Meet your tour leader!
With 31 years in the travel industry, Martine has wide experience in retail, corporate, groups, teaching and tour operating. Having lived in Europe/UK for 8 years before returning to Australia, her 7 years in tour operating and escorting tours helped her understand exactly what clients want on their holiday. Martine has a passion for cruises to exotic destinations... and singing!
Call Martine today on
1800 121 187 and find out more about this cruise!
Also, there are no fees or late charges, while payments are always flexible to suit your own budget. We recommend payments be made by direct deposit for your convenience and to further reduce your bank fees.
Most importantly, all your Layby payments are protected at all times by Australia's Travel Compensation Fund.
Your cruise specialist is an expert on layby plans and can answer all your questions!
26 Jun 2012
Grand France Cruise
14 nights ex Monte Carlo, France
$5990
($455 per day)
Fully escorted by our own popular Cruise Master, Martine Hero, this combination of two exciting cruises showcases the variety of what France has to offer - not only in scenery but in food and drink! From the elegant Cote d'Azur to the big city of Paris, the vineyards of Provence to the apple trees of Normandy. Fine wines and cognac in the south, apple cider and Calvados in the north. The charming and historic cities along the Rhone and Saone Rivers to the Seine and the picturesque Normandy region. All this and more are yours to discover on this comprehensive luxury holiday.
Flying in to Nice and out from Paris, your holiday starts out from your Monte Carlo hotel with an itinerary that includes all meals afloat, enjoying fine French wines and superb dining and guided sightseeing excursions every day! Evenings start with a Captain's reception and finish with a farewell dinner. This cruise was hand-picked by Martine as an all-time favourite, and she chose the early Summer timing for best touring conditions with post-cruise options in the following week/s to enjoy Bastille Day & the Tour de France finish in Paris!
So don't miss out - Save up to 10% for this itinerary with our exclusive offer and join fellow Aussies on Martine's tour while there's still space. Call her with your questions or just to say hello on 1800 121 187 today.
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Download 2p Brochure (PDF : 1.4MB) |
Layby from only $231 per week after initial deposit of $600 (per person) - learn more.
| Day | Date | Port of call | Arrival | Departure |
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| 1 | Mon 25 Jun 2012 | Monte Carlo, France | ||
 Welcome to the Fairmont Monte Carlo on the famous Cote d'Azur! Time at leisure to get acquainted with your new surroundings. Monte Carlo is an administrative area of the Principality of Monaco in France. It really has a fairy-tale image with its beautiful Riviera - Cote d'Azur - setting, yacht-filled harbor and the elegant Casino that visitors can't miss seeing, though most don't even enter to see the opulence and grandeur due to the exorbitant cost. It is an extremely rich place, where fast cars, big diamonds and flashy yachts are the norm. With its own Royal family who have ruled here since the 13th century, it is a place with which all us are 'familiar'. After all, who can forget Princess Grace Kelly? (D) |
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| 2 | Tue 26 Jun 2012 | Port St. Louis, France | Embark Scenery | |
 This morning, enjoy free time before transferring by motorcoach to Port St. Louis in the Provence region, where you'll board your river cruise vessel. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception and enjoy tranquil scenes as you gently sail through Camargue Regional National Park northward to Arles. (B,L,D) |
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| 3 | Wed 27 Jun 2012 | Arles, France | ||
 On the northern tip of the Camargue, Arles is the capital of the Provence and was once known as the "Little Rome of Gaul." See the church of St.Trophime; "Les Alyscamps," the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road; and visit the Roman Ampitheatre. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the special light of the Provence and spent a very productive year in Arles. The "Foundation Vincent Van Gogh" is a tribute to the artist.Arles is located on the Rhône River just below where its forks into two branches forming the Camargue delta. Established by the Greeks as early as 600 BC, the Romans in 123 BC developed it with a canal link to the Mediterranean Sea. It served as a major port and a favourite of the Romans who built an amphitheatre, triumphal arch, Roman circus, theatre, baths and a full circuit of walls, substantial remains of which are still standing today. Subsequent invasions by Muslim Saracens, the Franks and Vikings left much of old Arles lying in ruins, and the arrival of the railway in the 19th century eventually killed off much of the river trade, leading to the town becoming something of a backwater. This made it an attractive destination for the painter Vincent van Gogh, who arrived there on 21 February 1888. He was fascinated by the Provençal landscapes, producing over 300 paintings and drawings during his time in Arles. (B,L,D) |
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| 4 | Thu 28 Jun 2012 | Avignon, France | ||
 Avignon is a town in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur région in south-east France, located on the Rhône River just north of its junction with the Durance River, and 80 kms north of Arles. The site of Avignon was settled over 2,000 years ago, with the rocky outcrop at the north end of the town overlooking the Rhône River ideal for Celtic, then Roman fortifications. In 1309 the city was chosen by Pope Clement V and six subsequent popes as their residence, and for the period 1309–1377 (the Avignon Papacy) it was the seat of the Papacy instead of Rome. This created extensive development with an influx of bankers and traders bringing prosperity and wealth. After years of conflict, finally in 1797 the Vatican relinquished all claims to the city and returned it to the French Republic. The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence. Also referred to as the "City of Popes," it was the centre of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, and the city landscape is dominated by the grandiose Palace of the Popes. A photo of the bridge of the popular song is a must, and optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneufdu- Pape are available this afternoon. (B,L,D) |
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| 5 | Fri 29 Jun 2012 | Cruising Viviers, France | ||
 A leisurely morning on board to relax and enjoy the passing scenery as you glide gently by. The charming town of Viviers was developed around its Romanesque Cathedral, and the Old Town has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (B,L,D) |
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| 6 | Sat 30 Jun 2012 | Tournon, France | ||
 The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l'Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the River Rhone and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Tournon, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins, is one of France's oldest medieval cities. This afternoon, enjoy Vienne, another charming little town surrounded by steep hills. Tournon - aka Tournon-sur-Rhône - is a town in the Rhône-Alpes région in SE France, located on the west bank of the Rhône River, and 85 km south of Lyon. The Great Bridge of Tournon features with a span of 49.2 m, one of the largest bridge arch in the world before 1600. Tournon's main attraction is a a feudal castle overlooking the town and the river. The castle, whose foundations date back to the 10th Century, has a section built in the Renaissance period that houses the town museum. One room in the museum is devoted to Marc Seguin, a local engineer who built the first suspension bridge across the Rhône and invented the tubular boiler for steam locomotives. (B,L,D) |
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| 7 | Sun 1 Jul 2012 | Lyon, France | ||
 Lyon is France's second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city's prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and much renaissance architecture delight the visitor. Survey the city from FourviereHill; explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its maze of medieval alleyways; Place des Terreaux, and beautiful Place Bellecour. Beaujolais is the wine of the region and wine connoisseurs will know that the grapes must be hand picked. Tradition dictates that the "Beaujolais Nouveau" is tasted for the first time on the third Thursday of November each year. Lyon - aka Lyons - is the capital of the Rhône-Alpes région in eastern France, located at the junction of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers, between Paris and Marseille. At the site of a Celtic hill-fort settlement on the west bank a Roman colony was founded in 43 BCE by Munatius Plancus, a lieutenant of Julius Caesar. The medieval city (Vieux Lyon) formed at the foot of the Fourvière hill. Today, much of modern Lyon and most of the city's population sits east of the Rhône. Lyon is the second-largest French urban area, the first being Paris and the third Marseille. It is a major center of business, and has a reputation as the French capital of gastronomy, as well as having a significant role in the history of cinema. It also hosts the international headquarters of Interpol and Euronews. Visitors will find a wealth of Roman remains, as well as many impressive museums, renaissance architecture galore, and – of course –world-renowned cuisine. (B,L,D) |
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| 8 | Mon 2 Jul 2012 | Macon & Chalon-sur-Saone, France | ||
 Wake up this morning on the River Saone in Macon, a city that plays an important part in the wine trade. There's some free time for exploring after breakfast, then enjoy a short cruise to Tournus. Here the cloister of St. Philibert or the Burgundy Museum's folklore collection, located in an old family mansion, are worth a visit. A choice of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, is available. Before dinner, arrive in Chalon-sur- Saone. Macon is a town in the Burgundy region in eastern France, located on the west bank of the Saône River, between Dijon and Lyon. Founded in the 2nd century B.C. by the Celts, Mâcon became a major crossroad in Roman times, and grapes would have been brought by the Romans if they were not already cultivated by the Celts. Viticulture was further encouraged by local religious foundations. As the border between the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire from 843 to 1600, Mâcon prospered thanks to the customs duties that were established, and it eventually became the district capital. The surrounding Mâconnais district produces good value white wines made from the Chardonnay grape. The wines from Pouilly-Fuissé are particularly sought-after. A little Pinot Noir is made into red Mâcon but only for local consumption. During WWII the town was a major centre for the French Resistance. Chalon-sur-Saone is a town in the Burgundy region in eastern France, located on the west bank of the Saône River, and 340 km by road SE of Paris. In 354 AD it was the site for a Roman fortification and in time it became a busy port. It acted as a distribution point for local wines and remains an important center for France’s wine trade today. Chalon is best known as the birthplace of photography by Nicéphore Niépce, and a dedicated museum contains early photographic relics, more than two million photographs and related exhibits. The city square has a number of cafés and hosts a busy market on Fridays and Sundays, while every July the town hosts an international street artists festival. (B,L,D) |
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| 9 | Tue 3 Jul 2012 | Coach tour through Burgundy to Paris, France | Disembark Scenery | |
 After breakfast, say goodbye to your crew on the Avalon Scenery and head for Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Cote d'Or area, which produces the Burgundy region's finest vintages. Its most famous historical site, the Hotel-Dieu charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgement and is one of France's architectural highlights. After lunch, continue north past the forest of Fontainebleau to Paris, the "City of Light," where you board the Avalon Creativity docked on the River Seine. This evening, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B,D) |
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| 10 | Wed 4 Jul 2012 | Paris, France | Embark Creativity | |
 Paris, situated on the river Seine in northern France, is the capital and largest city of France. Paris' famous sights are living history. Your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, Champs Elysees, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colourful nightlife, including some of the world's most famous cabaret shows. (B,L,D) |
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| 11 | Thu 5 Jul 2012 | Conflans, France | ||
 After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning on the Sky Deck as your ship slips its moorings and glides gently down the River Seine, passing through suburban Paris. This afternoon, dock at Conflans-and now the choice is yours: either join our guided excursion to AUVERS-SUR-OISE, the quaint little town where Vincent Van Gogh lived and died, or Napoleon and Josephine's Chateau de Malmaison just outside Paris. Requiring extensive renovations, this large country estate was purchased by Josephine Bonaparte in 1799 while Napoleon was fighting in Egypt. It was her aim to make it "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe, a model of good cultivation." Conflans - aka Conflans-Sainte-Honorine - is a town in the Haute-Normandie region in northern France, located on the north bank of the Seine River, in the NW suburbs of Paris and 24 km from the centre. Situated at the junction with the Oise River, it is considered the capital of the French inland waterways, and was historically important to inland shipping. Originally a village of farmers and fishermen, it became a haven for coastal communities from invasions by Vikings. The Tower Montjoie remains today. Taxes collected from the booming river trade created wealth for the town and it became a weekend retreat for Parisians. The history of Conflans has endowed the city heritage that still exists today, mainly in the old city. The 11th century church of St Maclou is classified a historical monument, containing relics from several saints including Sainte Honorine. (B,L,D) |
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| 12 | Fri 6 Jul 2012 | Vernon, France | ||
 This morning, choose between a guided visit of Claude Monet's house and stunning gardens at Giverny or a visit of Bizy Castle with its magnificent courtyard. There's still time to stroll through this delightful city on your own before your ship departs for Rouen. Relax on board this afternoon or take your pick of a number of optional excursions on offer. Vernon is a town in the Haute-Normandie region of northern France. It lies on the banks of the Seine River, about midway between the cities of Paris and Rouen. Vernon is a very ancient town attested by prehistorical, Celtic, Gallo-Roman and Merovingian remains. It became an important military town after the foundation of the Duchy of Normandy. Saint Louis, the city benefactor, often came to Vernon where he used to meet his friend Eudes Rigaud, archbishop of Rouen. He founded the Hotel-Dieu (the present Saint-Louis Hospital). The city is well-known for its production of engines by the SNECMA group and the workplace of Claude Monet whose art is displayed with others at the Vernon Museum. (B,L,D) |
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| 13 | Sat 7 Jul 2012 | Rouen, France | ||
 Rouen is the capital of Upper Normandy and an important commercial city. It is perhaps best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, who lived, was imprisoned, and burned at the stake in the marketplace of this town in 1431. Enjoy the guided walk through the medieval quarter with its half-timbered, glazed-tile houses, and the Gros Horloge, an intricate Astronomical Clock dating back to the 16th century. The splendid gothic Cathedral was once the tallest building in the world and the subject of a series of Claude Monet's paintings. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own, or you can join an optional excursion to the pretty coastal town of Honfleur or to the busy port city of Le Havre with its contemporary architecture. (B,L,D) |
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| 14 | Sun 8 Jul 2012 | Rouen, France | ||
| Make your choice today between an included excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches with poignant sites such as Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery-or a "Taste of Normandy" for a more in-depth look at this picturesque, mainly agricultural region. The most important products are dairy, apples, and grain. Camembert cheese is a specialty, as is Calvados, a strong alcoholic apple brandy. Thoroughbred horses are also reared here. (B,L,D) |
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| 15 | Mon 9 Jul 2012 | Les Andelys, France | ||
 The most dramatic sight along the Seine is imposing Chateau Gaillard at Les Andelys. Built by England's King Richard the Lionheart in 1196, the chateau is truly a masterpiece of Middle Ages military architecture. Explore on your own and enjoy this last day in France in this delightful small town.Les Andelys is a town in the Haute-Normandie region in northern France, located on the west bank of the Seine River, between Paris and Le Havre. It lies in a tight bend of the Seine, the valley being shaped by the river, forming white cliffs. A walk on the riverside offers beautiful views on the ruined castle Chateau-Gaillard, the old houses of Petit-Andely and the Seine valley. It is home town of the great painter Nicolas Poussin, and has an interesting art museum and a WWII memorial museum. Other attractions are the collegiate church Notre-Dame and the church Saint-Sauveur, while the 5th century Sainte Clotilde convent is the site of a miraculous spring and a pilgrimage every year on June 2. (B,L,D) |
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| 16 | Tue 10 Jul 2012 | Paris, France | ||
| Your holiday ends with breakfast this summer morning in beautiful Paris. (B) But wait... It's just a few days to Saturday, July 14, 2012... the biggest event on the French calendar, Bastille Day is a day of celebrations of French culture. Many large-scale public events are held, including a military parade in Paris, as well as communal meals, dances, parties and fireworks. THEN... a week later, the 2012 Tour de France will finish on the Champs Elysees in Paris on the Sunday 22nd July. How could you not stay on longer in Paris! Martine and many on the tour WILL be staying on with a great value post-cruise package. Ask her for details and join in the action! |
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The Avalon Scenery provides a 10-night Rhone River cruise between the Mediterranean Cote d'Azur and Paris (with coach connections), and a 15-night cruise between Cote d'Azur and Normandy (on Avalon Creativity) terminating in Paris. No other destinations, in such close proximity, hold greater attractions for travellers than in Europe. Luxury cruising past such a diversity of historical and cultural sites is impressive. The vessel docks in the heart of cities, where travellers are free to roam as they wish, or follow experienced tour guides.
Accommodation
The ship has two Junior Suites and 67 Staterooms, all outside, spacious and well-appointed. All suites have quality hotel-style bedding and linen with twin or queen-size beds and bed lamps, bathrobes and slippers, nightly turn down service, ample storage, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, complimentary Wi-Fi access, direct-dial telephone, writing desk, minibar, personal safe, controllable AC, hair dryer, shower and L'Occitane bath amenities. Eleven Indigo Deck cabins on the lowest accommodation deck have twin picture windows for viewing near the water line. Fifty-four cabins on Royal & Sapphire Decks have panoramic floor-to-ceiling French balconies (sliding glass doors with protective railings).
Food and Dining
Meals are served in a spacious open-seating dining room. Here you will be welcomed with sparkling wine and canapés, and sent off with a five-course farewell dinner. Breakfast is full buffet with made-to-order egg dishes, with complimentary sparkling wine and fruit juices. Lunch is also buffet-style at pasta and carving stations, and personalised orders are available. Dinners are four-course regional and Western affairs with complimentary regional wine, beers and soft drinks. Afternoon tea, coffee and sweet treats are served, and converse over social-hour drinks in the Main Lounge.
Entertainment
Guests have the service of a Cruise Director, and entertainment includes on-board lectures, activities and nightly piano music. The real entertainment focuses on shore excursions using headsets and led by local guides. Themed cruises feature wine-tasting, art, history and politics, and provincial cuisines. Some cruises include land stays and all cruises offer land extensions.
Welcome to our Roll Call forum for Scenery's "Grand France Cruise" departing 26 Jun 2012. Here you can meet fellow cruisers, swap ideas, plan tours, share with others and make friends before you even leave!
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| DEPARTURE DATE | OUTSIDE | BALCONY | SUITE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
THIS CRUISE |
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| Tue 26 Jun 2012 | $5,990 $455 per day |
$6,950 $532 per day |
$8,420 $637 per day |
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Prices are twin share per person in AUD, include all taxes and are subject to change.
Cruise summary
Cruise: Grand France Cruise
Duration: 14 nights
Ship: Scenery
Star rating: 
Departs: Monte Carlo
Returns: Paris
Ports of call: 15
Forward departures: 15
What's onboard? ▼
- Beauty salon
- Boutique with sundries & gifts
- Coffee & tea bar (complimentary)
- Cruise manager & all English speaking staff
- Dining room with open seating
- Elevator
- Full-service bar
- Fitness center & sauna
- Internet access & Wi-Fi hotspots
- Laundry service
- Library
- Panoramic lounges
- Rear 2nd lounge
- Port guides & maps
- Silent Drive System
- State-of-the-art audio headset system on all shore excursions
- Sky deck with shade system
- 6 person whirlpool
What's included? ▼
- Accommodation as booked
- All transfers on arrival & departure
- Land accommodation & travel as specified
- Gratuities - tipping is neither expected nor required
- All main meals on-board
- Beer, wine, soft drinks with lunch and/or dinner
- Specialty coffee, tea, bottled water, juices & snacks 24 hrs
- Open/anytime seating & multi-venue dining
- Captain's welcome & farewell dinners
- Cocktail or champagne reception
- In-cabin dining at no charge
- In-cabin dining at no charge (select cabins)
- Stocked in-suite bar & refrigerator at no charge
- Use of ship facilities - indoor & outdoor
- Entertainment - live music and/or shows, movies
- Specialty lectures, workshops, classes & programs
- Cruise manager & all English speaking staff
- Concierge service
- Port maps and/or guide books
- Shore excursions & meals as specified
- Fully hosted shore excursions, wireless headsets
- Internet access & Wi-Fi (all cabins)
- Internet access & Wi-Fi (cafe/desk)
What's excluded? ▼
- Airfares, accommodation & transfers not specified
- Shore & land excursions and meals not specified
- Room service menu items (unless specified)
- Bar expenses & snacks
- Items & services of a personal nature
- Medical services, vaccination costs
- Laundry and/or valet charges
- Phone/facsimile charges
- Passport & visa fees
- Insurances of all kinds
- Increases in third party charges or taxes
Recent testimonials
"The trip was just fantastic! We loved it and highly recommend the Pacific Sun to anyone who wants a fun time. Thanks for your help booking the cruise and we will be be back soon for our next cruise."
Ron H from NSW
"We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise and have no hesitation in using you again and would most certainly recommend your company. So thank you for looking after us, have a great Xmas and a happy new year."
Brian & Margaret from Buderim
"Service was exceptional and your consultant went out of her way to answer all my questions. I called about 10 different local agents (I live in Melbourne) and no one would match your prices. Your deal is amazing."
William H from Melbourne