Lyon & Provence

Arrive in Lyon and settle into your stateroom before discovering one of France’s most important cultural centres after Paris. Set between the Rhône and Saône Rivers, Lyon is known worldwide as the country’s culinary capital, with some travellers making the journey from Paris purely to dine here. The region’s exceptional produce, celebrated chefs and renowned wines, from light Beaujolais to bold Rhône reds, have shaped a food scene unlike anywhere else in France. Beyond its cuisine, Lyon offers a striking mix of red-roofed buildings, riverside promenades and tree-lined boulevards alongside one of Europe’s richest collections of Renaissance architecture. Explore Old Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the continent’s most densely preserved Renaissance districts, where elegant townhouses built during the city’s prosperous silk-weaving era now house museums and cultural landmarks. Hidden traboules, distinctive passageways connecting streets through buildings, reveal another layer of the city’s history. At the heart of Old Lyon stands St. Jean Cathedral, an enduring symbol of the city and a remarkable blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture that has survived centuries of political unrest and religious conflict. Above the city, the grand basilica on Fourvière Hill overlooks Lyon, completing a destination defined by history, culture and exceptional cuisine.

Enjoy the excusurisions in Lyon

Enjoy the excusurisions in Lyon

Located in France’s renowned Côtes du Rhône region, Vienne is one of the country’s oldest towns, with a history woven through centuries of architecture and remarkably preserved landmarks. Once an important Roman trading centre, the city is home to some of France’s finest ancient remains, including the Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, dating back to the 1st century AD, and one of the nation’s best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, set into the hills of Mont Pipet with sweeping views over the city’s red-tiled rooftops. Beyond its Roman legacy, Vienne reveals layers of medieval history through its preserved buildings, market ruins and notable sites such as the Abbey of Saint Pierre and the Church of Saint-André-le-Bas. During July, the city comes alive with its internationally recognised jazz festival, attracting acclaimed musicians from around the world and adding a contemporary rhythm to this historic destination.

Around 50 miles south of Lyon, the twin villages of Tournon-sur-Rhône and Tain l’Hermitage sit opposite one another on the banks of the Rhône in France’s celebrated Côtes du Rhône region. Surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside, this area is deeply connected to the region’s long history, culture and winemaking traditions. Explore Tournon’s charming old town and visit its hilltop castle overlooking the river, before crossing to Tain l’Hermitage, renowned for producing some of the Rhône Valley’s finest wines. The town is also home to the famous Valrhona chocolate, offering another local specialty to discover. Together, these neighbouring villages provide a glimpse into authentic Rhône Valley life, where historic landmarks, exceptional wine and regional gastronomy come together. Set on the right bank of the Rhône, Viviers is a small town rich in history, where centuries of architectural heritage unfold along narrow cobbled streets and quiet squares. Originally founded during the 5th century on the site of an earlier Roman settlement, Viviers later became a bishop’s seat and was fortified during periods of conflict, leaving behind layers of history still visible today. The town’s medieval character remains remarkably preserved, with buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and elegant Renaissance additions that reflect a more prosperous era. Among its highlights is the Maison des Chevaliers, one of the finest surviving examples of Renaissance architecture in the region. Overlooking the Old Town, the 12th-century St. Vincent Cathedral stands as the city’s defining landmark, admired for its striking windows and historic presence. Time seems to move more slowly in Viviers, where centuries-old streets, Roman remnants and riverside views create one of the Rhône Valley’s most atmospheric destinations.

Located at the head of the Rhône delta on the edge of the wild Camargue marshlands, Arles is a town shaped by centuries of history, art and Provençal culture. During the final years of the Roman Empire, Arles served as the capital of Roman Gaul, a legacy still visible in its impressive collection of Gallo-Roman monuments. Among the most notable is Les Arènes, a vast Roman amphitheatre once built to seat 20,000 spectators and still used today for cultural events and traditional performances. Beyond its ancient ruins, Arles is known for its lively atmosphere, with bustling Provençal markets drawing farmers and local producers from the surrounding countryside. The town also holds a special place in artistic history. The distinctive Mediterranean light inspired Vincent van Gogh during his time here, influencing some of his most celebrated works, many of which feature recognisable scenes from Arles itself. Today, Arles offers a blend of Roman heritage, artistic legacy and authentic southern French culture, making it one of Provence’s most captivating destinations.

Avignon’s narrow streets are lined with churches and remarkable medieval buildings. This “City of Popes” was the papal seat for 70 years during the 14th century after the sitting pope abandoned Rome and fled here. The massive church-fortress Palais des Papes, or Palace of the Popes, was the center of the Christian world during that controversial period. It remains a work of Gothic splendor. Another of Avignon’s notable structures reaches into the Rhône, the ruins of the Pont d’Avignon. The 12th-century bridge, immortalized in folk song and dance, once spanned the river.

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.