Overview
Embark your ship in Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and site of a 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world. Take a guided walk through a medieval...read more treasure of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle in the city of Tournon, beautifully nestled among vineyards. Visit Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux and stand in front of the famous fountain seen on postcards.
This French river cruise holiday would not be complete without a stay in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover its true heart on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour to see the iconic landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more.
Itinerary
Welcome to France.
Enjoy free time to discover the beauty of the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.
Please Note: The start city and accommodation in the French Riviera is yet to be confirmed and subject to change.
The "Queen of the French Riviera"
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city - an area which has changed little since the 1700s. (B)
Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Join a motorcoach transfer to board your Avalon Suite Ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B/D)
Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Active: Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Discovery: Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. 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 Amphitheatre in this visually stunning city.
Take free time to stop in Le Cafe Van Gogh for a glass of wine, before sailing to Avignon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON (B/L/D)
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
- 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON (B/L/D)
World History in a Charming French Country Village
Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.
- Active: Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host, OR:
- 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L'HERMITAGE (B/L/D)
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Active: Explore Tournon by foot as you follow your Adventure Host for a morning hike in this beautiful town along the Rhone, OR:
- Classic: Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon - one of France's oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.
In the early afternoon cruise to Lyon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B/L/D)
Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of France
- 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.
Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon's town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet. Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS (B/L/D)
Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saone
- Discovery: Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Maconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine - tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!
- Discovery: Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.
Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAONE (B/L/D)
Drive to Beaune and take a High - Speed Train from Dijon to Paris.
- 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. (B)
Cafes, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Light
- Classic: Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Ile de la Cite, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR:
- 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 and visit Montmartre's Basilica of the Sacre Coeur. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (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 travelers 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 (2025-26)
Availability
USD
Port charges, taxes and fees included.
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.
