Find the River Cruise you’re looking for...
When do you want to start your cruise?
Where do you want to go?
12 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from French Riviera to Paris 2026(WLJY)
Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in French Riviera & 2 Nights in Paris
Starting from $4,738Ship(s): Avalon Poetry II
Specialty Cruises: Culinary; Jazz Lovers; Wine Lovers
River Cruise Description
Begin with two overnights in captivating French Riviera, and relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. Take a wondrous European river cruise through beautiful views of France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in the well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! 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 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. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux and stand in front of the famous fountain seen on postcards. 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 the iconic landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more.Thanks for your interest!
We'll be in touch soon.Error
I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try Again| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 29, 2026 Culinary(WLJY-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 | $4,938 | Call Us! |
| Apr 12, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $5,358 | Call Us! |
| May 10, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $6,008 | Call Us! |
| Jun 21, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $5,848 | Call Us! |
| Jul 5, 2026 Jazz Lovers(WLJY-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 | $5,498 | Call Us! |
| Jul 19, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $5,498 | Call Us! |
| Aug 2, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $5,498 | Call Us! |
| Aug 16, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $5,498 | Call Us! |
| Aug 30, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $6,198 | Call Us! |
| Sep 27, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $5,848 | Call Us! |
| Oct 11, 2026 Wine Lovers(WLJY-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 | $5,458 | Call Us! |
| Oct 25, 2026 Wine Lovers(WLJY-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 | $4,908 | Call Us! |
| Nov 8, 2026 Wine Lovers(WLJY-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 | $4,738 | 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 FRENCH RIVIERA
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.Day 2 FRENCH RIVIERA
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.
(B)
Day 3 FRENCH RIVIERA–ARLES (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Join a motorcoach transfer to board your Avalon Suite Ship.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
(B,D)
Day 4 ARLES
A Brush with Genius
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure HostActive
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
(B,L,D)
Day 5 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
(B,L,D)
Day 6 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE
(B,L,D)
Day 7 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
(B,L,D)
Day 8 LYON
Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of France
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS
(B,L,D)
Day 9 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!
Discovery
Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
(B,L,D)
Day 10 CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION)–BEAUNE–DIJON–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 11 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 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.
(B)
Day 12 PARIS
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(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?