Our itinerary began in Nice, where we were delighted to find that there was plenty to see and do in the city within walking distance of our hotel. We were just one block from the beach! While in Nice, we took an optional evening tour to Monte Carlo, with a delicious French dinner overlooking the sea. From our high vantage point, we could see France, Italy and Monte Carlo simultaneously. I highly recommend this fabulous excursion.
Before we left our hotel the next morning, we met passengers who had just finished the Burgundy & Provence itinerary that we were about to begin. They told us they hadn't wanted to depart from the Avalon Scenery, because they had enjoyed their trip so much!
By coach, we traveled to Arles, where we were to board the ship. It took about two-and-a-half hours, but the time moves quickly when you are traveling and enjoying the passing countryside. In Arles, as in many of the French ports, we enjoyed a half day of orientation sightseeing. We admired the narrow streets, the ancient buildings, the pretty churches and the outdoor markets.
At each port, we had time to take tours with the group, explore on our own or take optional sightseeing excursions. I particularly enjoyed our optional trip to the olive groves and to the Roman Aqueduct of the Pont du Gard. There's also plenty of time for shopping â I came home with a beautiful French tapestry.
The food on board the Avalon Scenery was delicious and the waiters were marvelous. They always gave us extra side dishes and other little treats in addition to the meals we ordered.
The tapestries in France were beautiful and I now have one in my home.
The final city on our itinerary was Paris. If you have time, you might want to book a couple of extra nights in this cosmopolitan city. We wished we'd had more time to explore. We did walk from our conveniently located hotel just one block down the street to see the Eiffel Tower. We actually returned in the evening to take photos of it all lit up by night.
France is absolutely beautiful and the people were lovely. Local residents especially appreciate it when you try to speak their language, or at least take the time to use "bonjour" and "merci." While we enjoyed good weather on our cruise in August, keep in mind that some attractions, restaurants and shops might be closed since so many French residents leave the country to vacation themselves at the end of the summer.
