Overview

Departing Arles aboard the Avalon Poetry II, this 14-night voyage with Avalon Waterways unlocks the very best of Mediterranean and France. Calling at Avignon, Chalon-sur-Saône, and Conflans-Sainte-Honorine among 3 ports, this cruise is packed with opportunities to explore. The mix of port visits and leisurely sea days makes this 14-night itinerary ideal for both first-time and seasoned cruisers. Book this Mediterranean and France cruise from just £6,444 per person for a truly unforgettable holiday.

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.

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Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2
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 3
Avignon
Few river ports carry as much historical weight as Avignon. The city served as the papal residence during the 14th century, a period that left an architectural legacy still shaping the skyline. The star attraction, the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), towers above the cobbled streets and leafy squares below. Its thick walls, cavernous halls and rooftop views give a sense of the power once concentrated here.Despite its ecclesiastical past, Avignon is far from austere. Life spills into the squares and streets, especially around Les Halles – the covered market packed with olives, cheeses and fresh Provençal produce. The city is surrounded by medieval ramparts, and within them are crooked lanes, bell towers and terracotta-roofed houses. The famous Pont d’Avignon, which ends halfway across the Rhône after parts collapsed during flooding in the 18th century, is another landmark of the city.Cruise excursions often focus on the palace, bridge and city walls, but it’s also worth exploring at your own pace. Rue des Teinturiers follows a shaded canal once used by cloth dyers and offers a quieter route through the city. In summer, the Avignon Festival transforms the town with theatre and street performances.
Day 4
Viviers
This small medieval town is known for its well-preserved historic centre with winding streets and ancient stone buildings. Once a powerful diocese, Viviers's religious past is still visible today in its cathedral and the bishop’s residence.The town's narrow, cobbled streets are lined with houses that once belonged to the city’s most influential families, their facades weathered but full of character. At the heart of the town is the Cathedral of Saint Vincent, perched on a hill and offering stunning views of the Rhône River and the surrounding countryside.Many river cruises allow for a leisurely walk through Viviers. Beyond the cathedral, there’s a serene atmosphere in the town, making it a perfect place to escape the crowds and soak in the history.
Day 5
Tournon-sur-Rhône
Day 6
Lyon
Rhône River cruises typically begin or end in Lyon. The city combines Roman ruins, Renaissance alleyways and a thriving modern food scene. Its position at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône helped shape its identity as a major trade hub.Ships typically dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, painted shutters and hidden passageways called traboules. On the Presqu’île, the city opens out into grand 19th-century boulevards and public squares. Food is a major part of the Lyonnaise identity, and even a short visit can include a tasting at Les Halles, lunch at a traditional bouchon or a market stop on Quai Saint-Antoine.For something quieter, head up to the Roman amphitheatre and basilica on Fourvière Hill. The views over the red rooftops and intersecting rivers are among the best in the region. You can take the funicular or walk through the garden path known as Jardin des Curiosités.
Days 7-8
Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 9
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 10-11
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 12
Rouen
Rouen is one of the prettiest cities along the Seine, with its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and soaring Gothic churches. Once one of the largest and wealthiest cities in medieval Europe, Rouen is best known as the place where Joan of Arc was tried and executed in 1431.Visitors can explore the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, an immersive museum housed in the former archbishop’s palace or visit the modern church that marks the site of her execution. Rouen Cathedral, famously painted by Monet, dominates the skyline with its intricate façade and towering spire.The city’s size makes it perfect to explore on foot, and it is a favourite stop of cruisers in medieval history or Impressionist art.
Day 13
Conflans-Sainte-Honorine
At the confluence of the Seine and the Oise, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine has long been a hub for river life. Often called the capital of France’s inland waterways, it has a deep connection to barge culture. Many of the boats moored along its banks are still home to families, and the riverside promenade is lined with old péniches (barges), some converted into museums or chapels.We recommend a visit to the Musée de la Batellerie, housed in a grand château, which tells the story of French river navigation. From Conflans, cruise excursions often head to nearby places of interest, including the Palace at Versailles or the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent his final days.
Days 14-15
Paris
The French capital needs no introduction, but seeing it from the Seine offers a different perspective on the city. The river winds through the heart of Paris, its banks flanked by many of its most iconic sights, from Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.Most cruises start or end in Paris, allowing at least a full day to explore, at your own pace or on an organised excursion. Independent exploration is easy, with the metro, bateaux-mouches and a good pair of shoes all offering ways to see the city on your terms.The Left Bank brims with literary cafés, while the Right Bank has grand boulevards and elegant arcades. And while you shouldn’t miss the city’s big hitters, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Jardin du Luxembourg, don’t hesitate to adventure beyond the headliners, whether you want to browse the shelves at English-language bookshop Shakespeare and Company, sip coffee at Les Deux Magots or take in the view from Montmartre.
Days 1-2 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
Day 3 Avignon
Avignon

Few river ports carry as much historical weight as Avignon. The city served as the papal residence during the 14th century, a period that left an architectural legacy still shaping the skyline. The star attraction, the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), towers above the cobbled streets and leafy squares below. Its thick walls, cavernous halls and rooftop views give a sense of the power once concentrated here.Despite its ecclesiastical past, Avignon is far from austere. Life spills into the squares and streets, especially around Les Halles – the covered market packed with olives, cheeses and fresh Provençal produce. The city is surrounded by medieval ramparts, and within them are crooked lanes, bell towers and terracotta-roofed houses. The famous Pont d’Avignon, which ends halfway across the Rhône after parts collapsed during flooding in the 18th century, is another landmark of the city.Cruise excursions often focus on the palace, bridge and city walls, but it’s also worth exploring at your own pace. Rue des Teinturiers follows a shaded canal once used by cloth dyers and offers a quieter route through the city. In summer, the Avignon Festival transforms the town with theatre and street performances.

View more
Day 4 Viviers
Viviers

This small medieval town is known for its well-preserved historic centre with winding streets and ancient stone buildings. Once a powerful diocese, Viviers's religious past is still visible today in its cathedral and the bishop’s residence.The town's narrow, cobbled streets are lined with houses that once belonged to the city’s most influential families, their facades weathered but full of character. At the heart of the town is the Cathedral of Saint Vincent, perched on a hill and offering stunning views of the Rhône River and the surrounding countryside.Many river cruises allow for a leisurely walk through Viviers. Beyond the cathedral, there’s a serene atmosphere in the town, making it a perfect place to escape the crowds and soak in the history.

View more
Day 5 Tournon-sur-Rhône
Tournon-sur-Rhône
Day 6 Lyon
Lyon

Rhône River cruises typically begin or end in Lyon. The city combines Roman ruins, Renaissance alleyways and a thriving modern food scene. Its position at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône helped shape its identity as a major trade hub.Ships typically dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, painted shutters and hidden passageways called traboules. On the Presqu’île, the city opens out into grand 19th-century boulevards and public squares. Food is a major part of the Lyonnaise identity, and even a short visit can include a tasting at Les Halles, lunch at a traditional bouchon or a market stop on Quai Saint-Antoine.For something quieter, head up to the Roman amphitheatre and basilica on Fourvière Hill. The views over the red rooftops and intersecting rivers are among the best in the region. You can take the funicular or walk through the garden path known as Jardin des Curiosités.

View more
Days 7-8 Chalon-sur-Saône
Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 9 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 10-11 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 12 Rouen
Rouen

Rouen is one of the prettiest cities along the Seine, with its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and soaring Gothic churches. Once one of the largest and wealthiest cities in medieval Europe, Rouen is best known as the place where Joan of Arc was tried and executed in 1431.Visitors can explore the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, an immersive museum housed in the former archbishop’s palace or visit the modern church that marks the site of her execution. Rouen Cathedral, famously painted by Monet, dominates the skyline with its intricate façade and towering spire.The city’s size makes it perfect to explore on foot, and it is a favourite stop of cruisers in medieval history or Impressionist art.

View more
Day 13 Conflans-Sainte-Honorine
Conflans-Sainte-Honorine

At the confluence of the Seine and the Oise, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine has long been a hub for river life. Often called the capital of France’s inland waterways, it has a deep connection to barge culture. Many of the boats moored along its banks are still home to families, and the riverside promenade is lined with old péniches (barges), some converted into museums or chapels.We recommend a visit to the Musée de la Batellerie, housed in a grand château, which tells the story of French river navigation. From Conflans, cruise excursions often head to nearby places of interest, including the Palace at Versailles or the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent his final days.

View more
Days 14-15 Paris
Paris

The French capital needs no introduction, but seeing it from the Seine offers a different perspective on the city. The river winds through the heart of Paris, its banks flanked by many of its most iconic sights, from Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.Most cruises start or end in Paris, allowing at least a full day to explore, at your own pace or on an organised excursion. Independent exploration is easy, with the metro, bateaux-mouches and a good pair of shoes all offering ways to see the city on your terms.The Left Bank brims with literary cafés, while the Right Bank has grand boulevards and elegant arcades. And while you shouldn’t miss the city’s big hitters, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Jardin du Luxembourg, don’t hesitate to adventure beyond the headliners, whether you want to browse the shelves at English-language bookshop Shakespeare and Company, sip coffee at Les Deux Magots or take in the view from Montmartre.

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.

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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

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

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