Take a wondrous journey through beautiful France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in the well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! As this cruise focuses on Jazz, there will be plenty of entertainment on board, from classic to gypsy jazz, and you’ll have the chance to visit the famous Jazz Festival in Vienne.

Begin with an overnight on the captivating French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur. Explore this elegant area and relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. 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. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage are beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of Tournon, a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. You’ll be able to enjoy Vienne’s very special atmosphere as it hosts its annual “Jazz à Vienne” festival in the heart of the town. 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 you’ve seen on postcards.

This river cruise vacation in France would not be complete without a stay in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! The City of Light has Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum with its elegant glass pyramid contrasting its ancient architecture. A city tour will show you the must-see sights and you’ll have free time to bask in the lavish cafés and explore on your own.

City Highlights

Day 1 Côte d’Azur: welcome to FranceDay 2 Côte d’Azur–Transfer to Arles (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception; sail into the Camargue region (daylight permitting)Day 3 Arles: guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheater; evening jazz band entertainmentDay 4 Avignon: guided sightseeing, visit Palace of the PopesDay 5 Cruising–Viviers: guided walk, visit the Old Town and the cathedralDay 6 Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Vienne: guided walk in Tournon; onboard jazz music entertainment, guided walk in Vienne; free time to visit the Vienne Jazz FestivalDay 7 Lyon: guided sightseeing; picture stop on Fourvière HillDay 8 Cruising–St. Jean de Losne: day at leisure; cheese tasting; onboard jazz entertainmentDay 9 St. Jean de Losne (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Dijon–Paris: visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; TGV train from Dijon to Paris: Day 10 Paris: choice of guided sightseeing or “Heart of Paris” walk, visit Notre Dame CathedralDay 11 Paris: your vacation ends this morning

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.In the event that a high-speed train is unavailable due to strikes or technical reasons, the route will be operated by motorcoach.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WLJ-T1-2018