10 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Paris to Arles 2026(WJLQ)

Avalon Waterways River Cruise - Paris to Arles

Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in Paris

Starting from $3,729
Ship(s): Avalon Poetry II
Specialty Cruises: Wine Lovers
10 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Paris to Arles 2026 - WJLQ

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. This river cruise through France begins in style with two overnights in Paris-one of the world's most romantic and vibrant cities! Explore the "City of Light" with a guided city tour to see its famous landmarks, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum with its elegant glass pyramid contrasting its ancient architecture. You'll visit France's gastro-nomic capital of Lyon-also a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture where the Rhône and Saône Rivers meet. See Lyon's wonderful sights, including the popular Place des Terreaux with its famous fountain seen on postcards. You'll walk through the city of Tournon, beautifully nestled between the vineyards, on a guided walk through medieval treasures of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Continue your river cruise to Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes-the largest Gothic fortress in the world. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France-known for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and site of its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. You'll revel in the relaxing and inspiring views and culinary delights during your vacation in Paris and river cruise through France.



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Departure DateShipPriced From
(per person)
 
Apr 5, 2026Avalon Poetry II$4,279Call Us!
Apr 19, 2026Avalon Poetry II$4,729Call Us!
May 17, 2026Avalon Poetry II$5,429Call Us!
May 31, 2026Avalon Poetry II$5,179Call Us!
Jun 28, 2026Avalon Poetry II$4,579Call Us!
Jul 12, 2026Avalon Poetry II$4,579Call Us!
Jul 26, 2026Avalon Poetry II$4,579Call Us!
Aug 9, 2026Avalon Poetry II$4,579Call Us!
Aug 23, 2026Avalon Poetry II$4,929Call Us!
Sep 6, 2026Avalon Poetry II$5,529Call Us!
Oct 4, 2026Avalon Poetry II$4,829Call Us!
Oct 18, 2026
Wine Lovers(WJLQ-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$4,629Call Us!
Nov 1, 2026
Wine Lovers(WJLQ-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$4,079Call Us!
Nov 15, 2026
Wine Lovers(WJLQ-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$3,729Call 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 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

Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Light
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, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées.
Spend your free time strolling through the Champs-Élysées for café au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, or visit Montmartre’s Basilica of the Sacré Cœur.
Consider browsing Paris’ classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience, or have your portrait sketched by a Parisian artist in the square at Place du Tertre.
(B)

Day 3 DIJON–BEAUNE–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (EMBARKATION)

Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.
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.
This afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship®.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS
(B,D)

Day 4 TOURNUS

Pearl of Southern Burgundy
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
Classic
Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town.
Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or to the Castle of Cormatin.
Discovery
Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRÉVOUX
(B,L,D)

Day 5 LYON

La Vie En Rose in Lyon
Sail for lovely Lyon this morning.
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.
Discovery
Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance your lecture on board your ship.
Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
(B,L,D)

Day 6 LYON

Adventures in Food and Wine
Discovery
Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France.
The rest of your day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France’s third largest city. Take a bike from the ship and explore local produce markets and parks, or take a leisurely tour of the city’s more than 100 murals.
EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON
(B,L,D)

Day 7 TOURNON

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
Classic
Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.
Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.
VIVIERS
World History in a Charming French Country Village
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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON
(B,L,D)

Day 8 AVIGNON

The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
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.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES
(B,L,D)

Day 9 ARLES

A Brush with Genius
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
(B,L,D)

Day 10 ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.
(B)
Need more information?
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