2023 WORLD CUP CRUISE hosted by Christian Blondeau

Reference: Jump on Board

IN 2023, GO FOR THE RUGBY and "JUMP ON BOARD"

with your host Christian Blondeau, joined by his wife, Lisa

PROVENCE TO BURGUNDY

17th - 24 September - 8-DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE CRUISE
7 nights - All meals with Beverage
Open Bar - all excursions and activities - Fully escorted
Cruising on the UNIWORLD S.S. CATHERINE

Dear Rugby fans and Lovers of France,

The World Cup hosted by France in 2023 provides an exceptional opportunity for France At Leisure to showcase its beauty with a bespoke river cruise.

For the ultimate travel experience, France At Leisure has selected award-winning operator, Uniworld River Cruises, to present an eight-day Rugby World Cruise from Avignon to Lyon on one of Europe’s most luxurious vessels, S.S. Catherine.

I selected awarded UNIWORLD Boutique Cruises for its trusted, reliable services, pure luxury, and, more importantly, its unique style of vessels reflecting FRANCE AT LEISURE's boutique travel speciality in France.

Jump on board with me on this unique hosted 8-day fully-inclusive cruise in the country of my origins.

My background and expertise in France, UNIWORLD's unique ship designs and luxury style will be an unbeatable added value to this unique French travel experience, all in a World Rugby atmosphere.

Your personal escort for this unique River Cruise

CHRISTIAN Site2

Christian BLONDEAU
Founder - Director of France at Leisure

The 2023 World Cup is a once in a lifetime opportunity for rugby fans to explore France and experience the unique atmosphere and "joie de vivre".

Set sail on a historical and breathtaking journey to experience the magic of southern France: from panoramic landscapes to exquisite fine wines and exclusive cultural treasures and landmarks. Become inspired and follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin.

It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in a French cultural getaway while enjoying the world’s best rugby.

FOR MORE DETAILS

THE SHIP - S.S. CATHERINE

YOUR HOSTS - Christian and Lisa Blondeau

INCLUSIONS - Cost and Inclusions

ITINERARY - Avignon to Lyon

EXTRAORDINARY LUXURY IS WHAT YOU DESERVE

FRANCE AT LEISURE, Australia’s France Travel Experts, in partnership with UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES, offers a unique 8-day river cruise around the Rugby World Cup™ host in France in 2023.
Guests on this France 2023 Uniworld river cruise will be joined by French travel specialist and your host, Christian Blondeau.

This 8 day Cruise from Avignon to Lyon will set sail Rhône and Saône rivers on a journey of exquisite pleasures.

Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin on this exquisite journey through southern France; the same beautiful countryside and culture that inspired the masters will now inspire you. You will be enjoying the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures—from the medieval wonders of UNESCO-designated Avignon to Lyon’s lively river banks. Stroll the very streets of Arles made famous by Van Gogh. Visit Avignon’s majestic Palace of the Popes.

THE OVERVIEW of PROVENCE AND BURGUNDY

8 DAYS FROM AVIGNON TO LYON

A journey of exquisite pleasures.

Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin on this exquisite journey through southern France; the same beautiful countryside and culture that inspired the masters will now inspire you.

Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures—from the medieval wonders of UNESCO-designated Avignon to Lyon’s lively river banks. Stroll the very streets of Arles made famous by Van Gogh. Visit Avignon’s majestic Palace of the Popes. Experience “Village Day” in enchanting Viviers, including a recital of music composed by Bach and Handel. And for those who wish for a more active exploration of the area, you can kayak on the tranquil Gardon River under the UNESCO-designated Pont du Gard; hike the steepest vineyards on the Rhône; and pedal through the city designed with bike riders in mind while in Lyon. Explore unforgettable “Burgundy & Provence” where tradition is as deeply rooted as the historic grapevines on the hills.

Who will enjoy this cruise

Travellers wishing to walk through the lands that inspired Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin. History buffs, gastronomes and wine connoisseurs.

Connoisseur Collection

Enjoy a culinary-focused French cruise that will take you to famous restaurants, truffle farms, quaint villages and other culinary hot spots, including a tasting of premium Valrhona French chocolate and wine. Explore the world of gourmet French cuisine with our Connoisseur Collection Program, which includes an assortment of culinary-inspired excursions and events, featuring visits to vineyards, orchards, restaurants, museums, culinary hot spots and more.

FOR MORE DETAILS - CONTACT YOUR HOSTS

Christian and Lisa Blondeau
To learn more about this unique River Cruise, call FRANCE AT LEISURE on 1300 302 623 or email Christian BLONDEAU at Christian@franceatleisure.com.

From $7,399 per person Twin-share

All-inclusive 7-night cruise - All Meals with Beverages - Open Bar - All excursions and activities - 5* Service and Hospitality.

Enquire Now

PROVENCE TO BURGUNDY DETAILLED ITINERARY

Expand All

AVIGNON TO LYON
Departing 17th September - Ending 24th September 2023

DAY 1: Avignon (Embark)

Arrive at Marseille International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship docked in Avignon.

DAY 2: Tarascon (Arles)

Explore a sun-drenched Provençal town today with an allure all its own. Known for its remarkable Roman ruins, Arles so inspired Van Gogh that he painted some 200 paintings there. Arles has existed since the sixth century BC, when the ancient Greeks founded it and named it Theline. It was here that the Romans built their first bridge across the Rhône River, creating a vital overland route between Italy and Spain.

Featured Excursion: Arles walking tour

DAY 3: Avignon

The walled city of Avignon is one of the most fascinating towns in southern France, with a host of historic gems to explore—including the fortress residence of rebellious popes who broke from Rome and once lived and ruled here. You’ll see the Palace of the Popes and much more today, and also have a chance to kayak under a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.

Choice of Avignon walking tour with Palace of the Popes or Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct visit or "Let’s Go” kayak ride on the Gardon River

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
DAY 4: Viviers
An enchanting village where time seems to have stopped centuries ago, Viviers has a long and storied past that goes back more than 1,600 years—and a splendid architectural heritage to match. At one time, Viviers was divided along religious lines—the clergy lived in the upper part of the town, the laity in the lower part. Your exploration of the town will take you through both parts, as you begin at the crest and make your way to the riverbank.
Featured Excursion: Intimate Viviers “Village Day

Connoisseur Collection Excursion: Truffle hunting & village of Grignan - only available on sailings that belong to the Connoisseur Collection program.
DAY 5: Tournon (Tain-l’Hermitage)
If you love fine wine, you’ll love the twin villages of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage. Tournon may be a small town, but stirring events took place here: A castle was raised on the hilltop in the 10th century to protect the region, and new fortifications were added over the centuries, including two “new” towers built to defend against Protestant attacks in the 16th century. You’ll see the handsome houses constructed by wealthy merchants and garrison officers when you walk through the Rue de Doux area, and you’ll pass the 14th-century church and the oldest secondary school in France.

Choice of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage twin villages stroll with wine tasting or “Let's Go” Hermitage terrace vineyards hike with wine tasting
Connoisseur Collection Excursions:

Wine brotherhood ceremony at Château des Seigneurs de Tournon

Chocolate and wine pairing
- only available on sailings that belong to the Connoisseur Collection program.
DAY 6: Lyon

As the epicenter of French gastronomy, Lyon is a city of tantalizing contrasts. There’s much to explore here, from the work of culinary visionaries to silk weavers’ secret passageways. After your choice of excursions, embrace the locals’ favorite mode of transportation with a bike ride—a great way to see the sights.

Choice of Lyon Capital of Gastronomy tour or Silk weavers walking tour or “Let's Go” Lyon peninsula bike tour
DAY 7: Mâcon (Beaune)
The pace of life is decidedly more relaxed in Burgundy, where endless rows of grapes hang heavy on the vine. The capital of the region’s wine trade, Beaune is renowned for its history, beauty and highly prized wine, as well as its medieval-era hospital—the Hospices de Beaune.

Choice of Burgundy landscapes, Beaune and the hospices or Mâcon walking tour
Connoisseur Collection Excursion:

Wine tasting at Burgundy Estate - only available on sailings that belong to the Connoisseur Collection program.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
DAY 8: Lyon (Disembark)

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you can continue your adventure with an extension to Paris.

Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.

INQUIRY NOW!

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