Find the River Cruise you’re looking for...
When do you want to start your cruise?
Where do you want to go?
18 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Paris to Arles 2027(WHLQ)
Active & Discovery on the Seine & Rhône with 2 Nights in Saint-Malo (Mont St. Michel Visit)
Starting from $11,551
Ship(s): Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II
River Cruise Description
Dig into a delicious menu of culturally immersive experiences, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise on the Seine and Rhone Rivers! serves up joie de vivre at every port. History meets happiness as you decide how to savor the castles, croissants, châteaux, and chèvre of fabulous France from Paris to Normandy. With a wide array of Classic, Discovery, and Active excursions, you're in the driver's seat on the Seine - whether that's a bicycle seat, kayak seat, or a front row seat at a culinary or cocktail workshop where you'll learn hands-on how to master the delightful delicacies this gastronomic country is known for. And dive into Provence with immersive experiences on the Rhone River. Choose your adventure from bird watching from the seat of a bicycle, kayaking on the gorge, wine tasting in a cool cave or turning up the heat in a French cooking class! This is your tour de France. No matter how you choose to journey through it, monumental discoveries and moving experiences await at every turn.Move.Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:*Say "oui" and "whee" on a bicycle tour through the heart of Paris. *Paddle a kayak past the timbered houses, 12th century castles and gothic church of charming Vernon. *Hop on an E-bike for a leisurely tour of the impressive Château de Maisons-Lafitte.*Join an urban hike through Lyon's secret passageways for a glimpse into the city's 19th-century silk trade. *Take in the panoramic views from the seat of a rail bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux. *Cool off with a special underground wine tasting accompanied by a cave guide and winemaking expert.And be moved.Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:*Whip up sweet Chantilly cream with the culinary experts on the even sweeter Chantilly Castle grounds.*Stop and smell the roses as you stroll through the home and gardens of master impressionist Claude Monet.*Shake it up at a Benedictine cocktail workshop at the palace where the world-famous liqueur is made. *Join a cooking class in the gastronomic capital of Lyon and make your own Lyonnaise specialty.*Discover how essential oils are created at an authentic Provencal farmhouse.*Mimic the brushstrokes of Van Gogh in a painting workshop in Arles where the artist created some of his most famous works. Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.Start sooner with a one-night hotel stay in Paris and two-night in Saint-Malo! Avalon Choice sightseeing and a visit to Mont St. Michel is the perfect highlight of your stay.Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely "you" ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Seine.Get More Cruise Info
We'd love to connect with you and answer any questions you might have about this cruise. Fill out the form below and we'll get back with you pronto.
* Required fields.
(Note: either your Email or Phone is required—not both.)
| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $11,551 | Call Us! |
| Jun 12, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $11,551 | Call Us! |
| Sep 18, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II | $11,751 | Call Us! |
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 PARIS, FRANCE
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.Day 2 PARIS–HONFLEUR–SAINT-MALO
The Seine Begins
Classic
En route to Saint-Malo, stop for a visit to Honfleur as artists have done for centuries where the Seine River begins. Discover the captivating old harbor, medieval Old Town, and coastal beauty of this charming village.
(B)
Day 3 SAINT-MALO. EXCURSION TO MONT ST. MICHEL
The Jewel of Normandy
Classic
Enjoy a Walking Tour of the walled city of Saint Malo, famous for its long history of pirates and heroes.
Classic
On the way to Le Havre, stop in Mont Saint Michel with a visit to the Abbey, one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
(B)
Day 4 SAINT MALO–CHARTRES–PARIS (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Classic
En route to Paris, stop for a visit to the 12th-century Notre-Dame de Chartres, one of the world’s most famous gothic cathedrals.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LA ROCHE GUYON
(B,D)
Day 5 LA ROCHE GUYON
Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour
Active
Spend a fun and active day kayaking. Join an expert guide and paddle your way through areas accessible only by water, OR:
Discovery
Delight in a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces, OR:
Discovery
Take a Guided Tour to one of France’s most remarkable castles—Château de La Roche-Guyon, perched on the picturesque chalk cliffs overlooking the village of La Roche-Guyon; during the visit, enjoy a tasting of local products.
Discovery
While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes.
LES ANDELYS
Serenity on the Seine’s Most Beautiful Riverbends
Active
Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart and a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine. Visit Saint Sauveur’s Church of Le Petit Andely.
Discovery
Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
(B,L,D)
Day 6 CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and White Cliffs of Normandy
Discovery
Travel to Fecamp to visit the Palais Bénédictine where the world-famous Bénédictine liquor is made. Enjoy a short Self-Guided Tour followed by a cocktail workshop focused on the famous liquor. Enjoy a photo stop in Étretat to capture breathtaking views over the cliffs of the Alabaster Coast en route back to Caudebec, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Visit to the WWII landing beaches of Normandy. Take a full-day tour of significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR:
Classic
Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUEN
(B,L,D)
Day 7 ROUEN
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France
Active
Pedal your way through hundreds of years of history on this Guided Bike Tour around Rouen, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Visit to the magnificent Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen to marvel at masterpieces in fine art. Be awed by one of the most outstanding collections of art in France—from the works of Rubens, Monet, Degas, and countless other masters, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—home of the martyred Saint Joan of Arc—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Discovery
Enjoy a fascinating presentation on art and impressionism with an onboard lecture.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN
(B,L,D)
Day 8 ROUEN
Heritage and Nature
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Classic
Join a Guided Visit to the magnificent Château de Bonnemare, a Renaissance castle amid serene natural beauty in the heart of Normandy.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS
(B,L,D)
Day 9 CONFLANS
The Footsteps of Van Gogh and Bonaparte
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.Active
This Guided E-bike Tour will take you to the Château de Maisons-Lafitte where you will enjoy a special snack, OR:
Discovery
Prepare your own Chantilly cream on the grounds of Chantilly Castle, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, and walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who lived, worked, and is buried here. See the landscapes and village scenes captured in his paintings, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
(B,L,D)
Day 10 PARIS
Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases
Active
Hop on a bike to explore Paris like a local on this enjoyable guided tour through its sights, mesmerizing history, and incredible ambiance, OR:
Discovery
Immerse yourself on our Food and Cultural Tour of Paris where you will find out why the French food and culinary tradition has been even added to the UNESCO heritage list, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing, which will show you magnificent must-see sights.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
(B,L,D)
Day 11 PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–LYON (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship Awaits! Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Lyon to board your Suite Ship®.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
(B,D)
Day 12 LYON
A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. Active
Take a Guided Urban Hike through Lyon’s secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade, OR:
Discovery
Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colors, aromas and taste—exclusive for Avalon guests, OR:
Discovery
Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.
EVENING CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON
(B,L,D)
Day 13 TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON
Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers
Active
For a unique experience and panoramic views, join a Guided Excursion this morning on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR:
Discovery
Have a true “chocolate experience” with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Tournon—twin city to Tain-l’Hermitage and one of France’s oldest medieval cities. You’ll see its imposing 16th-century castle.
Discovery
Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS
(B,L,D)
Day 14 VIVIERS–LOCK BOLLÈNE
River Gorge Kayaks and Underground Wines
Active
Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR:
Active
Join a Guided Visit for a surprising underground Wine Tasting—under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert), OR:
Discovery
Visit a traditional truffle farm to see a harvesting demonstration by the farmer’s dog; meet a truffle-producer to hear about the process of cultivating these culinary delicacies and taste delicious truffle carpaccio and truffled toast, OR:
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.
Discovery
Later, enjoy a tasting of Local Specialties on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
(B,L,D)
Day 15 AVIGNON
Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in Provence
Active
Join a Guided Kayak Excursion through the waters of Pont du Gard—the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts, OR:
Discovery
Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you see how essential oils are created, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Avignon, including a visit to the world’s largest gothic fortress—the 14th-century Palace Of the Popes. Also, enjoy a tasting of local products while exploring Les Halles’ covered market.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES
(B,L,D)
Day 16 ARLES
A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.Active
Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations, 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
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
(B,L,D)
Day 17 PORT-SAINT-LOUIS
Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône Delta
Enjoy an early morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the Sky Deck of your ship.Active
Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species—including pink flamingos—along the trails of the Mediterranean’s Rhône delta, OR:
Discovery
Enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to an oyster farm in the Camargue Natural Park on a Guided Tour to enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed, OR:
Discovery
Visit one of France’s most popular and pristine nature reserves on this memorable visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park!
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
(B,L,D)
Day 18 ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.(B)
Need more information?
Having trouble deciding which cruise is right for you?
Call Us Today at 1.888.804.CRUISE (2784)Having trouble deciding which cruise is right for you?