Grand France Holiday (2028) - S.S. Catherine

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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