Sailing Through Southern France: My Avalon River Cruise Adventure

Kenneth Reece
Jul 18
2 min read

A scenic image of the Rhône River winding through southern France, with a river cruise ship gliding past vineyard-covered hills, medieval villages, and golden Provençal light. Perfect for a blog about Avalon Waterways river cruising through Burgundy and Provence

As you're reading this, I'm aboard an Avalon Waterways river cruise, slowly making my way from Burgundy to Provence—and falling even more in love with France every mile of the way.

This journey is more than just a vacation—it's a dream come true. Over the past several days, I’ve wandered through vineyard-covered hillsides in Burgundy, soaked in the culinary soul of Lyon, and watched the landscapes shift as we cruise down the Rhône River toward sun-drenched Provence. Each stop along the way has its own charm, from Roman ruins to medieval villages and of course—plenty of French wine and food to savor.

One of the highlights I’m especially looking forward to? An included painting class in Arles, the very town where Van Gogh lived and painted some of his most iconic works. To sit in the same Provençal light that inspired his genius… it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.

Here are just a few more moments from the itinerary that have captured my heart:

Tournus and its serene riverside abbey

Lyon, with its rich gastronomy and Renaissance charm

Viviers, a hidden gem of medieval architecture and history

Avignon, home of popes and a famous half-bridge

And finally, Arles, where Roman arenas meet artistic legacy

Now, let’s talk about Avalon Waterways—because this cruise experience truly stands apart. I’m staying in one of their Panorama Suites, and let me tell you—it’s a game changer. These suites are designed with beds facing the wall-to-wall panoramic windows, so I wake up each morning to peaceful river views instead of a wall. There’s no balcony taking up the space—just an open-air feeling and uninterrupted scenery, from the comfort of my bed or my sitting area. It’s such a thoughtful, elegant way to cruise.

Why book this kind of vacation with me? Because I don’t just sell travel—I live it. I book these experiences for myself, not only because I love to travel (which I absolutely do), but because I want to truly understand what I’m recommending to my clients. I walk the cobblestones, taste the food, test the beds, and take the excursions. I pay attention to the details so that when I say, “You’ll love this,” I’m speaking from personal experience.

And one more thing—I’ve been learning French over the past several months through Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, and watching French TV shows on Netflix to soak in the language. The French people I've met have been kind, welcoming, and genuinely warm. I’ve always loved France, but now I feel more connected to it than ever before.

My French vacation will end in Marseille, but this journey will stay with me forever. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring southern France in a relaxed, immersive way, I’d love to help you make it a reality. When I return, I’ll be full of firsthand tips, fresh inspiration—and probably more than a few pictures of cheese boards.

Stay tuned for more about this incredible experience when I return—and in the meantime, dream big and travel often.