Table Of Content
For those who love fine food, beauty and riveting history, Rhône cruises are pure bliss. Most itineraries begin or end in Chalon-sur-Saône, on the Rhône’s main tributary the River Saône. For wine lovers this could well be heaven on earth, being at the centre of some of the world’s finest wine producers in Givy, Rully, Mercurey and Montagny. Vineyard tours and tastings are very much on the agenda here, but the charming town of Chalon itself is well worth a visit. Wine-lovers won't want to miss the trip to Beaune, capital of the Burgundy region. During the picturesque drive your Viking guide will share fascinating facts and figures about the world-famous wine-growing area such as Route des Grands Crus which is home to eight of the world's ten most expensive wines.
Riverboat cruising
This ultimate Rhône River cruise guide will reveal the ports, adventures beyond, and tips for you to make the most of your time on this historic and scenic waterway. The information published here results from more than ten years personal experience cruising the waterways from north to south and east to west. Viviers is a must-see medieval town on the west bank, with an original roman bridge and the smallest cathedral in France.
Discover the Rhine & Rhone Rivers
Riviera River Cruises waives single supplement on 500-plus cabins - Travel Weekly
Riviera River Cruises waives single supplement on 500-plus cabins.
Posted: Sat, 06 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Most of the area was granted national park status in 1970. Don’t miss the small town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, with its ninth-century fortified church. Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites.
Burgundy North
These cruises sail through Burgundy and Provence, the gastronomic heartland of France that's home to some of the world's most revered wine-growing regions. Viking ships also spend time in the epicurean capital Lyon. You'll get to explore more Roman remnants, including the thermal baths near the river and the cryptoporticus — a series of subterranean galleries — on Place de la République. The 15th-century Romanesque Church of St. Trophime with its decorative religious sculptures is divine, too.
Cruise Director Tony on cruising with Riviera River Cruises
A highlight in the truest sense of the word is the viewpoint in the upper town. It runs through France’s most beautiful regions, such as Burgundy, Rhône-Alpes and into Provence. Enchanting cities such as Arles and Avignon line its banks, beavers and river otters live in its wetlands – and its arms form the Camargue Delta, where flamingos strut through salt lakes and white horses live in the wild. A river for gourmets and for people who love the beautiful things in life. A former self-contained papal enclave that only became part of France in the late 18th century; a landmark is the vast UNESCO-listed Palace of Popes which was home to seven successive popes.
Romantic Rhine & Moselle - Nijmegen (Start Amsterdam, End Basel)
Perched on a rocky outcrop, it's surrounded by these glorious purple fields during summertime. Visit a working lavender farm to learn about how this flowering herb is harvested. Enjoy a scenic drive through the nearby villages, stopping in St. Christol and Simiane la Rotonde to soak up the unending fields carpeted in purple and green vines. This 500-mile swathe of the Rhône drifts through Provence's purple-hued lavender landscape and into France's luxuriant wine country. Discover the historic ports of Vienne, Tournon-sur-Rhône, Viviers and Avignon, and marvel at rolling vineyards and picturesque villages. From tracing Roman ruins in Arles to bird-spotting in the Camargue, here are some of the best things to see and do on a Rhône River cruise with Viking.
Why River Cruises Are Great If You Think You Don't Like Cruises - Business Insider
Why River Cruises Are Great If You Think You Don't Like Cruises.
Posted: Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Known for its varied landscapes and delicious French cuisine, a river cruise through Provence is a true delight for all the senses. As a torrential mountain stream it thunders through the mountains of the Gotthard Massif, leaves Lake Geneva as a broad current and then turns into a deep, clear blue – the Rhône. During construction work in Lyon in 2003, six small ships were found which originated from the first century of our era.
Spain and Portugal
You can take it as slowly as you like, stopping at local boulangeries and patisseries for baguettes and cakes, and straying to wineries for a glass of robust Syrah. In Tain-l’Hermitage, visit Valrhona to sample some of the world's most decadent chocolate, before crossing the Passerelle Marc Seguin bridge. This elegant wire-cable suspension bridge was the first of its kind to be built across Rhône. A three-tiered Roman aqueduct built around 2,000 years ago, the Pont du Gard is an awe-inspiring manmade structure. Crossing the River Gard, a short distance from the Rhône, the bridge was designed by expert architects and engineers to transport water 25km from the mineral springs of Uzes to the Roman stronghold of Nimes. The structure is a work of art – and an impressive feat of engineering – that once carried 44 million gallons of water daily.
And afterwards, it’s best to sit down in a café and enjoy the present. After a transfer by train, the second half of the journey continues on the Rhône. Vincent van Gogh painted many of his most famous works when he lived here, including "The Langlois Bridge at Arles", which is still recognisable today. Architectural splendors include Vienne, founded in Roman times, where the 13,000-seat amphitheatre once used for gladiator fights is one of many reminders of this dramatic period of history.
Paddlers in yellow canoes and kayaks flock to this blissful stretch of river during spring and summer, with beaches lining the river. Sunbathe or join the fun on the river to soak in this fabulous stretch of French countryside. This was my first river cruise, and as I set out for four days of the full seven-night cruise, I wasn’t sure what to expect. On my plush, handcrafted Savoir bed was an invitation to the captain’s gala dinner. Rhone River cruises explore the beautiful Provence region in southern France. Often, sailings of the Rhone are paired with sailings of the Saone River, which runs through the Burgundy region.
When it's time to walk off any calories there are plenty of cultural sights, too. As you ship will moor in the center of the city you can also explore independently. The historic neigborhood Le Vieux Lyon is just over a mile away so pack comfy shoes, particularly if you plan to tackle steep Fourvière Hill. Here you will discover the labyrinth of traboules, or passageways, once used by silk manufacturers and other merchants to transport goods.
A must for art lovers is Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles, dedicated to the work and legacy of the 19th-century Dutch artist who made France his home. Find the best European river cruise for you with top-reviewed itineraries navigating all the major waterways from Tauck. Tauck's Rhône River cruises explore one of the greatest wine-growing regions woven with epicurean delights found throughout France as you feast your eyes on landscapes and places that have romanced travelers for centuries. A quick stop in the village of Viviers pairs with Tournon for ships sailing either direction. The free tour is worth a post-dinner walk in this relaxed, beautifully-preserved 5th-century town set in gentle mountains. For those wanting a more active excursion, a guided trek winds through the birthplace of syrah, through leafy vineyard views of the Rhône, the town's castle, and your ship.
We are meticulously crafting cruises that will match the splendor of the landscapes through which you will sail. In Lyon sample the culinary treasures of Beaujolais on a private visit to a wine chateau before meeting a local truffle farmer and his dogs and taking part in a hunt for the prized delicacy. Another excursion for wine-lovers is a visit to Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Here you'll be welcomed by wine producers whose families have cultivated the vineyards for generations and enjoy an exclusive tour around the atmospheric cellars. The Rhône River stretches through southern France's rich culinary region, with Provencal food and famous wines battling for your palate's attention. Roman ruins, medieval walled cities, unexpected wilderness, and striking Mediterranean landscapes are a feast for all senses.
From Lyon, the Rhone heads south, past the major cities of Avignon and Arles to the Camargue region and the Mediterranean sea. A day in Lyon is one that will linger in the memory, being filled with elegant buildings and fine restaurants – it’s no wonder it’s known as France’s gastronomic capital. It’s also an ancient city with fascinating historical sights, from the Romans onwards. Your river cruising enquiry will be sent to Laurie Reitman who has over 20 years of experience, traveled all over the world, and cruised on more than 15 of the top river and ocean lines. Slowly flowing to the Mediterranean Sea, the Rhône cuts a serene path through the heart of Southern France.
Plus many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish. Sail the rich landscape of France’s Rhône River, witnessing rustic countryside charm and elegant city couture. There are plenty more things to see and do on a Rhône River cruise, from grazing at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse in Lyon to riding a vintage steam train in Tournon.
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