Emerald Cruises 2023 & 2024 France River Cruising DM

FRANCE 2023 & 2024 River Cruising

Write your own French tale, like Proust, Zola, and Hugo before you, on a journey through medieval cities, sweeping vineyards, and picture-perfect vistas. With an Emerald Cruises river voyage, you’ll uncover the captivating story of this alluring nation.

A country of artistic zeal, cultural sophistication, and world-class gastronomy – today, the Fifth Republic retains many of the values of the Belle Époque. Step ashore for riverside philosophising in open-air cafés, peaceful saunters through the breathtaking homes of artistic masterworks, and a chance to sample classic delights of haute cuisine.

Cruising the romantic Rhône and Saône riverways aboard our purpose-built Star-Ship, Emerald Liberté, you’ll sail into the heart of stunning locales, uncovering immersing experiences and precious local insights. On board, your surroundings mirror the beauty of the French landscape, with stylish interiors profiting from incredible attention to detail and all the amenities of a world-class hotel.

Arles, Provence

Hospices de Beaune

Emerald Liberté

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, Lyon

EXPLORE France

Uncover La Belle France on a journey through fabled romantic cityscapes, historic winemaking country, and some of Europe’s finest natural scenery. As varied as it is beautiful and with a legendary history to match, each passing day in the French Republic brings innumerable charms and pleasures.

Cruising the Rhône and Saône Rivers is undoubtedly one of the finest ways to unveil the delights of the nation. Whether taking in the air among the vineyards of the Ardèche to sample the finest of wines;

or strolling through celebrated galleries to observe famed works of art, in between your independent explorations, we’ll introduce you to immersing excursions for an in-depth look at local life.

Avignon, France

Beaune

From the timber-framed houses of Chalon-sur-Saône, you’ll visit Beaune, the remarkable town at the centre of the Burgundy wine region. Beaune is a picture-perfect image of the region’s wine trade, with the distinct architecture encircled by near-endless acres of rolling vineyards. Amidst the undeniable beauty of Beaune, you’ll find the flamboyant Hospices de Beaune. Beyond the colourful tessellating roof tiles and majestic medieval façade, the Hospices reveals a fascinating history spanning from its Middle Ages foundation as a charitable hospital for the disadvantaged to today’s prominence as a prodigious wine estate and auction space.

Arles

Arles, or “the good town of Arles” as once described in a letter penned by a certain Vincent van Gogh, is a sun-soaked city of Roman ruins and terracotta-tiled houses in Provence. Meander, as Van Gogh once did, through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, the countless local cafés and bars, and the characteristically traditional houses while placing yourself in the scene of the Post-Impressionist’s nearly 200 individual works created during his time in the city. Established by Ligurian tribes, Arles exchanged hands between the Roman Empire, the Visigoths, and the Moors and as such boasts an eclectic admixture of cultural influences today.

Lyon

France’s third-largest city and a cultural powerhouse, Lyon’s positioning at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers determined the city’s import across the centuries. The Gauls, Romans, and revolutionaries all left their mark on Lyon, a city famed for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed architecture and, in modern times, a world-renowned culinary scene. Standing watchfully over the riverbanks, the hilltop Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is an impressive 19th-century construction overlooking the city’s medieval cathedral below. This architectural dynamic of new and old—perfectly summarises Lyon’s atmosphere of metropolitanism in age-old surroundings.

Discover France in more detail at emeraldcruises.ca/france

Lyon, France

Arles, France

Beaune, France

EmeraldDISCOVERY

Uncover the best of each breathtaking destination as you cruise along the Rhône and Saône Rivers. Our handcrafted itineraries and EmeraldDISCOVERY program provide the perfect platform to explore France in style. Discover the intimacies of destinations with our EmeraldPLUS program, explore the landscape from a different perspective with EmeraldACTIVE, and enjoy an in-depth and often exclusive look at your surroundings with our optional DiscoverMORE excursions and experiences.

Should you wish to explore independently, each port of call brings a wealth of cultural experiences ready to uncover. The summer months bring celebrations and festivities across the nation. Those travelling the 10-Day Sensations of Lyon and Provence & Paris itinerary departing on the 15th of July 2023 will arrive in the French capital at the time of the Tour de France’s culminating

stage, allowing guests to join the celebrations along the Champs-Élysées. Those travelling our 8-Day Sensations of Lyon & Provence itinerary departing on the 8th of July 2023 will arrive in the Provençal city of Arles on the 14th of July, Bastille Day, where firework displays, music, and traditional dress define the day’s celebrations.

To find out more about our generous EmeraldDISCOVERY program visit emeraldcruises.ca

Included Excursions

Led in small groups and at different paces to suit all our guests' needs, our itineraries through the heart of France all offer a selection of included excursions, each giving in-depth and expansive experiences so you have the opportunity to see the very best of each destination we visit.

EmeraldPLUS

Designed to show the destinations we visit in a different light, our EmeraldPLUS program will enable you to see places from a different perspective bringing memorable experiences that go above and beyond that of the ordinary traveller. Exclusive to Emerald Cruises, you can enjoy an extra-special Provençal-influenced dinner hosted by local Chef Fabien Morreale.

EmeraldACTIVE

For the more active Emerald Cruises guests, we have our amazing EmeraldACTIVE program. Venture off Emerald Liberté and participate in a guided hike through the vineyards of Tournon, enjoy a guided bike ride around Lyon, and experience canoeing in Avignon. Even join our activity managers or wellness coach for classes on board, and with our on board gym you can continue your own fitness regime.

DiscoverMORE

We offer a selection of DiscoverMORE optional excursions designed to enable you to see and do even more. Available at an additional cost, these immersive experiences present opportunities to delve deeper into each destination and acquaint yourself with each destination's natural beauty, history and culture. See pages 22 & 23 for more information.

To book, call 855 444 0161, contact your professional travel advisor or visit emeraldcruises.ca

Chef Fabien Morreale

Avignon, France

Activity Manager

Avignon DiscoverMORE concert

EMERALD LIBERTÉ The award-winning

Suites & Staterooms

Of a standard you would expect from a world-class hotel, our Star-Ships boast some of most stylish suites and staterooms available on Europe’s rivers.

Pool & Evening Cinema

Floor to ceiling windows and a retractable roof are the perfect setting for a leisurely swim. On selected evenings, this space transforms into an evening cinema.

Wellness Area

Take care of mind, body and soul as you enjoy a range of spa treatments# or maintain your fitness in our well-equipped gym.

The Terrace

This indoor and outdoor space is separated by floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Take full advantage of the passing views as you enjoy a light breakfast or lunch.

Horizon Bar & Lounge

An open and contemporary meeting place. Enjoy a glass of wine, a beer or a hot drink as you unwind in the plush seating area.

Reflections Restaurant

The centre of our on board dining experience, marvel at the beautiful views of the river, while dining on a menu designed to celebrate seasonal and regional flavours.

Sun Deck

Enjoy the best views of the river from this spacious vantage point. Bask in the sunshine as you enjoy a drink or challenge a fellow guest to some putting.

To book, call 855 444 0161, contact your professional travel advisor or visit emeraldcruises.ca

INCLUSIONS Our extraordinary

Whether you’re meandering through the world-famous wine vineyards of Tournon or uncovering the historic Roman influence and architecture in Avignon, when you book a holiday with us you can rest assured knowing that a generous list of inclusions are always available for every Emerald Cruises guest.

We include transfers and all gratuities in the price you pay, as well as delicious regionally inspired meals and selected drinks at meal times. On board Emerald Liberté, stylish accommodation comes complete with modern amenities, so whether you are spending time on board, or exploring onshore, we include a wealth of experiences and inclusions to help you make memories that last a lifetime.

Views from our Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Enjoy all of these inclusions on our collection of French river cruises...

■ Airport transfers to and from Emerald Liberté

■ Stylish accommodation on board the Emerald Liberté Star-Ship

■ Innovative indoor pool with retractable roof which transforms into an evening cinema

■ All on board meals including a collection of highlight dinners at Reflections Restaurant, or breakfast and a light lunch at The Terrace

■ Enjoy a delicious selection of wine, beer and soft drinks at meal times on board

■ From luscious lattes to creamy cappuccinos, our state-of-the-art coffee machines are yours to enjoy throughout your cruise

■ Enjoy an included excursion almost every day of your cruise

■ Complimentary water, restocked daily

■ Visits to UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites

■ Extra-special excursions and experiences courtesy of our EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE programs

■ First-class service from our friendly English-speaking crew

■ ESPA luxury toiletries on board

■ Knowledgeable local guides at every destination

■ Wi-Fi on board

■ On board bicycles

■ Earn EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty points for every Emerald Cruises river cruise, entitling you to exclusive benefits

■ All port charges

■ All gratuities on board and onshore

River Cruise OFFER 2023 France

This is your opportunity to sail along the picturesque Rhône and Saône rivers this year. Book your 2023 French adventure now and take advantage of our fantastic offer.

2023 FRANCE RIVER CRUISES

2nd Guest Sails Free*

August or October 2023 sailings only

Ask for offer code: 241GUEST

Hurry, offer ends August 31, 2023

*River Cruise Terms & Conditions: Offer available for new bookings only made by August 31, 2023 on August and October 2023 France departures. Deposit required at time of booking; full payment is required within 7 days of booking. Second guest free: When paying full fare for the first guest, receive the second guest fare free. Both guests must be in the same cabin for offer to be applicable. Savings are based on the cruise + upgrade element only, excludes airfare, port charges, land extensions, hotel stays or any other additional items. Must quote offer code: 241GUEST at time of booking. No retroactivity to existing bookings including engaging the Deposit Protection Plan, Flexible Booking Policy or Platinum Protection Plan on an existing booking to avail this offer. Offer is not open to groups and is strictly not combinable with any other offer or promotion including Double Savings Loyalty offer. Standard EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty voucher is combinabable with this offer. Solo Traveller offer: Discount is 50% off cabin cost. Solo traveller still pays applicable port charges, air/air taxes, and land. All offers are inventory controlled, strictly capacity limited, and may be extended, cancelled or withdrawn at any time without notice. Emerald Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares and promotions at any time. Prices are in Canadian dollars, based on double occupancy and lowest cabin category available. Port charges and taxes are included in the price. For the most up-to-date pricing, availability and offers, please call your Professional Travel Advisor or Emerald Cruises Call Centre. For full booking terms and conditions, visit emeraldcruises.ca. © EMERALD CRUISES | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | BC CONSUMER PROTECTION #40178

River Cruise OFFER 2024 France

Plan ahead and book your adventure through the winding lavender fields of Southern France in 2024 and enjoy our exceptional early booking offer.

SAVE an extra $600 per couple on select sailings

+

Round Trip International Airfare*

Enjoy round-trip international airfare included in the price of your cruise with our Super Earlybird Offer. Plus, save an extra $600 per couple on April, July, August & October 2024 sailings.

Ask for offer code: SAVENOW23

Hurry, sale ends August 31, 2023

Cruise & Fly from $5,490 per person*

For offer terms & conditions, see back page.

Abbeye de Senanque, Provence

2024 FRANCE RIVER CRUISES

8-Day Sensations of

LYON & PROVENCE

France's gastronomic heartbeat, enjoy delights both culinary and cultural.

Witness the unrivalled beauty of French 15th-century architecture, Roman ruins, and sun-soaked vineyards at the foot of colossal mountain massifs. Journey to Chalon-sur-Saône, the picture-perfect birthplace of photography and Lyon, the country’s gastronomic beating heart, before enjoying an authentic Provençal dinner hosted on board by French chef Fabien Morreale.

Departing:

July - October 2023

March - October 2024

Our wealth of generous inclusions

■ Transfers to and from Emerald Liberté

■ 7 nights in a suite or stateroom of your choice, all with a river view

■ 20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners including a Welcome and Farewell Reception and Dinner

■ Complimentary wine, beer & soft-drinks to accompany lunch and dinner on board

■ All gratuities on board and onshore

■ Complimentary Wi-Fi

■ ESPA luxury toiletries

Your EmeraldDISCOVERY highlights unique to this itinerary:

3 EmeraldPLUS activities including a Provençal-influenced dinner hosted by local Chef Fabien Morreale.

4 EmeraldACTIVE experiences including a guided hike to the vineyards of Tournon.

6 included excursions including visits to UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites.

4 DiscoverMORE excursions, available at an addition cost – see pages 22-23.

Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Lyon

CRUISE FACTS

n Distance covered (approx): 230km on the Rhône

n UNESCO sites: 3

n Countries visited: 1

n Ports: 5

n Locks: 15

n Bridges: 13

Number of nights 7

Beaune

Chalon-sur-Saône

7

Saône River

Lyon

Tournon

Avignon Arles

FRANCE Rhône River Viviers Nice

To book, call 855 444 0161, contact your professional travel advisor or visit emeraldcruises.ca

River cruise Coach transfer Map is a guide only

Roman Ampitheatre, Arles

Vineyards, Tournon

Viviers, France

Day 1 Lyon

On the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon can be found set across twin hills. Here, you will be met and transferred from the airport to the comfort of your Emerald Liberté Star-Ship.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Chalon-sur-Saône – Beaune

Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history. Today, you will have the opportunity to witness the area’s architectural heritage and peaceful surrounds as you travel to the quaint village of Beaune and visit the Hospices de Beaune, originally a hospital for the poor, and now home to one of Burgundy’s most popular wine auctions.

Cheese and olive tasting on board

Visit to the Hospices de Beaune

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 Lyon

France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital, steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country and the home of traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.

Today, enjoy a guided tour of Lyon, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historic site of Lyon. Wander through the city and soak in its vividly illustrated history, as buildings from all time periods can be seen adorning narrow cobblestone streets.

Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE guided bike tour of Lyon.

Bike tour of Lyon

Guided tour of Lyon

Excursion to Pérouges

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 Tournon

The picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhône, dominated by a 16th century castle that overlooks the village and a number of iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers.

Your guided tour of the village will showcase its intangible cultural heritage, granting every opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards.

Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will showcase rural life in the French countryside.

Regional wine lecture on board

Guided bike tour to Glun

Guided hike through the vineyards

Guided tour of Tournon

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Lyon

Tournon, France

Day 5 Viviers

Arrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour of Viviers will showcase its numerous listed monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades.

Guided tour of Viviers

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 Avignon

Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of the Pope and central to the French Revolution.

Your included walking tour of Avignon will take you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais-des-Papes, as well as Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône. This afternoon is yours to explore at leisure.

This evening, enjoy a delightful EmeraldPLUS Provençal dining experience, expertly prepared by Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale.

Provençal dining experience hosted by Chef Fabien Morreale

Canoeing excursion in Avignon

Guided tour of Avignon

Guided tour of the Pont du Gard

Classical concert in Avignon

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 Arles

The past is yours to discover in Arles, once an important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments. Today, your included tour of the city will showcase some of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles.

Visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure.

Guided tour of Arles with arena visit

Excursion to Les Baux de Provence

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 Arles – Nice

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark Emerald Liberté, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside and delightful cuisine with you.

Meals: Breakfast

To book, call 855 444 0161, contact your professional travel advisor or visit emeraldcruises.ca

Basilique Saint-Pierre, Avignon

Arles, Provence

EXTEND your stay

A popular choice for guests wishing to extend their holiday and discover a new city, our pre- and post-cruise city stays are perfect for those looking to explore independently and delve further into local life. With our immersing Sensations of Lyon and Provence itinerary, you have the option of adding a few extra days to explore the romantic French capital of Paris, the quaint charms of Aix-en-Provence, or the sun-soaked Côte d’Azur.

Stay in luxury hotels hand-selected for their superior location and exceptional level of service. Our city stays include breakfast as standard, along with a guided tour before plenty of time to explore independently at a pace that suits you.

2-Night Paris City Stay

France’s capital city, Paris, has a proud ancient history with spectacular architecture and monuments, and more recently has become the global centre of fashion and gastronomy. As an Emerald Cruises guest, you’ll have the opportunity to spend two nights in the luxury Crowne Plaza Republique – a centrally based hotel perfect for you to explore the cities world-famous attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum and the stunning Musée d’Orsay, as well as a number of World Heritage-listed sites.

If you are looking for something other than the tree-lined boulevards and bustling streets, enjoy our included coach tour of the city and a cruise along the glistening waters of France’s second-longest river, the Seine.

Inclusions:

n Two nights in a centrally-located hotel

n Breakfast daily

n Guided bus tour of Paris and Seine cruise

n Transfers to and from the airport

To book, call 855 444 0161, contact your professional travel advisor or visit emeraldcruises.ca

3-Night Nice City Stay

Known for its stunning seaside views, year-round sunshine and colourful buildings, Nice is one of the most iconic spots along the French Riviera. Enjoy three nights in this vibrant coastal city – the fifth most populous in France – walking the shoreline, people watching on the Promenade des Anglais or enjoying local Niçois cuisine.

During your city stay, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of nearby Monte Carlo, the South of France’s famed luxury hotspot. And you’ll have plenty of free time to explore Nice itself, wondering its winding alleys full of shops and authentic French cafés, immersing yourself in the local arts and culture on offer.

Inclusions:

n Three nights in a centrally-located hotel

n Breakfast daily

n Guided tour of Monte Carlo

n Transfer to and from the airport

n Transfer to and from Emerald Liberté in Arles

n Optional DiscoverMORE – Visit to St. Paul de Vence (extra expense)

2-Night Aix-en-Provence City Stay

Known for being the birthplace of Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne, peaceful and relaxing Aix-en-Provence will be your home for three fantastic nights. Take to the streets and explore the leafy boulevards and public squares which are lined with 17th and 18th century mansions, separated by grand moss-covered fountains.

Included in your stay, a local guide will provide a wealth of knowledge as you stroll along cobblestone squares, and after a day of discovery, why not reside in one of many local cafes, enjoy an espresso, and watch the world go by. A ‘must see’ when visiting Aix-en-Provence is the Musée Granet, a museum devoted to painting, sculpture and archaeology of France.

Inclusions:

n Two nights in a hotel in Aix-en-Provence

n Guided tour of Aix-en-Provence

n Breakfast daily

n Transfers to and from the airport

DiscoverMORE

Immerse yourself further into local life during your river cruise with one or more of our optional DiscoverMORE excursions and experiences. Available at additional cost and with limited places available, it’s a good idea to pre-book these before travel.

Guided Tour of the Pont du Gard

In the heart of Provence, you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct, one of humankind’s greatest masterpieces. Technically and architecturally impressive, this three-level Roman aqueduct is 275 metres long and 48 metres high and served as an aqueduct until the 6th century transporting thousands of gallons of water per day. Later, it was used as a toll gate, before being transformed into a road bridge.

As well as marvelling at this wonderful feat of engineering, you’ll visit the small Roman town of Uzes. Its circular streets once protected the medieval castle in the 11th and 12th centuries.

Departs from:

Avignon

Fitness Level:

n Moderate

Inclusions:

n Coach transfers

n Local guide

n Visit of the Pont du Gard

n Visit to Uzes

Classical Concert in Avignon

The fortified city of Avignon located on the banks of the Rhône River showcases its rich papal history at every turn, where palaces, courtyards and private mansions evoke memories of 14th-century Provence, and some of the most elegant streets offer a superior level of charm. During your visit you will have the opportunity to enjoy a classical concert in the halls of one of the Provençal city’s churches. Please note, this tour must be pre-booked.

Departs from:

Avignon

Fitness Level:

n Easy

Inclusions:

n Tour escort

n Private concert

From $124 per person

From $65 per person

Avignon, France

Excursion to Les Baux de Provence

Set in the heart of the Alpilles regional country park Les Baux de Provence is a World Heritage-listed site, recognized for being ‘one of the most beautiful villages in France’. Situated at a fortified rocky site between Arles and St. Remy-de-Provence, visit the Old Village with its narrow cobblestone streets and grey medieval stone buildings. Compact, with plenty of shops and restaurants, the village retains its traditional style, while being an outstanding attraction. The high, rocky pinnacle of Château-Fortress des Baux extends to the southwest of the village and the incredible views make the trip very much worthwhile.

Departs from:

Avignon

Fitness Level:

n Active

Inclusions:

n Coach transfers

n Local guide

Excursion to Pérouges

Located on a small hill overlooking the Ain River Valley, head north from Lyon to the beautiful medieval town thriving on its local wine and weaving industries. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, a variety of fascinating buildings, including a fortified church and the house of the princes of Savoy, encourage many to walk the cobblestone streets. Explore from the upper gate to the 15th-century church, the main street ‘Rue des Rondes’, passing the 33-metre-deep well, and the Maison du Sergent de Justice, with its round tower. A lovely place to sit and relax with a drink, you’ll soon understand why this picturesque location has been used as the backdrop for many films, including 1973’s The Three Musketeers

Departs from:

Avignon

Fitness Level:

n Active

Inclusions:

n Coach transfers

n Local guide

n Visit to Pérouges

From $97 per person

From $80 per person