Avignon

Port Avignon stands apart on the Rhône as a gateway to Provence's living history, where the ship's arrival feels less like a port call and more like a doorway into centuries of culture. Unlike some coastal hubs, Avignon offers immediate access to medieval landmarks, from the towering Palais des Papes to the time-worn arches of Pont Saint-Bénézet, all just a short stroll from the quay. Signature experiences unfold at the water's edge and beyond: a private sunrise cruise along the Rhône gliding past vineyards, a guided walk through the winding lanes of the Roquette and boutique markets, a tasting tour in Châteauneuf-du-Pape or Tavel, and a twilight promenade along the Papal City walls. The destination anchors the voyage with immersive shore excursions that pair culture with cuisine—olive oil tastings, lavender lanes, and a Provençal cookery lesson in a shaded courtyard. The fleet that docks at Avignon is built for intimate river itineraries: compact, shallow-draft ships with expansive panorama lounges, sun decks anchored by panoramic windows, and state-of-the-art stabilizers to glide past the river’s bends with ease. Onboard services reinforce the sense of boutique luxury: gracious language briefings, a chef-led dining program that celebrates regional produce, wine-pairing dinners featuring Rhône vintages, and attentive concierge assistance for tailor-made excursions, spa and wellness options after a day of exploration, and a rhythm of enrichment talks by local historians. In short, Avignon delivers not just a port of call, but a curated Provence immersion where heritage, gastronomy, and river-life converge in a way that remains distinct from larger coastal cruise stops.