Viking River Cruises

France's Finest

Itinerary Overview

Viking River Cruises is pleased to offer passengers this unique opportunity to combine our two French river cruise itineraries - Paris & the Heart of Normandy and French Vineyards & Vistas - for a truly magnificent grand tour of France. The first leg of your adventure features the cosmopolitan flair of Paris, the artistry of Giverny and the WWII history of Normandy. Then, we'll transport you via motorcoach through the beautiful French countryside to embark on the second half of your grand tour. From the famed Dijon region of France, you'll cruise through the vineyards of Burgundy to quaint French villages, and then on to Arles and Avignon in the south of France.

What's Included

• The Grand Tour of France - 14 Nights
• Combine two French cruises for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter of France’s Finest
• All onboard meals; Welcome Dinner; Captain’s Dinner
• A total of 14 tours with private, Beaune/Burgundy wine tour; Lyon; Vienne; Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage; Viviers; Arles; Avignon; Paris/panoramic cruise; Conflans/Auvers sur Oise; Giverny/Monet Foundation; Rouen; Honfleur; Normandy Beaches excursion
• Welcome Cocktail & Farewell Dinner
• Old World Highlights: Port lectures by your knowledgeable Cruise Manager, French wine-making demonstration and French food demonstration; sampling of French cheeses, World War II history lecture and French folkloric entertainment
• Individual port guides for on-your-own exploring
• Onboard currency exchange services
• All port charges included

Ship

Detailed Itinerary

Le Havre offers a wide variety of historic buildings and museums. Most famous is the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which dates back to the 16th century and is home to the internationally renowned acoustics organ presented by Cardinal Richelieu.

Founded by the Romans, Rouen is situated amidst the chalk cliffs along the Seine, and is filled with half-timbered houses and exquisite gothic architecture. The old city on the right bank of the river is surrounded by a natural amphitheater of hills. Highlights include the Justice Palace and 15th century Aitre Saint-Maclou, a rich example of flamboyant gothic architecture. The city is known for its role in the heroic tragedy of Joan of Arc, patron saint of France. Tried and condemned for heresy, she was burned alive at the stake in the Place du Vieux Marché (Old Marketplace) in May 1431.

Set along the banks of the Seine, this small town is best known for the imposing castle overlooking the city. Built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart of England, who was also Duke of Normandy, Château Gaillard is the most dramatic sight anywhere along the Seine between the coast and Paris. The strongest and most magnificent castle of its age, it guarded the Seine River Valley approach to Normandy.



Vernon - Evening at leisure

Vernon, a little north and across the Seine from Giverny, is a charming provincial town. Its cobblestone streets are reminiscent of the Middle Ages, and some of the half-timbered houses feature magnificent wooden carvings. Highlights include the 11th century gothic church of Notre Dame, a beautiful mill built on the ruins of an old medieval river bridge, and the Maison du Temps Jadis (House of Past Times), the city's oldest house, dating back to the 15th century. Conflans - Auvers sur Oise excursion

Paris, the romantic capital of France, is considered one of the world’s most important and most attractive cities. Its cultural and historical significances are evident in its many noted landmarks, including the famous Eiffel Tower, Montmarte art district, the Louvre Museum and the commemorative Arc de Triomphe. The bustling atmosphere on the shop-lined Champs-Elysées, coupled with the many restaurants, taverns, and performances enhances the night-life in the "City of Light.

Chalon-sur-Saône - Board your ship & free time

Considered an important center for the wine trade, Chalon-sur-Saône is the entrance to France's famed Dijon region. The city's fine quays border the Saône River at its junction with the Canal du Centre. The two lofty steeples of the 17th century Church of St. Pierre can be seen from anywhere in the city. Other architectural treasures and historical sites include the crypt of St. Benigne and 13th century Church of St. Vincent.

Dating back more than 2,000 years, Beaune has become the trading center for Burgundy's fine wines. The charming blend of half-timbered buildings and gentle curves of romanesque architecture is evident throughout the city. During its 2,000 year existence, Beaune served for a short period as the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. Later, it became a busy commercial center for the cloth and wine industries.

Set along a narrow peninsula between the Rhône and Saône Rivers, Lyon is located in the heart of France's Provence region. Visitors can take in panoramic views from atop Fourviere Hill and step into the past when they tour Vieux Lyon's (Old Lyon's) cobblestone streets and 16th century architecture. Now an important educational center, Lyon's cultural life is reflected in its buildings, museums and houses. Dominating the skyline is the Basilica of Fourviere, known for its lavish interior decorations of marble and mosaics.

Vienne - Walking tour & mini-train; free time

Surrounded by steep hills and situated between France's Burgundy and Beaujolais regions, Vienne is the gateway to Lyon's countryside. The old town is rich in Roman and medieval buildings including ancient market ruins. Vienne's history can be traed through its architecture, dating back to the Roman Temple of Augustus built in the 1st century. Other landmarks include the Abbey of Saint Pierre and the Church of Saint-Andre-Le-Bas.

Secluded between the beautiful Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage, Tournon is a charming city. The fertile surrounding landscape is blanketed with various fruit trees and lies in the heart of the St. Joseph vineyard. Tournon boasts an imposing 16th century castle and flower-lined terrace over the quay with stunning views over the town, river, and surrounding vineyards. From Tournon, a 19th century steam train journeys up the mountaintop on a narrow-gauge railway for a view of the majestic scenery.



Viviers - Evening walking tour

Set amid a mountainous province, Viviers is an old Episcopal town founded in the 5th century. With buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, time seems to stand still within the Old Town. Visit a fine example of Renaissance architecture, the beautiful Maison des Chevaliers.

Towards the end of the Roman Empire, this city was the former capital of Roman Gaul. Indeed, it was known as the "Little Rome of Gaul," and boasts many Gallo-Roman ruins including Les Arenes, an ancient amphitheater seating 20,000 that is still used today for bullfights and plays. The town is frequently bathed in a strong Mediterranean light that inspired legendary impressionist Vincent Van Gogh to paint a number of works, and many of the town's sights are immortalized in his paintings.

Sheltered by medieval walls, Avignon's maze of narrow streets is filled with churches, museums and palaces tracing the history of this ancient, vibrant city. Visitors can capture a bird's eye view of the city and surrounding Rhône River valley from the top of Cathedral Hill. Avignon is known as the "City of Popes," due to the role the city played in the Avignon conspiracy during the 14th century, when a series of popes abandoned Rome and fled to Avignon. Still remaining from this time of this papal residence, the lavish Palais des Papes, a fortress, church and palace was considered the center of the Christian world during the 14th century. From 1309-1377, seven popes resided in this stunning building, one of the world's most unique and grandiose examples of gothic architecture.

Cost of This Itinerary

The least expensive cabin costs:
$250 per person per night in low season and
$307 pp pn in high season

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$364 per person per night in low season and
$378 pp pn in high season