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Burgundy & Provence With Paris
Operated by Avalon Waterways
Tripcode: WLJE
Overview
Destination:
France,
Start:Arles, France
Finish:Paris, France
Finish:Paris, France
Duration:10 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Travel Period
June 2025 - November 2026
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 amphitheatre 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 holiday 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 the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. A classic French river cruise holiday—made even better your way.
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 holiday 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 the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. A classic French river cruise holiday—made even better your way.
Standard inclusions
- 9 breakfasts.
- 6 lunches.
- 7 dinners.
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 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
Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights
Visit the Adventure Centre 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 Amphitheatre in this visually stunning city.
Take free time to stop in Le Cafe 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
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.
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 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L'HERMITAGE (B,L,D)
Day 5 - 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B,L,D)
Day 6 - LYON
Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of France
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.
Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon's town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet.
Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS (B,L,D)
Day 7 - TOURNUS-CHALON-SUR-SAONE
Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saone
DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Maconnais 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.
Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAONE (B,L,D)
Day 8 - CHALON-SUR-SAONE (DISEMBARKATION)-BEAUNE-DIJON-PARIS
Drive to Beaune and take a High-Speed Train from Dijon to Paris.
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. (B)
Day 9 - PARIS
Cafes, 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 Ile de la Cite, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR:
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 and visit Montmartre's Basilica of the Sacre Coeur. (B)
Day 10 - PARIS
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Avalon Waterways
Designed from the bottom up for comfort, space, and room to dream, each Avalon Suite Ship consists of 80% Panorama Suites—offering the widest view in river cruising. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded anywhere on board. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough In the Observation Lounge, there’s never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, day dream, or just watch the world go by. From our inception, Avalon Waterways has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travellers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
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9 nights
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