Overview

Setting sail from Paris, Avalon Poetry II invites you on a memorable 16-night Avalon Waterways cruise through the stunning waters of France. Your journey takes in 3 ports of call, including Vernon, Lyon, and Avignon. Whether you're relaxing on deck on a sea day or exploring ashore, this Avalon Waterways journey offers something for everyone. Available from £7,023 per person - a fantastic opportunity to explore France aboard the Avalon Poetry II.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways

Avalon's suite ships in Europe and Southeast Asia boast wall-to-wall windows that transform cabins into open-air balconies, and there are also river-facing beds to make the most of passing views.

The line’s Active & Discovery sailings have optional action-packed experiences alongside traditional shore tours.

Avalon Waterways also offers short-break cruises of three and four nights.

Read more

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1
Paris
Day 2
Vernon
Vernon is a small, picturesque town on the Seine known for its half-timbered houses, historic stone bridges, cobbled streets and lively market atmosphere.Vernon is the gateway to Giverny, just a short drive away, where you'll find Claude Monet’s famous gardens and home. Many river cruises include guided excursions to Giverny, allowing visitors to see the water lilies and vibrant flower beds that inspired Monet’s masterpieces.The town itself has charming cafés and bakeries lining the main square, plus a 12th-century church, Saint-Maclou, with distinctive Norman architecture.
Days 3-4
Caudebec-en-Caux
Set on a bend of the Seine, Caudebec-en-Caux is a quiet Normandy town and a common base for excursions into the surrounding region, but the town itself has historic charm, particularly in the Gothic Church of Notre-Dame, with its complex stonework and stained glass.In Caudebec’s centre, you’ll find some timber-framed houses and remnants of medieval fortifications. There’s also a riverfront promenade and a small museum dedicated to local history and traditions.Many cruise lines use Caudebec as a launch point for excursions to the Abbey Route, taking in magnificent monastic sites like Jumièges and Saint-Wandrille, or further afield to Étretat’s cliffs or the D-Day beaches.
Day 5
Rouen
Day 6
Conflans-Sainte-Honorine
Days 7-9
Paris
Days 10-12
Lyon
Day 13
Mâcon
Day 14
Tournon-sur-Rhône
Day 15
Avignon
Days 16-17
Arles
Arles lies where the Rhône begins to fan out into the Camargue. The city was once one of the most important Roman settlements in Gaul, and many of its monuments remain in everyday use. The vast amphitheatre still hosts events, while the nearby theatre is tucked between houses and narrow lanes. Beyond the Roman past, Arles became a hub for artists, most famously Van Gogh, who painted over 300 works.Walking through Arles feels like passing between centuries. Yellow shutters, terracotta tiles and sun-bleached stone give it a soft, Provençal warmth. The Romanesque Saint-Trophime church sits next to the Place de la République, while the twisting lanes nearby hide bakeries, galleries and small shops. Cruise excursions often include walking tours taking in the main sites.A more recent addition to the city is the LUMA Arles art complex, where contemporary art installations fill a former railway yard. The twisting tower designed by Frank Gehry has become a new landmark, contrasting sharply with the city’s more traditional buildings. For those with more time, the Camargue’s wetlands, flamingos and white horses are within easy reach.
Day 2 Vernon
Vernon

Vernon is a small, picturesque town on the Seine known for its half-timbered houses, historic stone bridges, cobbled streets and lively market atmosphere.Vernon is the gateway to Giverny, just a short drive away, where you'll find Claude Monet’s famous gardens and home. Many river cruises include guided excursions to Giverny, allowing visitors to see the water lilies and vibrant flower beds that inspired Monet’s masterpieces.The town itself has charming cafés and bakeries lining the main square, plus a 12th-century church, Saint-Maclou, with distinctive Norman architecture.

View more
Days 3-4 Caudebec-en-Caux
Caudebec-en-Caux

Set on a bend of the Seine, Caudebec-en-Caux is a quiet Normandy town and a common base for excursions into the surrounding region, but the town itself has historic charm, particularly in the Gothic Church of Notre-Dame, with its complex stonework and stained glass.In Caudebec’s centre, you’ll find some timber-framed houses and remnants of medieval fortifications. There’s also a riverfront promenade and a small museum dedicated to local history and traditions.Many cruise lines use Caudebec as a launch point for excursions to the Abbey Route, taking in magnificent monastic sites like Jumièges and Saint-Wandrille, or further afield to Étretat’s cliffs or the D-Day beaches.

View more
Day 13 Mâcon
Mâcon
Day 14 Tournon-sur-Rhône
Tournon-sur-Rhône
Days 16-17 Arles
Arles

Arles lies where the Rhône begins to fan out into the Camargue. The city was once one of the most important Roman settlements in Gaul, and many of its monuments remain in everyday use. The vast amphitheatre still hosts events, while the nearby theatre is tucked between houses and narrow lanes. Beyond the Roman past, Arles became a hub for artists, most famously Van Gogh, who painted over 300 works.Walking through Arles feels like passing between centuries. Yellow shutters, terracotta tiles and sun-bleached stone give it a soft, Provençal warmth. The Romanesque Saint-Trophime church sits next to the Place de la République, while the twisting lanes nearby hide bakeries, galleries and small shops. Cruise excursions often include walking tours taking in the main sites.A more recent addition to the city is the LUMA Arles art complex, where contemporary art installations fill a former railway yard. The twisting tower designed by Frank Gehry has become a new landmark, contrasting sharply with the city’s more traditional buildings. For those with more time, the Camargue’s wetlands, flamingos and white horses are within easy reach.

View more
128
Passengers
37
Crew
2014
Launched
2022t
Tonnage
110m
Length
12m
Width
12kts
Speed
4
Decks
EUR
Currency
Avalon Poetry II

Avalon Poetry II

The Avalon Poetry II offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting. Like its sister Suite Ships, the Poetry II features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony.

Read more

Cabins

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews Great service and cabin
Great service and cabin
Panorama Suite was great although really a good sized room, not a suite. Service was excellent, room cleaned twice a day. Food delicious though slightly better at the start of the trip. Would have liked a few more activity options so will be back for an Active and discovery cruise next time.
5
Avalon Waterways Avalon Poetry II
Reviews 2023-06-02 15:06:50
2023-06-02 15:06:50
First time doing a river cruise - Amsterdam to Basel -, it was quite a different experience from the mid-size ships ocean cruises. I enjoyed the cozy atmosphere without loosing your privacy, the attention to detail by the staff small team, the fine dining from breakfast to diner to snacks. The surprised from a less romantic Rhine River than I was expecting was largely compensated by the thrill at each gate crossing (and there are many!) that makes this cruise so special. A marvellous way to see my beloved Europe from a different angle!
5
Avalon Waterways Avalon Vista
Reviews 2022-10-24 19:07:40
2022-10-24 19:07:40
Had a super river cruise through Provence in the searing heat of the summer. We were worried that the river might be too low but it was fine. All the excursions were wonderful, not too long or arduous and l would never have thought that ld be inspired to emulate Van Gogh's Starry Night. What a brilliant trip, everything was wonderful, the only down side was the long transfer back to Lyons to fly home. With hindsight l would have chosen a rail option Thanks
5
Avalon Waterways Avalon Poetry II

Add a review of your last cruise for a chance to win £100 in Amazon Vouchers

Leave a review

Paris
Vernon
Caudebec en Caux
Rouen
Conflans Sainte Honorine
Lyon
Avignon
Arles

Related cruises

Related articles

Cabins to chosoe from Image
Advice Five cruise cabins I avoid booking as a travel writer
Jul 17, 2026 • 6 min read
Sometimes, a bargain cabin can cost you the whole holiday. Here are the ones I steer clear of, and the ones actually worth the money.
Glacier express Canva Image
River Cruising Best river cruise extensions, from tours to city breaks
Jul 13, 2026 • 6 min read
Where to sail from Southampton with Princess Cruises | Credit: Princess Cruises Image
Advice Where to sail from Southampton with Princess Cruises
Jun 18, 2026 • 7 min read
2025 Wind Star Mykonos 13 V0 jpg Image
Advice Why yachts are best for summer Mediterranean cruises
Jun 10, 2026 • 4 min read
Mini Cruise Ambassador Hero Image Image
Advice Are mini cruises from the UK worth it? An honest guide
May 28, 2026 • 5 min read