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Burgundy & Provence with Paris and French Riviera

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River View
$5,755
Balcony
$7,190
Suite
$9,549
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
12 Days
 Cruise Starts
Paris
 Cruise Finishes
Nice
12 Day Burgundy & Provence with Paris and French Riviera Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: France
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
WJLY

Overview

Take a delightful river cruise through France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! This French river cruise adventure begins in style with two overnights in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! See the landmarks of the “City of Lights”, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum with its elegant glass pyramid contrasting its ancient architecture.

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 through France to historical Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world. Enjoy your last two nights on the French Riviera. Relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea—a perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime European river cruise!

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 centres 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 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 (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)

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 Amphitheatre in this visually stunning city.

Take free time to stop in Le Cafe van Gogh for a glass of wine.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B/L/D)

Spectacular Seascapes of the Mediterranean Coast

After breakfast this morning, you'll drive to the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy. (B)

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 holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Please Note: The end city and accommodation in the French Riviera is yet to be confirmed and subject to change.

Life Onboard Avalon Poetry II

Avalon Poetry II
Avalon Poetry II

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more

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Our Vision. Your View.

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Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Exclusive Meets Inclusive

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Avalon Choice

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Active & Discovery
Active & Discovery

Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more

From View to Table
From View to Table

Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more

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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26) Brochure

Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)

Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts guests in the captain’s seat to navigate their journey, fuel their passions, and steer clear of the usual while cruising on the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One...more step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and it’s easy to see how the tides are changing. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

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Note
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.

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