Ports of Call

Grand Cruise through France - 16 Days

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  Ardèche Region, France
Experience this picturesque area of Ardèche via Le Mastrou, a nostalgic narrow gauge steam locomotive through a lush countryside of fruit trees, vines and chestnuts, dotted with 16th century castles and Roman ruins.
 
Arles, France
Vincent van Gogh was inspired by Arles, where he painted some of his most vibrant works. Known as the “Little Rome of Gaul,” Arles is a treasure trove of antiquity, boasting Roman and Medieval monuments.
Avignon, France
Enclosed by Medieval walls, this great “City of the Popes” contains a number of splendid museums, churches and palaces. Avignon was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican.
 
Beaune, France
Beaune is the commercial center of Burgundy’s wine trade. Best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, some of the world’s most distinguished grand crus are made here. The city’s architectural highlight is the 15th century Hospices de Beaune, famous for its multicolor pattern-tiled roof.
 
Caudebec-en-Caux, France
Caudebec is distinguished by a fine Gothic church that Henry IV of France believed to be the most beautiful in his kingdom. Beyond the town are the highly romantic ruins of Jumièges Abbey, consecrated in 1067 in the presence of William the Conqueror.
 
Fecamp, France
Drink in the history of this picturesque town, literally. In 1863, a prominent Fecamp wine dealer and art collector discovered the ancient liqueur recipe of a Benedictine monk. After much experimentation with different herbs and spices, he developed what is now known as “Benedictine” liqueur. You’ll tour the historic Benedictine Palace, with its art gallery and museum, and have a chance to taste the famous liqueur.
 
Giverny, France
Giverny was the beloved home of the impressionist painter Claude Monet. From 1883 until his death in 1926, he lived and worked in these sublime surroundings. See the stone farmhouse, beautiful gardens and the lily pond he captured so brilliantly on canvas.
Honfleur, France
This seaport is where Impressionism began, in the soft light of the Seine Estuary. The scenic harbor is a painter’s delight with its slate-hung houses and Medieval buildings. Numerous memorials throughout the town commemorate its famous residents.
 
Jumieges, France
Explore the dramatic ruins of the great Norman abbey of Jumièges.
 
Les Andelys, France
This beautiful town lies in one of the loveliest settings on the Seine, below the massive ruins of the famous Château Gaillard. The huge fortress was built in 1196 by Richard the Lionhearted, King of England and Duke of Normandy.
 
Les Baux, France
Les Baux is situated in the heart of the Alpilles on a rocky plateau, with a brilliant view of Arles, the Camargue and the Alpilles. The village is officially classified and labeled as "one of the most beautiful villages in France". Its cultural heritage is exceptionally rich, with 22 architectural treasures classified as "Historic Monuments" (including the church, château, town-hall, hospital, chapels, houses, doorways). The village has been painstakingly restored and is now one of the most popular attractions in the region. The village can only be visited by foot, and you will admire the ancient houses that have been carefully restored, beautiful Renaissance façades and several magnificent "hôtels particuliers" which today serve as art galleries or museums.
Lyon, France
Lyon is the city in France where north meets south. Comparable in architecture to Rome and Venice, Lyon surpasses them both with its reputation as the gastronomic capital of France. A sightseeing tour leads you to Fourvière Hill, where you can survey the city in all its glory.
 
Macon, France
If you enjoy Pouilly-Fuisse wine, you know Mâcon. A stroll along the quays of this sunny city reveals the natural beauty of the Sâone River. Wine connoisseurs may journey to Maconnais for a wine tasting at a local winery.
Paris, France
Known as the “City of Light,” Paris lies on the Seine River, and is the largest city in France. Among its oldest monuments are the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Louvre. Newer highlights include the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Elysées.
 
Rouen, France
Once capital of Normandy, the ancient city of Rouen boasts an elaborate Gothic cathedral and superb half-timbered houses. A dazzling church and a monument to Joan of Arc can be seen in the old marketplace where she met her death in 1431.
 
St. Remy, France
Saint Remy de Provence is an historic village built on one of the oldest archeological sites in Europe. Situated in the heart of the Alpilles, Saint Rémy is surrounded by lush green perfumed valleys, and its ancient streets are lined with beautifully restored old houses. There is a long succession of "hôtels particuliers" (often converted into museums or art galleries), convents, chapels, and ornate houses from the 17th and 18th century. The beauty of the countryside and the quality of light has inspired many artists, writers and painters. Without a doubt, the most famous was Vincent van Gogh who produced more than150 paintings of the countryside surrounding Saint Rémy de Provence. Visitors can observe the remains of the "Comptoir de Glanum" which was founded in the 3rd century BC, before control passed to the Romans under Julius Cesar. Two important monuments are visible next to the site : l'Arc de Triomphe and the Mausolée des Antiques.
 
Tournon, France
Tournon lies at the heart of the Ardèche region, a lush countryside of fruit trees, vines and olives dotted with 16th century castles and Roman ruins. Experience this picturesque area of Provence via Le Mastrou, a nostalgic narrow gauge steam locomotive.
 
Vernon, France
Vernon boasts picturesque 17th century architecture, and is an attractive gateway for visiting Giverny, which lies across the river. Here, glimpses of 500 year-old houses flicker through the trees, and heavily wooded isles dot the river.
Versailles, France
Chateau de Versailles is the most famous royal palace in the world. It was built in the 17th century by Sun King Louis XIV, on the grounds of his father’s hunting lodge. On completion it became the official residence of the Court of France. Most notable of the many ornately decorated rooms, halls and ballrooms are the King’s Bedchamber, the magnificent State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. The formal gardens boast many fine sculptures, fountains and the "miniature" palaces built around the estate.
Vienne, France
Beautiful Vienne’s old town is rich in Roman and Medieval buildings. Important sights include St. Pierre Church, the Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, St. Maurice Cathedral and the Lapidary Museum.

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