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Much of it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can survey the city from atop Fourviere Hill and explore ancient Roman ruins. More Roman treasures await in Arles, where the vistas inspired artist Vincent Van Gogh, who arrived in 1888 and produced more than 300 works during his tenure here. Provence has no navigable rivers, in spite of its famed southern coastline. But the Rhone borders the whole of its western flank, providing access to its interior towns, such as Aix-en-Provence. River ships, commercial barges and privately owned boats can head due south on the Rhone to reach the Mediterranean.
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Riverboat cruising
From Switzerland it flows far more slowly into France, making its way between the Alps and the Massif Central to the Camargue delta and the Mediterranean Sea. Before railroads and highways were even thought of, the Rhône was an important inland trade and transportation route, connecting the cities of southern France to Mediterranean ports. Arles offers the most complete Roman amphitheatre in France as well as being one of Van Gogh’s most inspirational cities for his many paintings. When cruising on the Rhone, make the most of Lyon, renowned for its gastronomy and steeped in history and culture. The Rhine river also rises in Switzerland but flows north dividing France from Germany for just a small portion of its length, its major French port being Strasbourg.
Tauck's River Cruise Guide
And the view from the Saint Louis tower will confirm just how stunning the Rhône region really is. This small medieval city in the Ardèche region is absolutely unmissable. It boasts numerous sights and is dotted with well-preserved monuments from bygone ages. Here in the Rhône region, the typical French attitude to life is also very apparent.
Avignon
One of the best sights, however, is a wild, semi-feral herd of white horses that roam the Camargue that live in the marshland. The Ardèche Gorge is one of those staggeringly beautiful places you see on postcards and in travel brochures. The teal-hued Ardèche River, flowing through a deep limestone gorge between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, takes center stage and can be visited during your voyage. A highlight is the Pont d'Arc, a hulking arched rock formation that forms a natural bridge, spanning almost 200 feet across the gorge.
The Rhône begins to fragment here, carrying along some 20 million tonnes of stones, sand and clay with it every year and washing it all into the Mediterranean. The Rhône Delta is known for its black bulls, white horses and pink flamingos – you can watch the latter between the salt marshes and rice paddies, filtering water through their bills to extract plankton. This marshland is unique in France and covers 120,000 hectares.
First Timer's Guide
Beaune is the capital of Burgundy’s wine trade and it is also an extremely pretty town brimming with fascinating history, from the mediaeval ramparts to the gothic Hospices de Beaune. There’s also a market here that foodies just won’t want to leave. Just downstream is Macon, another picturesque town made for wine lovers, gourmets and those who appreciate fine scenery. The countryside here is filled with beautifully kept vineyards and peppered with fairy-tale chateaux.
Salt flats, small saltwater lakes and marshlands are all part of the vast Camargue, an unrivalled nature reserve between the Mediterranean and the Rhône River in the south of France. This protected wetland region is rich in wildlife, including pink flamingos, which you can observe at the Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau on an optional shore excursion with Viking. Flamingos are present all year, along with marsh harriers, little egrets and northern warblers. In spring/summer, you might also see black kites, black-headed gulls and common terns.
In Mâcon you can sample the region's fine wines, while in the ancient city of Arles you can visit well-preserved Roman ruins and follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh. This river cruise on the Rhône promises a perfect blend of culture, history and culinary delights. In between visiting medieval towns and delightful wine villages, there are stretches of relaxing scenic sailing. As with all Viking river cruises, this itinerary can be sailed in reverse to start or end in Paris.
Avignon is Sophisticated, Stylish and Steeped in History
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Your idyllic Rhône cruise will now call at Chalon-sur-Saône. Its 80,000 inhabitants make it the second-largest city in Burgundy today. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Saône region by bicycle or visit the city, with its many beautiful old townhouses and the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent, which is definitely worth seeing. His music was known for its elegance, exquisite detail and exemplary finish. Sail the Rhône and Saone rivers aboard a ship that is bespoke. The design, the details, the sweet service, it all adds up to a perfectly honed experience that will make you smile for many years to come.
Your Rhône river cruise takes you through Burgundy – true wine country. Travel through the breathtaking countryside of southern France, past charming towns and historical sights. Enchanting Avignon, famous for its imposing papal palace and picturesque old town, and Lyon, renowned for its gastronomic diversity and rich history, are just some of the highlights on the cruise.
The smaller vessels can also take the Canal du Rhone a Sete and head westwards for the Canal du Midi and, eventually, Bordeaux. A cruise adventure starting in Lyon is a great way to see Rhone. The most popular time for tours from Lyon is October, which has the most cruise departures. Enjoy a taste of Provence as you sample local wines and indulge in French delicacies. As we move closer to the Mediterranean, the scenery on this cruise starts to change, becoming wilder and more untamed.
As the Rhône flows southwards, you enter what is perhaps the most picturesque stretch of the river featuring some of the finest Roman heritage. In Vienne you’ll find well preserved temples and theatres to explore, while in nearby Tournon, there’s a magnificent 10th century castle. This is also prime Côtes de Rhône country and so a visit to the fabled Hermitage vineyard, set on steep slopes above the river, is incredibly rewarding. Picturesque Tournon lies on the bank of the Rhône – you will be able to admire it from the river. The Rhône region’s mild climate has allowed Le Jardin d’Eden park in Tournon to really flourish.
Watch France’s history come alive in Viviers, and enjoy the diverse range of attractions that the city has to offer. 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. 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.
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