Springtime Sensations of Lyon and Provence river cruise from Arles to Lyon, 3 April 2027 (7 nights)

Avignon is a remarkable river cruise destination on the Rhône, with picturesque views and incredible architecture to admire alongside a vibrant culture to explore and an intriguing history to uncover. Known as the Pope’s City, for the time it spent as the papal capital between 1309 and 1377, this enchanting city is home to a real abundance of impressive medieval architecture – with Palais des Papes, Pont d’Avignon, and the surrounding Remparts d’Avignon among the highlights. You’ll also find the city centre is littered with museums and art galleries; whether you’re interested in local history, contemporary art, or ancient artefacts, history buffs will be spoilt for choice when it comes to how they spend their time here. And then there’s the culinary scene; from bustling markets filled with local produce and regional wine tasting experiences to Michelin-starred restaurants and more, Avignon caters to all kinds of culinary explorers and you’re certain to find something delicious here. Beyond Avignon, though, and across the Rhône River, you’ll find Villeneuve-lès-Avignon; this charming medieval village is home to even more incredible cultural experiences and landmarks, with the imposing Fort Saint-André overlooking the village and the surrounding landscape. If you’re looking for fantastic views of Avignon, or somewhere a little less busy than the vibrant city centre, then a short trip across the Rhône is worth considering. However you spend your time in Avignon, though, it promises to be a rewarding river cruise experience.

An intriguing medieval city on the Rhône River, Viviers is a fantastic river cruise destination with a lot to uncover – and enough historical sites to explore that you could almost describe the whole town as an open-air museum! Whether you want to spend some time exploring this charming riverside town under your own guidance, or on a walking tour with a local guide feeding you all the facts, Viviers is a feast for the eyes; while the impressive cathedral dominates views of the town from afar, the sloping cobblestone streets in the lower parts of the town are overflowing with interesting medieval structures and noteworthy sites worth seeing. When climbing up to see the cathedral up-close, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy staggering views of the Rhône Valley – and the scenic spot where the Canal de Dérivation de Montélimar branches off of the Rhône, which is well worth taking the time to admire. You’ll also find Viviers a fantastic starting-point for walking and hiking, if you’re hoping to stretch your legs and explore the great outdoors when you arrive; there are plenty of options here, with hikes up to nearby vantage points and leisurely riverside strolls equally available. Foodies will also have the chance to indulge in authentic local cuisines here, but may find their options limited due to the small size of Viviers itself. If you’re looking for a more expansive culinary experience, you might want to consider venturing further afield to Montélimar – a vibrant, larger town just across the Rhône. This nearby destination boasts its own selection of interesting historical landmarks, unique sightseeing opportunities, and immersive cultural experiences to enjoy, too! So, as a river cruise destination, Viviers really does have a lot to offer every type of traveller. Viviers itself is a fantastic place to spend some time if you’re looking for an in-depth exploration of the region’s history and the chance to admire the natural beauty of the Rhône Valley; however, a short trip to Montélimar is an excellent option for those after a more lively locale, with an expanded selection of restaurants and bars to spend some time in, and plenty of boutique shopping experiences to explore.

Lyon is a charming French city bursting with incredible cultural experiences, indulgent culinary adventures, intriguing history to uncover, and a real abundance of things to explore and enjoy. Surrounding the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, it’s an idyllic river cruise destination if you’re looking to stroll along scenic riverside promenades; and, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spend some time soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of waterside cafes and restaurants too, if that’s what you’re looking for. A city often described as the ‘French Capital of Gastronomy’, delectable French cuisine is found everywhere; with an abundance of culinary specialties to indulge in throughout the city, even the most adventurous of foodies will find something to satisfy their appetites here. However, Lyon is so much more than just a food capital of France. You’ll also find a wide variety of museums to visit in Lyon, with everything from regional natural history and the French Resistance to film and contemporary artwork explored throughout this city. So, whatever your interests, you’re bound to find somewhere interesting to explore when you visit. Although, there are just as many impressive sites outside the museums in Lyon as there are interesting exhibits within them; sensational landmarks like Place Bellacour, Basilique Saint-Bonaventure de Lyon, and Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste are just a few highlights among the variety of medieval, Renaissance, and modern landmarks you’ll find throughout Lyon. You’ll even find an ancient Roman amphitheatre here, too – an impressive reminder that this city’s history stretches back over two millennia. Ultimately, Lyon is a river cruise destination where there’s something for everyone to enjoy; so, however you choose to spend your time here, you’re in for a rewarding experience you won’t soon forget.