Burgundy & Provence with French Riviera & Paris (Northbound)
Overview
Embark your ship in Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and site of a 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. 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. This French river cruise vacation 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 its iconic landmarks.
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.
* On departure April 12 overnight will be in Cannes instead of Nice
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.
* On departure April 12 Cannes walking tour will be offered as additional included feature in the morning and Nice sightseeing will be offered in the afternoon .
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Join a motorcoach transfer to board your Avalon Suite Ship.
- Classic: En route to Arles, stop in Aix-en-Provence and enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour to discover the elegant beauty of Cezanne's hometown.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
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.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles' Boulevard des Lices.
EVENING CRUISE TO AVIGNON
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Active: Discover Avignon by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- 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
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
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
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 lively cafés, monuments, and maze of medieval alleyways where history comes to life.
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
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
Drive to Beaune and take a High-Speed Train from Dijon to Paris.
- Classic: Join a Guided Visit to Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne to discover Burgundy's rich wine culture through an immersive, interactive experience, and enjoy a wine tasting.
Cafés, 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 Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided City Tour featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.
Spend your free time strolling through the Champs - Élysées for café au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, and visit Montmartre's Basilica of the Sacré Cœur.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
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
Download Brochure
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
AUD
Welcome Back Credit
GJ Loyalty Discount
Cabin Layout Options:
Select Cabin Preference:
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.
