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Grand France Holiday

Grand France Holiday

About This Cruise

From north to south, enjoy the delightful blend of rustic charm and grandeur that France has perfected over the centuries—a contrast that lends an undeniable magic to the Noël season. Stroll down grand boulevards under canopies of trees wrapped in glittering lights, marvel at festively decorated chateaux in the countryside, and savor regional specialties—from Normandy cider to the famed "13 desserts" of a Provençal Christmas. Along the way, you'll find a few of France's own holiday markets—a tradition in a class of its own, utterly distinct from others you'll find across Europe—ranging from little "chalets" overflowing with local produce to beloved santon fairs that showcase meticulously hand-painted nativity miniatures.

Grand France Holiday is a combination of Magical Parisian Holiday and Rhone Winter Holiday.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    S.S. Catherine is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

  • Solo travellers

    Low or no single supplement on selected cabins

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

S.S. Catherine

Departure Date

28 November 2028

Cruise Line

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises

Duration

14 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

France

Arles

Arrive at Marseille Provence Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship docked in Arles.

France

Arles

Today, you’ll enjoy a full-day outing to one of the most festive winter destinations in the region: elegant Aix-en-Provence, where you’ll find beautifully decorated public squares and unique seasonal traditions.

France

Tarascon

Tarascon is an arresting sight. The white stone buildings that proliferate throughout the town—including an eye-catching castle that sits right on the banks of the Rhône—catch the colors of the rising and setting sun beautifully.

France

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. Visitors during the holiday season are treated to the cozy sight of festive decorations, shops overflowing with seasonal treats, and local vendors selling handmade wares that make excellent Christmas presents.

France

Viviers

Drive from our dock in Viviers to the deeply Provençal city of Grignan, passing by eye-catching Renaissance-era estates and scenic countryside on the way. A sunny, almost Mediterranean destination during the summer, Grignan in the winter is often wrapped in an atmospheric fog, heightening the feeling that you’ve stepped back in time to a medieval village.

France

Valence

The capital of the Drôme, Valence invites you to enjoy a festive holiday visit in an attractive town wrapped in twinkling lights. You’ll be delighted to discover that Valence is a town with a strong culinary tradition, and the market vendors are prepared to prove it. Keep an eye out for local specialties: orange-blossom infused Suisse breads shaped to resemble Pope Pius VI's Swiss guards and sheets of tiny ravioli made with parsley and cheese known as Ravioles du Dauphiné.

France

Lyon

A bastion of French culinary traditions, historic architecture, and culture, Lyon reigns as one of the greatest cities in all of France. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that its holiday traditions are so spectacular, with thousands of twinkling lights wrapping the city for a distinctive Christmas season display.

France

Lyon

Disembark the striking S.S. Catherine and transfer to Paris via high-speed TGV train. Your next ship, the magical S.S. Joie de Vivre, waits to carry you along the Seine on the next leg of your adventure.

France

Mantes-la-Jolie

How did France’s rulers live over the centuries? Step into the private rooms of the Palace of Versailles, the lavish palace built by the Sun King, to find out.

France

Rouen

Walk in the footsteps of greatness in Normandy’s medieval capital, a city with a historic quarter that remains amazingly intact. From the cathedral Monet painted dozens of times to the cross marking the spot where Joan of Arc was martyred, Rouen is a treasure trove for the culturally curious.

France

Caudebec-en-Caux

The Seine-Maritime is a breath of fresh air. An idyllic department tucked away between the Seine and France’s northwestern coastline, this area is replete with historic towns, seaports, and locals who are passionate about keeping the traditions of France alive.

France

Vernon

Fall even deeper in love with the Normandy countryside today. In addition to a visit Château de La Roche-Guyon, you can spend your day sipping on farm-fresh Normandy cider.

France

Paris

Embrace the holiday spirit as we ferry you around the best Christmas markets of Paris, where you’ll find delicious seasonal goodies and some excellent gifting opportunities waiting for you. Later, you’re in for a real treat: a private welcome to a beautiful château.

France

Paris

Today is all about the glamor that makes Paris Paris, as we honor Parisian shopping culture with a walking tour of the city’s famous seasonal window displays, complete with a visit to the opera house.

France

Paris

Disembark the ship. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home.

Overview

From north to south, enjoy the delightful blend of rustic charm and grandeur that France has perfected over the centuries—a contrast that lends an undeniable magic to the Noël season. Stroll down grand boulevards under canopies of trees wrapped in glittering lights, marvel at festively decorated chateaux in the countryside, and savor regional specialties—from Normandy cider to the famed "13 desserts" of a Provençal Christmas. Along the way, you'll find a few of France's own holiday markets—a tradition in a class of its own, utterly distinct from others you'll find across Europe—ranging from little "chalets" overflowing with local produce to beloved santon fairs that showcase meticulously hand-painted nativity miniatures.

Grand France Holiday is a combination of Magical Parisian Holiday and Rhone Winter Holiday.

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Suite

Grand Suite

Lavishly appointed riverview Grand Suite (410 sq ft - 38 sq m) with an enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and separate spacious living room

Marble bathroom includes Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, a separate rain shower and tub, and a secluded toilet and bidet area

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

In-room treats: fresh fruits and treats from your pastry chef delivered daily, a complimentary menu of specialty snacks and cocktails, Nespresso coffees and fine teas, a fully stocked mini bar, and a bottle of wine upon arrival

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Suite

Suite

Lavishly appointed riverview suite (305 sq ft - 28.3 sq m) with an enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows

Grand Suites include handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Triple accommodation option available. The sofa converts into a comfortable bed to accommodate a third person

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, a rain shower and tub, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirror and a secluded toilet area

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

In-room treats: fresh fruits and treats from your pastry chef delivered daily, a complimentary menu of specialty snacks and cocktails, Nespresso coffees and fine teas, a fully stocked mini bar, and a bottle of wine upon arrival

Balcony

Deluxe Balcony

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with an enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Balcony

Deluxe Balcony A

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with an enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

This category is only available on 2027 & 2028 sailings. 

Balcony

Deluxe Balcony B

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with an enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

This category is only available on 2027 & 2028 sailings. 

Balcony

French Balcony

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Balcony

French Balcony A

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

This category is only available on 2027 & 2028 sailings. 

Balcony

French Balcony B

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

This category is only available on 2027 & 2028 sailings. 

Outside

Classic

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (162 sq ft - 15 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Note: windows in these staterooms are situated at the water line

regional

Cézanne Restaurant

Cézanne Restaurant can be found on Avignon Deck

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Lounge

Van Gogh Lounge

The Van Gogh Lounge can be found on the Camargue Deck

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Bar

Bar du Leopard

The Bar du Leopard can be found on the Camargue Deck

Reception

Reception

The Reception can be found on the Avignon Deck

Spa

Serenity River Spa

The Serenity River Spa can be found on the Avignon Deck

Pool

Pool

The Pool can be found on the Camargue Deck

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Gym

Fitness Centre

The Fitness Centre can be found on the Saint Remy Deck

Special Generations amenities

Stress-Free Holidays

You shouldn’t have to worry about micromanaging your family while you’re on holiday. On an all-inclusive Generations Collection cruise, every detail is thought of and taken care of for you—from making sure the kids are entertained onboard and onshore to providing three delicious meals a day. All you have to do is unpack once, and we’ll whisk you away to multiple towns (or countries even!) in one trip, with immersive experiences that every generation will enjoy.

Cultural Enrichment

When you share the gift of travel with the little ones in your life, you nourish their passion for world cultures, foster an adventurous spirit, and give them an invaluable learning opportunity by bringing them up close and personal to historic sites and new ideas. Our tours are designed to enhance this effect with a carefully curated combination of education and fun.

Special Amenities in Europe

  • Exciting shore excursions tailor-made for families
  • Kid-friendly menus for each meal
  • The Young Travellers’ Table, reserved on certain nights just for our younger guests and Family Hosts
  • Onboard activities just for kids, such as craft workshops and cooking classes with the ship’s chef and pastry chef
  • Young Travellers’ Lounge, complete with video game console, games, movies, and local treats
  • Two dedicated Family Hosts to oversee all activities for Junior Cruisers (ages 5 to 12 years) and Teen Cruisers (ages 13 to 17 years)
  • Kids-only movie nights in the onboard cinema, where applicable
  • A special VIP ship tour with the Captain or Hotel Manager