Name: Paris to Normandy WWII Remembrance & History Cruise
Brand: Avalon Waterways
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

Avalon Waterways

Avalon's suite ships in Europe and Southeast Asia boast wall-to-wall windows that transform cabins into open-air balconies, and there are also river-facing beds to make the most of passing views.

The line’s Active & Discovery sailings have optional action-packed experiences alongside traditional shore tours.

Avalon Waterways also offers short-break cruises of three and four nights.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Bordeaux

Ships dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed old town is packed with neoclassical buildings, lively cafés and riverside walks. Landmarks like Place de la Bourse, the water mirror and the gothic cathedral are all within easy reach.Bordeaux is also home to La Cité du Vin, a futuristic wine museum with interactive exhibits and a panoramic tasting area. You can also hop on a tram to explore the Chartrons district, once home to wine merchants and full of vintage shop and galleries.Cruise excursions might include vineyard visits, bike tours or food tastings. Some itineraries even offer evening moorings here so you can enjoy dinner in town or take a night-time stroll along the Garonne.

Day 2

Cadillac

Ships dock close to the historic centre, which is still partly enclosed by old stone walls. There’s a château in town – the Château des Ducs d’Épernon – and a scattering of shops and cafés.Most visitors use Cadillac as a springboard for trips into the golden vineyards of Sauternes. These wines are among the world’s finest dessert wines, and cruise tours usually include tastings and cellar visits.Some itineraries also offer food pairings or cooking demonstrations themed around this part of southwest France.

Day 3

Cussac-Fort-Médoc

The village is named after the 17th-century Fort Médoc, a stone fortress designed by Vauban to protect the river route to Bordeaux. Some cruise excursions include a guided tour of the site, with time to walk the grounds and learn about the fort’s military past.Other trips head inland for wine tastings and château visits. This is classic Médoc territory, with gravel soils and Cabernet Sauvignon-heavy blends, making great alternatives to Pauillac.

Day 4

Blaye

Ships dock just below the ramparts, so you can walk straight up into the fortress for panoramic views of the estuary and countryside. Inside the walls, you’ll find a small village, art galleries and a few shops.Excursions often include guided walks around the citadel and visits to nearby vineyards. This part of the Gironde is known for its Côtes de Blaye wines, less famous than neighbouring regions but often great value.Some cruises include the option to cross the estuary by ferry to Bourg or explore the Route de la Corniche, a scenic riverside road lined with limestone cliffs and wine cellars.

Day 5

Libourne

Cruise ships dock right in town, making it an easy starting point for excursions into the surrounding countryside. Most visitors head straight for Saint-Émilion, just 20 minutes away, but Libourne itself is worth a stroll, with its central square, old arcades and riverside market.Expect guided trips to nearby châteaux and vineyards, where Merlot is the star of the show. Many tours include tastings and walks through the vines. There’s often free time too, with the option to explore Libourne’s boutiques and cafés.

Days 6-8

Bordeaux

Ships dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed old town is packed with neoclassical buildings, lively cafés and riverside walks. Landmarks like Place de la Bourse, the water mirror and the gothic cathedral are all within easy reach.Bordeaux is also home to La Cité du Vin, a futuristic wine museum with interactive exhibits and a panoramic tasting area. You can also hop on a tram to explore the Chartrons district, once home to wine merchants and full of vintage shop and galleries.Cruise excursions might include vineyard visits, bike tours or food tastings. Some itineraries even offer evening moorings here so you can enjoy dinner in town or take a night-time stroll along the Garonne.

Day 1

Bordeaux

Ships dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed old town is packed with neoclassical buildings, lively cafés and riverside walks. Landmarks like Place de la Bourse, the water mirror and the gothic cathedral are all within easy reach.Bordeaux is also home to La Cité du Vin, a futuristic wine museum with interactive exhibits and a panoramic tasting area. You can also hop on a tram to explore the Chartrons district, once home to wine merchants and full of vintage shop and galleries.Cruise excursions might include vineyard visits, bike tours or food tastings. Some itineraries even offer evening moorings here so you can enjoy dinner in town or take a night-time stroll along the Garonne.

Day 2

Cadillac

Ships dock close to the historic centre, which is still partly enclosed by old stone walls. There’s a château in town – the Château des Ducs d’Épernon – and a scattering of shops and cafés.Most visitors use Cadillac as a springboard for trips into the golden vineyards of Sauternes. These wines are among the world’s finest dessert wines, and cruise tours usually include tastings and cellar visits.Some itineraries also offer food pairings or cooking demonstrations themed around this part of southwest France.

Day 3

Cussac-Fort-Médoc

The village is named after the 17th-century Fort Médoc, a stone fortress designed by Vauban to protect the river route to Bordeaux. Some cruise excursions include a guided tour of the site, with time to walk the grounds and learn about the fort’s military past.Other trips head inland for wine tastings and château visits. This is classic Médoc territory, with gravel soils and Cabernet Sauvignon-heavy blends, making great alternatives to Pauillac.

Day 4

Blaye

Ships dock just below the ramparts, so you can walk straight up into the fortress for panoramic views of the estuary and countryside. Inside the walls, you’ll find a small village, art galleries and a few shops.Excursions often include guided walks around the citadel and visits to nearby vineyards. This part of the Gironde is known for its Côtes de Blaye wines, less famous than neighbouring regions but often great value.Some cruises include the option to cross the estuary by ferry to Bourg or explore the Route de la Corniche, a scenic riverside road lined with limestone cliffs and wine cellars.

Day 5

Libourne

Cruise ships dock right in town, making it an easy starting point for excursions into the surrounding countryside. Most visitors head straight for Saint-Émilion, just 20 minutes away, but Libourne itself is worth a stroll, with its central square, old arcades and riverside market.Expect guided trips to nearby châteaux and vineyards, where Merlot is the star of the show. Many tours include tastings and walks through the vines. There’s often free time too, with the option to explore Libourne’s boutiques and cafés.

Days 6-8

Bordeaux

Ships dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed old town is packed with neoclassical buildings, lively cafés and riverside walks. Landmarks like Place de la Bourse, the water mirror and the gothic cathedral are all within easy reach.Bordeaux is also home to La Cité du Vin, a futuristic wine museum with interactive exhibits and a panoramic tasting area. You can also hop on a tram to explore the Chartrons district, once home to wine merchants and full of vintage shop and galleries.Cruise excursions might include vineyard visits, bike tours or food tastings. Some itineraries even offer evening moorings here so you can enjoy dinner in town or take a night-time stroll along the Garonne.

Avalon Artistry II

Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Artistry II features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony.