Group Trip · France
Gay Group Trip: The Essence of Burgundy & Provence River Cruise
Fixed departures
Dates and itinerary set, organized end to end. Tailor-made available too.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
Embark on a luxurious river cruise experience as you set sail for an unforgettable journey through Burgundy & Provence. This private LGBTQ+ charter takes place on the beautiful Avalon Poetry II. Join 120 friends – new and old – and discover the lyrical landscapes of Provence, from enchanting winding back roads to the breathtaking fields of lavender and ancient olive groves. Along with your small group, you'll savor the delectable flavors of Burgundy and Provence while exploring the region's rich history. From the Roman past of Chalon-Sur-Saône to the grand Papal Palace in Avignon, private excursions ensure you can bask in the endless beauty of this exquisite destination.
The Avalon Poetry II boasts two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. You'll have a range of activities to choose from, including biking and hiking for active adventurers. Alternatively, you can enjoy relaxed and informative private excursions that immerse you in the region's rich history. The onboard entertainment is nothing short of fantastic, accompanied by the finest local cuisine and a generous flow of wine throughout the voyage.
Day by day
Group departures follow a set route so everyone travels together. The nights and the order are fixed, but your specialist can add time either side. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Day One: Chalon-sur-Saône
Your escape from the bustle of everyday life begins in Chalon-sur-Saône where the beautiful Avalon Poetry II awaits on the banks of the Saône River. Chalon-sur-Saône is a charming town, and before embarking on your voyage, you’ll have the chance to explore a collection of delightfully quaint shops and cafes. The town has a rich history, and there are many culturally significant sites and monuments to explore.
Day Two: Tournus
Tournus, with its narrow streets and enchanting architecture, is the first stop on your luxury tour of the region. The day will begin with a private tour of the town in which the area’s monastic and Romanesque heritage can be explored. After lunch, there’s an optional visit to the Castle of Cormatin, a gorgeous Renaissance castle that has been immaculately preserved. As the evening sets in, the group will gather on the deck for a participatory wine and cheese pairing workshop.
Day Three: Lyon
Lyon is often known as the “Capital of French Gastronomy”, and upon arrival, the group will be encouraged to explore the city’s old town, where a UNESCO World Heritage-designated array of markets and small cafes await. Here you can discover Lyon’s distinctive culinary character and indulge in dinner at a traditional Lyonnais bistro. Learn about the city’s storied wine heritage and learn the secrets of what makes the region’s produce so unbelievably memorable.
Day Four: Lyon
Your second day in Lyon will be spent relaxing and enjoying the opulent amenities on board the Avalon Poetry II. This is your chance to explore the city at your own pace, with optional excursions including a bike tour of Lyon’s architectural district and a guided walk through the historic district of Fourvière Hill.
Day Five: Tournon-Viviers
Experience the stunning beauty and fascinating history of the French countryside on the Tournon-Viviers leg of your luxury river cruise. Here, you’ll be treated to bucolic vineyards, gorgeous castle views, and plenty of Medieval charm. The options for exploration are extensive in Tournon and Viviers and include activities such as vineyard hikes and guided walking tours. In the afternoon, the group will amble through the pale-stone buildings of Viviers and marvel at its Romanesque Old Town and diverse historical influences.
Day Six: Avignon
Known as the “City of Popes” thanks to its papal residents that set up shop here in the 14th century, Avignon is a picturesque city in Provence that offers a satisfying blend of art and history. A guided tour of the Papal Palace is the first item on the agenda for Avignon, after which the group will wander through the charming streets of Avignon’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and view the iconic Avignon Bridge. For those who want to explore Avignon deeper, there is the nearby village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, known for its wine production. Here, immersion in local wine practices and the stunning settings of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Castle awaits.
Day Seven: Arles
Arles has garnered an international reputation for both its Roman monuments and its most famous former resident, Vincent van Gogh. Suitably, your time in Arles will begin with a painting workshop where the techniques of Van Gogh will be imparted by a knowledgeable local artist. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a guided walking tour of Arles, which will also include a visit to the town’s Roman Amphitheater. A hotspot for cultured relaxation, there is nothing better than an afternoon stroll through the charming streets of Arles’ Old Town. On this section of the tour, you’ll have the chance to discover the Church of St Trophime, a testament to the lasting impact of the Romanesque period of European art.
Day Eight: Arles
Today the group will spend time enjoying a farewell breakfast and reflecting on the memories made throughout the trip. After breakfast, there’s time for one last taste of Arles before disembarking the ship and heading home.
Our Experts
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specializing in tailor-made vacations and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury vacations, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalized experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with traveling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveler, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalized service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ vacations?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalized itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Speak To Us About This Group Trip
Tell us which departure interests you and one of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will confirm availability and talk you through the trip, including any tailor-made extensions you would like to add before or after the group dates.
One named specialist, first inquiry to homecoming. No call center, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.