Dorothy Presents a Culinary River Cruise Through France

Yes, It’s 2028. And Yes, I’m Telling You Now.

You have plenty of time to plan. Delicious Decadence does not sail until July 18–25, 2028.

So why am I telling you about it now?

Because Avalon Waterways offers only one culinary cruise through France each year—and this is it.

For seven glorious nights, we’ll sail from Arles to Lyon through Provence and Burgundy aboard the beautiful Avalon Poetry II. Along the way, we’ll taste olive oil where it is pressed, explore a market in Avignon and cook alongside a chef, visit the Valrhona chocolate works, sip Chardonnay in a castle cellar, and enjoy a menu inspired by the legendary Paul Bocuse.

But food is only part of the story.

This Is a Trip for People Who Are Still Hungry

Hungry for beauty. For friendship. For laughter that runs late into the evening. For new flavors, new places, and the wonderful realization that there is still so much life waiting to be tasted.

There will be cooking classes, wine tastings, art experiences, beautiful old cities, long lunches, and evenings spent watching France drift past from the deck. There will also be that particular Dorothy Society magic: arriving among strangers and leaving with people who already know how you take your coffee.

This isn’t about racing through France and checking places off a list. It is about slowing down long enough to feel something again.

To taste without counting calories.

To create without worrying whether you are any good.

To raise a glass simply because you are here—and because that is still worth celebrating.

And for My GoNaked Gentlemen…

I am also planning an optional pre-cruise adventure especially for my male nudist travelers.

Arles is only about 90 minutes from Cap d’Agde, home to one of the largest and most famous naturist communities in the world. That makes this the perfect opportunity to arrive early, enjoy a few clothing-optional days beside the Mediterranean, and then join us in Arles for the cruise.

The pre-trip will be separate and completely optional. The cruise itself is not clothing-optional and welcomes the entire Dorothy Society community.

However, because the sales page also speaks directly to my GoNaked travelers, consider yourself properly warned: there is one male butt on the website.

It is French-adjacent, tastefully presented, and unlikely to cause lasting harm.

You Have Time—but We Do Not Have Unlimited Cabins

The ship carries only 128 guests, and Avalon is offering this culinary itinerary just once in 2028. That is why reservations are opening now.

A deposit secures your place and gives you nearly two years to plan, save, dream, and decide how many fabulous days you would like to spend in France before the cruise begins.

Come early for Bastille Day. Wander through Paris. Join the gentlemen for a little clothing-optional Mediterranean sunshine. Or simply meet us in Arles, ready to eat, drink, create, laugh, and remember what makes you feel gloriously alive.

France can wait until 2028. Your cabin may not.

Explore Delicious Decadence and reserve your place at the table →