Overview
Take a wondrous journey through beautiful views of France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in the well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Embark your ship in Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world.
The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins read more and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital 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 and stand in front of the famous fountain you’ve seen on postcards.
The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins read more and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital 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 and stand in front of the famous fountain you’ve seen on postcards.
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Our Price From
A$4,297 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $2,614 per person
Trip Length
8 Days
Trip Starts
Arles
Trip Ends
Chalon Sur Saone
Departures
Cruise Ship
15 Trip Reviews
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
WLJ
Countries Visited:
Itinerary
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
Included Meals:
Dinner
A Brush with Genius.
Visit the Adventure Center 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 Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.
Take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine, before sailing to Avignon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 an 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.
- Discovery: Later, enjoy a tasting of Local Specialties on board your ship.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L'HERMITAGE
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
La Vie En Rose in Lyon.
- 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.
Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon's town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône
- Discovery: Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais 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 while sailing to Chalon - sur - Saône.
Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON - SUR - SAÔNE
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Lyon airport before 8 am.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Life On Board
One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia, you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining more options, activities that help you tailor your experience.
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.
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.
Avalon Poetry II
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
Our Vision. Your View.
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Avalon Choice
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Active & Discovery
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
From View to Table
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
River Cruise Reviews (15)
I have booked with Global Journeys before and I highly commend Georgie for her professionalism in assisting me to plan our Avalon Waterways Cruise and flights. Our trip was faultless with all flights, connections, transfers and meeting points working out perfectly.
The Avalon cruise met our expectations and more. Our cruise host Gayle was warm and read more welcoming and carried out her role with fantastic organisational skill. Our cabin was spacious and comfortable with the wide sliding windows affording wonderful views as we glided along the Rhone and Saone Rivers in southern France.
Freedom of choice for meals, seating and optional shore excursions allowed for flexibility and an opportunity to meet and mix with fellow passengers. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience - exceptional dining, good onboard entertainment and interesting land tours - a highly recommended French River Cruise!
The Avalon cruise met our expectations and more. Our cruise host Gayle was warm and read more welcoming and carried out her role with fantastic organisational skill. Our cabin was spacious and comfortable with the wide sliding windows affording wonderful views as we glided along the Rhone and Saone Rivers in southern France.
Freedom of choice for meals, seating and optional shore excursions allowed for flexibility and an opportunity to meet and mix with fellow passengers. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience - exceptional dining, good onboard entertainment and interesting land tours - a highly recommended French River Cruise!
Very pleasant river cruise with Avalon 7
Eileen & David, WA, Australia, Sep 2017
Avalon probably exceeded our expectations, as we had cruised with Uniworld last year from Istanbul to Amsterdam which was spectacular in every sense. However cruising on the Affinity from Arles to St. Jean De Losne was lovely. Although an older ship it was extremely comfortable, well maintained and the cabins though not their new design were immaculate, read more quite spacious with lots of storage and L'occitane products in the bathroom. Food in the dining room was very good and plentiful and they were very generous with the free wine, beer and soft drinks served with meals. Tea, coffee and delicious biscuits were available in the lounge at the "back" of the ship 24 hours. The staff on board were amazing, well trained and couldn't do enough for guests, always smiling and nothing was too much trouble. A special mention for Laura and Thomas for excellent service in the dining room, but all a great team.
Included shore excursions were interesting with well informed local guides. The general feeling was that the cruise director could have been better, perhaps more friendly and approachable although the nightly run down or the next days events was adequate and also posted on the board in the foyer. She made a proper stuff up of organising the train journey from Dijon to Paris.
A couple of suggestions about the hotels before and after the cruise. The Meridien Beach Plaza in Monte Carlo, though an impressive hotel on the beach, it was quite impersonal, and food and drinks were very expensive and the location of the hotel was a long way from any outside restaurants, only a couple of beach bars serving burgers etc. In fact I'm think that it would be much better to start the tour in Nice and have an optional tour to Monte Carlo for those who wanted to see this overcrowded, over rated rich man's playground.
The journey from Monaco to Arles was a four hour coach journey on the freeway nowhere near the deep blue Mediterranean Sea which is a spectacular coast drive or train ride. The hotel in Paris Hotel Du Collectionneur, although an impressive entrance and a large comfortable bedroom had so many short comings, it would bore you to list them all, but the reception staff and Avalon Rep did their best to apologise and address the issues, which became amusing really. Overall we enjoyed the holiday very much and met nice fun people on board. Of course can't forget the excellent, efficient and knowledgeable service from Georgie at Global Journeys which we've come to rely on for a few years now. Thanks again Georgie.
Included shore excursions were interesting with well informed local guides. The general feeling was that the cruise director could have been better, perhaps more friendly and approachable although the nightly run down or the next days events was adequate and also posted on the board in the foyer. She made a proper stuff up of organising the train journey from Dijon to Paris.
A couple of suggestions about the hotels before and after the cruise. The Meridien Beach Plaza in Monte Carlo, though an impressive hotel on the beach, it was quite impersonal, and food and drinks were very expensive and the location of the hotel was a long way from any outside restaurants, only a couple of beach bars serving burgers etc. In fact I'm think that it would be much better to start the tour in Nice and have an optional tour to Monte Carlo for those who wanted to see this overcrowded, over rated rich man's playground.
The journey from Monaco to Arles was a four hour coach journey on the freeway nowhere near the deep blue Mediterranean Sea which is a spectacular coast drive or train ride. The hotel in Paris Hotel Du Collectionneur, although an impressive entrance and a large comfortable bedroom had so many short comings, it would bore you to list them all, but the reception staff and Avalon Rep did their best to apologise and address the issues, which became amusing really. Overall we enjoyed the holiday very much and met nice fun people on board. Of course can't forget the excellent, efficient and knowledgeable service from Georgie at Global Journeys which we've come to rely on for a few years now. Thanks again Georgie.
Our cruise came at the end of an extended holiday which included two coach tours, one through Scandinavia and the other through Italy. The cruise was certainly the most relaxing way to travel. We could do as much or as little of the shore activities as we chose, and there was a range of activity levels, which was excellent. The gentle pace suited us read more well, allowing us to visit new places without becoming exhausted. We travelled in mid-June, early summer in Europe, but with an unexpected heat wave as we neared Paris.
The ship was always comfortable. You could soak up the sun on the sky deck, or enjoy air conditioned comfort in the privacy of your own room, or any of the communal areas of the ship. Our room was very comfortable, and our steward, Alex, took great care of us. My one piece of advice: take some clothes with an elastic waist! The food was magnificent - from the breakfast buffet, full (or light) lunch and four course dinner. You might find your clothes a little tight by the end of your trip! We will definitely book another river cruise with Global Journeys again.
The ship was always comfortable. You could soak up the sun on the sky deck, or enjoy air conditioned comfort in the privacy of your own room, or any of the communal areas of the ship. Our room was very comfortable, and our steward, Alex, took great care of us. My one piece of advice: take some clothes with an elastic waist! The food was magnificent - from the breakfast buffet, full (or light) lunch and four course dinner. You might find your clothes a little tight by the end of your trip! We will definitely book another river cruise with Global Journeys again.
This was our first river cruise and our first booking through Global Journeys. The cruise was with Avalon Waterways Cruises and the ship was the 'Affinity'. The cruise certainly exceeded our expectations. Documentation arrived in plenty of time. Hotel check-in and ship boarding were both very well managed. The 'Affinity' was immaculate. The rooms and read more facilities were exceptionally clean, including public areas. The staff were very efficient, they were friendly but did not get overly personal. All meals on board were another highlight that exceeded our expectations.
On-board documentation of the trip was also of a high standard. We went on most of the additional side trips and believe they were good very value. Where buses we required they were of a high standard and the itineraries were excellent. Our highlight was a visit to the lavender fields with lavender fragrance in the air as we walked by the fields. However there were many other highlights in the old towns and villages, the picturesque scenery etc. The only disappointment was the slow internet service onboard. We strongly recommend the Avalon brand and we were very satisfied with the service provided by Global Journeys.
On-board documentation of the trip was also of a high standard. We went on most of the additional side trips and believe they were good very value. Where buses we required they were of a high standard and the itineraries were excellent. Our highlight was a visit to the lavender fields with lavender fragrance in the air as we walked by the fields. However there were many other highlights in the old towns and villages, the picturesque scenery etc. The only disappointment was the slow internet service onboard. We strongly recommend the Avalon brand and we were very satisfied with the service provided by Global Journeys.
A wonderful River Cruise 1
Graeme & Jennifer, NSW, Australia, May 2017
We thoroughly enjoyed our Avalon river cruise between Arles and Paris. We couldn't fault the ship, the crew or service. Our Avalon travel director provided support and guidance, being always there but unintrusive. To go with the beautiful ship (Avalon Poetry II) Avalon chose fabulous hotels in Monte Carlo and Paris. Yvonne at Global Journeys made the read more booking process easy and problem free.
A relaxing river cruise through the south of France 2
Bruce & Lai, VIC, Australia, Apr 2017
Our 2nd cruise with Avalon, and once again the food was fantastic, the room was beautiful, the crew were exceptional. A much more relaxed cruise when compared to the Gems, but still very enjoyable. The ship was only about half full. We did many of the optional outings to ensure we enjoyed ourselves and to see as much as we could (although choices are read more limited when compared to the Gems cruise but we knew that), Cannes, Avignon, Lyon, Old Medieval Town, Old Chateau for wine tasting, and ending in Paris in a wonderful old yet magnificent hotel. A friendly bunch of people on the cruise, and we all got on well.
We stayed in Paris for 3 extra nights to do our own relaxing and sight seeing (Paris Disneyland was fabulous). We should have come into Cannes a few days earlier, but didn't realise Nice and Monte Carlo were so close and easy access by train. We will do some more travelling, and look forward to travelling with Avalon and Global Journeys again (Thanks again Hannah).
We stayed in Paris for 3 extra nights to do our own relaxing and sight seeing (Paris Disneyland was fabulous). We should have come into Cannes a few days earlier, but didn't realise Nice and Monte Carlo were so close and easy access by train. We will do some more travelling, and look forward to travelling with Avalon and Global Journeys again (Thanks again Hannah).
Wonderful relaxing holiday 1
John & Jennifer Banjs, QLD, Australia, May 2016
We will book with Global Journeys again for sure. Hannah has always looked after us and we would recommend to anyone. Avalon was great to cruise with. This was our second time with them. Unfortunately the first time the Danube did not have enough water and this time the Rhone had too much water to pass under bridges. Our cruises were cut a little read more short but not our cruise ship experience. Avalon and the cruise directors handled the problem very well.
Highly recommend to people 1
Penny Levy, Australia, Sep 2014
Cannot offer any more as it was all excellent. Can highly recommend to people who are thinking of taking an Avalon trip.
Couldn't fault our cruising experience 1
Melvyn Stokes, Australia, Aug 2014
Couldn't fault our cruising experience. The staff, service and food were excellent. The service we received from Georgie, Global Journeys was also excellent.
Thank you from two very happy travellers! 1
Sandra Rainer, Australia, Jul 2014
Had the most amazing time! The MS Scenery was brilliant and all the staff on the ship were more than willing to bend over backwards to assist and make their passengers happy. Mum and I had the trip of a lifetime. The scenery, the tours, the service on the ship was highly commendable. We did not want to come home! Thank you from two very happy travellers!
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Avalon River Cruises (2026)
At Avalon, we are redefining river cruising by charting a different course than the big ships - no crowded tourist ports
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.
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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Tuesday
18 Aug 2026
18 Aug 26
Arles
Tuesday
25 Aug 2026
25 Aug 26
Chalon Sur Saone
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Avalon Poetry II
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Tuesday
01 Sep 2026
01 Sep 26
Arles
Tuesday
08 Sep 2026
08 Sep 26
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Tuesday
29 Sep 2026
29 Sep 26
Arles
Tuesday
06 Oct 2026
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Tuesday
23 Mar 2027
23 Mar 27
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30 Mar 2027
30 Mar 27
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Tuesday
20 Apr 2027
20 Apr 27
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Tuesday
27 Apr 2027
27 Apr 27
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Tuesday
18 May 2027
18 May 27
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25 May 2027
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Tuesday
01 Jun 2027
01 Jun 27
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08 Jun 2027
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Tuesday
13 Jul 2027
13 Jul 27
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20 Jul 2027
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27 Jul 2027
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03 Aug 2027
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10 Aug 2027
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17 Aug 2027
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24 Aug 2027
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31 Aug 2027
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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 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.
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.
