Next year, Avalon Waterways will add two additional rivers to the previous three on its itinerary, as well as six new cruises and 33 percent more capacity.
Much of this is being done to meet the heightened demand for tourism in France due to the upcoming 2025 Olympics in Paris.
One of these new cruises is Bonjour Bordeaux, an eight-day cruise that visits Cadillac-sur-Garonne, Cussac Fort Médoc, Blaye, Bourg, Libourne and ends with Bordeaux.
However, it can be extended with the two and three-week options, such as “French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux,” “France, Uncorked: The Rhône, the Seine & Bordeaux” and “Vineyards, Châteaux & Bordeaux.”
New Ships, Cruises and Rivers
“In 2025, we’re adding another Suite Ship to the rivers of France and cruising Bordeaux for the first time on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers,” Avalon Waterways Pam Hoffee said. “This week-long Bordeaux itinerary can be combined for new, longer cruises on the Seine, Saône, Rhône and Rhine Rivers, creating an incredible, in-depth opportunity to enjoy France and Western Europe, as a whole.”
Hoffee also spoke about next year’s expanded itinerary, which features 50 itineraries, three suite ships and includes Active and Discovery excursions such as “Active & Discovery on the Rhône” and” Active & Discovery on the Seine,” as well as Classic excursions like “Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches,” “Burgundy & Provence,”” Rhine & Rhône Revealed for Wine Lovers” and “Grand France for Jazz Lovers.”
As the president of Avalon Waterways, Hoffee mentioned its eight- and nine-day Active and Discovery cruises, including 23 Avalon Choice excursions on average.
“Every Avalon cruise invites cruisers to be choosers,” Hoffee continued. “That’s especially true on our ‘Active & Discovery’ itineraries. Guests can sip, swirl and spelunk their way through the South of France on wine-focused excursions, indulge in French cuisine on foodie walking tours or partake in a painting class in Arles.”
“They can even enjoy an after-dark ghost tour in Viviers along the Rhône,” Hoffee added. “On the Seine, the options are as extraordinary, inviting guests to shake things up in a Benedictine cocktail workshop, bike through Paris or canoe past half-timbered homes in Vernon. No one does cruising like this.”
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