French Escapade: Paris to the Riviera - Southbound 2026

Your day begins with an orientation tour to help you get your bearings, followed by a tour of the Latin Quarter. A guided tour unveils historic landmarks, vibrant cafés, and centuries of intellectual heritage, with iconic views of Notre-Da...

A free morning in Paris gives you an opportunity to do those last few things that will make your time in Paris memorable. Say au revoir to one of the world's great cities as you board the high-speed TGV train to Lyon, home to a boun...

Chalon-sur-Sâone on the River Saône lies in the heart of southern Burgundy. Although its history dates back to the time of Charlemagne, it has another significant claim to fame – this is considered the birthplace of photography. So ...

With your riverboat docked in Tournus this morning, head out to explore the beautiful wine producing region of southern Burgundy, where history lies around every corner (this was a major crossroads during Roman times), and vineyards...

Today you're off for sightseeing in Cluny. During the reign of Charlemagne (742 - 814), monastic influences inspired a great revival in art, education and culture; visit one of the great monasteries of the period when you tour the g...

Ahh, Lyon. If you're a serious foodie, Lyon is the place for you! Regarded as the culinary capital of France, there are more restaurants here per capita than anywhere else in the country. But of course, there is more to this 2,000-y...

It seems that the Romans were everywhere along the Rhône, and Vienne (which they called "Vienna" in their day) was no exception. During your time on a walking tour here this morning, look for the theatre and temple they left behind, as wel...

The fortified city of Avignon was probably a much more peaceful place before Rome became "inconvenient" for the popes who moved the papacy here about 700 years ago. Although they stayed for less than a century, they kept busy during...

With your riverboat docked in Avignon for the morning, you have a choice of a morning excursion to Saint-Remy-de-Provence – home to the ruins of the Roman city of Glanum; alternatively, visit Pont du Gard, a remarkable ancient Roman...

It may seem strange to encounter Roman ruins in Provence but Arles was, after all, once a Roman city; while the gladiators are gone, the arena they left behind – just one of the town's many Roman remnants – still hosts performances and bul...

The France river cruise portion of your journey ends as you disembark in Arles. Travel to Nice, where a guided walking tour reveals its vibrant markets, elegant boulevards, and azure coastline. Continue on to Monte-Carlo for a two-n...

Spend a captivating half-day exploring Monte-Carlo, where a guided tour shows you the iconic Casino, the charming old town of Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral, and Palais Princier de Monaco, home to the Grima...