Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in French Riviera (Northbound) 2026 - 10 Day River Cruise French Riviera to Chalon-sur-Saône

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Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in French Riviera (Northbound) 2026

10 Day River Cruise French Riviera to Chalon-sur-Saône



Tour Description:

Your vacation in France begins with two overnights in the French Riviera. Relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea before your French river cruise. Take a wondrous journey 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 Avalon Suite Ship® in Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and for its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. 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 Tournon, beautifully nestled among vineyards and a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux and stand in front of the famous fountain seen on postcards.

Map for Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in French Riviera (Northbound) 2026 - 10 Day River Cruise French Riviera to Chalon-sur-Saône
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Dates & Pricing

Saturday 28 Mar 26 — Tuesday 07 Apr 26Starting at $3,608Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 11 Apr 26 — Tuesday 21 Apr 26Starting at $4,028Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 09 May 26 — Tuesday 19 May 26Starting at $4,678Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 20 Jun 26 — Tuesday 30 Jun 26Starting at $4,518Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 04 Jul 26 — Tuesday 14 Jul 26Starting at $4,168Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 18 Jul 26 — Tuesday 28 Jul 26Starting at $4,168Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 01 Aug 26 — Tuesday 11 Aug 26Starting at $4,168Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 15 Aug 26 — Tuesday 25 Aug 26Starting at $4,168Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 29 Aug 26 — Tuesday 08 Sep 26Starting at $4,868Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 26 Sep 26 — Tuesday 06 Oct 26Starting at $4,518Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 10 Oct 26 — Tuesday 20 Oct 26Starting at $4,128Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 24 Oct 26 — Tuesday 03 Nov 26Starting at $3,578Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 07 Nov 26 — Tuesday 17 Nov 26Starting at $3,408Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


Destination & Sightseeing

Day 1 French Riviera: Welcome to France
Day 2 French Riviera: Guided tour
Day 3 French Riviera–Arles (Embarkation): Transfer to the ship; onboard welcome reception
Day 4 Arles: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, or painting workshop, or walk with your Adventure Host
Day 5 Avignon: Guided sightseeing, visit Palace of the Popes
Day 6 Viviers: Guided walk, visit the Old Town and the cathedral or walk with your Adventure Host
Day 7 Tain l'Hermitage: Choice of guided walk in Tournon or hike with your Adventure Host
Day 8 Lyon: Guided sightseeing; picture stop on Fourvière Hill
Day 9 Tournus–Chalon-sur-Saône: Chardonnay excursion with tasting; Cheese tasting on board
Day 10 Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation): Your vacation ends this morning
Notes:
  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

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. NICE-BEACH.jpg

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. NICE-STREET-VIEW.jpg
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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 ARLES-SCENIC.jpg

Day 4
ARLES A Brush with Genius Visit the Adventure Center 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 Amphitheater in this visually stunning city. Take free time to a stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine, before sailing to Avignon. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON ARLES-PAINTING-CLASS.jpg
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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. 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. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON AVIGNON-BRIDGE.jpg
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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 VIVIERS.jpg
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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. In the early afternoon cruise to Lyon. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON TOURNON.jpg
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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. Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS LYON-CAFE.jpg
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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. Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE TOURNUS.jpg
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Day 10
CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Lyon airport before 8 am. CHALON-SUR-SAONE-SUNSET.jpg

Accommodations

French Riviera
Le Meridien Nice
First-Class

Hotel as shown or similar

1, Promenade Des Anglais Nice Cedex 1 France

With a "touch of chic" inspired by the timeless elegance of the Côte d'Azur, Le Méridien Nice is an authentic jewel located facing the Mediterranean Sea on world famous Promenade des Anglais. It is a few steps from the pedestrian area with its many fashion boutique, shops, restaurants, and bars. The Old Town is also within walking distance. Discover signature cocktails at the bar or enjoy a tasty dinner inspired by the region on the panoramic rooftop restaurant while watching the sunset. Relax in the heated outdoor pool or exercise in the fitness centre. Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access is provided. The refined and exotic interior design inspired by the Golden Sixties gives each of the 318 guestrooms a unique sun-drenched style featuring soft Mediterranean blue and sandy beige shades. Fully air conditioned rooms include a flat-screen TV with international channels, coffee/tea maker facilities, in-room safe, minibar, iron and ironing board, and free wireless high speed internet access.
Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.

FAQ Avalon Cruises Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Pavlus Travel tells you there's a wide World out there just waiting to be explored on river cruises by you, and Avalon Waterways like Pavlus Travel knows there is more than a river cruise for you and your family to see it all. Why not experience local cities, villages, and countrysides your way with a wide selection of active excursions and activities brought to you by Avalon River Cruises that put you right in the middle of it all. Borrow a bike to ride through the streets of Amsterdam, grab a Nordic walking stick to capture the castle with a hike up the vineyard off the Rhine River, or paddle a canoe along Austria’s river shores. Pavlus makes it easy to turn sightseeing into doing your adventure in real time. You’ll find all the guidance and gear you from Avalon Waterways staff to embark on an expedition of your own. From a complimentary yoga class aboard your Avalon River Cruise to a jogging tour of Vienna or an optional kayaking excursion. Know that Pavlus Travel discounts Avalon River Cruises be they in Europe or the Far East. You'll enjoy every Avalon River Cruises Ship.