Burgundy & Provence River Cruise for Jazz Lovers - JWT Travel

Burgundy & Provence River Cruise for Jazz Lovers

Special
  • 7 July 2026
  • 7 Nights
  • 3,657 Per Person
  • Avalon Poetry II
This Burgundy & Provence River Cruise for Jazz Lovers is the perfect escape for music fans. Sail through Lyon, Avignon, and Arles with live jazz, culture, and stunning French scenery.

Ssailing along the Rhône and Saône, this unique Burgundy & Provence River Cruise for Jazz Lovers blends cultural discovery with a vibrant musical atmosphere, offering live performances both on board and ashore. Let the rhythm of jazz guide you on this unforgettable journey through the heart of southern France, where world-class music meets timeless scenery, rich history, and exceptional cuisine.

Begin in Arles, a city steeped in Roman history and famously painted by Vincent van Gogh, before continuing to the historic streets of Avignon, home to the magnificent Palais des Papes. Discover the quiet charm of Viviers, then soak up the atmosphere in Tournon-sur-Rhône, with the chance to experience the lively Vienne Jazz Festival.

In Lyon, France’s culinary capital, enjoy the sounds of Jazz Manouche, a style pioneered by Django Reinhardt. Your journey continues through the Burgundy region with stops in Tournus and Chalon-sur-Saône, where history, riverside beauty, and more live music create the perfect finale.

Blending scenic cruising, cultural treasures, and the soulful sounds of jazz, this is a river cruise experience designed for those who appreciate both travel and music in perfect harmony.

Contact your JWT Cruise team for more information on this Burgundy and Provence river cruise for Jazz Lovers from Lyon with Avalon Waterways.

Burgundy & Provence River Cruise for Jazz Lovers

This Burgundy & Provence River Cruise for Jazz Lovers is the perfect escape for music fans. Sail through Lyon, Avignon, and Arles with live jazz, culture, and stunning French scenery.

Ssailing along the Rhône and Saône, this unique Burgundy & Provence River Cruise for Jazz Lovers blends cultural discovery with a vibrant musical atmosphere, offering live performances both on board and ashore. Let the rhythm of jazz guide you on this unforgettable journey through the heart of southern France, where world-class music meets timeless scenery, rich history, and exceptional cuisine.

Begin in Arles, a city steeped in Roman history and famously painted by Vincent van Gogh, before continuing to the historic streets of Avignon, home to the magnificent Palais des Papes. Discover the quiet charm of Viviers, then soak up the atmosphere in Tournon-sur-Rhône, with the chance to experience the lively Vienne Jazz Festival.

In Lyon, France’s culinary capital, enjoy the sounds of Jazz Manouche, a style pioneered by Django Reinhardt. Your journey continues through the Burgundy region with stops in Tournus and Chalon-sur-Saône, where history, riverside beauty, and more live music create the perfect finale.

Blending scenic cruising, cultural treasures, and the soulful sounds of jazz, this is a river cruise experience designed for those who appreciate both travel and music in perfect harmony.

Contact your JWT Cruise team for more information on this Burgundy and Provence river cruise for Jazz Lovers from Lyon with Avalon Waterways.

Itinerary

DAY 1 – Arles

Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm and guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

DAY 2 – Arles

Arles enchants with ancient landmarks like the Arles Amphitheatre and atmospheric streets that once inspired Vincent van Gogh. Wander sunlit squares, lively markets and riverside paths for a true taste of southern France. This evening you will also get to enjoy live entertainment with a Jazz Band.

DAY 3 – Avignon

Rich in history and culture, Avignon is famed for the grand Palais des Papes and the iconic Pont d’Avignon. Stroll its atmospheric streets and lively squares, where Provençal charm meets a vibrant arts scene. Avignon is an ideal setting for soaking up music and the spirit of a jazz-inspired journey. There will also be live entertainment onboard that night.

DAY 4 – Viviers

Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on an afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.

DAY 5 – Tournon

Tournon offers medieval charm with its hilltop Château de Tournon and scenic river views. Stroll its historic streets or cross to nearby Tain-l’Hermitage for renowned wines. This evening after dinner, enjoy free time to attend the Vienne Jazz Festival, when bars and pubs across Vienne come alive with music.

DAY 6 – Lyon

A culinary and cultural capital, Lyon charms with its historic Old Town, elegant squares and riverside setting at the meeting of the Rhône and Saône. This evening, enjoy the lively strains of Gypsy Jazz, a style pioneered by Django Reinhardt in the 1930s. With its deep roots in France, this vibrant sound which in the musical world is known as Jazz Manouche, it is sure to provide the perfect soundtrack to your time in the city.

DAY 7 – Tournus/Chalon-Sur-Saône 

Set along the Saône, Tournus and Chalon-sur-Saône offer a blend of history and Burgundy charm. Visit the impressive Abbey of Saint-Philibert in Tournus, then explore Chalon’s lively squares, riverside promenades and rich heritage as the birthplace of photography, creating a relaxed and cultural stop along your journey. There will also be another evening of live music onboard

DAY 8 – Chalon-Sur-Saône

Unfortunately this will be the end of your jazz-themed cruise as your journey ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Lyon airport before 8 am.
  • 7 Night Cruise
  • Gourmet meals onboard, including regional cuisine, Avalon Fresh® healthy options, and flexible menus with Avalon FlexDining®.
  • Complimentary beverages (wine, beer, and soft drinks) with lunch and dinner.
  • Free access to the Fitness Center and wellness activities, such as yoga and walking tours.
  • Adventure activities, including bike, canoe, and kayak excursions, with provided gear (bikes, maps, and more)
  • Welcome and farewell cocktails with sparkling wine and canapés, plus an included Happy Hour every evening.
  • Suites with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and Open-Air Balconies, featuring Comfort Collection™ beds and luxurious L’Occitane® bath products.
  • Onboard entertainment and amenities, such as the Panorama Lounge & Bar, with premium drinks, cozy seating, and a dance floor.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard with Starlink
  • Flights are available on request
  • Price quoted on deluxe stateroom
  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

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