Board the MS Mistral and discover France in a unique and unforgettable way by cruising and landing in the most vibrant cities and ports. Enjoy 7 days of guided tours and visits to the highlights of France, including a walk around the old town of Mâcon, a visit to the Ardèche gorges, an excursion to the Pont d’Arc Cavern, and a tour of the delightful village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
Highlights
Visit the Hameau du Vin, a unique European wine museum
Join an optional excursion through Lyon, the second largest city in France
Follow the “route des gorges” and explore the river's harmonious meanders
Explore the “palais des Papes”, a citadel perched on a rocky pinnacle
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Meet up in Lyon at 4:00 p.m. in front of the Brasserie Georges for your departure by coach towards Chalon-sur-Saône. Passengers are welcome to board the ship at 5:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, you'll be introduced to your crew at a welcome cocktail.
After breakfast on board, have the chance to take a walk in the old town of Mâcon. At around 11:00am the boat leaves Mâcon and stops after lunch in Montmerle. Join an optional coach tour of the Beaujolais vineyards, followed by a visit to the Hameau du Vin, a wine museum which is unique in Europe. Go back to the boat for dinner and sail to Lyon. Cruise to discover Lyon by night, with the illuminations in the old quarters of Lyon, a unique spectacle.
Day 3: Lyon | Tain L'Hermitage | Valley of the Côtes du Rhône
Join the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Panoramic tour of Lyon where you'll discover its famous "traboules", types of passageways that are typical of the city. DISCOVERY: Bike ride through the main monuments and districts of Lyon. You'll finish up your tour with a tasting of local products in the heart of the old town.
You'll spend the afternoon cruising towards Tain-l'Hermitage, arriving in the evening.
Day 4: Tain L'Hermitage | The Ardèche gorges | Avignon
The boat departs early in the morning, passing close to Valence, Montélimar, and Viviers. After lunch, join an optional excursion to the Ardèche Gorges. The itinerary follows the famous “route des gorges" where you can explore the harmonious meanderings of the river. Here, the Ardèche has eroded the cliff-face to create a grandiose natural arch. Discover the Pont d’Arc Cavern, a replica of Chauvet Cave (only on compulsory pre-reservation before the departure). Arrive at the end of the evening and enjoy dinner on board as the boat heads for Avignon.
Join a guided tour of Avignon and the Papal Palace. Depart for Arles. Enjoy some free time in the old section of this highly cultural city, enriched with vestiges of the Roman Empire.
Join the excursions proporsed: CLASSIC: Discover the Camargue. Visit a "manade" (horse breeding farm) and learn about how a manadier works with the animals. DISCOVERY: Safari in jeeps through the Camargue for an original immersion in the wilderness.
Continue cruising towards Martigues. Tonight is your gala dinner and evening.
Day 7: Martigues | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After an early breakfast, disembark in Martigues and start your return home.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit France Cruises.
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Main Deck-Cat A
52 cabins (38 twins, 7 double bed, 4 triple cabins, 2 single cabins) equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
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Upper Deck-Cat A
27 cabins (23 twins, 4 double) equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Notes
20% discount on children between 2-10 years
30% discount for 3rd person in triple cabin
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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