From Lyon to Avignon · Europe (River) · 7 nights
From Lyon to Avignon
These identical ‘Rhine Class’ vessels offer a welcoming range of lounges and facilities, with spacious and beautifully decorated suites.
The Riverside Luxury Cruises experience is defined by comfort,
space, fine cuisine and service and these ships have all of these
hallmarks and so much more. Contemporary, light-filled suites shine
and allow for an unforgettable and refined luxury river cruise.
Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon is one of France's most appealing cities. Its reputation for gastronomic excellence is well deserved, with hundred of wonderful restaurants, from lavish Michelin-starred affairs to family-run joints tucked away down a back alley. What's more, the UNESCO listed historic centre boasts a marvellous ensemble of Renaissance-era buildings, best appreciated from the top of the soaring Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
The little town of Mâcon lies on the west bank of the Saône, at the southern edge of Burgundy, and it’s a great base for sampling the region’s famous wines. A popular excursion is a trip to nearby Beaune, home to the magnificent medieval Hospices de Beaune and its prestigious wine estate.
The riverside town of Tournus is known for the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert, of which the Romanesque 11th-century church is the main surviving element. Other nearby sights include the splendid Château de Cormatin, the medieval village of Brancion and the Mâconnais wine region, home of the Chardonnay grape.
Chalon-sur-Saône was once a key trading centre and port, situated at the meeting of Roman roads, the river Saône and several other inland waterways. The city’s distinguished history is reflected in its handsome buildings, and this is an excellent base from which to explore the southern Burgundy wine regions.
Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon is one of France’s most appealing cities. Its reputation for gastronomic excellence is well deserved, with hundred of wonderful restaurants, and the UNESCO listed historic centre boasts a marvellous ensemble of Renaissance-era buildings.
Vienne was an important trading centre during Roman times, and spectacular remnants of this era survive, including a remarkably well preserved temple and a hillside amphitheatre with marvellous views across the red-tiled rooftops. The city also hosts a renowned jazz festival during July, featuring some of the world’s most talented musicians.
The twin villages of Tournon-sur-Rhône and Tain l’Hermitage sit on opposite banks of the Rhône, around 50 miles south of Lyon. Visit Tournon’s hilltop castle and charming old town, then sample some of Tain l’Hermitage’s excellent wines and the famous Valrhona chocolate.
The little town of Viviers, on the right bank of the Rhône, is a delightful place to explore on foot, with its narrow, cobbled medieval streets and elegant cathedral. A lot of history is packed into a small space, including Roman remains and the Renaissance era Maison des Chevaliers.
This commune in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France is the place to go to sample some fantastic wines from the surrounding vineyards, the climate and soils here perfect for thriving viticulture. The charming village itself is a delight to stroll around, with the ruins of a medieval castle dominating the hilltop.
The former papal stronghold of Avignon cuts a dramatic figure, perched above the Rhône and ensconced behind towering walls. The Palais des Papes was home to a succession of 14th century pontiffs, and still looms large over Avignon’s atmospheric old town.
