Take a delightful river cruise through France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! This French river cruise adventure begins in style with two overnights in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! See the landmarks of the “City of Light”, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum with its elegant glass pyramid contrasting its ancient architecture. A Master of Wine will accompany you on your French river cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.

Board your Avalon Suite Ship on the Chalon-sur-Saône, and cruise to Tournus for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar. 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. See the popular Place des Terreaux with its lively cafés and monuments, and stand in front of the famous fountain seen on postcards. Take a culinary walk and enjoy a tour to Beaujolais, in the famous wine region. Beautifully nestled among vineyards, is the city of Tournon a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Enjoy a guided walk with a wine-and-chocolate tasting or a walk in the vineyards. Continue your river cruise through France to historical Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world– and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. Enjoy your last two nights on the French Riviera. Relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea—a perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime European river cruise!

About Masters of Wine

Seldom do travellers get the chance to learn about wines from a master! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a Master of Wine (MW) who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. With only 450 Masters of Wine in the world, Avalon Waterways is honoured to welcome a Master of Wine on board our Wine-Lovers cruises to share their rigorous training and prestigious expertise recognised globally across the wine industry. A truly exclusive experience for wine lovers!