14 nights · France · River cruise · Departs Avignon (France) · Visiting Arles, Viviers-sur-Rhone, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Vienne, Lyon, Paris City, Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Rouen, Les Andelys, Le Pecq · Aboard Viking River Cruises on the Viking Delling
Image courtesy of Viking River Cruises ©
This river cruise sails the Rhone and Seine, departing Avignon.
| Cruise line | Viking River Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | Viking Delling |
| Duration | 14 nights |
| Port calls | 12 |
| Departures | 16 sailings |
| Year built | 2014 |
| Guests | 190 |
| Cabins | 95 |
| Crew | 50 |
| Length | 135 m |
| Beam | 29 m |
| Cruising speed | 15.0 kn |
Avignon rewards a slow first look: medieval ramparts frame a city shaped by popes, merchants and the Rhône. Inside the walls, the immense Palais des Papes recalls the 14th-century era when the papacy moved here. Nearby, the broken span of Pont Saint-Bénézet reaches into the river, made famous by the French song. Leave time for shaded squares, Provençal markets and a glass of local wine before the Rhône carries you onward.
Arles stands on the Rhône in Provence, where Roman monuments and a working southern French city share the same streets. The UNESCO-listed Roman theatre and amphitheatre remain central landmarks, built when ancient Arelate prospered. Vincent van Gogh painted here from 1888 to 1889, drawn by the region’s clear light. Visit the Fondation Vincent van Gogh, then explore the old town’s Provençal markets and café terraces.
Avignon rewards a slow first look: medieval ramparts frame a city shaped by popes, merchants and the Rhône. Inside the walls, the immense Palais des Papes recalls the 14th-century era when the papacy moved here. Nearby, the broken span of Pont Saint-Bénézet reaches into the river, made famous by the French song. Leave time for shaded squares, Provençal markets and a glass of local wine before the Rhône carries you onward.
Viviers stands on the Rhône in Ardèche, a compact medieval town best explored on foot. Stone lanes climb toward the Cathedral of Saint-Vincent, whose Romanesque origins and later additions reflect centuries of ecclesiastical power. Look for bishops’ residences, sculpted doorways and views across the river valley. Beyond town, Ardèche landscapes invite excursions to vineyards, limestone gorges and hill villages, while Viviers rewards those who linger.
From the Rhône’s western bank, Tournon-sur-Rhône faces the celebrated vineyards of Tain-l’Hermitage, just across the river. Its medieval castle now houses a museum, while steep lanes climb past stone houses and old town walls. A suspension bridge links the two towns, making vineyard visits and tastings easy. Come for the northern Rhône’s Syrah, then return to the quay for river views and a slower, distinctly French afternoon.
Vienne sits on the Rhône, 20 miles south of Lyon, where Roman history remains part of the everyday streetscape. Its first great sight is the Temple of Augustus and Livia, remarkably intact beside the cafés of the old town. Climb to the Roman theatre, cut into Pipet Hill, for broad views across rooftops and river. Across the Rhône, Saint-Romain-en-Gal preserves mosaics and evidence of a thriving Roman quarter. Allow time for the cathedral and a leisurely lunch.
Where the Rhône meets the Saône, France’s third-largest city joins Roman foundations, Renaissance streets and contemporary architecture. Walk Vieux Lyon’s covered passageways, then climb to Fourvière for broad views over terracotta roofs. Come hungry: Lyon’s bouchons serve regional dishes, while Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse brings together the city’s finest producers. Allow time for the riverbanks, museums and a meal that makes Lyon’s culinary reputation tangible.
Paris rewards travellers who look beyond its familiar landmarks. Follow the Seine past the Louvre and Notre-Dame; explore streets where cafés, markets and small museums reveal daily life. The Eiffel Tower still commands the skyline, but the best hours are spent walking, with time for lunch. Choose one or two neighbourhoods rather than racing across town; Paris is best experienced at street level.
At La Roche-Guyon, the Seine curves beneath a chalk cliff crowned by a medieval keep. Below it, the château’s elegant residence and formal gardens tell a different story of power and taste. A stairway cut through the rock climbs to the fortress, where views sweep across the river valley and village rooftops. Discover a rare pairing of medieval stronghold and Renaissance château in one of France’s officially designated Most Beautiful Villages.
Vernon rewards a closer look before you follow the Seine toward Giverny. On the river, the half-timbered Old Mill stands dramatically on medieval bridge piers, a defining view. Nearby, the Gothic church of Notre-Dame and quiet streets preserve the town’s long history. Monet’s house and gardens lie about five kilometres away in Giverny, the setting for many of his paintings.
Rouen rewards travelers who leave the ship and walk straight into its history. Half-timbered houses line narrow streets, while the soaring cathedral once drew Claude Monet back to paint its changing façade. At the old marketplace, Joan of Arc was executed in 1431; today, a church commemorates her. Pause for Normandy’s butter-rich cuisine, then follow the Seine-side quays for a quieter view of this working port.
Les Andelys rewards a pause on the Seine, where white chalk cliffs rise above two historic quarters. Above Le Petit-Andely, Richard the Lionheart’s Château Gaillard has watched the valley since the late 12th century. Climb to its ruins for sweeping views, then descend to the riverside lanes and the Gothic church of Notre-Dame. This is Normandy at an unhurried scale: dramatic landscape, medieval ambition and room to explore.
Le Pecq sits on the Seine, west of Paris, beneath the wooded heights of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Cross the river to visit its château, home to France’s National Archaeology Museum. From the château terrace, the valley unfolds in a broad panorama toward the capital. The nearby Le Vésinet–Le Pecq station connects with central Paris. Or stay close: riverside paths and leafy streets offer a quieter way to experience this corner of Île-de-France.
Paris rewards travellers who look beyond its familiar landmarks. Follow the Seine past the Louvre and Notre-Dame; explore streets where cafés, markets and small museums reveal daily life. The Eiffel Tower still commands the skyline, but the best hours are spent walking, with time for lunch. Choose one or two neighbourhoods rather than racing across town; Paris is best experienced at street level.
Published August 27, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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