On Location: PAX uncorks France’s wine regions aboard the refreshed Avalon Artistry II

Sip, swirl, sail, repeat.

PAX’s Jessica Huras is uncorking France’s postcard-perfect wine regions this week, on the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, aboard the Avalon Artistry II, a recently-refurbished Suite Ship that boasts 52 suites out of its 64 staterooms.

The inaugural, post-upgrade sailing, which departed from Bordeaux over the weekend, comes as Avalon Waterways unveils a fleet-wide refresh of its Suite Ships in Europe – a project that will be completed in phases through 2026.

Over the next two years, Avalon is updating its already “Better By Design” experience with top-to-bottom enhancements that promise smoother sailing and more style on every Suite Ship in Europe – with the exception of the Avalon Alegria, Avalon View and Avalon Envision, which were already built with the enhancements.

READ MORE: Avalon to elevate and refresh fleet of Suite Ships

Some of the upgrades include new décor, from the flooring to the furniture (pictured here), faster Wi-Fi, a chic new Sky Deck, an enhanced Observation Lounge, new fitness rooms and options, and more bikes (each ship now has 15 new bikes and four new e-bikes).

“At Avalon, we believe the perfectly designed river cruise starts with a perfectly designed ship, inviting guests to explore the world in comfort and style” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways, in a statement recently. “With our fleet-wide refresh, we’re elevating details – from drapes on the widest-opening windows in river cruising and décor of our Panorama Lounges to fit-for-purpose fitness centre and fleet of new bikes – ensuring that our Suite Ships continue to set the standard for effortless, along the world’s waterways.”

In addition to experiencing Avalon Artistry II’s new look and feel, PAX is also gliding through some of France’s timeless towns and communes, from Margaux to Blaye to Bourg to Saint-Émilion to Libourne, visiting dreamy vineyards and stately châteaus along the way.

It's all part of Avalon's brand-new "Bonjour Bordeaux: Châteaux, Wineries & Charming Villages" itinerary.

“The wait is over and the wine is flowing – we are thrilled to officially embark on this new journey through Bordeaux,” said Hoffee in a statement. “With our first guests embarking their vacation today, we’re not just introducing a new itinerary, we’re elevating the experience of Bordeaux itself, offering immersive moments that blend history, culture, cuisine and discovery in every sip and step.”

The eight-day itinerary can also be combined with cruises along the Seine, Rhône & Rhine Rivers for two and three-week journeys, giving guests even more ways to uncork France with Avalon in 2025 and beyond.

This cruise also has lots of space: the suites on Avalon Artistry II are at least 200 square ft. in size and, on average, are said to be 30 per cent larger than the staterooms of other river ships.

Join us as we raise a glass to France and Suite Ship sailing! More to come.

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