South of France Cruise
15 Jun –
27 Jun 2026
- 13 Days
- Boutique accommodations
- 25 Meals
- Group size: 15
SOLD OUT
Lyon to Paris by river; vineyard valleys, Provençal life, and thoughtful moments in Montmartre.
Itinerary
Our journey begins at O.R. Tambo International Airport, where we board our overnight flight to Lyon, the beating heart of French gastronomy, nestled between the Rhône and Saône rivers.
As we take off, let the anticipation build for the adventure ahead: a blend of countryside charm, centuries-old cities, fine wine, and flavourful cuisine.
Touchdown in Lyon, a city that wears its history and culinary flair with quiet confidence. After settling in at our hotel, we take to the streets of Vieux Lyon with our local guide, wandering through its Renaissance lanes and discovering secret traboules — hidden passageways once trodden by silk weavers.
We’ll continue into the refined Presqu’île district, where the elegance of the city comes to life.
Tonight, we sit down to a relaxed three-course dinner at a local restaurant; an easy and delicious welcome to France.
Highlights:
River Cruise: Treasures Of Burgundy & Provence
Time to board our elegant river ship and settle into your cabin: your home for the next few days. As the sun dips, we set sail down the Rhône.
Over welcome cocktails and dinner, watch Lyon’s city lights fade into the distance. This is river cruising at its finest—effortless, scenic, and wonderfully slow-paced.
Highlights:
We wake up in Mâcon, where the soft hills of southern Burgundy welcome us. This is Beaujolais country, with vineyards, valleys, and quaint stone villages.
You may choose to explore Château de Pierreclos with its deep wine cellars, sip on silky reds at a local estate, or discover the once-mighty Cluny Abbey, steeped in centuries of monastic history.
Whatever path you take, today is about slow travel and quiet pleasures.
Highlights:
The Burgundy countryside continues to captivate. In Beaune, the unofficial wine capital of the region, we step inside the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu, then enjoy a cellar tasting.
Alternatively, you might choose to visit Brancion, a mediaeval hilltop hamlet, and the grand Château de Cormatin, where time truly stands still.
We return to the ship with full hearts and a few favourite vintages tucked under our arms.
Highlights:
A morning cruise back to Lyon provides more time to explore. Perhaps you’ll revisit Old Lyon’s hidden courtyards or go on a foodie pilgrimage to Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, where the region’s best producers come together under one roof.
Back on board, the river takes us southward. We cruise through changing landscapes before sitting down to a beautifully crafted dinner, with each course serving as a quiet celebration of our current location.
Highlights:
This morning, we dock in Avignon, a city still wrapped in mediaeval walls and crowned by the majestic Papal Palace. We explore its heart on foot, with an option to visit Pont du Gard, a marvel of Roman engineering.
Later, wander the elegant lanes of Uzès, where time slows.
This evening, a local music performance sets the perfect tone as Provence reveals its softer, more soulful side.
Highlights:
In Arles, the Roman amphitheatre still echoes with ancient cheers. Van Gogh once walked these same streets, chasing light and colour.
Join a morning walking tour, or venture further afield into the Camargue, a wild and beautiful stretch of wetlands home to white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos.
Today is one of those days that will be etched in your memories.
Highlights:
The Rhône carries us north again today, winding through lavender fields and ancient valleys. You might explore the dramatic Ardèche Gorge, go truffle hunting in Grignan (with tastings, of course), or indulge your sweet tooth at the Valrhona Chocolate Museum in Tournon.
A perfect blend of nature, indulgence and Provençal flair.
Highlights:
After a final breakfast on board, we say au revoir to our ship and travel by private coach to Paris.
– The end of the River Cruise –
Our base for the next two nights is in Montmartre, a district that still hums with the spirit of the artists who once lived here.
The afternoon is yours to stroll, rest, or sip something sparkling at a corner café.
Highlights:
Today, you’re free to shape your Paris experience. You might choose to explore at your own pace, lingering in a quiet square or following your curiosity down a side street. Alternatively, join our guide for a curated tour through the city’s layered history, from the winding alleys of its mediaeval heart to the wide boulevards and landmarks of modern Paris.
Afterwards, we gather for one last Parisian dinner, raising a glass to the memories made.
Highlights:
Our final morning is left open for a last croissant, a final photograph, or a stroll through the leafy streets of Montmartre.
Later, we make our way to the airport and begin our journey home.
Highlights:
We return to South Africa with our suitcases a little heavier, our palates inspired, and our minds full of golden light, rolling vineyards, and riverside towns.
Until next time.
Our journey begins at O.R. Tambo International Airport, where we board our overnight flight to Lyon, the beating heart of French gastronomy, nestled between the Rhône and Saône rivers.
As we take off, let the anticipation build for the adventure ahead: a blend of countryside charm, centuries-old cities, fine wine, and flavourful cuisine.
Touchdown in Lyon, a city that wears its history and culinary flair with quiet confidence. After settling in at our hotel, we take to the streets of Vieux Lyon with our local guide, wandering through its Renaissance lanes and discovering secret traboules — hidden passageways once trodden by silk weavers.
We’ll continue into the refined Presqu’île district, where the elegance of the city comes to life.
Tonight, we sit down to a relaxed three-course dinner at a local restaurant; an easy and delicious welcome to France.
Highlights:
River Cruise: Treasures Of Burgundy & Provence
Time to board our elegant river ship and settle into your cabin: your home for the next few days. As the sun dips, we set sail down the Rhône.
Over welcome cocktails and dinner, watch Lyon’s city lights fade into the distance. This is river cruising at its finest—effortless, scenic, and wonderfully slow-paced.
Highlights:
We wake up in Mâcon, where the soft hills of southern Burgundy welcome us. This is Beaujolais country, with vineyards, valleys, and quaint stone villages.
You may choose to explore Château de Pierreclos with its deep wine cellars, sip on silky reds at a local estate, or discover the once-mighty Cluny Abbey, steeped in centuries of monastic history.
Whatever path you take, today is about slow travel and quiet pleasures.
Highlights:
The Burgundy countryside continues to captivate. In Beaune, the unofficial wine capital of the region, we step inside the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu, then enjoy a cellar tasting.
Alternatively, you might choose to visit Brancion, a mediaeval hilltop hamlet, and the grand Château de Cormatin, where time truly stands still.
We return to the ship with full hearts and a few favourite vintages tucked under our arms.
Highlights:
A morning cruise back to Lyon provides more time to explore. Perhaps you’ll revisit Old Lyon’s hidden courtyards or go on a foodie pilgrimage to Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, where the region’s best producers come together under one roof.
Back on board, the river takes us southward. We cruise through changing landscapes before sitting down to a beautifully crafted dinner, with each course serving as a quiet celebration of our current location.
Highlights:
This morning, we dock in Avignon, a city still wrapped in mediaeval walls and crowned by the majestic Papal Palace. We explore its heart on foot, with an option to visit Pont du Gard, a marvel of Roman engineering.
Later, wander the elegant lanes of Uzès, where time slows.
This evening, a local music performance sets the perfect tone as Provence reveals its softer, more soulful side.
Highlights:
In Arles, the Roman amphitheatre still echoes with ancient cheers. Van Gogh once walked these same streets, chasing light and colour.
Join a morning walking tour, or venture further afield into the Camargue, a wild and beautiful stretch of wetlands home to white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos.
Today is one of those days that will be etched in your memories.
Highlights:
The Rhône carries us north again today, winding through lavender fields and ancient valleys. You might explore the dramatic Ardèche Gorge, go truffle hunting in Grignan (with tastings, of course), or indulge your sweet tooth at the Valrhona Chocolate Museum in Tournon.
A perfect blend of nature, indulgence and Provençal flair.
Highlights:
After a final breakfast on board, we say au revoir to our ship and travel by private coach to Paris.
– The end of the River Cruise –
Our base for the next two nights is in Montmartre, a district that still hums with the spirit of the artists who once lived here.
The afternoon is yours to stroll, rest, or sip something sparkling at a corner café.
Highlights:
Today, you’re free to shape your Paris experience. You might choose to explore at your own pace, lingering in a quiet square or following your curiosity down a side street. Alternatively, join our guide for a curated tour through the city’s layered history, from the winding alleys of its mediaeval heart to the wide boulevards and landmarks of modern Paris.
Afterwards, we gather for one last Parisian dinner, raising a glass to the memories made.
Highlights:
Our final morning is left open for a last croissant, a final photograph, or a stroll through the leafy streets of Montmartre.
Later, we make our way to the airport and begin our journey home.
Highlights:
We return to South Africa with our suitcases a little heavier, our palates inspired, and our minds full of golden light, rolling vineyards, and riverside towns.
Until next time.
This 10-day journey through France is designed for those who appreciate quality, depth, and a quieter pace. We begin in Lyon, a city long admired for its culinary tradition. From here, your journey continues by river—an elegant way to travel—through the wine-growing heart of France and into Provence, where history, landscape and daily life come together in subtle and surprising ways.
We end in Paris, staying in Montmartre, where you can explore independently or join a themed walk to see the city through a particular lens. Throughout the trip, there is space to engage, rest, and enjoy experiences chosen for their authenticity and interest.
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Seagull Travel & Tours crafts small group tours that offer luxury, convenience, and spontaneous moments of joy.
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The tour leader collects a set amount from each member of a tour. This kitty is then used to tip the local tour guide and city guides, bus drivers, any other assistants, and restaurant staff. We believe in tipping for good service as a token of appreciation, especially as many workers in tourism rely on tips to supplement their income.
Although we cannot apply on your behalf, we are more than willing to give guidance and assistance with completing forms. We do this for many clients on a near-daily basis. It does, however, remain the responsibility of the client to ensure that they get the correct visa on time.
Remember that we limit the number of guests on our tours. This means more time at stops and sites. We definitely do not do groups of 30 pax, where guests are rushed from one site to the other. There is enough time to explore on your own.
We always suggest USD/Euro 50 to USD/Euro 100 per person per day. As we mostly include two meals per day on our tours, this will be enough for lunch/dinner, some snacks, and memento shopping. Should you want to buy larger items, we suggest taking along your credit card. Remember to advise the bank that you will be travelling.
Once you have completed the form, you will receive an email with the itinerary which includes pricing, inclusions and flight options.
You can contact us at info@seagulltours.co.za or +27 42 296 0475