Grand Cruise of France

The Grand Cruise of France is a 15-night Europe cruise aboard MS George Eliot, operated by Riviera Travel. Departing Avignon on July 17, 2027, the voyage visits 15 ports. Fares start from $6,359 per person.

Length: 15 nights
Departs: Jul 17, 2027
Returns: Aug 1, 2027
Ports of call: 15

Itinerary

Day 1 Jul 17, 2027 Avignon As you stroll the squares and cobbled streets of Avignon, in south-eastern France, you can’t help but be impressed by the architectural influence of 400 years of papal rule. From its 800 year old ramparts that tower majestically over the Rhône River, to the UNESCO listed Pope’s Palace and city centre, the area is steeped in cultural history. However, to contrast the spectacular ancient architecture, the city has a young energetic population. With many attending the University of Avignon, they add a dynamic energy to the many cafes and bistros dotted around the town squares and alleyways. Visit the three magnificent Gothic churches, the old papal mint, Collection Lambert, and the Renaissance artwork in the Musee du Petit. Wander through the Rochers des Doms gardens. Take in the spectacular view across the city skyline, and relax with a liqueur coffee and pastries, in one of the many pavement cafes. Avignon port guide Search cruises visiting Avignon

Avignon photo — Day 1 Jul 17, 2027 Avignon As you stroll the squares and cobbled streets of Avignon, in south-eastern France, you can’t help but be impressed by the architectural influence of 400 years of papal rule. From its 800 year old ramparts that tower majestically over the Rhône River, to the UNESCO listed Pope’s Palace and city centre, the area is steeped in cultural history. However, to contrast the spectacular ancient architecture, the city has a young energetic population. With many attending the University of Avignon, they add a dynamic energy to the many cafes and bistros dotted around the town squares and alleyways. Visit the three magnificent Gothic churches, the old papal mint, Collection Lambert, and the Renaissance artwork in the Musee du Petit. Wander through the Rochers des Doms gardens. Take in the spectacular view across the city skyline, and relax with a liqueur coffee and pastries, in one of the many pavement cafes. Avignon port guide Search cruises visiting Avignon

Day 3 Jul 19, 2027 Arles If you have a love of Roman history, then Arles should be on the visiting itinerary. Situated on the Rhône River, in Southern France, the city was at one time a provincial capital of ancient Rome. The Roman influence can still be seen to this day in its historical sites. Its semi-circular Roman theatre still stands on a hilltop. Its Amphitheatre, built between the 1st and 2nd century, and capable of accommodating over 20,000 spectators, is used today for plays, festivals and bullfights. While the Alyscamps, or Roman Necropolis, built by the Romans and Greeks, is the most famous burial site in the western world. Another site worthy of mention is the Constantine Thermes, built between the 3rd and 4th centuries during the reign of the Emperor Constantine. Arles is also said to have influenced Van Gough’s paintings, and the contemporary art on show at the Vincent Van Gough Foundation. Arles port guide Search cruises visiting Arles

Day 4 Jul 20, 2027 ArdÃ¨che Gorge The Gorges de l'Ardèche is made up of a series of gorges in the river and locally known as the "European Grand Canyon", Located in the Ardèche, in the French department Ardèche, forming a thirty-kilometre long canyon running from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche ArdÃ¨che Gorge port guide Search cruises visiting ArdÃ¨che Gorge

ArdÃ¨che Gorge photo — Day 4 Jul 20, 2027 ArdÃ¨che Gorge The Gorges de l'Ardèche is made up of a series of gorges in the river and locally known as the "European Grand Canyon", Located in the Ardèche, in the French department Ardèche, forming a thirty-kilometre long canyon running from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche ArdÃ¨che Gorge port guide Search cruises visiting ArdÃ¨che Gorge

Day 5 Jul 21, 2027 Vienne, France Vienne is a commune in southeastern France, located 35 kilometres south of Lyon, at the confluence of the Gère river and the Rhône. Today, it is only the fourth largest city in the Isère department, of which it is a subprefecture, but was a major center of the Roman Empire. Vienne, France port guide Search cruises visiting Vienne, France

Vienne, France photo — Day 5 Jul 21, 2027 Vienne, France Vienne is a commune in southeastern France, located 35 kilometres south of Lyon, at the confluence of the Gère river and the Rhône. Today, it is only the fourth largest city in the Isère department, of which it is a subprefecture, but was a major center of the Roman Empire. Vienne, France port guide Search cruises visiting Vienne, France

Day 7 Jul 23, 2027 Lyon Sitting in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge, Lyon boasts a proud 2,000 year history. From its magnificent Roman Amphitheatre of Fourvière, to Renaissance architecture in Lyon’s old town, to the Presqu’ile peninsula, where impressive 19th century buildings house banks, cultural centres, and government buildings, alongside designer stores, independent retailers, restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs. Check out the Vieux area of the city, and its grand houses of the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, built by the city’s wealthy silk merchants. Walk the Traboules, underground passageways that linked the weaving houses to the river. Visit the impressive Fourvière Basilica, and Lyon’s gothic cathedral. Seek out the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the largest fine-arts museum outside of Paris. Or choose to relax, stroll the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of France’s largest botanical gardens, and stop off at a Bouchon, to enjoy some local Lyon cuisine. Lyon port guide Search cruises visiting Lyon

Lyon photo — Day 7 Jul 23, 2027 Lyon Sitting in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge, Lyon boasts a proud 2,000 year history. From its magnificent Roman Amphitheatre of Fourvière, to Renaissance architecture in Lyon’s old town, to the Presqu’ile peninsula, where impressive 19th century buildings house banks, cultural centres, and government buildings, alongside designer stores, independent retailers, restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs. Check out the Vieux area of the city, and its grand houses of the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, built by the city’s wealthy silk merchants. Walk the Traboules, underground passageways that linked the weaving houses to the river. Visit the impressive Fourvière Basilica, and Lyon’s gothic cathedral. Seek out the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the largest fine-arts museum outside of Paris. Or choose to relax, stroll the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of France’s largest botanical gardens, and stop off at a Bouchon, to enjoy some local Lyon cuisine. Lyon port guide Search cruises visiting Lyon

Day 8 Jul 24, 2027 Paris Even if you’ve never been to Paris before, you’ll feel like you recognise every corner of the city. Countless films, books, paintings, poems and songs have been set in the city of love. Yet there’s always more to discover. The fashion capital of the world, a mecca of art and culture, an oasis for gourmets and a metropolis for media, education and political and economic power – Paris is all of this and more. Paris is a city whose beauty never fades. The Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Madeleine, Opéra, Louvre, Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre, Dôme des Invalides and Centre Pompidou are just some of the sights that exemplify this city’s fame and grandeur. Paris port guide Search cruises visiting Paris

Paris photo — Day 8 Jul 24, 2027 Paris Even if you’ve never been to Paris before, you’ll feel like you recognise every corner of the city. Countless films, books, paintings, poems and songs have been set in the city of love. Yet there’s always more to discover. The fashion capital of the world, a mecca of art and culture, an oasis for gourmets and a metropolis for media, education and political and economic power – Paris is all of this and more. Paris is a city whose beauty never fades. The Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Madeleine, Opéra, Louvre, Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre, Dôme des Invalides and Centre Pompidou are just some of the sights that exemplify this city’s fame and grandeur. Paris port guide Search cruises visiting Paris

Day 9 Jul 25, 2027 Les Andelys The Château Gaillard is now just a mighty ruin. Nevertheless, it’s easy to imagine Richard the Lionheart keeping watch here for the advance of the enemy – the French – through the Seine valley. The fortress, which almost blocks the river, was built in just two years between 1196 and 1198. It was the centre of the defence system, which included a network of trenches and a fortified island in the river with chains stretched across it. Wooden posts were erected in the water to prevent ships from crossing. Today, Les Andelys is a peaceful, picturesque location amid rugged limestone rocks, green fields, the river island, the Hôpital Saint-Jacques and the Saint-Sauveur church tower. From the ship, you can go for wonderful walks through the small town’s blossoming lanes towards the Gothic abbey church and, of course, the castle complex. Les Andelys port guide Search cruises visiting Les Andelys

Les Andelys photo — Day 9 Jul 25, 2027 Les Andelys The Château Gaillard is now just a mighty ruin. Nevertheless, it’s easy to imagine Richard the Lionheart keeping watch here for the advance of the enemy – the French – through the Seine valley. The fortress, which almost blocks the river, was built in just two years between 1196 and 1198. It was the centre of the defence system, which included a network of trenches and a fortified island in the river with chains stretched across it. Wooden posts were erected in the water to prevent ships from crossing. Today, Les Andelys is a peaceful, picturesque location amid rugged limestone rocks, green fields, the river island, the Hôpital Saint-Jacques and the Saint-Sauveur church tower. From the ship, you can go for wonderful walks through the small town’s blossoming lanes towards the Gothic abbey church and, of course, the castle complex. Les Andelys port guide Search cruises visiting Les Andelys

Day 10 Jul 26, 2027 Rouen, France Situated in a natural amphitheater on the Seine River, Rouen's status as a commercial and cultural center reaches as far back as the Middle Ages. As a result of its importance, the city was the target of many sieges. During the English occupation in the Hundred Years' War, Rouen was the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. Other tragedies include the destruction of a major part of the commercial and industrial center during bombing raids in World War II. Today the city presents an interesting mix of medieval and modern architecture. Rouen expanded outward during the 20th century with the development of industries; its increasingly busy port is now the fourth largest in France. The city's greatest attraction is its historic center. Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” many of its important edifices are churches. Dominating the large central square is the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. You may recognize the west façade of the cathedral from a series of studies by Claude Monet, which are now displayed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Surrounding the square are picturesque half-timbered houses with steeply pointed roofs. The wealth of architectural treasures and the ambiance of Rouen's historic center never fail to impress visitors. Rouen also serves as a gateway to Paris. Driving distance is 2 hours by car or 1.5 hours by train. (Trains arrive in Paris at St. Lazare Station.) Rouen, France port guide Search cruises visiting Rouen, France

Rouen, France photo — Day 10 Jul 26, 2027 Rouen, France Situated in a natural amphitheater on the Seine River, Rouen's status as a commercial and cultural center reaches as far back as the Middle Ages. As a result of its importance, the city was the target of many sieges. During the English occupation in the Hundred Years' War, Rouen was the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. Other tragedies include the destruction of a major part of the commercial and industrial center during bombing raids in World War II. Today the city presents an interesting mix of medieval and modern architecture. Rouen expanded outward during the 20th century with the development of industries; its increasingly busy port is now the fourth largest in France. The city's greatest attraction is its historic center. Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” many of its important edifices are churches. Dominating the large central square is the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. You may recognize the west façade of the cathedral from a series of studies by Claude Monet, which are now displayed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Surrounding the square are picturesque half-timbered houses with steeply pointed roofs. The wealth of architectural treasures and the ambiance of Rouen's historic center never fail to impress visitors. Rouen also serves as a gateway to Paris. Driving distance is 2 hours by car or 1.5 hours by train. (Trains arrive in Paris at St. Lazare Station.) Rouen, France port guide Search cruises visiting Rouen, France

Day 12 Jul 28, 2027 Honfleur The crammed together, timber-framed houses of Honfleur's delightful waterfront simply beg to be painted, and the waterfront beauty has been immortalised on the canvases of artists like Monet, and Honfleur's celebrated son, Boudin. Located in scenic Normandy, where the Seine opens out into the Channel, this is one of France's - and the world's - most spectacular, historic harbours. Impossibly picturesque, the Vieux Bassin's Norman harbour townhouses are an artist’s dream, reflecting out onto the still water, between bright wooden fishing boats. View less It may be gorgeous, but it’s also a historically important port, and Samuel de Champlain's epic voyage - which resulted in the founding of Quebec - launched from these waters. Take a stroll back in time, as you wander cobbled streets where flowers spill down walls or sit to indulge in Calvados – brandy made from Normandy's famous apples. A museum dedicated to Eugene Boudin, the town's influential impressionist artist, displays visions of the harbour and region, as well as paintings of the town's stunning wooden church. Wander to Eglise St Catherine itself, to see the twisting structure, which is France's largest wooden chapel. Constructed from trees taken from nearby Touques Forest, it replaced the stone church that stood here previously, which was destroyed during the Hundred Years War. Out of Honfleur, The spectacular Pont de Normandie cable-stayed bridge loops up over the Seine's estuary, bringing excursions to Le Havre even closer. The pensive, sombre beaches of the D-Day landings stretch out across Normandy's coastline, while the Bayeux Tapestry unfurls within reach of Honfleur's picturesque scenery. Honfleur port guide Search cruises visiting Honfleur

Honfleur photo — Day 12 Jul 28, 2027 Honfleur The crammed together, timber-framed houses of Honfleur's delightful waterfront simply beg to be painted, and the waterfront beauty has been immortalised on the canvases of artists like Monet, and Honfleur's celebrated son, Boudin. Located in scenic Normandy, where the Seine opens out into the Channel, this is one of France's - and the world's - most spectacular, historic harbours. Impossibly picturesque, the Vieux Bassin's Norman harbour townhouses are an artist’s dream, reflecting out onto the still water, between bright wooden fishing boats. View less It may be gorgeous, but it’s also a historically important port, and Samuel de Champlain's epic voyage - which resulted in the founding of Quebec - launched from these waters. Take a stroll back in time, as you wander cobbled streets where flowers spill down walls or sit to indulge in Calvados – brandy made from Normandy's famous apples. A museum dedicated to Eugene Boudin, the town's influential impressionist artist, displays visions of the harbour and region, as well as paintings of the town's stunning wooden church. Wander to Eglise St Catherine itself, to see the twisting structure, which is France's largest wooden chapel. Constructed from trees taken from nearby Touques Forest, it replaced the stone church that stood here previously, which was destroyed during the Hundred Years War. Out of Honfleur, The spectacular Pont de Normandie cable-stayed bridge loops up over the Seine's estuary, bringing excursions to Le Havre even closer. The pensive, sombre beaches of the D-Day landings stretch out across Normandy's coastline, while the Bayeux Tapestry unfurls within reach of Honfleur's picturesque scenery. Honfleur port guide Search cruises visiting Honfleur

Day 13 Jul 29, 2027 Vernon, France It’s said that you can hear the beams creaking like old bones when you see the Vieux Moulin de Vernon. The mill is perched on two pillars, seemingly suspended in mid-air over the Seine, while its roof sags like an old worn-out horse. Claude Monet painted the mill; reassuringly, the sag is visible in these paintings, which date back to 1883. Vernon has a few sights, such as a Gothic abbey church with stunningly colourful stained-glass windows. Nevertheless, it’s almost impossible to resist the lure of excursions to nearby destinations. In Château de Bizy (also known as ‘Little Versailles’), you can revel in luxurious Renaissance décor and go for a delightful stroll around the elegant park. Claude Monet’s house in Giverny is another magnet for culture enthusiasts and romantics – and rightly so. Unsurprisingly, the lush garden looks like a wild field of flowers from an impressionist painting. The crowning glory is the enchanting pond of water lilies – the subject of one of the most valuable paintings in the world. Vernon, France port guide Search cruises visiting Vernon, France

Vernon, France photo — Day 13 Jul 29, 2027 Vernon, France It’s said that you can hear the beams creaking like old bones when you see the Vieux Moulin de Vernon. The mill is perched on two pillars, seemingly suspended in mid-air over the Seine, while its roof sags like an old worn-out horse. Claude Monet painted the mill; reassuringly, the sag is visible in these paintings, which date back to 1883. Vernon has a few sights, such as a Gothic abbey church with stunningly colourful stained-glass windows. Nevertheless, it’s almost impossible to resist the lure of excursions to nearby destinations. In Château de Bizy (also known as ‘Little Versailles’), you can revel in luxurious Renaissance décor and go for a delightful stroll around the elegant park. Claude Monet’s house in Giverny is another magnet for culture enthusiasts and romantics – and rightly so. Unsurprisingly, the lush garden looks like a wild field of flowers from an impressionist painting. The crowning glory is the enchanting pond of water lilies – the subject of one of the most valuable paintings in the world. Vernon, France port guide Search cruises visiting Vernon, France

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 86-day span: $6,359 · range $6,359–$6,359

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

Not available

Balcony

from $6,359

$423 / night

Fare rows

Superior Suite - Ruby Deck

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,359

$423 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Standard Cabin - Ruby Deck

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,359

$423 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

from $6,359

$423 / night

Fare rows

Superior Suite - Diamond Deck

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,359

$423 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Standard Cabin - Diamond Deck

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,359

$423 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Superior Suite - Emerald Deck

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,359

$423 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Deck Standard Cabin

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,359

$423 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Deck Forward Cabin

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,359

$423 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 21, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Riviera Travel and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 22 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Not listed
Standard cabin - Middle Deck	SMD	Balcony
Standard Cabin - Upper Deck	SUD	Balcony
Upper Deck - Standard Sole Occupancy	10	Oceanview
Emerald Deck - Sole Occupancy (Lower)	12	Oceanview
Emerald Deck - Sole Occupancy (With Suppl) (Lower)	13	Oceanview
Ruby Deck - Sole Occupancy (Middle)	15	Oceanview
Standard Cabin - Diamond Deck	3	Oceanview
Standard Cabin - Ruby Deck	5	Oceanview
Standard Cabin - Emerald Deck	7	Oceanview
Emerald Deck Standard Cabin	8	Oceanview
Emerald Deck Forward Cabin	9	Oceanview
Category A Cabin - Main deck	A	Oceanview
Category A+ (Upper Deck)	A+	Oceanview
Category B (double) - Lower Deck	B	Oceanview
Deluxe Balcony Suite - Diamond Deck	1	Suite
Upper Deck - Superior Balcony Suite Sole Occupancy	11	Suite
Emerald Deck - Superior Suite (Lower) Sole Occ	14	Suite
Superior Suite - Diamond Deck	2	Suite
Superior Suite - Ruby Deck	4	Suite
Superior Suite - Emerald Deck	6	Suite
Suite - Middle Deck	SU	Suite

Ship

Your ship MS George Eliot 5★ **442** GT **132** guests Built **2025** The five-star MS George Eliot – named after one of the leading English novelists of the 19th century – is 110 metres of fine Swiss engineering and craftsmanship. As with all Riviera Travel cruise ships, MS George Eliot was built to the highest specifications and strict safety regulations by Scylla AG, world-renowned builders of the most modern cruisers in Europe. Guests are welcomed in the elegant lobby with its gleaming marble floor, well-lit by sophisticated lighting. Thoughtful design is on tasteful display throughout the ship – sustainable hardwood furniture, intricate wrought-iron work, and polished copper and brass are beautifully complemented by soft leather and sumptuous Italian fabrics. MS George Eliot offers the convivial ambience and personal service of a luxury boutique hotel. With 36 staff serving just 132 guests, the experience is far more intimate and enjoyable. There are 70 luxuriously appointed suites and cabins, which all feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship. MS George Eliot ship guide Search cruises on MS George Eliot

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Itinerary

Pricing

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