Our Avalon Cruise on the South of France Burgundy and Provence
With a bevy of handsome harbors and lovely medieval villages, a Rhône River cruise touches the heart of every romantic traveler. Whether you’re dipping your toe into the pool of river cruising for the first time, impatiently longing to be swept off your feet again by a cruise, or taking the plunge with true love as a return cruiser, you’ll find plenty to swoon over on a date with the Rhône along France’s winding and wonderful landscapes.
We started our journey in the small city of Arles its famous for Inspiring the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh in this charming city we did a painting workshop, and were able to take home our own small masterpieces.
We started our journey in the small city of Arles its famous for inspiring the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh in this charming city we did a painting workshop, and were able to take home our own small masterpieces.
One other thing unique about this city is it’s Roman Amphitheater, which still holds plays and concerts to this day.
The twin cities of Tournon and Tain L Hermitage is impressive with vineyards, castles, bridges and even a chocolate factory named Valrhona.
Next stop Avignon on the Rhone River where we visited the large gothic fortress called the Palais deis Papes, or the Palace of the Popes. Avignon is the only area besides Rome that popes have lived when they did so between 1309-1377. Avignon remained under papal rule until it became part of France in 1791.
Viviers is a small medieval city featuring narrow, cobbled streets and a famous cathedral named St. Vincent. There is a hostellerue there called Charles de Foucauld named after a French catholic priest who lived amoung the Tuareg people in the Sahara. And if you visit Viviers, be sure to stroll across the ancient Roman bridge that still stands today!
The twin cities of Tournon and Tain L’ Hermitage sit across the Rhone River from each other and are impressive with their vineyards, castles, bridges and even a delicious chocolate factory named Valrhona. The area is so beautiful that then-future U.S. President Thomas Jefferson visited here in 1788.
Lyon, Tornus, and Chalon-sur-saone
Lyon is the third largest city in France and is located at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone river. 2,000 years of history, including Roman ruins and Renaissance architecture which is recognized as a Unesco world heritage site.
One day is not enough time to explore this vibrant city.
Tournus and Chalon-sur-saone in the Maconnais region are world famous for their Chardonnay vineyards. Beautiful landscapes and a real medieval castle, what more could you ask for
About Avalon Waterways
There are many river cruise companies you can choose from today, but Avalon has some unique things that make them worth trying.
Uniquely designed Panorama suites with beds facing the river and floor to ceiling windows. With fewer passengers than some river cruise companies it feels more intimate.
Avalon offers free bikes and gear and also has some great optional tours for Bike riders.
And Avalon is one of the only river cruise companies that allows all passengers to order room service if they would like. Plus, with a variety of excursions there are many choices you can decide on to make your vacation what you would like it to be.
Avalon has a fitness room and promotes healthy lifestyles. One other extra is a Jacuzzi/Hot tub on deck. Avalon includes some fun experiences like cheese tasting, local food tasting, competition, and local cultural talent.
Final Thoughts
When you are on an Avalon cruise you are able to explore all your senses taste, touch, sound, sight, and smell. We encourage you to give them a try and you will not be disappointed.
Amber Lee Johanson
I have always loved everything about travel! I began my career as a sales assistant for Funjet/Southwest vacations specializing in Mexico, Disneyland, and Las Vegas. In 1998, I was offered a job with Murdock Travel (now Morris Columbus Travel) and have been a leisure agent ever since. I love getting the best value and price for my clients. When planning for my clients’ trips, I try to view it as though I am planning my own vacation so that every detail will be flawless.
Karen Johnson
What started as a part-time hobby more than 30 years ago has turned into a full-time career. I feel fortunate to have had some incredible experiences. Catching a 45 lb king salmon on the Kenai River, visiting Hobbiton in New Zealand, touring ancient castles in Germany, feeding the sharks in Bora Bora, attending the premier for Cars Land in Disneyland, and flying over Waimea Canyon in Kauai. To experience different cultures is incredible!
What's your dream vacation? I am passionate about travel and enjoy creating "once in a lifetime" memories for clients. I have planned vacations for many unique groups such as performance teams, high school trips, family reunions, Alaska fishing, and business incentive groups.
