Overview
Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of...read more France. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, founded by the Romans in 43 BC, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux with its lively cafés and monuments, and stand in front of the famous fountain seen on postcards. With plenty of time to explore this historical city further, be sure to sample Beaujolais, the famous wine of the region. Beautifully nestled among vineyards, is the city of Tournon a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle, where you’ll go on a guided walk.
Continue your river cruise to Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France—known for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and site of its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. You’ll revel in the relaxing and inspiring views and culinary delights during your holiday in Paris and river cruise through France.
Itinerary
Bienvenue en France!
Take free time today to fall in love with the world's most romantic city. Get inspired by its architectural icons, exquisite cuisine, chic boutiques, and priceless artistic treasures.
Cafes, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Light
- Classic: Join a Guided City Tour that shows the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opera Garnier, and the famous Champs-Elysees.
Spend your free time strolling through the Champs-Elysees for cafe au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, or visit Montmartre's Basilica of the Sacre Coeur.
Consider browsing Paris' classic shopping avenues and literary cafes for a true Parisian experience, or have your portrait sketched by a Parisian artist in the square at Place du Tertre. (B)
Take a High - Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.
- Classic: Visit the Hotel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgment and one of France's architectural highlights.
This afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saone to board your Suite Ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS (B/D)
Pearl of Southern Burgundy
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Classic: Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town.
Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or to the Castle of Cormatin.
- Discovery: Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TREVOUX (B/L/D)
La Vie En Rose in Lyon
Sail for lovely Lyon this morning.
- Active: Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourviere Hill with its numerous churches. You'll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafes, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.
- Discovery: Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance your lecture on board your ship.
Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B/L/D)
Adventures in Food and Wine
- Discovery: Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France.
The rest of your day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France's third largest city. Take a bike from the ship and explore local produce markets and parks, or take a leisurely tour of the city's more than 100 murals.
EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON (B/L/D)
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
- Classic: Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon - one of France's oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhone River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.
Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.
VIVIERS: World History in a Charming French Country Village
- Classic: Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You'll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON (B/L/D)
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Classic: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon - with its ramparts encircling the city - and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.
Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhone wine region. Explore Avignon on your own for the city's art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Benezet. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES (B/L/D)
Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights
- Active: Get your daily dose of exercise through Nordic walking in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Discovery: Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. You'll create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles - the captivating city of the Provence region. You'll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.
Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Carrieres de Lumieres (Cathedral of Images) a unique experience of art, sound, and light in the old quarries of Val d'Enfer. Take free time to stop in Le Cafe Van Gogh for a glass of wine.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B/L/D)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. (B)
Life Onboard Avalon Poetry II
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Brochure
Avalon River Cruises (2024-25)
Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Avalon. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
