This was a dream trip – a journey through France. A Scenic River Cruise on the Rhone River through France. As a frequent European traveller, I was looking forward to a re-immersion in French culture. The good life of French food, wine, cheese, the sights and French people. Combined with a visual feast of the French countryside via the Rhone River, and it’s very hard to beat this journey.

River cruises have exploded in popularity and there are a multitude of reasons why. In Europe, you get it all in one trip – history, culture, food, wine, sights and convenience. There’s a wide variety of river cruise lines and destinations to choose from including Europe, Russia, Asia, South America and Egypt. Without  question, Europe leads the way as a river cruise destination. And Scenic River Cruises are among the very best.

Who is a Scenic River Cruise for?

• Those who want a luxury river cruise – A quality river cruise is not cheap but does represent great value. You get it all with no hassles but at a price. By booking well in advance, you can take advantage of early booking discounts; travel in off-peak times and you’ll save too.

• Those over 40 – you really need to be on the north side of 40 years old. The clientele are generally older on a river cruise. While you could keep to yourself, it’s a lot more fun to socialize with your fellow cruisers.

Why Choose a River Cruise in France?

Admittedly, the Rhone River is not the most beautiful river in Europe. The Rhône originates in the Swiss Alps, upstream from Lake Geneva and flows over 800 kilometers south all the way down to the Mediterranean Sea. Before railroads and highways were developed, the Rhône was an important inland trade and transportation route, connecting French towns and cities like Avignon, Valence, Vienne, Viviers and Lyon to Mediterranean ports. It could take 3 weeks to navigate. And it is still used today, as are many large rivers, for commercial barge traffic. Between ports, you don’t get the visual postcard that you do on the Rhine or the Danube. But you do get some of France’s best known wine regions – Burgundy, Beaujolais, the Cote du Rhone. And you also get Lyon with its history, amazing restaurants and silk works. In the south, you can’t beat the region of Provence with its sumptuous cuisine, medieval towns, and fields of lavender. And landscapes made famous by Van Gogh, Cezanne and others.

Rhône River Itinerary Highlights

So, without further adieu, let me give you a visual sampling of a “must” trip:

Must-Do Experiences on the Rhône

If you’re cruising through Southern France, these stops are the highlights. Here is one “must-do” tip for each to help you make the most of your limited time in port:

Lyon: Explore the Hidden “Traboules”

Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France, but its secret lies beneath the streets. Originally used by silk merchants to move textiles without exposing them to weather, the traboules are a network of secret passageways.Today they remain as a maze of courtyards and spiral staircases.passageways^{. Today they are a fasci}

• Must-Do Tip: Don’t just stick to the busy main squares. Duck into the unmarked doors in the Vieux Lyon (Old Town) district to discover these hidden architectural gems. If you’re a foodie, make sure you stop at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse to taste local cheeses and cured meats.

Avignon: The “Palais des Papes”

Avignon is synonymous with its history as the seat of the Western Church in the 14th century. The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) is massive.century.

• Must-Do Tip: As you walk into the old square, you’ll get a breathtaking panoramic view of the Palais des Papes. Don’t miss the tour to explore the inside and it’s massive interior. From the cruise ship, you’ll also see the famous Pont d’Avignon and have ample photo opportunities.

Provence: Immerse Yourself in “Carrières des Lumières”

Provence is a region of landscapes, but the most unique way to see art here is in the village of Les Baux-de-Provence. The Carrières des Lumières is an immersive art installation housed in a massive former limestone quarry.

• Must-Do Tip: This is often an optional shore excursion, but do not skip it. Seeing famous paintings projected onto the massive cavern walls, floors, and ceilings—choreographed to music—is a truly unique and sensory experience. It’s a great escape from the midday heat, too.

The Scenic Luxury Inclusions

Scenic Cruises does it right. Absolutely everything is included- in-room mini-bar, all drinks, Wi-Fi, all excursions, 5-star dining, butler service and nightly entertainment. Cabins are luxurious and the ship feels brand new. There are numerous special extras including Table la Rive (intimate fine dining), River Cafe (all day dining), Scenic Tailormade (personal tour GPS handheld devices), and hard to choose daily excursions. This is luxury, make no mistake about it. In the span of 7 days, our journey takes in Provence, Tarascon, Avignon, Viviers, Vienne, Lyon, Beaujolais and Macon.

Summary

Now I’m off to ponder my next river cruise…

Are you planning a European river cruise? Leave a comment about which river you’re considering!