhibition, utilizing 140 video projectors and a state-of-the-art sound system of famed artists’ works. (B)
Day 3 | Paris | Montmartre tour |
|
After checking out of your hotel, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists. For easy access to Montmartre, hop aboard the funicular railroad that ascends the hill. Montmartre’s most recognizable landmark is the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, constructed from 1876 to 1912. The white dome of this Roman Catholic basilica sits at the highest point in the city. You’ll then board the ship in Paris for your river cruise. (B,D)
Day 4 | Les Andelys | Château Gaillard tour |
|
Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys. After your adventures, set sail along the meandering Seine for a scenic cruise. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Le Havre | Honfleur excursion |
|
| | Le Havre “UNESCO City of Architects” tour |
|
During your time in Le Havre, set out on an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice of a bike tour through Le Havre. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Le Havre | Normandy US Landing Beaches |
|
| | OR Normandy British and Canadian Landing Beaches |
|
| Caudebec-en-Caux | Seine Museum |
|
Experience the Normandy region with a variety of excursions. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, you will visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you will visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and, finally, Arromanches. Alternatively, you can set out on a full day excursion to the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration in Caudebec-en-Caux, you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum. (B,L,D)
*Not combinable with other tours on this day.
Day 7 | Rouen | Medieval Rouen walking tour |
|
| | “Legends of Château de Bonnemare” castle visit |
|
Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. You also have the choice to go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour. Then visit Bonnemare Castle, a 16th-century architectural treasure lined with picturesque poplar trees. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Vernon | Scenic cruising |
|
| | Monet's home and gardens in Giverny** |
|
Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. You will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades. Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside. (B,L,D)
*PLEASE NOTE: Monet's Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
**Not combinable with other tours on this day.
Day 9 | Paris | Artist’s walk of Auvers-sur-Oise |
|
| | OR Château de Malmaison tour |
|
| | Paris “City of Light” tour |
|
Travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Or enjoy the exquisite architecture and gardens of the Château Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte. Alternatively, stay in Paris explore the “City of Light” on a guided bike tour. Later, enjoy some of Paris’ most famous sights during your panoramic tour. You will be guided through the charming Latin Quarter, home to the world-famous Sorbonne University, and through the stunning 400-year-old Luxembourg Gardens, created by King Henry IV’s widow, Marie de’ Medici. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Paris | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| | Transfer by train from Paris to Bordeaux |
|
Bid farewell to Paris and the crew of your beautiful ship as you board your comfortable train for the transfer to Bordeaux. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as we take care of your luggage for you and whisk you off to Bordeaux. Once in Bordeaux, you will board your next ship, where your luggage will be waiting for you in your stateroom. Enjoy lunch on board and you may explore Bordeaux in the afternoon at your leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Libourne | Saint-Émilion excursion and Grand Cru Classé wine tasting |
|
| | OR Saint-Émilion Excursion |
|
| | OR Saint-Émilion bike tour |
|
Welcome to Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux’s most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint Émilion, known for its celebrated vineyards, and while here, explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then go under the church to discover its catacombs and caves. Afterwards, enjoy a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting at either Château de Ferrand or Château de Pressac. Alternately, you can enjoy an excursion to Saint-Émilion solely to discover more of the small historic town. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Émilion. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Libourne | Bastide town and market visit |
|
| | OR Ancient watermill visit & breadmaking workshop |
|
| | OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting |
|
Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. Alternatively, visit a 19th-century watermill to learn about the traditional flour production process and to try your hand at kneading, shaping and baking your own bread. Or, get your heart pumping by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned family-owned vineyards at Château Boutinet, where you will learn about the challenges and rewards of combining winemaking with eco-friendly growing practices and business development. Cap your excursion off with a tasting of three wines as well as a variety of locally sourced tapas. (B,L,D)
| Bourg | OR Bourg walking tour and Carriage Museum |
|
Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride around Blaye along a former railway. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. Or, while in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles. Towards the evening, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival. Meet the local wine growers and taste the fruits of their labors as well as enjoy live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 14 | Cussac Fort Medoc | Medoc Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and scenic vineyard tour |
|
| | Margaux Vineyard hike and local specialties tasting |
|
| | OR Soulac-sur-Mer excursion |
|
Cussac-Fort-Medoc is a peaceful commune in southwestern France and your gateway to the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Bordeaux wines. You will see some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates, including Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Pichon Longueville. You’ll then visit either Château Gruaud Larose or Château Léoville Poyferré for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. Later in the day, you may hike through the vineyards of Château Margaux and taste local specialties, or enjoy a coast drive to Soulac-sur-Mer where you’ll see unique sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Cordouan lighthouse known to be the oldest in France. (B,L,D)
Day 15 | Cadillac | Roquetaillade Castle with Sauternes wine tasting |
|
| | OR Roquetaillade and Cadillac visit |
|
Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years and travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Chateau de Rayne Vigneau or Chateau Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 16 | Bordeaux | UNESCO city tour and market tasting |
|
| | Bordeaux Cité du Vin (wine museum) visit |
|
| | Bordeaux Illuminations cruise |
|
The breathtaking capital of the wine world, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified as a “City of Art and History.” You’ll have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture on a city tour followed by a visit to the famed indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties to please the palate. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. Depending on your interests, you have a choice from three excursions in the afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Alternately, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumières. Later in the evening, delight in a special illuminations cruise, gazing at the iconic structures of Bordeaux as they glow against the night sky. (B,L,D)
Day 17 | Bordeaux | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Loire Valley | Hotel check-in |
|
Disembark the ship and transfer to Cognac, where you will enjoy free time for lunch before continuing to Amboise in the Loire Valley, where you will check in to your hotel. (B)
Day 18 | Amboise | Château de Chenonceaux, Clos du Lucé and Château d’Amboise |
|
Visit three of the Loire Valley’s regal châteaux starting with the Château de Chenonceau, one of the most beautiful castles in France. This château has been referred to as the “Women’s Castle” since it is the only castle in the region that has been built, inhabited and saved by women during the Renaissance. Château du Clos Lucé was Leonardo da Vinci’s last home where he completed some of his most famous works under the patronage of the King of France. The Château d’Amboise, perched on a promontory overlooking the Loire River, was the first Renaissance château built in the Loire Valley and features extravagant residences, gardens and a Gothic chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried. (B)
Day 19 | Amboise | Hotel check-out |
|
| Paris | Transfer to Paris; hotel check-in |
|
Check out of your Amboise hotel and, en route to Paris, visit two more majestic châteaux. Revel in a tour of the Château de Chenonceaux, a truly spectacular château and former watermill that spans the Cher River was turned into a palace by the French King Francis I for his Mistress Diane de Poitier. Then, you will have free time for lunch on your own before continuing on to the Renaissance-style Château d’Amboise. This former medieval castle was remodeled in the Renaissance to a royal residence. The Gothic chapel contains the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci. You will also discover the Château du Clos Luce, Leonardo da Vinci’s last home. Here, during the final years of his life, he completed some of his most treasured works, The Mona Lisa, The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, and the Saint John the Baptist. Afterwards, transfer by motorcoach to your hotel at Charles De Gaulle Airport. (B)
Day 20 | Paris | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)