Take a wondrous French river cruise along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in famous French locales, as well as off-the-beaten-path gems. This river cruise through France begins in style with two overnights in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Explore the “City of Light” with a guided city tour to see its famous landmarks, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum with its elegant glass pyramid contrasting its ancient architecture. You’ll visit France’s gastro-nomic capital of Lyon—also a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture where the Rhône and Saône Rivers meet. See Lyon’s wonderful sights, including the popular Place des Terreaux with its famous fountain seen on postcards. You’ll walk through the city of Tournon, beautifully nestled between the vineyards, on a guided walk through medieval treasures of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. 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 vacation in Paris and river cruise through France.
day by day
Itinerary
DAY ONE: Paris, France
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.
DAY TWO: Paris
Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Light
Classic Excursion
Join a Guided City Tour that shows the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées.
Spend your free time strolling through the Champs-Élysées for café au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, or visit Montmartre’s Basilica of the Sacré Cœur.
Consider browsing Paris’ classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience, or have your portrait sketched by a Parisian artist in the square at Place du Tertre.
Breakfast is included today.
DAY THREE: Dijon-Beaune-Chalon-sur-Saone (Embarkation)
Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.
Classic Excursion
Visit the Hôtel-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-Saône to board your Suite Ship®.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS
Breakfast & Dinner are included today
DAY FOUR: Tournus
Pearl of Southern Burgundy
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
Classic Excursion:
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 Excursion:
Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRÉVOUX
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included today.
DAY FIVE: Lyon
La Vie En Rose in Lyon
Sail for lovely Lyon this morning.
Active Excursion:
Discover Lyon’s architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR:
Classic Excursion:
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.
Discovery Excursion:
Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance your lecture on board your ship.
Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included today.
DAY SIX: Lyon
Adventures in Food and Wine
Discovery Excursion:
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
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included today.
DAY SEVEN: Tournon – Viviers
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
Classic Excursion:
Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.
Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.
VIVIERS
World History in a Charming French Country Village
Classic Excursion:
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
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included today.
DAY EIGHT: Avignon
- The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence. Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
- Classic Excursion: 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 Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône 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-Bénézet.Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.
- EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included today.
DAY NINE: Arles
A Brush with Genius
Active Excursion:
Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR:
Discovery Excursion:
Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:
Classic Excursion:
Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Ampitheater in this visually stunning city.
Take free time to stop in Le Café van Gogh for a glass of wine.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included today.
No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, Avalon gives you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.
When you book your excursions with Avalon, you can be assured that every optional excursion that they offer coordinates with the free time that you’ll have in your destination, so you’ll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Their team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that they offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Their tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. They offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with Avalon, theycoordinate all your transporation and timing needs.
The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Optional excursions are available for purchase on the MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.
- Olive Oil Tasting in Les Baux de ProvenceTravel into the heart of Provence on this exciting half-day guided visit of an olive farm and olive mill with a tasting of locally produced olive oil! 4h price range: $$
- From the Cathedral of Images to Saint-Rémy Stimulate your senses on this unbelievable excursion to Carrières de Lumières, the world-famous Cathedral of Images in a former limestone quarry, past the fantastical rock formations of Hell Valley, and then to charming Saint-Rémy in the heart of Provence. 3h 30m price range: $$
DAY TEN: Arles (Disembarkation)
- Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.
Breakfast is included today.
Imagine cruising through the heart of France, where every stop on your journey offers a taste of the country’s rich history, world-renowned cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. From the romantic allure of Paris to the sun-drenched vineyards of Burgundy and the medieval charm of Avignon, Avalon Waterways’ Paris, Burgundy & Provence river cruise is a true bucket-list experience. Booking this itinerary now for next summer ensures you secure your spot on this exclusive voyage before it sells out. Plus, by planning ahead, you’ll have ample time to savor the anticipation of your upcoming adventure while benefiting from the best cabin selection and early booking savings. Let me take care of all the details so you can simply look forward to a seamless, unforgettable journey through some of France’s most iconic destinations.
Contact me for pricing and date availability:
Cleared For Take-Off! 