A Week On... the Rhône - Southbound

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Lyon. A transfer is included from Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport to your riverboat - ms Lumière - your floating home as you journey through the landscapes of southern France. Set at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon welcomes you to a region celebrated for its rich history, culinary heritage and enduring French traditions. Settle in and meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception, followed by dinner and an entertaining performance by a mentalist.

Discover Lyon your way today with a choice of experiences in a city whose historic districts have earned UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Take in the highlights of this historic city on a guided sightseeing tour; delve into its celebrated culinary traditions on a food-focused exploration in the city often regarded as France's gastronomic capital; or discover the artistry and heritage of Lyon's centuries-old silk industry, which helped transform the city into one of Europe's great textile centers during the Renaissance. Return to your riverboat and spend the afternoon cruising the Rhône to Vienne. 

Choose how you'd like to experience the Rhône Valley this morning. Explore Vienne, once an important Roman settlement whose ancient legacy endures in remarkable monuments, including one of France's best-preserved Roman temples, on a guided sightseeing excursion. Or venture into the renowned Côte-Rôtie wine region for a winery visit and tasting amid the vineyard-clad hills overlooking the Rhône, where vines cling to steep slopes that have produced prized wines since antiquity. Back aboard, cruise south toward Tournon, with dinner and evening entertainment along the way. 

In the heart of the Rhône Valley, discover a region where celebrated culinary traditions and scenic countryside offer two distinctly different ways to explore. Visit renowned Valrhona in Tain-l'Hermitage, where the art of fine chocolate has been perfected since 1922, for an exclusive experience that includes an introduction to the world of fine chocolate and a hands-on truffle-making class led by one of Valrhona's pastry chefs. You'll also ride a mini-train through the vineyards carpeting the hills above the Rhône, a landscape renowned for producing some of the valley's most celebrated wines. Alternatively, take to the rails aboard a vélorail bike, coasting and pedaling along the historic Vivarais Railway through a landscape of orchards, valleys and villages, offering a delightful new perspective on the region's pastoral scenery. Return to the riverboat for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Viviers.

Step ashore in medieval Viviers, a picturesque town where narrow cobblestone lanes, centuries-old stone houses and a hilltop cathedral recall its long history as an episcopal seat, for another choice of discoveries. On a guided walk, uncover the secrets of this atmospheric Rhône-side town before joining locals for a game of pétanque. This quintessentially Provençal pastime brings generations together in village squares throughout southern France. Or travel to Montélimar, famed for its nougat, for a visit to its château and a taste of the town's signature confection, a traditional specialty made with honey, almonds, and egg whites. Back aboard this evening, enjoy the sounds of a live accordionist as your Rhône journey continues. 

Arrive in the heart of Provence and choose your perspective on Avignon, the famed "City of Popes," where medieval ramparts and grand Gothic architecture recall a remarkable chapter in European history. Explore Palais des Papes, the monumental Gothic palace that recalls the city's extraordinary chapter as the seat of papal power during the 14th century, when Avignon became the center of the Roman Catholic Church, or set out by bicycle through the landscapes surrounding Avignon and Barthelasse Island, one of Europe's largest river islands, passing orchards, fields, and groves along the way. After lunch aboard, enjoy free time to discover Avignon at your own pace, perhaps wandering its atmospheric squares or admiring the famous Pont d'Avignon, immortalized in a beloved French children's song. This evening, a private experience in Avignon offers a memorable finale to your day ashore.

Cruise to Arles this morning for a guided walk through a city shaped by Roman history and immortalized by Vincent van Gogh, who created more than 300 paintings and drawings during his stay here, inspired by the brilliant Provençal light. Discover a city whose ancient Roman monuments, including its impressive amphitheater, recall its importance nearly 2,000 years ago. Then journey into the distinctive landscapes of the Camargue, a region of wetlands, salt marshes, and open plains where ranching traditions have been passed down through generations, for a private visit to Les Marquises, where your hosts welcome you to their ranch. See the region's famed bulls, mares and foals on a hayride, watch a bull demonstration in the arena, and sit down to lunch accompanied by the sounds of traditional Camargue Gypsy guitars. Back aboard your riverboat, join a hands-on chocolate art experience inspired by the landscapes and monuments of southern France before gathering for a farewell reception and dinner. 

Tour ends: Arles. Your Rhône journey concludes in Arles after breakfast. A transfer from your riverboat to Marseille Airport or the train station is included. Please allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport.