10 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Arles to Paris 2027(WLJE)

Avalon Waterways River Cruise - Arles to Paris

Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in Paris

Starting from $4,600
Ship(s): Avalon Poetry II
Specialty Cruises: Culinary; Jazz Lovers; Wine Lovers
10 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Arles to Paris 2027 - WLJE

River Cruise Description

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 too! Begin your Avalon YourWay river cruise through France in Arles and discover the setting that inspired Vincent Van Gogh. See its 1st-century Roman amphitheater still used today and attend a painting workshop in the style of Van Gogh.

Cruise to Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes-the largest Gothic fortress in the world. Continue to Viviers for a guided walk through its charming village. Nestled among vineyards and Roman ruins are the twin cities of Tournon and Tain l'Hermitage. Take a guided walk of Tournon, a medieval treasure of Roman ruins and 16th-century castle.

You'll visit Lyon, a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture, as well as France's gastronomic capital. Lyon offers wonderful sights, including the popular Place des Terreaux with its famous fountain seen on postcards. You'll sail to the Chardonnay wine region of Mâcon, enjoying cheese tasting on board. In Dijon, tour Beaune's Hotel-Dieu Charity Hospital-built in 1443 and home of Van der Weyden's "The Last Judgement."

Continue your French vacation your way with two overnights in Paris-the "City of Light." Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of the city's rich history or take a tour to see the iconic landmarks of this enchanting city. A classic French river cruise vacation-made even better your way.
Departure DateShipPriced From
(per person)
 
Mar 23, 2027Avalon Poetry II$4,600Call Us!
Apr 6, 2027
Culinary(WLJE-T2)
Indulge in legendary Central European cuisine on this culinary-focused cruise. With a Master of Wine on board for special culinary highlights throughout your cruise, you’ll sample regional specialties with onboard tastings and with a special dinner featuring a wonderful menu created just for you.
Avalon Poetry II$5,300Call Us!
Apr 20, 2027Avalon Poetry II$5,500Call Us!
May 18, 2027Avalon Poetry II$5,600Call Us!
Jun 1, 2027Avalon Poetry II$5,600Call Us!
Jun 29, 2027
Jazz Lovers(WLJE-T5)
Throughout the French portion of your cruise, you’ll enjoy several onboard jazz performances and the chance to visit the Vienne Jazz Festival on your own.
Avalon Poetry II$5,500Call Us!
Jul 13, 2027Avalon Poetry II$5,250Call Us!
Jul 27, 2027Avalon Poetry II$5,000Call Us!
Aug 10, 2027Avalon Poetry II$5,100Call Us!
Aug 24, 2027Avalon Poetry II$5,450Call Us!
Oct 5, 2027Avalon Poetry IIWaitlistCall Us!
Oct 19, 2027
Wine Lovers(WLJE-T7)
A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.
Avalon Poetry II$4,850Call Us!
Nov 2, 2027
Wine Lovers(WLJE-T7)
A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.
Avalon Poetry II$4,650Call Us!
Avalon Choice

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
  • Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.

River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 ARLES

(EMBARKATION)
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
(D)

Day 2 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.
Take free time to stop at Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine, before sailing to Avignon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
(B,L,D)

Day 3 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 live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
(B,L,D)

Day 4 VIVIERS

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
(B,L,D)

Day 5 TAIN L'HERMITAGE. EXCURSION TO TOURNON

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
Join a Guided Tour through the scenic Doux Valley aboard the Train des L’Ardeche steam-engine train, 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
(B,L,D)

Day 6 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 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
(B,L,D)

Day 7 TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE

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!
Active
Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host in Tournus, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Tournus. See the highlights of this delightful town, one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region.
Discovery
Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship while sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
(B,L,D)

Day 8 CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION)–BEAUNE–DIJON–PARIS

On to Paris!
Drive to Beaune and take a High-Speed Train from Dijon to Paris.
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.
(B)

Day 9 PARIS

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.
(B)

Day 10 PARIS

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(B)
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