French Art and History Along the Rhône River (port-to-port cruise)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating seven-day journey through the heart of France, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience, taking you from the bustling city of Lyon to the charming Provencal towns of Mâcon, Pérouges, Tain-l'Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, and Aix-en-Provence. You'll discover the enchanting medieval architecture, taste the finest local cuisine, and follow in the footsteps of renowned artists like Alphonse de Lamartine, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh. Each day is filled with unique attractions, including the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval, the Quarry of Lights, and the Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse market. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure, complete with comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and the company of a knowledgeable guide.
Included
Accommodations in a double-occupancy, climate-controlled cabin with shower in private bathroom
MS Camargue or similar
Official welcome from the captain and crew
Visits mentioned in the program
All onboard beverages (not including the special lists)
Onboard activities
Gala evening
Assistance from our onboard, multi-lingual host/hostess
Emergency/repatriation insurance
All port fees.
Free Wi-Fi onboard
Headsets are included for excursions
Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
All port fees included
Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day
Welcome cocktail
All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
Destinations
Aix-en-Provence
Marseille
Lyon
Arles
Avignon
MâconMap
Attractions
Arles Amphitheatre
Musée AmpèreDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Lyon to Mâcon
- Lyon
- Mâcon - Arrival day
- More
Welcome aboard! Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Lyon. After settling into your cabins, you'll be introduced to our crew at a welcome cocktail. As the evening unfolds, enjoy a delightful dinner on board while we set sail for Mâcon. Don't miss the mesmerizing sight of Lyon illuminated at night as we depart.
Day 2 – Day 2: Mâcon to Lyon via Pérouges
- Lyon
- Mâcon
- More
- Musée Ampère
- More
Begin your day with a guided tour of Mâcon, exploring the city through the eyes of French author and poet Alphonse de Lamartine. Discover the city's colorful facades and major sites as described in Lamartine's works. In the afternoon, we'll journey to the medieval village of Pérouges, one of France's most beautiful villages. Wander along its cobblestone streets, taste local products, and step back in time to the era of knights and troubadours. We'll then return to our ship and cruise to Lyon, arriving in the evening.
Day 3 – Day 3: Lyon to Tain-l'Hermitage
- Lyon
- Tain-l'Hermitage
- Saint-Péray
- More
Start your day with a guided tour of Lyon, including a visit to the Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse market. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the white basilica on Fourvière Hill, explore the historical homes and bouchon restaurants of Vieux Lyon, and learn about the city's secret passageways, known as traboules. Don't miss the opportunity to taste fine local food at the market, including sausage, cheese, and wine. In the afternoon, we'll cruise to Tain-l'Hermitage, arriving in the evening.
Day 4 – Day 4: Tain-l'Hermitage to Avignon
- Tain-l'Hermitage
- Avignon
- Saint-Péray
- More
- Train de l'Ardèche
- More
Today's highlight is a visit to the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval, a unique monument built single-handedly by a local postman over 33 years. Discover the fascinating story behind this extraordinary structure, adorned with poetic texts describing the postman's feat. After the visit, we'll return to our ship and spend the afternoon cruising to Avignon, arriving in the evening.
Day 5 – Day 5: Avignon to Martigues via Les Baux-de-Provence and Arles
- Avignon
- Arles
- More
- Remparts d'Avignon
- Arles Amphitheatre
- More
Our journey today takes us to Les Baux-de-Provence, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Explore its château and church, and visit the Quarry of Lights, a former limestone quarry now hosting multimedia art exhibitions. In the afternoon, we'll tour Arles, an ancient Roman city renowned for its ruins and its connection to Vincent Van Gogh. Follow in the artist's footsteps, visiting the sites where he set up his easel. We'll then cruise to Martigues, arriving in the evening.
Day 6 – Day 6: Martigues to Aix-en-Provence and back
- Aix-en-Provence
- Marseille
- More
- Gallifet Art Center - Aix en Provence
- More
Today, we'll explore Aix-en-Provence, the city adored by artist Paul Cézanne. Discover the city's deep history, charming architecture, and vibrant squares. Follow the letter 'C' on the streets to walk in Cézanne's footsteps, and enjoy a tasting of the traditional Calisson d'Aix, a local delicacy. In the afternoon, we'll return to our ship in Martigues. The evening concludes with a festive gala.
Day 7 – Day 7: Farewell in Martigues
Day 7: Farewell in Martigues
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. As our memorable journey comes to an end, we bid you farewell and hope to welcome you back on another exciting adventure soon.
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