Riverside Ravel: A Luxury French Riverboat on the Rhône and Saône

Day 1     Lyon, France

Arrive in Lyon and explore its 2,000 years of rich history. Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the old town with its cobblestone streets, the Basilica Notre-Dame, and stop for a magnificent view over the city and the countryside. Try your hand at silk painting in the smart working-class district of La Croix-Rousse, followed by a visit to the gourmet temple of Les Halles de Lyon de Paul Bocuse.

Day 2     Macon

With colorful old town houses and the old church of St. Vincent, with vineyards and meadows, Mâcon is a charming little town. Wander through the city and come to Place aux Herbes, visiting the iconic Maison de Bois wooden house.

Day 3      Chalon-sur-Saône

The beauty of Chalon-sur-Saône 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-Saône, 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.

Day 4      Lyon

Pass through Lyon again and visit more of its iconic sites.

Day 5      Vienne

This city is a jewel for people interested in both history and modern-day France. 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. Explore 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 slow down with an espresso.

Day 6       Tain-l’Hermitage

Just opposite Tournon, Tain-l’Hermitage is a town in the Drôme department, to the north of Valence. Côtes du Rhone wine and gourmet chocolate make Tain-l’Hermitage a popular destination with epicurean travelers. All excursions to Tournon will be operated from here.

Day 7       Tain-l’Hermitage

Another full day to explore this beautiful area.

Day 8       Viviers and Châteauneuf-du-Pape

If you like historic towns, you will love Viviers! Thanks to Bishop Charles de la Font de Savine, Viviers was spared from the destruction during the French Revolution and has kept its medieval structure until today. The best way to explore the divided city is on foot, but be careful, the stairs to the upper town are numerous. It is worth it, however, if only for the view. Visit the Saint-Vincent Cathedral. It is said to be the smallest cathedral in France.

Later, we will head towards Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Day 8       Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Avignon

Châteauneuf-du-Pape literally translates to “The Pope’s new castle,” and indeed, the history of this area is firmly entwined with papal history due to its proximity to Avignon. It is renowned for its stunning wines, producing full-bodied red wines made primarily from Grenache grapes, often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre. The town is presided over by its stern castle with a history dating back to the 9th century.

Afterwards, sail towards the final destination and disembarkation point, Avignon. Avignon is a city of unparalleled beauty. It curves its way over the river Rhône, and has done so since 1840. The Pont Saint-Bénézet 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.

Day 1     Lyon, France

Arrive in Lyon and explore its 2,000 years of rich history. Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the old town with its cobblestone streets, the Basilica Notre-Dame, and stop for a magnificent view over the city and the countryside. Try your hand at silk painting in the smart working-class district of La Croix-Rousse, followed by a visit to the gourmet temple of Les Halles de Lyon de Paul Bocuse.

Day 2     Vienne

This city is a jewel for people interested in both history and modern-day France. 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. Explore 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 slow down with an espresso.

Days 2-3     Tain-l’Hermitage

Just opposite Tournon, Tain-l’Hermitage is a town in the Drôme department, to the north of Valence. Côtes du Rhone wine and gourmet chocolate make Tain-l’Hermitage a popular destination with epicurean travelers and are the main attraction for visitors. All excursions for to Tournon will be operated from here.

Day 4     Viviers and Châteauneuf-du-Pape

If you like historic towns, you will love Viviers! Thanks to Bishop Charles de la Font de Savine, Viviers was spared from the destruction during the French Revolution and has kept its medieval structure until today. The best way to explore the divided city is on foot, but be careful, the stairs to the upper town are numerous. It is worth it, however, if only for the view. Visit the Saint-Vincent Cathedral. It is said to be the smallest cathedral in France.

Later, we will head towards Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Day 5     Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Avignon

Châteauneuf-du-Pape literally translates to “The Pope’s new castle,” and indeed, the history of this area is firmly entwined with papal history due to its proximity to Avignon. It is renowned for its stunning wines, producing full-bodied red wines made primarily from Grenache grapes, often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre. The town is presided over by its stern castle with a history dating back to the 9th century.

Afterwards, sail towards the final destination and disembarkation point, Avignon. Avignon is a city of unparalleled beauty. It curves its way over the river Rhône, and has done so since 1840. The Pont Saint-Bénézet 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.