Riverside Ravel, 7 nights French Fete in Saone and Rhone River Cruise ex Lyon to Avignon

One ship, 2 rivers, 8 days and countless memories! This grand journey introduces you to two of France's greatest rivers: the Saone and the Rhone as well as Burgundy, Provence, and the Camargue, the country's largest wetlands reserve! Embark in 2,000-year-old Lyon with its secret covered Traboules (passageways) zig- zagging around the city and world-renowned foodie culture. Then, cruise along the Saone in Riverside luxury, encountering unforgettable gems in Art Nouveau Chalon-sur-Saone and Macon, where a Louis XV-era apothecary—and its heavy walnut drawers devoted to opium, ivory, silk, cocoon, and other unusual products-offers a peek at 18th-century medicine. Travelling south, enter the waters of the legendary Rhone to discover just what makes this region so special: ancient Vienne and Viviers, France's tiniest city; pretty, Provencal Tarascon; and Vincent Van Gogh's beloved Arles, where the artist prolifically captured the area's allure on canvas more than 200 times. Riverside also lets you select activities for a more personal experience, like a day trip to Burgundy's Beaujolais wine region, iconic Aix-en-Provence, or the Camargue with its pink flamingos and wild horses. For the chance to get out and really get moving, active excursions include kayaking and sightseeing by e-Bike. Last, but certainly not least, is scenic evening cruising through the beautiful Rhone Delta-tres magnifique!

NOTE: This cruise includes a RIVERSIDE HIGHLIGHT EXCLUSIVE sunset dinner at Château de Panéry winery, featuring fabulous food, music, and, of course, free-flowing wine!

LYON, FRANCE
Lyon is the destination for fine food fans. 2000 years of rich history. Musee des Beaux-Arts. The old town with cobblestone streets. The Basilica Notre-Dame and a magnificent view over the city and the countryside. Silk painting in the smart working-class district of La Croix-Rousse. The gourmet temple of Les Halles de Lyon de Paul Bocuse. The finest cuisine in the region’s typical “Bouchon” style. So much sensuality. So much pleasure.

CHALON-SUR-SAONE, FRANCE
Quelle surprise! The beauty of Chalon-sur-Saone begins right at Quai Gambetta, where the boat docks. Walk upstream and discover this pretty town, where Julius Caesar left his mark, and whose museum focuses on the invention of photography. In Chalon-sur-Saone, you can see pretty half-timbered houses and façades in an Art Nouveau style. The Théâtre Piccolo was modelled on the royal opera in Versailles.

MACON, FRANCE
With colourful old town houses and the old church of St. Vincent, with vineyards and meadows, Macon is a charming little town. If you walk through the city and come to Place aux Herbes, you should stop in front of the Maison de Bois wooden house. While looking at the façade, you will discover magical grotesques and mythical creatures. Incidentally, the French international footballer Antoine Griezmann was born in Macon.

VIENNE, FRANCE
This city is a jewel for people interested in both yesterday and today. Vienne is a small town, but already boasted 30,000 inhabitants in the 2nd century. Trade and steam navigation brought an upswing in the 19th century. And what can you expect to see? Definitely the Archaeological Museum, the St-Romain-en-Gal museum complex with the “House of the Ocean Gods” and the remains of the former thermal baths. And afterwards, it’s best to sit down in a café and enjoy the present.

VIVIERS, FRANCE
At night, the stories seem to emanate from the walls of the nearby houses. Narrow alleys. Cobblestone. This small town is a true gem. Yes, a walk through Viviers is a journey back to the Middle Ages, because the former bishop’s town was spared the destruction of wars. Besides small shops, there are also big things to see. For example, the cathedral with special works of art such as the five tapestries – three of them were given to the bishop by Napoleon III. A highlight in the truest sense of the word is the viewpoint in the upper town. What a view of this enchanting place.

TARASCON, FRANCE
Tarascon, located in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region of southern France, is steeped in history. The magnificent Tarascon Fortress, built in the 15th century, stands as an imposing symbol of the town's medieval heritage. Constructed between 1401 and 1433, it served as a first line of defense on the border territories of the Rhone River and as a residence for King Rene, who held the titles of King of Naples, Duke of Anjou, and Count of Provence. This formidable fortress has been exceptionally well- preserved and now houses a museum showcasing historic artifacts, art, and furniture. The town's Collegiate Church of Saint Martha, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, is another architectural gem. Tarascon's rich history extends to its annual "Fete de la Tarasque," which celebrates the mythical Tarasque monster, a unique local legend.

ARLES, FRANCE
This pearl of Provence is surrounded by the most beautiful natural parks in Europe. Today, Arles is the epitome of important art and a contemporary witness to an eventful history, from the amphitheatre to proud patrician houses. And what would Arles be without van Gogh – strolling through the town in the footsteps of this great artist – that too is unforgettable.

AVIGNON, FRANCE
It is a city of unparalleled beauty. It curves its way over the river Rhone, and has done so since 1840. The Pont Saint-Benezet acquired international fame through the song “Sur le pont d’Avignon”. Crossing it, you find yourself immediately in front of the Papal Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval buildings in Europe. It arose, it must be said, out of sheer laziness: For the Archbishop of Bordeaux did not wish to travel to Rome for his papal consecration. He had himself crowned in Lyon and had a palace built in Avignon. A monument.

There is a photo of the famous French composer Ravel showing him in a relaxed pose in a leather armchair, with a well-groomed appearance, a bespoke suit, and with a waistcoat and silk tie. This photo symbolically stands for Riverside Ravel. A voyage on this ship means enjoying comfort and fine cuisine, stimulating the senses and experiencing the unforgettable. As in Ravel’s famous Boléro, you will glide slowly at a constant rhythm over the Rhône and Saône – and it is an attraction in itself.

A river cruise touches the senses. It combines space and time to create a contemplative experience. Sitting on the upper deck in an intimate atmosphere, watching unspoiled, beautiful scenery pass by – these are moments you will never forget.

Marvel at the engineering prowess of the locks. Immerse yourself in the culture of Europe's most beautiful cities. Enjoy the culinary specialties of the regions the ship passes through. And you only have to pack your suitcase once. Yes, a river cruise in Europe with Riverside Luxury Cruises also means setting out to find yourself.