Exploring the Burgundy, River Rhône, and Provence River Cruise with Riviera Travel

Imagine drifting along the serene waters of the Rhône River, surrounded by some of France‘s most picturesque landscapes. The sun gently warms your face as you sip on a glass of local wine, the scenery shifting from rolling vineyards to ancient Roman ruins, all while enjoying the comfort and luxury of your floating hotel. This is the essence of Riviera Travel‘s Burgundy, the River Rhône, and Provence River Cruise, a journey through the heart of France's most celebrated regions, blending rich history, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. The Journey Begins: Burgundy, my adventure started in the historic region of Burgundy, renowned worldwide for its exceptional wines and stunning landscapes.

Embarkation day was spent getting familiar with the Lord Bryon ship which was to be my home for the week. The ship was moored in Lyon overnight so I took the opportunity to stretch my legs and see some sights before returning to the ship for dinner and a relaxing evening getting to know my fellow sailors.

My first morning was a coach trip to to the Notre Dame de Fourvière followed by a walking tour of the charming city of Lyon, known as the culinary capital of France. This took in some of the city's historical hidden passageways and a Sunday morning stroll through the food market gave me a great flavour of this place before it was back to the ship for lunch and an afternoon relaxing on the deck as we sailed away, for the first time heading for Chalon-sur-Saône. I couldn't believe how relaxed I already felt as my holiday had just started. For evening dinner we opted for a table in the bistro where we witnessed a stunning sunset before taking part in a quiz, How French are You?

Having arrived in Chalon-sur-Saône in the early hours the ship was moored up for breakfast. Eggs Benedict set me up for the day and it was off to Beaune where I opted to wander at my leisure, strolling through the narrow streets lined with medieval half-timbered houses and enjoying coffee in a pavement café before joining the wine-tasting tour. Feeling quite knowledgeable on all things wine we set back to the ship for a late lunch and sailed south on the scenic Saône heading for Vienne. Another afternoon taking in the stunning sites as we cruised. Dinner, a hilarious Majority Rules quiz followed by music from the on-board musician was how the evening went! Our next day took us to Vienne, a guided tour, some free time shopping and sipping more coffee in another pavement café as we idled away the morning. A land train ride up a steep incline not only saved our legs but rewarded us with some insane views back down towards the river and over the ruins of a Roman Theatre, which once held up to 13,000 spectators. We then embarked on our journey down the river, where we were surrounded by Burgundy’s vineyards, where some of the world’s most prestigious wines are produced. After another gorgeous lunch, a planned visit to see the captain in the ship wheelhouse/bridge was this afternoon's entertainment, it was a sea of screens, buttons and gadgets but some great views from the captain's seat and nothing but admiration at his talent getting us through some amazing locks! This was arguably the most picturesque part of the Rhône River. Another dinner, plenty of local wine and lots of laughter with fellow guests in the evening before retiring to cabins and hanging the room service breakfast card on my cabin door!

Wednesday was a morning on the river so it seemed a perfect time to sample breakfast in bed and watch the views from my open balcony window, catching glimpses of the Alps too. The afternoon was a coach trip to a lavender farm and while the lavender had already been and gone for this season we could still enjoy a lavender ice cream and stock up on all things lavender in the gift shop! This was followed by the Ardèche Gorges which can only be described as breathtaking. Keep your camera handy. Back to the ship for a quick change in time for dinner and some musical entertainment from a string trio! As if the day hadn't been fun enough we discovered that around midnight we were to be passing through the deepest lock in France, it was an amazing experience and even though I almost needed matchsticks to keep my eyes open I was never going to miss it! This morning we woke in deepest Provence. The pace of life here seemed slower, and more relaxed, and the air was filled with the scents of wild herbs and flowers. Arles is just my kind of place, with lots of cute nooks and crannies and beautiful streets to explore. It inspired many of Vincent van Gogh’s most famous paintings and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its Roman amphitheatre, which is still in use today, and its charming old town, where the spirit of van Gogh lives on in the vibrant colours and light. Lunch on board and it was a quick turnaround today as there was another excursion this afternoon and while these are by no means compulsory I did not want to miss this one, the famous Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that I'd only ever seen in photos before today. It is stunning and not to be missed, I walked down to the river and joined the many tourists out for a paddle! Some were swimming but I was not so brave! Back to the ship this evening and time for Chefs Dinner, an amazing gourmet treat including some regional specialities and time for our last sail away of the week as we made our way to Avignon. Arriving around 10 pm those who were less tired from last night's lock adventure might have chosen a quick walk on dry land but I waited until the next morning!

After breakfast, we headed into the city famously known as the City of Popes. The imposing Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) dominates the city’s skyline, a grand fortress that once served as the papal residence during the 14th century. Avignon is also home to the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the legendary bridge immortalised in the French song "Sur le Pont d'Avignon." This was being sung by many in our tour group as they remembered French lessons at school! Some free time to explore at leisure was also enjoyed here. It is difficult to say if it's the destinations or the ship that are the stars of the show and I would say they truly complimented each other. The onboard experience with Riviera Travel is equally as exceptional. The ship itself is a floating boutique hotel, offering a high level of comfort and luxury. Spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and attentive service ensure that your journey is as enjoyable as the destinations you visit. The ship’s panoramic lounges and sun decks provide the perfect vantage points for soaking in the ever-changing scenery. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast as the sun rises over the vineyards or unwinding with a glass of wine at sunset, the relaxed pace of river cruising allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the French countryside.

Whether it’s a wine tasting in Burgundy, a stroll through the lavender fields of Provence, or exploring the ancient Roman ruins along the Rhône, each excursion is designed to enrich your experience and deepen your appreciation of this remarkable region. Conclusion: A Voyage to Remember Riviera Travel’s Burgundy, the River Rhône, and Provence River Cruise is more than just a holiday—it’s a journey through the heart and soul of France. From the world-class wines of Burgundy to the timeless beauty of Provence, this cruise offers a unique blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first river cruise like me this voyage promises to be an unforgettable experience, leaving you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

So, if you’re looking to explore France in style and comfort while delving into its rich history and indulging in its culinary delights, look no further. Bon voyage!