Frances Finest – Paris to Avignon
14-Night River Cruise Holiday with Fly Free Offer Included
- 20 Aug ‘25
- 14 nights
- Paris
- Viking Kari
*Based on Oceanview Stateroom.
Balcony Stateroom an extra $3,300
What's Included
Explore Paris, Normandy and Provence on this 14 night river cruise from Paris to Avignon with return flights included
Explore Avignon’s Palace of the Popes and savour Lyon’s culinary heritage. Toast centuries-old vineyards and luxuriate in Paris’s sophistication. Walk in Joan of Arc’s footsteps at Rouen. Pay your respects at Normandy’s World War II beaches. Art, cuisine, style, joie de vivre—if you love everything français, this is for you.
With Viking Inclusive value, all you need is included.
⚓ One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
⚓ Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
⚓ Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
⚓ 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
⚓ Port taxes & fees
⚓ Visits to UNESCO Sites
⚓ Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
⚓ Onboard gratuities
Book now and Fly Free to Europe!
This voyage operates from March to November each year, pricing will vary by departure date. Ask your Cruiseabout Travel Advisor for your preferred travel dates.
YOUR ITINERARY
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Long ...
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Long a hub of French culture and cuisine, Paris is one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Over the centuries, Parisian culture has been built on the wings of inspiration. Music, film, architecture, literature, dance and the visual arts all have their brilliant place in the museums, theaters, bookstores and remarkably preserved buildings of this magnificent city. At the center of it all is the Champs-Élysées. With its inviting riverside promenade, graceful bridges and splendid views of all things Parisian, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum.
One of the most pleasurable activities in Paris is whil ...
One of the most pleasurable activities in Paris is whiling away the time in one of the city’s outdoor cafés. Whether you are sipping a café au lait or a kir royal, there is no better way to feel like a Parisian. The hub of social and culinary life, cafés have been part of the city’s fabric since the 1600s. During the 20th century, literary and artistic figures—such as Ernest Hemingway, Colette and Pablo Picasso—famously met over drinks to share their works and ideas. Today, thousands of cafés line the pavements and squares to connect with France’s culture and history.
The picturesque village of La Roche-Guyon lies with ...
The picturesque village of La Roche-Guyon lies within the verdant Vexin Français Regional Nature Park, bound between the meandering Seine River and a striking wall of white chalk. This idyllic setting is home to a number of historic monuments, including a 15th-century church dedicated to St. Samson; a 16th-century salt store; a public fountain presented to the village in 1742; and the town hall, inaugurated in 1847. The beguiling 12th-century Château de La Roche-Guyon, however, is undoubtedly the village’s most emblematic landmark, once capturing the attention of poet Victor Hugo, impressionist Claude Monet and composer Joseph Kosma, among many others. The castle and its breathtaking surroundings still mesmerize all who visit it.
The Seine meanders through the mellow vistas of Normandy. As it ...
The Seine meanders through the mellow vistas of Normandy. As it makes its sleepy and serpentine way to the English Channel, it winds along for 240 miles from Paris, more than doubling the distance of a crow’s flight. As you sail, fertile fields unfurl toward groves of apple orchards, sources of the region’s famed calvados apple brandy. Norman cows graze the grassy meadows that help produce creamy Brie and Camembert. You will also gaze upon picturesque villages and historic abbeys on these bucolic banks.
History focused its sights along the coast of Norma ...
History focused its sights along the coast of Normandy, France—notably Omaha, Juno and Gold Beaches—on the early morning of June 6, 1944, as American, Canadian and British troops made landfall in their first European incursion during World War II. The entire operation was termed Operation Overlord, the code name for the invasion of Normandy. The remains of the concrete structures and steel causeway of Mulberry Harbor, built by the British, can still be seen on the beach near the village of Arromanches. The Arromanches Debarkment D-Day Museum presents animated 3D scale models to help visitors grasp this exceptional harbour and its contribution to the battle—considered perhaps the single greatest innovation that ensured victory for the Allies.
Les Andelys is best known for its imposing castle overlooking ...
Les Andelys is best known for its imposing castle overlooking the city, the Château Gaillard. Built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart, the castle and the village’s strategic location bolstered the importance of Les Andelys throughout the Middle Ages. The town also gained notice for its Sainte Clotilde Miraculous Spring, where the wife of the first Frankish king, Clovis, turned well water into wine to serve the builders of her Benedictine monastery. Europe’s devout, upon hearing of the act, flocked here on pilgrimages until the end of the 19th century.
Long a hub of French culture, cuisine and architectural splendou ...
Long a hub of French culture, cuisine and architectural splendour, Paris is one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Over the centuries, Parisian culture has been built on the wings of inspiration. Music, film, architecture, literature, dance and the visual arts all have their brilliant place in the museums, theatres, bookstores and remarkably preserved buildings of this magnificent city. At the centre of it all is the Champs-Élysées. With its inviting riverside promenade, 37 graceful bridges and splendid views of all things Parisian, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum, it is France’s most beautiful boulevard.
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to you ...
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your embarkation city. During World War II, occupied Paris became the centre for the Free French resistance movement. Unlike other French cities that were targets of Allied bombing raids, Paris escaped major damage and its many iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, survived the war intact and can still be enjoyed today. Liberation came just two months after the D-Day landings in Normandy, when divisions of the French tanks and US infantry entered the city on August 26, 1944, culminating with an exuberant march, led by Gen. Charles de Gaulle, down the Champs-Élysées.
Lyon is known as the food capital of France. It is not uncomm ...
Lyon is known as the food capital of France. It is not uncommon for well-heeled Parisians to travel to Lyon for dinner. The city is surrounded by towns and villages that produce excellent fresh produce, and gastronomic outlets are plentiful here. The great chefs of Lyon enjoy celebrity status, whether they prepare classic recipes the traditional way or elevate them with their own signature touches. Their delicious meals may be paired with a glass of light, fruity Beaujolais from the north or a bold Rhône red from the south.
One of Europe’s densest concentrations of urban Renaissance bui ...
One of Europe’s densest concentrations of urban Renaissance buildings, Old Lyon is pure pleasure to explore. The dwellings of this UNESCO site date back to the city’s silk weaving success during the 15th century, when Italian merchants and bankers put their profits into building town houses; today some of their elegant residences house museums. St. Jean Cathedral lies in the heart of Old Lyon and is a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It has weathered periods of political turmoil and religious wars and is now one of the city’s most prominent symbols.
Situated between France’s Burgundy and Beaujolais ...
Situated between France’s Burgundy and Beaujolais regions, Vienne is the gateway to Lyon’s countryside. It is one of the oldest towns in France, with a history that can be traced through its architecture. Among its Roman remains and artifacts, the Roman Temple of Augustus & Livia dates back to the 1st century AD. Its Roman amphitheatre, nestled in the hills of Mont Pipet, is one of the best preserved in the nation. Vienne also boasts remarkably preserved medieval buildings and market ruins. Other landmarks include the Abbey of Saint Pierre and the Church of Saint-André-le-Bas.
Tournon lies secluded between the river and the vineyard-blank ...
Tournon lies secluded between the river and the vineyard-blanketed granite slopes that nurture fine vintages. An ancient castle, built snugly into a rock, overlooks the riverside setting. A settlement has perched on this hill since Celtic times, but the stunning views from its overlook have never changed. The name of its neighbouring wine-producing region, Tain-l’Hermitage, comes from the hermit who planted vines here after returning from the Crusades. Today, his vines are awash in sunshine and produce a port-like wine and some stellar whites.
In the last days of the Roman Empire, Arles was the c ...
In the last days of the Roman Empire, Arles was the capital of Roman Gaul and boasts many Gallo-Roman ruins including Les Arènes; this ancient amphitheatre seats 20,000 and is still used today for bullfights and plays. The town has an energetic feel, attracting farmers from the countryside to the frequent and famous Provençal market. It also enjoys a rich artistic heritage; the Mediterranean sunlight here inspired legendary Impressionist Vincent van Gogh to paint a number of works. Many of Arles’s sights are immortalized in his paintings.
Avignon’s narrow streets are lined with churches and remarka ...
Avignon’s narrow streets are lined with churches and remarkable medieval buildings. This “City of Popes” was the papal seat for 70 years during the 14th century after the sitting pope abandoned Rome and fled here. The massive church-fortress Palais des Papes, or Palace of the Popes, was the centre of the Christian world during that controversial period. It remains a work of Gothic splendour. Another of Avignon’s notable structures reaches into the Rhône, the ruins of the Pont d’Avignon. The 12th-century bridge, immortalized in folk song and dance, once spanned the river.
When the Catholic Church acquired Avignon during ...
When the Catholic Church acquired Avignon during the 1300s, it quickly transformed the quiet riverside village into a major religious and cultural centre. Evidence of the makeover is everywhere. In addition to the enormous palace, the church constructed a wall around Avignon and provided mansion-like residences to its cardinals. Avignon Cathedral was dwarfed by its neighbour, the Palace of the Popes. Centuries after the papacy returned to Rome, the Vatican called for a gilded statue of Mary to be placed atop the cathedral; her golden gaze still welcomes visitors today. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home. Alternatively, ask your Cruiseabout Travel Advisor about our incredible range of accommodation packages, touring and cruise extensions.
YOUR SHIP - The Viking Kari
Eldest son of the ancient giant Fornjot, Kari was the god of the north wind, capable of carrying great Viking longships across vast waters. He is associated with the very breath of life, providing air for the lungs of mortals and teaching people how to use song to heal themselves and others.
Description
Eldest son of the ancient giant Fornjot, Kari was the god of the north wind, capable of carrying great Viking longships across vast waters. He is associated with the very breath of life, providing air for the lungs of mortals and teaching people how to use song to heal themselves and others.
STATEROOMS
Suite
Balcony Stateroom
Oceanview Stateroom
Important Notice
The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider. Prices quoted are valid for sale until 15 November 2024 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. All prices are per person, twin share (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication. Additional supplier conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY. Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details). Prices quoted are accurate as of 1 August 2024 and may be higher depending on date of purchase and date of travel. Cruiseabout cannot guarantee that any particular product will still be available at the following prices, or for your exact dates of travel. At the time of making your booking, prices may differ to the price displayed on the website. Fly Free Economy Flights up to the value of AU$2300pp when booking flights with Viking: Fly Free is economy flight(s) for both guests up to the value of AU$2300 per person (pp) to/from Australia/New Zealand. If the flight cost exceeds AU$2300pp the guest will cover the difference. If flights are cheaper than AU$2300pp the unused portion of the air funds will be waived and cannot be transferred towards any other portion of the booking or any other person. A guest can use the AU$2300pp to instead upgrade to business class or premium economy (booked through Viking) with the difference to be covered by the guest. Any flight cost difference is to be paid at the time of flight booking. Applicable if flights are booked through Viking and must be booked in conjunction with a selected 2025/2026/2027 Viking River cruise. Flights are Viking’s choice of airline for selected major gateways in AU: ADL/BNE/CBR/CNS/DRW/HBA/LST/MEL/OOL/PER/SYD. Guest must return their air form to Viking within 14 business days of receiving request for flights, otherwise Viking reserve the right to remove the free air promo and apply the respective in lieu of flights discount. Valid on bookings made between 01 August 2024 – 15 November 2024. Guest may not request to change to flights included promotion post campaign end date of 15 November 2024. Viking will reach out to you or your travel advisor once flights are in the date range, at this point you may nominate your preferred in / out dates. Both guests must be on the same airline booking (PNR) and fly together in both directions. Solo guests for River can use up to AU$4600 towards their flights. Any unused portion of the air funds will be waived and cannot be transferred towards any other portion of the booking or any other person or booking. Save AU$2300pp and book flights independently: Guests are eligible to get a discount of AU$2300 per person (pp) off the cruise fare at the time of booking in lieu of the Free Economy Class flights. Solo guests for River are eligible to get a discount of AUD$4600 per booking off the cruise fare in lieu of the free flights. Guests book their own flights independently of Viking. Valid on bookings made between 01 August 2024 – 15 November 2024. Guest may not request to change to flights included promotion post campaign end date of 15 November 2024. All savings are included in the advertised price. Please contact your Cruiseabout Travel Advisor to obtain the latest up to date information regarding applicable prices, fees and charges, taxes, availability, blackout dates (such as school holidays), seasonal surcharges and other terms and conditions which may apply.