Must-see sites on the Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue

You are welcome to board your ship at 4 p.m. Once everyone is on board, cast off to the south. After you’ve comfortably settled into your cabins, be introduced to your crew at a welcome cocktail. Tonight, enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment onboard.

In the morning, join a guided tour of the city and a tasting at Paul Bocuse’s Les Halles de Lyon. Cross through the city and go up Fourvière Hill to the white basilica, the best place to take in the view. Then head over to Vieux Lyon to have a look at its historical homes and the “bouchon” restaurants that are found throughout the district. Learn about the discrete and strategic doorways leading to shortcuts, known as traboules, that go from street to street. Don’t miss the tasting of fine food at Paul Bocuse’s Les Halles de Lyon, a huge, three-story, indoor market where close to 50 shops offer the finest gourmet food. Enjoy a snack of local sausage and cheese, topped off with a lovely glass of wine*. Then join the Saône River and head towards the next port of call, Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or.

Join an optional extraordinary French gastronomic experience at Paul Bocuse’s Abbaye de Collonges (reservation mandatory before departure). Paul Bocuse was a three-star gourmet chef who was known for his innovative approach to cuisine and his love for fresh ingredients of the highest quality. This will be a singular experience in an exceptional setting where you’ll be able to relish in out-of-this-world courses prepared by some of the most renowned chefs. At the end of your delicious evening, return on board the ship and start sailing.

Leave on foot for the Cité du Chocolat in Tain L’Hermitage. Come and explore, smell, and taste chocolate in all of its forms at the Valrhona discovery center. Lastly, indulge in a tasting of course!

You’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Avignon, reaching it in the evening. Enjoy an evening of onboard entertainment.

This morning, join a guided tour of the Papal Palace, an imposing fortress and luxurious palace that symbolizes the power of the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages. It is one of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in Europe and the city’s most famous attraction. Take a step back in time as you stroll through the immense halls, contemplate the beauty of the chapels, and visit the papal apartments.

Or

Join an optional excursion to the Luberon and Sénanque Abbey. Nestling in the heart of the Vaucluse mountains and the Luberon nature park, Sénanque Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, is still home to a community of monks. This majestic edifice is one of the region's most emblematic treasures. During your visit, you'll discover the cloister and the abbey church. This sacred site, whose architectural beauty reflects centuries of history, exudes a sense of calm and serenity. You'll also catch a glimpse of Gordes, one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", with its characteristic dry-stone houses and limestone cliffs.

Start sailing towards Arles. Enjoy some free time before returning on board for an evening of entertainment.

This morning, join an excursion to the Camargue. The epitome of traditional Provençal culture, this immense flatland is home to exceptional wildlife and plants which thrive in its marshes, ponds, and seashore. Visit a manade, where bulls are raised and horses are trained, to learn about the various traditions in the area.

Spend the afternoon cruising through the gorgeous French countryside, passing by Valence—dominated by its cathedral—and Montélimar, known for its famous nougat.

This morning, join an optional guided tour of Viviers. This city feels like an open-air museum where the pages of history are written in stone. Visit the smallest cathedral in France, the House of Knights with its superb Renaissance-style facade, Saint Michel Tower, the Great Seminary, and the overlook, which gives a lovely view of Viviers.

Set out on an optional visit to the Gorges de l’Ardèche this afternoon. This panoramic tour from the comfortable seat of a coach will bring you to the heart of the treasures found in the area. The 18-mile canyon (30 km) was carved by turbulent waters that left behind steep cliffs, deep valleys, dense vegetation, and stunning limestone formations. See the Pont d'Arc, a natural arch almost 100 feet high carved out by the Ardèche River, and its namesake village, stopping at an overlook to take in the splendid views.

Return on board the ship in La Voulte and start sailing towards Lyon. Tonight is your festive gala evening.

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.