Overview
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.
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.
Cafés, 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, 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.
Take a High - Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.
- Classic: 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
Pearl of Southern Burgundy
Visit the Adventure Center 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 TRÉVOUX.
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 Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR:
- Classic: 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: Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance your lecture on board your ship.
Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
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
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
- Classic: 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: 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
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 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
A Brush with Genius
- 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 Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.
Take free time to stop in Le Café van Gogh for a glass of wine.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.
Life On Board
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
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
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Avalon River Cruises (2026)
or rushed schedules, just immersive journeys that keep you in the heart of each destination. Our modern Suite Ships sail
the world’s legendary rivers and waterways, placing you just steps from vibrant cities, charming villages, more and breathtaking scenery. Wake to Vienna at your doorstep, watch Budapest sparkle at night, or take in 360-degree views of the Rhine Gorge and Wachau Valley from the Sky Deck. Cycle through Cologne or Paris, savour fine cuisine in Lyon, or sample sweets in Linz, then retreat to your spacious suite without missing a moment.
From Southeast Asia and Egypt to the Amazon and Galápagos, Avalon offers a front-row seat to the world’s most extraordinary places—all while unpacking once. Backed by nearly a century of Swiss heritage, we infuse precision, care, and timeless craftsmanship into every journey. Welcome aboard the wideopen wonder of Avalon. Your journey begins here.
Dates & Pricing
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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 the cruise-line and 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.
