We’ll leave by coach for Aix-en-Provence. At the foot of Mount Sainte-Victoire and surrounded by impeccably preserved countryside dotted with Provençal fortified towns, lies Aix-en-Provence. Mount Sainte-Victoire itself is a symbol of the bucolic landscapes so many artists have used as inspiration. Aix-en-Provence was founded by the Romans in 123 BC and is considered the historical capital of the region. Aix today shows off its rich architectural heritage through the superbly restored and maintained bourgeois homes, small squares bursting with flowers, private mansions, and ancient fountains. Paul Cézanne, whom many consider the father of modern art, was born here. We’ll follow the footpath marked with “C” from the home where he was born to his final resting place. This tour takes you to the highlights of his childhood as well as the cafés where he found inspiration among his friends and fellow artists. At the end of our stroll, we’ll enjoy a tasting of the city’s most famous delight, the Calissons.
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We’ll head out on an excursion to the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval, a monument built by a postman from 1879 to 1912. No other building like it exists in the world, which is why it attracts the curiosity of visitors from all over. Cheval’s challenge began in 1879 when he tripped over a stone. He took the stone home with him to examine its structure closer. The next day he went back to the same spot and found more sandstones that had been sculpted by nature. For the next 33 years, he picked up stones during his daily rounds and brought them home to add to his palace. In addition to building the structure with his own hands, Ferdinand Cheval personalized the palace with poetic texts describing his feat. After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship.
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The Côtes de Provence region is best known for its crisp rosé wines and magnificent scenery. Provence was one of the very first regions to cultivate grapevines for wine production almost 2,600 years ago. Today, vineyards extend along the coastline and deep inland. The strong mistral winds are key to its great success. We’ll visit a local vineyard for a tasting.*
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We’ll leave by coach for Paradou to visit the museum displaying more than 400 different santons—traditional, handmade figures used in local nativity scenes that represent 55 various characters from traditional Provencal village life. Each remarkable, life-like santon is based on a character from the books of Alphonse Daudet and Marcel Pagnol. They are remarkable for their originality and details. We’ll then return to Arles for a visit to the international santonniers trade show displaying almost 300 years of this local tradition—from the very first models to the latest creations. Many are priceless works of art. We'll return to the ship on foot.
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We'll leave for a guided tour of Avignon and the Papal Palace. Avignon was one of the most important cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, and the official residence of nine popes in the 14th and 15th centuries. We'll then head to the Halles market(1) to discover the regional holiday treats. After our tour, we'll return to the ship and cruise towards Tarascon.
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Although it is still in the Burgundy region, with its unique roof tiles and brightly colored facades, Mâcon feels like it should border the Mediterranean Sea.
The city has a wide range of striking monuments and beautiful, old mansions lining the streets in the older sections.
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Meet up with the guides for a walking tour of Vienne, during which you will discover this Roman city rich in vestiges. The history of Vienne goes back more than 2000 years. The city is indivisible from the Rhône river and the surrounding hills. The Allobrogi people are thought to have made it their capital, but it was in the Roman era that the city began to prosper on both banks. You will see the Antique Theatre; built roughly between 40 and 50 AD, it is considered one of the largest in the Roman empire, with its 130m diameter and 13,000 spectators capacity. Restored in 1938, it was returned to its original function and is now a venue for artistic events. The tour will continue with the Temple of Augustus and Livia (exteriors only). This temple dedicated to Rome and Augustus stood in a sacred area on the forum and has carried this name since the end of the 18th century. Its construction began about 20-10 BC; it was later transformed at the beginning of the Middle Ages into a church, and was finally restored in the second half of the 19th century thanks to the intervention of Prosper Mérimée. Finally, to complete the tour, you will see the Cathedral of St Maurice (exteriors only), which has been listed as a historic monument since 1840. Return to the boat on foot.
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Departure on foot for the visit of a wine cellar in Tain L'Hermitage.
We'll discover the vats, barrels and storehouse and learn all there is to know about wine-making. Afterwards, we'll taste* a white wine (Côte du Rhône Samorens) as well as two red wines (Crozes Hermitage la Martinière and a St Joseph, both produced in this very cellar). Return on board for dinner.
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You'll leave by coach for the Pont du Gard, a true masterpiece of ancient architecture. Built as a three-level aqueduct, it carried water across the Gardon River. We'll hike along the aqueduct trail, a 2-mile walk through the site with numerous viewing points. At the end of our trek, we'll visit the museum and then return on board our ship.
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You will set out on foot for the guided tour of the old town of Avignon. With the Pope's Palace, classed as a world heritage site by UNESCO and a testimony to the city's past when it was known as the capital of Christianity back in the Middle-Ages, Avignon offers an impressive array of monuments. Along the Passage de l'Oratoire, you'll be able to admire the exteriors of the chapel, classified as a historic monument, where many events take place during the famous Avignon Festival. We'll move on to St Agricol street where you'll get to see the diocesan Church, the oldest in the city. We'll then stop by the Place de l'Horloge, which has always been the beating heart of Avignon. Cafés and restaurant terraces are now spread out where the Roman forum once stood. Right across, you will see the walls of the Town Hall and the theater that was built in the 19th century. We'll continue to the Place du Palais. This square is roughly 800 ft long and 160 ft wide. To the East stands the Pope's Palace which faces the baroque sculptures of the Papal mint. A large golden Virgin seems to be watching the Notre Dame des Doms cathedral while the elegant Renaissance inspiration on the outside walls of the Petit Palais are showing further back. Then, discover the Pope's Palace, the most important monument in the city. It's made of two parts: the old Palais of Pope Benedict XII (1334 - 1342), and the new Palais of his successor Pope Clement VI (1342 - 1352). Our visit will take you through the staterooms where numerous ceremonies and feasts took place, the chapels, the Pope's private apartments and the terraces which offer a wonderful panorama on Avignon and the Rhône river. Return on board on foot.
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Meet up with the guides for a guided walking tour of Vienne, during which you will discover this Roman city rich in vestiges. The history of Vienna goes back more than 2000 years. The city is indivisible from the Rhône river and the surrounding hills. The Allobrogi people are thought to have made it their capital, but it was in the Roman era that the city began to prosper on both banks. You will see the Antique Theatre; built roughly between 40 and 50 AD, it is considered one of the largest in the Roman empire, with its 130m diameter and 13,000 spectators capacity. Restored in 1938, it was returned to its original function and is now a venue for artistic events. The tour will continue with the Temple of Augustus and Livia (exterior only). This temple dedicated to Rome and Augustus stood in a sacred area on the forum and has carried this name since the end of the 18th century. Its construction began about 20-10 BC; it was later transformed at the beginning of the Middle Ages into a church, and was finally restored in the second half of the 19th century thanks to the intervention of Prosper Mérimée. Finally, to complete the tour, you will see the Cathedral of St Maurice (exterior only), which has been listed as a historic monument since 1840. Return to the boat on foot.
PLEASE NOTE
This winkling city will reveal itself to you during a guided visit by coach and on foot. Our excursion will start with a stop at the Fourvière Basilica. You'll first take in the breathtaking views from the heights of the Basilica before entering it. In 1168, a chapel was built in Fourvière by Olivier de Chavannes, the Saint Jean canon, over the ruins of the old roman forum. The small chapel that was first dedicated to Saint Thomas and then to the Virgin Mary has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Its current known form dates back to 1740 and its most recent renovation was in 2008. After our visit we'll return to the coach and move on to Lyon's Old Town. You will take a walking tour with our guide and discover the "traboules”, types of passageways that are typical of the city. The first traboules are thought to have been built in the 4th century. There was a water shortage in Lugdunum (the Gallo-Roman name that was given to Lyon at the time) that led its inhabitants to settle in the "lower city” on the banks of the Saône, at the foot of the hills of Fourvière. The traboules were thus used to reach the river quickly. You'll enjoy some free time in the Saint Jean district, in the heart of the Old Town. Return on board for lunch.
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We'll leave on foot for the Cité du Chocolat in Tain l'Hermitage. Come and explore, smell and taste chocolate in all of its forms at the Valrhona discovery center. During the tour of our virtual factory, you'll be invited to take part in short activities about chocolate, and you'll hear from the women and men who help build Valrhona's reputation. Lastly, we'll indulge in a tasting of course! We'll return to the ship on foot.
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Your guide will lead you through the streets of Macon on foot to discover the rich heritage of this fascinating city. Among the many sites you'll see and learn about are the cathedral, the museum of fine arts (a former Ursuline convent) and the town hall. During your tour, you'll be able to taste* many of the local products. You'll have some free time to explore on your own before heading back to the ship.
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You will leave by coach with your guide to the Cluny Abbey. Founded in 910 by William the Pious, the abbey was under the direct protection of Rome and its abbot was granted the role of mediator between the political leaders and the pope. This ancient Benedictine abbey extended a widespread influence on all of medieval Europe. Its church was the largest in all of West Christianity until the Saint Peter's basilica was built in Rome. In 1798, the abbey was sold as a national asset and thus dismantled, while its church was almost completely destroyed. Today, you can still admire their vestiges which bear witness to the past splendour of Cluny. Return on board in Macon.
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Set off on foot for a guided visit of Arles. Arles is over 2000 years old with exceptionally well-preserved ancient architectural masterpieces and is a real open-air museum. This important tourist and cultural site welcomes visitors with open arms. During the guided visit, you will see the Roman Amphitheatre (or Arena), the Theatre Antique and St Trophime Square with its cloisters and church that were part of the Arles Route, one of the three routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. We'll continue our tour with a visit to the Forum Square and finally the Roman Baths of Constantine. Next you will head off by coach for Tarascon to the Grand Servan estate, a traditional olive farm which produces the famous Provençal olive oil. Here at the foot of the Montagnette and set around a traditional Provencal farmhouse (or bastide) dating from the 18th century, the owners have planted a large orchard of some 150,000 olive trees. You will visit the estate sitting on bales of hay in trailers, pulled along by tractors. The owners will give you an explanation on how to plant and cultivate olive trees and how the Provençal "yellow gold”, or olive oil, is produced. Your visit will finish with a tasting of the products on the estate. Return to Arles by coach.
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Discover Dole, the birthplace of Louis Pasteur, in the company of your guide as you follow the "trail of the Perched Cat”. This is a reference to the author Marcel Aymé, creator of the famous Contes du Chat Perché, who spent his childhood years in Dole. Perched on a limestone hillside alongside the canal, Dole was the capital of the County of Burgundy before it became part of the French kingdom in 1678. Along your tour, you will discover the many historic monuments which have granted Dole the City of Arts and History Label. You'll also get to see Louis Pasteur's birthplace which today houses a museum tracing the history of the scientist's life, the Cours Saint-Mauris, a garden where the fluid design of the lower section contrasts with the straight paths of its upper section. Enjoy the wonderful views over the Chaux forest from the garden's terrace. You will also be able to see the former Hôtel-Dieu, which was a hospital for the poor built in the 17th century. Since 2000 it has housed the town's media centre, municipal archives and Dole's Town of Arts and History heritage initiative. You will end your visit of Dole with the famous Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, built between 1509 and 1580, whose bell tower dominates the historic town center. There are many other monuments that you will be able to admire during the tour as you discover this town which is steeped in history. Afterwards, enjoy some free time before returning on board at your own pace.
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We'll travel by coach to one of the most beautiful villages in France, Les Baux-de-Provence, located on a plateau in the heart of the Alpilles mountain range. The village overlooks the exceptional scenery leading to Arles, the Camargue, and the Alpilles Regional Nature Park. Les Baux is one of the must-see sites when visiting Provence. The village became well known after World War II when Raymond Thuillier opened the gastronomic restaurant “Oustau de Baumanière,” which welcomed celebrities and famous politicians at the time. The entire village was placed under the protection of the French Ministry of Culture and Environment in 1966. Since then, it has become the ultimate tourist destination and has been listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages.
At the foot of the village lies the Val d’Enfer, a valley formed by erosion. Within the valley is an old limestone quarry that was used to build the village and was the inspiration or backdrop for many works, including Dante’s poem The Divine Comedy and Jean Cocteau’s Testament of Orpheus. Today, it serves as the scene for a giant multimedia show where music and colors bring to life the amazing works of Picasso, Klimt, and Van Gogh. After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship.
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Discover the off-the-beaten-path secrets in “Only Lyon.”
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As we travel through the outlying hills of Beaune, we’ll cross through several well-known wine appellations: Pommard (once appreciated by Henri IV and Louis XV), Puligny, Montrachet, and many others. When we arrive in Beaune, we’ll first visit the famous hospice, founded by Chancellor Nicolas Rolin during the extreme poverty and plague that hit the region in 1443. It remained a working hospital overseen by the Holy See up through the 20th century, with the daily activities run by nuns known as Les Soeurs Hospitalières. Now a museum, it contains over 5,000 objects, including a dazzling polyptych altarpiece of The Last Judgment by Rogier van der Weyden. The hospice is also well known for their more than 148 acres of vineyards, most of which are located in prestigious appellation areas. As anticipated, our tour will finish up with a tasting of a selection of these wines.
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At the end of the afternoon, we'll arrive in Petit-Ouges where you can take the time to visit this tiny village at your own pace. Discover the surprising mini-museum dedicated to locks and its collection of photos, post cards and objects related to the Burgundy Canal. Have fun taking in the local curiosities.
You can also enjoy a four-kilometer hike on the "Path of the Three Wash Houses", exposing three historic wash houses in very different styles. This little known area of Dijon that traces its roots back to the 7th century will surprise you. We'll return on board for dinner.
PLEASE NOTE
This winkling city will reveal itself to you during a guided visit by coach and on foot. Our excursion will start with a stop at the Fourvière Basilica. You'll first take in the breathtaking views from the heights of the Basilica before entering it. In 1168, a chapel was built in Fourvière by Olivier de Chavannes, the Saint Jean canon, over the ruins of the old roman forum. The small chapel that was first dedicated to Saint Thomas and then to the Virgin Mary has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Its current known form dates back to 1740 and its most recent renovation was in 2008. After our visit we'll return to the coach and move on to Lyon's Old Town. You will take a walking tour with our guide and discover the "traboules”, types of passageways that are typical of the city. The first traboules are thought to have been built in the 4th century. There was a water shortage in Lugdunum (the Gallo-Roman name that was given to Lyon at the time) that led its inhabitants to settle in the "lower city” on the banks of the Saône, at the foot of the hills of Fourvière. The traboules were thus used to reach the river quickly. You'll enjoy some free time in the Saint Jean district, in the heart of the Old Town. Return on board for lunch.
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Departure by coach in the company of our guide from Montmerle-sur-Saöne or Belleville to discover the Beaujolais vineyards extending on 22,500 hectares. We will pass through charming little wine-growing villages before reaching Romanèche-Thorins for a visit to the "Hameau Duboeuf ", a unique museum in Europe containing a collection of old and rare objects from over 2000 years of wine-growing history. We'll learn about the current wine-making and vine-growing processes when visiting the wine storehouse where the wines are left to age in oak barrels.
In the midst of the Beaujolais vineyards, we will discover the skills of the winemakers through exhibitions, automated puppet theaters and 3-D films. Afterwards, immerse yourself in fine aromas and delightful scents during a walk through the surprising gardens of "Oenoparc”, a true haven for wine-lovers spread out on 30,000 m² and 25 exhibition halls. Before leaving the "Hameau Duboeuf", we will, of course, enjoy a tasting* of some of the region's wines. Return on board.
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Depart by foot for the guided tour of Arles. For two thousand years Arles has maintained an outstanding architectural heritage making it a genuine open-air museum. Welcome to this tourist and cultural mecca. During this tour you will see the Roman Amphitheatre (the Arena), the Roman Theatre, St Trophimus square with its cloister and church on the Arles route; one of three routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. We will continue our tour through the Place du Forum, and finally, the Roman baths of Constantine. Then, depart by coach towards Tarascon. You will visit a domain producing the famous Provencal olive oil at the foot of Montagnette in an 18th C. Provençal country house where the estate owners have planted a large orchard of 150,000 trees. You will visit the estate sitting on straw bales in trailers pulled by tractors. The owners will explain the cultivation and production of the yellow gold of Provence, olive oil. After this discovery, you will have the opportunity to taste the products of the estate. Return to Arles by coach.
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Far from the tourist traps, discover the Petite and Grande Camargue from the back of a jeep with local guides who will share their enthusiasm for this legendary area. You'll cross the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue, a nationally designated protected area with ponds and marshes that are home to waders, pink flamingos, egrets, herons, etc. Join us for another way to get up and close to nature.
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Guided excursion by coach to explore the Camargue. You'll be able to admire its fauna and flora, typical of the Basse Camargue with its swamps and ponds, pink flamingos, bulls and horses as well as the salt marshes and rice fields.
You will then come to the delightful village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, famed for its gypsy gatherings where you will enjoy some free time before transferring back to the boat.
PLEASE NOTE
Departure on foot for the guided tour of Arles. Arles with its two thousand years of history has preserved an exceptional monumental heritage, making the city a veritable open-air museum. Welcome to one of the most important tourist and cultural sites in France. During the course of this guided tour you will see the Roman Amphitheatre (the "Arènes"), the Ancient Roman Theatre, Place St Trophime with its cloister and church, which are part of the Arles route, one of the three pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. We will continue our visit with Place du Forum and finally, the Thermae of Constantine. Free time. Return to the boat on foot.
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Enjoy a panoramic guided tour of the Camargue. Sit back and admire the rivers, marshes, ponds, pink flamingoes, black bulls and the famous, indigenous Camargue horses. Discover the salt and rice fields that make the area so well known. We'll visit a manade (bull breeding farm) and learn about the work of a manadier as we watch a demonstration of how they work with the animals they raise. Our visit will include a cocktail on the patio. At the end of our visit, we'll return to the ship in Arles.
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We’ll set out for Beaujeu, the former capital of the Beaujolais. The departure of the Beaujolais Nouveaux wine from the Les Sarmentelles International Festival is a joyful, 30-year-old event. You’ll be able to join in on the action and discover the 12 appellations of Beaujolais while listening to great music and admiring the fantastic scenery and quaint architecture of the tiny city. In the evening, we’ll enjoy the famous “soirée prestige” in the center of it all, where cabaret shows and dinner prepared by the best chefs in the region await you under outdoor tents. At midnight, we'll set off on a torch-lit stroll to welcome Beaujolais Nouveau Day and watch a fireworks show.
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Your tour guide will meet up with you at the ship and escort you to visit a candle maker in Tarascon. Learn how candles have been made throughout the past century in this fascinating workshop.
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We’ll leave Belleville by coach for the Royal Monastery of Brou. Discover why this Flamboyant Gothic-style church was voted the French public’s favorite monument in 2014. After the death of her beloved husband, Philibert the Handsome, Margaret of Austria decided to build a mausoleum complex for the sumptuous tombs of Philibert, his mother, and herself. She commissioned some of the best architects in Europe to work on the structure from 1505 to 1532 when it was completed. The church is notable for its Burgundy-style glazed tile roof, wonderfully preserved decor, marvelous sculptures, and impressive stained glass windows. The delicate stonework found inside and outside the church resembles fine lacework. The tombs themselves, created by Conrad Meit, are a fascinating study of history and art. We’ll then continue on to the medieval city of Pérouges, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Pérouges sits atop a small hill that overlooks the Ain River in the distance. The cobblestone streets and medieval homes were built over six centuries ago and truly feel like something straight out of a classic novel. The Place du Tilleul, home to a linden tree that is over 220 years old, is the quintessential spot to take in the village’s timeless charm. We’ll return on board in Trévoux.
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We will leave by coach for Marseille. Founded by the Greeks in 600 BC, Marseille is the oldest city in France. The Romans left quite an influence, too, as Marseille developed into a melting pot of cultures drawn to trade in what is now known as the Old Port. Even today, the port is a must see for its fish market and lively ambiance. La Canebière, Marseille’s famous street full of restaurants and stores, is just as popular. No one has brought Marseille to life more than Marcel Pagnol. He was born in nearby Aubagne, but studied in Marseille and set up his film studio here in the 1930s. In addition to his screenplays and films, he is known throughout the world for his semi-autobiographical novels, including La Gloire de Mon Père and Le Château de Mère.
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Alphonse de Lamartine was born in Mâcon in 1790. He was an author, poet, and statesman who had a profound impact on France during the 19th century. We’ll set out to trace his footsteps by following the bronze “Plume Trail” that will take us through the charming downtown streets to the city’s most important, historical monuments, which include the statue of Alphonse de Lamartine on the banks of the river, the Wooden House, Ursuline Museum, Mâcon Cathedral, and Saint Peter’s Church. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. We’ll return on board on foot.
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The Alpilles are a small range of low, limestone mountains. Join us for a hike through the most famous hills in Provence.
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We’ll leave by coach for an optional visit to Marseille, a city that seems to be a study in cultural and architectural contrasts. Beautiful, significant vestiges that have accumulated over the past 26 centuries mark each neighborhood and district. Just by walking its streets, visitors get a feel for the city as it began under the Greeks and Romans up to the prestigious architectural feats of the 19th century. This tour gives a good overview of the monuments, sites, and museums to discover. We’ll check out La Canebière, Marseille’s famous street full of restaurants and stores. After, we'll head to the pretty Old Port and then up to the majestic basilica that overlooks the city. The basilica took 21 years to complete. The lower crypt is carved from the rock in the Romanesque style, while the upper structure is Neo-Byzantine decorated with mosaics. We’ll return on board the ship in Martigues at the beginning of the evening.
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You will leave the boat on foot for a guided tour of Viviers. The third largest protected sector in the Rhône Alpes regions, residence of bishops since the 5th century, Viviers, a small town with a population of 3,500 is like an open-air museum, where every stone contains a page of history. You will be able to admire France's smallest Cathedral in this sumptuous medieval town. Among other things you will see the House of Knights with its superb Renaissance facade, the Tower of St Michel, the great seminary and the Belvedere with an unobstructed view of Viviers at night. Return to the boat on foot.
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We'll leave by coach for a visit to the Madeleine Cave. The Madeleine Cave is situated at the heart of the Ardèche Canyon on the scenic road from Vallon Pont d'Arc to Saint Martin. The cave was discovered in 1887 by a shepherd from Saint-Remèze. In the heart of a natural landscape, the Madeleine Cave is one of the most amazing structures formed by underground water. The sound and light show adds to the attraction of one of the finest caves in France. We'll return on board after our tour.
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Our guides will meet us at the boat to take us on a tour on foot of Chavanay. As we visit the small village, you'll discover its charming streets and architecture surrounded by the steep terraces holding the vines producing the grapes for the local wine. We’ll return on board and enjoy a wine-tasting session*.
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You’ll be transferred by coach to Vallon Pont d'Arc for a hike through the Gorges de l’Ardèche. Hikers love this area in particular for the grandiose and unique scenery in the canyon. You’ll be transferred by coach to Viviers.
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You’ll be transferred by coach to Malleval, where you’ll set off on a loop through the Pilat massif to several panoramic views of the Alps and the summits of Mont Blanc. Spring and summer provide a wealth of wildflowers to the scenery. You'll be transferred by coach to Chavannay.
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We’ll set off on a tour that includes areas of the beautiful Alpilles Natural Regional Park and the vines that produce the classic Baux-de-Provence wines. The red and rosé wines are produced mostly from the Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre varieties, giving them aromas that include blackberry, violet, black olives, and herbs. We’ll visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, located in the Alpilles Natural Regional Park, a quintessential Provençal village bursting with French charm. We’ll visit a local vineyard for a tasting.*
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The Roche de Solutré is a rare geological feature that has become a symbol of southern Burgundy. We’ll hike through the surrounding vineyards, with each stop giving us one extraordinary view after another. If the weather is clear, you’ll be able to see the Alps in the distance from the top.
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You will leave the boat on foot for the guided tour of Viviers. The third largest protected sector in the Rhône Alpes regions, residence of bishops since the 5th century, Viviers, a small town with a population of 3,500 is like an open-air museum, where every stone contains a page of history. You will be able to admire France's smallest Cathedral in this sumptuous medieval town. Among other things you will see the House of Knights with its superb Renaissance facade, the Tower of St Michael, the great seminary, and the Belvedere with an unobstructed view of Viviers.
Transfer by coach to Montélimar. You will visit a traditional nougat factory, followed by tastings. Since the 17th century, Montélimar has been famous the world over for its nougat, when the first almond trees were introduced into the region by Olivier de Serre and the first harvest led to the development of nougat production. Lively visit to the oldest traditional nougat factory in Montélimar where you can learn all there is to know about nougat - from the traditional methods of production in copper cauldrons and ending with sampling this delightful tasty confectionery. Return by coach to Viviers.
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Departure on foot for the guided tour of Arles. Arles with its two thousand years of history has preserved an exceptional monumental heritage, making the city a veritable open-air museum. Welcome to one of the most important tourist and cultural sites in France. During the course of this guided tour you will see the Roman Amphitheatre (the "Arènes"), the Ancient Roman Theatre, Place St Trophime with its cloister and church, which are part of the Arles route, one of the three pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. We will continue our visit with Place du Forum and finally, the Thermae of Constantine. Free time. Return to the boat on foot.
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Departure by coach from La Voulte towards Die. Carved out in limestone, the Vercors Regional Nature Park extends over 186,000 hectares between the Isère Valley to the North and the Diois to the South. Water has shaped deep gorges in the cliffs, majestic cirques, caves and chasms among the most famous in Europe. Wooded plateaux and valleys shaped by agriculture are home to a remarkable fauna and flora.
We'll stop at the cellars of Die Jaillance to discover a true love story between men and the vines and enjoy a wine tasting session.* Afterwards, we will continue by coach for a panoramic view of the Rousset Pass located in the heart of the Vercors and reaching an altitude of over 1400 meters. The belvedere culminates at a height of 1245 meters and from this point of view the scenery is outstanding: arid escarpments and a road with hairpin bends down the hill, which accentuates the overall impression of depth. We'll move on towards Vassieux-en-Vercors, La Chapelle-en-Vercors and Pont-en-Royans where you'll get to see the suspended houses, whose daring architecture dates as far back as the perched village itself, built in the 15th century. Last, we'll drive through Romans-sur-Isère well known for its shoe industry before returning by coach to Tain l'Hermitage to board our ship.
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Set off on a discovery tour of Chalon sur Saône and its old town. Chalon came into being as the main port to the Eduens people during the Gaulish period and saw its glory days at the beginning of the Middle Ages as the Merovingian capital of Burgundy, and then again at the end of the same period as the site of famous international fairs. Joseph Nicéphore Niepce who invented photography was born in Chalon in 1765, one more reason to the town's fame. Today, Chalon is a city of Art and History, and as you wander around the Old Town you will be delighted by the half-timbered houses built between the 15th and 17th centuries, the restored facade of St Vincent's cathedral and fine classical mansions dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Our visit will continue downtown with a tasting* session of some local wines. Return on board.
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We’ll leave on foot for Paul Bocuse’s Abbaye de Collonges for a veritable French feast. Paul Bocuse was a three-star gourmet chef who was known for his innovative approach to cuisine and his love for fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will be a singular experience in an exceptional setting, where you’ll be able to relish in out-of-this-world courses prepared by some of the most renowned chefs.
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DRINKS INCLUDED
We'll leave by coach for Cassis, known for its crisp, floral, and flinty wines. Cassis wine is produced in 12 vineyards, all located in the hills immediately around the little town. We'll visit one of these vineyards for a tasting.* We'll return on board after our tour.
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We’ll leave on foot for a guided tour of Arles following the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh. Arles is an ancient Roman city whose ruins are second only to Rome and include the Antique Theater, Amphitheater, Thermes of Constantine, and the Alyscamps. Arles is also an important stop along the Way of St. James. Vincent Van Gogh came to Arles to escape the gray winter in Paris and the indifference he felt within the artistic milieu there. He arrived in Arles on February 20, 1888, and immediately began to produce his most prolific number of works in his career: more than 300 paintings and drawings within an 18-month period. Van Gogh crisscrossed the city and its surroundings to paint the landscapes, people, and scenes as he interpreted them. Everything around him served as inspiration for his canvases. Our tour will retrace his steps to the different sites where he set up his easel, such as the Place du Forum, the Quai du Rhône, and Place Lamartine. Panels at each stop compare his painting and the actual scene as it appears today. After some free time on your own, we’ll return to the ship.
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Set out on a hike through the Gorges de l’Ardèche. Hikers love this area in particular for the grandiose and unique scenery in the canyon.
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The Calanques are bright white, rocky inlets along the French Mediterranean coast between Marseille and Cassis. The area is full of wondrous beauty, gorgeous landscapes, and fascinating heritage. The most-visited inlets include Morgiou, Sugiton, and the largest calanque—Sormiou—near Marseille, and En-Vau and Port Pin near Cassis. Depending on the weather and the national park hours, the hike will be adapted so that you can enjoy as much of the outside as possible.
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You will set out on foot for the guided tour of the old town of Avignon. With the Pope's Palace, classed as a world heritage site by UNESCO and a testimony to the city's past when it was known as the capital of Christianity back in the Middle-Ages, Avignon offers an impressive array of monuments. Along the Passage de l'Oratoire, you'll be able to admire the exteriors of the chapel, classified as a historic monument, where many events take place during the famous Avignon Festival. We'll move on to St Agricol street where you'll get to see the diocesan Church, the oldest in the city. We'll then stop by the Place de l'Horloge, which has always been the beating heart of Avignon. Cafés and restaurant terraces are now spread out where the Roman forum once stood. Right across, you will see the walls of the Town Hall and the theater that was built in the 19th century. We'll continue to the Place du Palais. This square is roughly 800 ft long and 160 ft wide. To the East stands the Pope's Palace which faces the baroque sculptures of the Papal mint. A large golden Virgin seems to be watching the Notre Dame des Doms cathedral while the elegant Renaissance inspiration on the outside walls of the Petit Palais are showing further back. Then, discover the Pope's Palace, the most important monument in the city. It's made of two parts: the old Palais of Pope Benedict XII (1334 - 1342), and the new Palais of his successor Pope Clement VI (1342 - 1352). Our visit will take you through the staterooms where numerous ceremonies and feasts took place, the chapels, the Pope's private apartments and the terraces which offer a wonderful panorama on Avignon and the Rhône river. Return on board on foot.
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Meet up with your guide and set off on a guided tour of Les Baux de Provence, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Located at the heart of the Alpilles on a rocky plateau, the village overlooks breath-taking landscapes over Arles, the Camargue and the Alpilles. This gorgeous and impressive stone fortress is definitely a must-see.
Tourism developed in this region after World War II with the arrival of Raymond Thuillier who contributed to the worldwide popularity of the Baux with the opening of the gastronomic restaurant "Oustau de Baumanière” where celebrities and political figures would often dine. In 1966, André Malraux issued a decree putting the village under protection of the Ministry of Culture and the Environment. A prosperous era then started for the Baux which had been left aside since the Revolution. The restoration of the city led to its being listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France in 1998. Return on board by coach.
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Set off on a panoramic tour by coach to the Ardeche Gorges, an area which abounds with wonderful dramatic and unspoilt natural scenery. Your breath will be taken away by the views of the mountain relief, with steep valleys, dense vegetation, the ever present granite and volcanic rocks, and much more. The Ardeche is a wild untamed river until it reaches Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. Here it bore its way through the rock, creating a huge natural archway - the "Pont de l'Arc” which is some 34 metres high. After a photo stop at an appropriate viewing point, the panoramic tour continues to the Madeleine Cave, where the coach will stop for you to visit the cave. Located in the heart of an area of pure natural beauty, and awarded 3 stars by the famous Michelin Guide, the beauty of the caves has captivated even the most experienced of travellers. The Madeleine Cave is surely one of the most amazing worlds created by underground waters millions of years ago. Return by coach to the boat.
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Discover all of Lyon's touristic highlights in only 2.5 hours and with little effort! Enjoy a leisurely bike ride around the lake in the Parc de la Tête d'Or and on the banks of the Rhône River. Our guide will let you in on the most titillating legends and anecdotes about the former Gallic capital. Don't miss the tasting of local products and delicacies in the heart of Vieux Lyon! Our tour includes the banks of the Rhône, the Place Bellecour, La Croix-Rousse, La Parc de la Tête d'Or, Vieux Lyon, the banks of the Saône River, and the Place des Terreaux.
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You'll be taken by coach to the starting point of a hike in the Alpilles Mountains to the village of Baux-de-Provence. This exceptional area is framed by limestone formations, vineyards and olive orchards. You'll have a great view of the legendary village and the surrounding valley.
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Saint-Jean-de-Losne is a small town with many monuments bearing testimony to a rich and prestigious past. Today it is the capital of barging in France, lying at the heart of the French waterways and canal system in southern Burgundy. With the help of a guided visit of the town, in the company of a registered guide, you'll discover the exterior of the Monument Commemorating the Siege of 1636 and the Hôtel-Dieu which was a hospital founded in 1658 enclosed by a wrought iron fence dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. You will also visit the Gare d'Eau (or Water Station), the Church of St John the Baptist, built during the 16th century in a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles, and the Batellerie Museum (also known as the Sailors' House), one of the oldest houses in town, dating back to the 15th century which recounts the history of navigation. Your visit of the town ends at the Hotel de Ville, a former town hall built in the early 17th century, where you'll get the chance to taste some local specialties.
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We’ll leave by coach for a visit to Gordes. Located in the heart of the Provençal countryside, Gordes has been awarded the label of “One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.” Its cobblestone streets and dry-stone wall homes are typical of the region. The church, built in 1525, and castle dominate the lush scenery in the valley. The tiny center and homes perched along the hillside form a stone labyrinth waiting to be explored. The village was built as a fortification during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods to protect the inhabitants against the plague and invasions. We’ll then continue on to Sénanque Abbey, a fantastic example of Cistercian work. The abbey was founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks from Mazan, located in the Ardèche region. The abbey church forms a tau cross, and rather unusually, its traditional liturgical east end actually faces north. The monastery took 60 years to build, and the oldest parts of the complex were built with local stones. The monks of today continue to uphold their monastic tradition of lives dedicated to prayer and labor as dictated by the Rule of Saint Benedict. The community gathers in the church seven times a day to celebrate collectively. Each monk performs a duty within the structure of the monastery, which itself is focused on the cultivation of lavender. After the flower is harvested in July and August, the monks extract the scent as an oil, which they then use to produce various products, including perfume.
At the end of our tour, we’ll return to the ship.
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