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Vacations By Rail · Escorted river cruise

Paris, Provence & the Elegant Rhône

Paris and Provence by train and Rhône River cruise from Lyon

Illustration of Paris, Provence & the Elegant Rhône

Vacations By Rail's 11-day Paris, Provence & the Elegant Rhône combines the culture and elegance of France's capital with a luxury cruise down one of Europe's great rivers. You begin with three nights in Paris, where guided sightseeing tours take in Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Opera Garnier, and the Champs-Élysées, and an excursion brings you to the Palace of Versailles. On Day 4, you board the TGV high-speed train in First Class to Lyon and step onto the MS Amadeus Provence, where five-star service and included meals with wine begin a seven-night voyage south. Daily excursions from the ship reveal Avignon's papal heritage, Arles's Roman arenas, the dramatic Ardèche Gorge, Beaune's vineyards, and the Camargue Delta or Pont du Gard (your choice). Throughout, a Tour Manager and Cruise Director team handle all logistics. This itinerary suits couples seeking romance and history-lovers drawn to France's grand sights, as well as travelers who prefer guided comfort and substantial meals to independent exploration.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included in the from-price.
  • Day 7 offers a choice of excursion to either the Camargue Delta or the Pont du Gard; your final destination depends on the option selected.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance must be purchased separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Paris

    Welcome to the 'City of Love,' Paris

    Arrive in Paris and check in to the hotel, meet the Tour Manager and travel group, then enjoy the first French dinner together.

  2. Day 2overnight: Paris

    Delving into the history and culture of Paris

    A guided coach tour taking in Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, Opera Garnier and the Champs-Élysées, with free time to explore the Louvre or Montmartre.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Paris

    An excursion to the Palace of Versailles

    A Passport Ticket visit to the Palace of Versailles and gardens, including the Little Train to the Estate of Trianon.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Ship

    To Lyon, where we board our luxurious ship

    Board the TGV high-speed train in First Class to Lyon, then board the MS Amadeus Provence on the River Rhône for a welcome cocktail and dinner, sailing for Tournon-sur-Rhône.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Ship

    The steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche

    Coach transfer to Tournon St Jean railway station to board the Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux, then rejoin the ship and sail for Avignon.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Ship

    Exploring Avignon, the City of Popes

    A guided tour of Avignon aboard Le Petit Train d'Avignon, including the Pope's Palace, then sail for Arles.

  7. Day 7overnight: Ship

    Docking in Arles and the Camargue Delta or Pont du Gard

    A guided walking tour of Arles including the Arles Arenas and St. Trophyme Cathedral, then a choice of excursion to the Camargue Delta or the Pont du Gard, before an overnight sail to Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

  8. Day 8overnight: Ship

    The Ardèche Gorge, 'Europe's Grand Canyon'

    A tour of the Ardèche Gorge including the Pont d'Arc, plus a visit to the Lavender Museum, before boarding the ship at Le Pouzin for the sail back to Lyon.

  9. Day 9overnight: Ship

    A guided tour of cultural Lyon

    A guided tour of Lyon's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town with a praline tasting, then an afternoon cruising to Tournon-sur-Rhône.

  10. Day 10overnight: Ship

    Arrival in Beaune and Burgundy wine tasting

    Dock at Chalon sur Saône and transfer to Beaune for a guided tour and wine tasting, then cruise back to Lyon for the captain's gala dinner.

  11. Day 11rail

    Tour conclusion

    After a final breakfast onboard, disembark in Lyon and board the First Class train back to Paris, where you are free to make your way home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3A Passport Ticket visit to the Palace of Versailles and gardens, including the Little Train to the Estate of Trianon.
  • Day 4Board the TGV high-speed train in First Class to Lyon, then board the MS Amadeus Provence on the River Rhône for a welcome cocktail and dinner.
  • Day 5Board the steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux, then rejoin the ship and sail for Avignon.
  • Day 8A tour of the Ardèche Gorge, called Europe's Grand Canyon, including the Pont d'Arc, plus a visit to the Lavender Museum.
  • Day 10Dock at Chalon sur Saône and transfer to Beaune for a guided tour and wine tasting in the Burgundy wine region.

Included

  • Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 3 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Provence
  • Five-Star service onboard from our English-speaking crew
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • First Class rail travel
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of your cruise including a spectacular gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
  • A superb choice of excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Vacations By Rail includes First Class rail travel from Paris to Lyon and back to Paris, plus the steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux on Day 5.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is fully escorted. A Tour Manager and Cruise Director team accompanies you throughout, and all transport, meals, and excursions are arranged.
What ship is used?
The MS Amadeus Provence on the Rhône River for seven nights. It offers five-star service with an English-speaking crew.
What meals are included?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day of the cruise, plus a spectacular gala dinner and drinks with dinner every night of the cruise.
How much walking is involved?
Mobility Rating 2: the tour includes guided walking tours in Paris, Avignon, Arles, and Lyon, plus excursions from the ship that involve moderate walking.
What is not included?
Flights, airport transfers, cancellation insurance, and travel insurance are not included. Paris and hotel accommodations are separate from the river cruise portion.

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