Savor France:
A Gourmet River Cruise Experience
Offered by go M.I.A
in partnership with
Avalon Waterways
🥐Embark on a remarkable journey through the stunning landscapes of France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers. With Avalon Waterways, you’ll enjoy expertly guided sightseeing through iconic French cities as well as charming, lesser-known gems waiting to be explored.
This cruise offers the best of both worlds—cultural discovery and scenic serenity—all delivered with Avalon’s signature style and comfort.
🏰Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages, and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France. Indulge in the legendary cuisine of France on this culinary focused cruise through Burgundy and Provence.
🍷With a Certified Sommelier on board for a special tasting and wine-pairing dinner, with special culinary highlights throughout your cruise, you’ll sample regional French specialties with onboard cheese tasting, pastry demonstration, and with a unique dinner featuring a marvelous menu created just for you in the tradition of famous Chef Paul Bocuse.
When: March 31, 2026 - April 7, 2026
Duration: 8 Days
Starting: $3,130 per person (based on double occupancy)
Includes: $3,000 per couple discount
Includes: prepaid gratuities
Includes: taxes
Solo Supplement Waived: (in lieu of discount above) Travel Solo in your private cabin
Deposit: $250 per person
Day 1: Arles
Welcome to Arles – Gateway to Provence
If you arrive early, take the opportunity to explore Arles before your river cruise begins. This charming Provençal city is steeped in history and artistic legacy—famed for inspiring the vivid works of Vincent van Gogh and home to the impressive 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, still in use today for plays and concerts. Later, journey to nearby Avignon for a guided tour of its storied past, including a visit to the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic palace in the world and a striking symbol of medieval grandeur.
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Let me know if you’d like to tailor the tone further (e.g., more luxurious, adventurous, or family-friendly).
*Cruise extension available for two nights in Arles. Ask your Travel Advisor for details.
Day 2: Arles
A Brush with Genius
This cruise offers several options for excursions on most days!
Active Excursion: Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host
Discovery Excursion: Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist.
Classic Excursion: 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 stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine, before sailing to Avignon.
Discovery Excursion Option: Enjoy a crêpes lunch onboard.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
Day includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Avignon
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Classic Excursion:
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with ramparts encircling the city— 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
Day includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Viviers
World History in a Charming French Country Village
Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.
Active Excursion:
Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host,
Discovery Excursion:
Explore the charms of Viviers on this extraordinary guided walk through the Old Town with an included tasting of the local culinary delights.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE
Day includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Tain L'Hermitage
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
Active Excursion:
Explore Tournon by foot as you follow your Adventure Host for a morning hike in this beautiful town along the Rhone
Classic Excursion:
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.
Discovery Excursion:
Enjoy a pastry demonstration hosted by a French chef on board your ship.
Special Event: Tonight, your Certified Sommelier will escort you through a French cuisine tasting dinner with wine pairing on board.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
Day includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Lyon
Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of France
Discovery Excursion:
Take a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France.
Classic Excursion:
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.
Discovery Event:
This evening, join an onboard unique dinner inspired by legendary chef Paul Bocuse.
Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS
Day includes: breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day 7: Tournus +
Chalon-sur-Saône
Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône
Discovery Excursion:
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 Excursion:
Later, enjoy a delicious cheese tasting onboard while sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône.
Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
Day Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Chalon-sur-Saône
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Day Includes: breakfast
Ask your Travel Advisor about transfers to your hotel in Paris...
OR extend your stay with Avalon and continue to tour Paris together!