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! Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France. A Certified Sommelier will accompany you on your French river cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.

Board your Avalon Suite Ship on the Saône in Chalon-sur-Saône, and cruise to Tournus for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar. 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, the famous wine of the 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 French river cruise 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 two last nights in France 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 Certified Sommeliers
Seldom do travellers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honoured to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!

Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.