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15 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Arles to Paris 2027(WLH)
Active & Discovery on the Rhône & Seine
Starting from $9,602
Ship(s): Avalon Poetry II
River Cruise Description
With a delicious menu of culturally immersive experiences, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise on the Rhone and Seine 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 Arles to Paris.You're in the driver's seat, from bicycle seat to kayak seat to front row seat for culinary or cocktail workshops with hands-on experiences in gastronomy and beyond! This is your tour de France with sights and delights around every corner. Provence presents the ultimate field of dreams with row upon row of bursting purple haze. With its abundant menu of immersive experiences from Lyon to Arles, while the Seine 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 with Classic, Active, and Discovery experiences. 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.Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely "you" ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Rhone and Seine Rivers.Every Season. A Different Perspective.From the warmth of summer to the gentle transitions of fall and spring, this journey through France takes on a distinct character in every season. You can stroll through Paris in Bloom with a visit to the Cheese Museum, marvel at Rouen Cathedral's magical light show, take part in hands on apricot harvests, fragrant flower picking and oil distillation or enjoy pastry demonstrations inspired by each season's freshest flavors. Seasonal light and landscapes bring fresh perspectives to vineyard-lined valleys, riverside villages, and France's celebrated art of living. It's an Active & Discovery journey that's been beautifully curated to reveal new depths of France throughout the year.Get More Cruise Info
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| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 4, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II | $9,852 | Call Us! |
| Jun 15, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II | $9,602 | Call Us! |
| Sep 21, 2027 | Avalon Poetry II | $10,202 | 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-By-Day
Day 1 ARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Fights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Evening sailing to Port St. LouisOVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORT ST. LOUIS
(D)
Day 2 PORT-SAINT-LOUIS
Oysters and Flamingos on the Rhône Delta
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.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, and 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 3 ARLES
A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence
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.
EVENING CRUISE TO AVIGNON
(B,L,D)
Day 4 AVIGNON
Pedals, 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
(B,L,D)
Day 5 VIVIERS
River Gorge Kayaks and Underground Wines
Sail through the soaring walls of Lock Bollène on your way to Viviers. Active
Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche in the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR:
Active
Join a Guided Excursion 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE
(B,L,D)
Day 6 TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE
Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.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 Lyon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
(B,L,D)
Day 7 LYON
A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste
Active
Take a Guided Urban Hiking 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
(B,L,D)
Day 8 LYON (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS (EMBARKATION)
On to Paris
This afternoon, take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris to board your Suite Ship®.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON
(B,D)
Day 9 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 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 10 CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
Bravery on Normandy Beaches
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 (until the end of May replaced by a visit to the D-Day Museum), 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 11 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 12 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 13 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 14 PARIS
Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases—The City of Lights Truly Shines
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 15 PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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