Grand France (Northbound)
AVALONWLP

Grand France (Northbound)

Departure 29 Sep 2026
Duration 14 Nights
Cruise Line Avalon Waterways
Ship Avalon Poetry II

Featured Cabins

0800 059 0570

Itinerary

Arles, France

Date of arrival 29 Sep 2026

Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

Arles, France

Arles, France

Date of arrival 30 Sep 2026

Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

Arles, France

Avignon, France

Date of arrival 1 Oct 2026

Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d’Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.

Avignon, France

Viviers, France

Date of arrival 2 Oct 2026

Viviers, France, is a charming medieval town in the Rhône-Alpes region, renowned for its well-preserved historical architecture. Nestled on the banks of the Rhône River, it features narrow, winding streets, ancient stone houses, and the impressive Saint-Vincent Cathedral. The town’s Roman and medieval heritage is evident in its old ramparts and historic buildings. Viviers’ tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings offer a glimpse into the past, making it a delightful destination for history lovers and those seeking a serene escape.

Viviers, France

Tain-l'Hermitage, France

Date of arrival 3 Oct 2026

Tain-l’Hermitage, France, is a picturesque town in the Rhône-Alpes region, renowned for its exceptional wines, particularly its Syrah and Hermitage varietals. Nestled along the Rhône River and surrounded by lush vineyards, it offers scenic views and a charming atmosphere. The town features historic sites like the 12th-century Hermitage Chapel and the Cité du Chocolat, celebrating local culinary delights. With its blend of fine wine, rich history, and stunning landscapes, Tain-l’Hermitage is a captivating destination for wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking a taste of Provence.

Tain-l'Hermitage, France

Lyon, France

Date of arrival 4 Oct 2026

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu’île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.

Lyon, France

Tournus, France

Date of arrival 5 Oct 2026

Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône

DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruising along the majestic Saône River

DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.

Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.

Tournus, France

Chalon-sur-Saône, France

Date of arrival 5 Oct 2026

Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône

DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruising along the majestic Saône River

DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.

Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.

Chalon-sur-Saône, France

Chalon-sur-Saône, France

Date of arrival 6 Oct 2026

Drive to Beaune and take a High-Speed Train from Dijon to Paris.

CLASSIC Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgment and is one of France’s architectural highlights.

This afternoon, take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris to board your Suite Ship®.

Chalon-sur-Saône, France

Dijon, France

Date of arrival 6 Oct 2026

Drive to Beaune and take a High-Speed Train from Dijon to Paris.

CLASSIC Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgment and is one of France’s architectural highlights.

This afternoon, take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris to board your Suite Ship®.

Dijon, France

Paris, France

Date of arrival 6 Oct 2026

Drive to Beaune and take a High-Speed Train from Dijon to Paris.

CLASSIC Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgment and is one of France’s architectural highlights.

This afternoon, take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris to board your Suite Ship®.

Paris, France

Vernon, France

Date of arrival 7 Oct 2026

Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du JourVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Explore Vernon’s Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Take 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:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.

DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.

This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.

Vernon, France

Les Andelys, France

Date of arrival 7 Oct 2026

Serenity on the Seine

ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart**, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.

Les Andelys, France

Caudebec-en-Caux, France

Date of arrival 8 Oct 2026

Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine

ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.

This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.

Caudebec-en-Caux, France

Caudebec-en-Caux, France

Date of arrival 9 Oct 2026

Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Join “A Taste of Normandy” Guided Tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry, visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados at a local distillery.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

Caudebec-en-Caux, France

Rouen, France

Date of arrival 10 Oct 2026

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France

ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—home of the martyred Joan of Arc—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Rouen, France

Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, France

Date of arrival 11 Oct 2026

The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV

ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.

Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings.

Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, France

Paris, France

Date of arrival 12 Oct 2026

Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of LightsJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour, that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées.

Stroll through Paris on your own, or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.

Paris, France

Paris, France

Date of arrival 13 Oct 2026

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Paris, France

Cabin Options

Avalon Waterways, Avalon Poetry Ii, Deluxe Stateroom

Deluxe Stateroom

Welcome to the Deluxe Stateroom aboard the Avalon Poetry II from Avalon Waterways, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Outside
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 172ft² (16m²)
©Avalon Waterways Avalon Poetry Ii Panorama Suite 1

Panorama Suite

Welcome to the Panorama Suite aboard the Avalon Poetry II from Avalon Waterways, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 200ft² (19m²)
©Avalon Waterways Avalon Poetry Ii Royal Suite 1

Royal Suite

Welcome to the Royal Suite aboard the Avalon Poetry II from Avalon Waterways, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 300ft² (28m²)

Ship Facilities

Dining
Enrichment
Entertainment
Health & Fitness

About the Ship

The Avalon Poetry II offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting. Like its sister Suite Ships, the Poetry II features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony.

Avalon poetry ii

Avalon poetry ii Information

Launched 2014
Length 361 ft (110m)
Guest Capacity 128
Cabins 64
Crew Members 37

Deck Plans

Indigo Deck
  • Fitness Centre (18)
  • Cat. D & E Deluxe Staterooms
Sapphire Deck

  • Galley (16) 
  • Dining Room (17)
  • Cat. A & B Panorama Suites

Royal Deck
  • Observation Lounge (7)
  • Panorama Bistro (8)
  • Panorama Lounge (9)
  • Bar (10)
  • Reception (11)
  • Adventure Center (12)
  • Lobby (13)
  • Elevator (14)
  • Club Lounge (15)
  • Royal Suite
  • Cat. P Panorama Suites
Sky Deck

  • Sky Lounge (1)
  • Navigation Bridge (2)
  • Sky Grill (3)
  • Whirlpool (4)
  • Premium Lounge Chairs and Shade Awnings (5)
  • Deck Game Area (6)

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