Lyon & Provence

After you board your ship and go to your stateroom, go out and see the city of Avignon. The streets are narrow and full of churches and old stone buildings. Visit the Palais des Papes, a large and beautiful Gothic palace. Then go to the Pont d’Avignon, a famous old bridge that reaches into the Rhone River and gives great views of the city.

Visit the town of Arles to see impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arenes, a large amphitheater that still hosts events today. Walk through the lively town center, where farmers gather for the well-known Provençal market. Enjoy the bright Mediterranean light and explore spots made famous by the artist Vincent van Gogh, who created many of his paintings here.

Included Excursions: Arles Walking Tour

Optional Excursions: Unspoiled Camargue & Architectural Gems, Delights of Provence, Les Baux & Carrieres de Lumieres

When the Catholic Church acquired Avignon during the 1300s, it quickly transformed the quiet riverside village into a major religious and cultural center. Evidence of the makeover is everywhere. In addition to the enormous palace, the church constructed a wall around Avignon and provided mansion-like residences to its cardinals. Avignon Cathedral was dwarfed by its neighbor, the Palace of the Popes. Centuries after the papacy returned to Rome, the Vatican called for a gilded statue of Mary to be placed atop the cathedral; her golden gaze still welcomes visitors today.

Included Excursions: Avignon Walk & Pope’s Palace

Optional Excursions: Lavender Fields of Provence, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tasting, Pont du Gard Aqueduct, Canoe the Rhone River

The sleepy town of Viviers was founded during the 5th century. This former Roman settlement became a bishop’s seat, and conflicts during ensuing centuries required the town to be fortified. With the Renaissance came a more stable period of wealth that allowed many new houses to be built, including a fine example of the era that still stands, the Maison des Chevaliers. Some buildings date back to the Middle Ages, and time seems to stand still along the cobblestone streets of its Old Town, dominated by the 12th-century St. Vincent Cathedral with its beautiful windows.

Included Excursions: Viviers Walking Tour

Optional Excursions: Charming Ardeche

Tournon lies secluded between the river and the vineyard-blanketed granite slopes that nurture fine vintages. An ancient castle, built snugly into a rock, overlooks the riverside setting. A settlement has perched on this hill since Celtic times, but the stunning views from its overlook have never changed. The name of its neighboring wine-producing region, Tain-l’Hermitage, comes from the hermit who planted vines here after returning from the Crusades. Today, his vines are awash in sunshine and produce a port-like wine and some stellar whites.

The lure of fine cuisine, charming villages and breathtaking vistas is never-ending along the Rhone River. Journey along this graceful waterway, meandering past vine-clad banks, and incredibly preserved echoes of medieval times and the days of the Roman Empire. The several locks through which the ship passes have helped to tame its waters, once unnavigable because of rapids, shallows and whirlpools. Today, a voyage along this stretch is a pleasant, gentle experience, surrounded by the hills and soaring mountains of the Rhône Valley.

Situated between France’s Burgundy and Beaujolais regions, Vienne is the gateway to Lyon’s countryside. It is one of the oldest towns in France, with a history that can be traced through its architecture. Among its Roman remains and artifacts, the Roman Temple of Augustus & Livia dates back to the 1st century AD. Its Roman amphitheater, nestled in the hills of Mont Pipet, is one of the best preserved in the nation. Vienne also boasts remarkably preserved medieval buildings and market ruins. Other landmarks include the Abbey of Saint Pierre and the Church of Saint-Andre-le-Bas.

Included Excursions: Tournon Steam Train, Vienne Walking Tour, Vienne Evening Walk

Optional Excursions: Rhone Valley Vineyard Hike

Lyon straddles the Rhône and Saône Rivers. After Paris, it is considered the country’s most significant cultural center. Amid a cityscape of red-roofed buildings, tree-lined boulevards and riverside promenades, the cobblestone streets of Old Lyon host a rich collection of Renaissance architecture and intimate traboules, unique passageways through buildings that connect adjacent streets, all of it overlooked by the grand basilica atop Fourvière Hill. The city also boasts a wealth of outstanding museums, cultural treasures and excellent Lyonnaise eateries.

Included Excursions: Panoramic Lyon

Optional Excursions: Timeless Town of Perouges, Trek Vieux Lyon, Lyonnaise Cooking Class

Lyon is known as the food capital of France. It is not uncommon for well-heeled Parisians to travel to Lyon for dinner. The city is surrounded by towns and villages that produce excellent fresh produce, and gastronomic outlets are plentiful here. The great chefs of Lyon enjoy celebrity status, whether they prepare classic recipes the traditional way or elevate them with their own signature touches. Their delicious meals may be paired with a glass of light, fruity Beaujolais from the north or a bold Rhône red from the south.

Included Excursions: Beaujolais Wine Country

Optional Excursions: Beaujolais & Truffles, Flavors of Lyon, Lyon Evening Cruise

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