Burgundy & Provence (Southbound)

Pricing is based on departure date: 3 August 2027

Other departure dates available in July and August 2027

Take a delightful river cruise through France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France. Visit Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, founded by the Romans in 43 BC, which sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Explore the Mâconnais area and sample Chardonnay, the famous wine of the region, with a tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle. Beautifully nestled among vineyards, you’ll find the city of Tournon, a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle, where you’ll go on a guided walk. Continue your river cruise to historic Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.

Your Avalon Cruise Includes:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner with flexible dining options
• Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Evening Happy Hour, except embarkation night
• 24-hour speciality tea, coffee and Club Lounge snacks
• Choice of included shore excursions as per itinerary
• Wellness activities, fitness centre and use of bikes and e-bikes
• Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi and in-room entertainment
• River-view accommodation with premium bedding and L’Occitane toiletries
• Onboard live music and evening entertainment

Itinerary Map

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1 | Lyon, France – Embarkation

Welcome to France! Board your Avalon Suite Ship in Lyon, settle into your accommodation and enjoy your first dinner on board.

Day 2 | Lyon – Old Town Discoveries & Riverside Cycling

Discover Lyon with a choice of included excursions. Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride through the city’s architectural district, crossing bridges and following the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.

Alternatively, take a guided sightseeing tour featuring views from Fourvière Hill, followed by an exploration of the Old Town’s lively cafés, historic monuments and winding medieval alleyways.

Back on board, attend a lecture on the Second World War and the French Resistance. After dinner, enjoy live entertainment.

Day 3 | Lyon to Mâcon – Silk Heritage & French Pastries

Explore Lyon’s silk-making heritage with a museum visit and a guided walk through La Presqu’île. Visit a workshop to watch a live demonstration of hand-printed silk screen printing and learn about the craftsmanship behind this historic industry.

Return to your ship and enjoy a pastry demonstration while sailing towards Mâcon. Later, relax with live entertainment on board. Your Adventure Host will also have details of today’s available activities.

Day 4 | Mâcon – Vineyards & Castle Cellars

Travel through the rolling countryside of the Mâconnais wine region, renowned for its Chardonnay vineyards. Learn about the wines produced here before enjoying a wine tasting in the atmospheric cellars of a medieval castle.

Day 5 | Tournon & Viviers – Castles & Medieval Streets

Begin with a guided morning walk through Tournon, discovering its medieval heritage and 16th-century castle.

After lunch, enjoy a leisurely cruise to Viviers. A late-afternoon guided walking tour introduces you to its pale-stone buildings, Romanesque cathedral and atmospheric Old Town, where Roman, Christian and medieval influences reveal layers of history.

Day 6 | Avignon – Palace of the Popes & Provençal Charm

Explore Avignon by bike with your Adventure Host or join a guided sightseeing tour of this historic walled city, including a visit to the magnificent Palace of the Popes.

During free time, discover Avignon’s art, museums and lively streets independently, or photograph its historic monuments and famous medieval bridge, Pont Saint-Bénézet.

Optional excursions, available at additional cost, may include the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard or a visit to the wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Day 7 | Arles – Roman History & Van Gogh Inspiration

Choose from three included experiences in Arles. Join your Adventure Host for an energetic power walk, take part in a painting workshop exploring Vincent van Gogh’s techniques, or enjoy a guided walking tour that includes a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, browsing shops, strolling through town or relaxing in a park along Boulevard des Lices.

Optional excursions at additional cost may include olive oil tasting in Les Baux-de-Provence or a visit combining the Cathédrale d’Images with Saint-Rémy, subject to availability.

Day 8 | Arles – Disembarkation

Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking in Arles, bringing your French river cruise to a close.

Your Ship: Avalon Poetry II

Enjoy an intimate river cruise aboard Avalon Poetry II, combining spacious suites, inviting lounges and scenic outdoor spaces.

Panorama Suites & Open-Air Balconies
The 200-square-foot Panorama Suites feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open to create Avalon’s signature Open-Air Balcony®. Relax in your private sitting area as riverside villages and countryside drift past.

Wake Up to River Views
In Panorama Suites, Comfort Collection beds face the windows, bringing the changing scenery into view from the moment you wake.

Relax on the Sky Deck
Unwind on comfortable loungers, enjoy the shaded seating areas or soak in the whirlpool while admiring the passing landscapes.

Dining with a View
Enjoy meals in the panoramic dining room, alternative dining in the Panorama Bistro and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro, weather and itinerary permitting.

Inviting Lounges
Watch the scenery from the covered Observation Lounge or visit the Club Lounge for complimentary coffees, teas and treats throughout the day.

Stay Active & Connected
Maintain your routine in the onboard fitness centre and share your holiday moments with complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi.

Lyon → Lyon → Lyon – Mâcon → Mâcon → Tournon – Viviers → Avignon → Arles → Arles.

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.