From its glacial source in the Swiss Alps to its final rush into the Mediterranean sea, the Rhône River courses over 800 km, reaching the South of France and creating the Camargue, Western Europe’s largest river delta. Experience France’s second-longest river and the heart and soul of southern France up close and personal on Riverside Luxury Cruises departing from the dramatic walled city of Avignon or the foodie paradise of Lyon, where the Saône and Rhône rivers majestically converge. Enjoy casual dinners on deck, late nights in ports, daily small group excursion choices, featuring everything from guided walking tours to wine tastings and active pursuits while also enjoying highly personalized service, elegantly appointed suites, an exceptional crew-to-guest ratio, culinary excellence, and a wealth of luxury amenities on board to ensure an utterly perfect vacation to be had by all.
Southern France Sojourn with Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Rhône Delta
10- days Avignon to Lyon or reverse* aboard the Riverside Ravel
2024 departures: August 2, September 2, October 13 & October 25
2025 departures+: May 25, June 1*, 8, 15*, 22, 29*, July 6, 13*, 20, 27*, August 3, 10*, 17, 24*, 31, September 7*, 14, 21* & 28
+2025 departures are 11-days long and include a stop in Macon and Chalon sur Saône.
Avignon
From the iconic Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the biggest gothic palace in the world, to the famous Pont d’Avignon (St. Bénezet Bridge), there is so much to see and do in this historic city nestled in the heart of Provence. Enjoy a walking tour led by an expert guide and explore the historical centre of Avignon with its elegant squares, tree-lined boulevards, and maze of narrow cobblestone alleyways. Learn about the powerful popes and what prompted their construction of the city’s massive fortress and impressive fortified walls. Enjoy a scenic drive to Pont du Gard, the highest Roman aqueduct bridge in the world, and soak in the awe-inspiring surroundings. For a more active day, choose an eBike tour or a Gardon river kayak adventure which will also take you to the 1st-century Pont du Gard.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
No trip to France is complete without sampling the wines of the legendary Châteauneuf-du-Pape and visiting the 800-year-old hilltop castle dominating the village below, which makes the experience even more unforgettable. Here the history of the world-famous appellation, whose connection to the papacy began in the 14th century, comes to life during a VIP tour of the château and its surrounding vineyards. Hear about the stoney terroir that produces the wines’ distinguished flavours, then join the Sommelier in the cellar for a tasting of four red and white wines, expertly paired with an assortment of tapas.
Viviers
Medieval Viviers, France’s tiniest city, is definitely worth a visit due to its rich historical past. Your walking tour will take you to the Saint-Vincent Cathedral, the House of the Knights, the Bishop’s Palace, the Roman bridge with its 11 arches dating to the 2nd century and so much more. The city is also a gateway to many outdoor pursuits and you will have the opportunity to visit a truffle farm, where you will learn all about this “black diamond” of the culinary world characteristics, harvesting, and how you can elevate your own recipes with truffles when you return home. Alternatively, lace up your hiking shoes and get back to nature on an exhilarating guided hike in the Ardèche Gorge, considered the Grand Canyon of Europe. Another option presents a visit to the largest cave replica in the world, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chauvet Cave, with its exceptional collection of cave art, created by people who roamed Central and Western Europe 36,000 years ago. The ship lingers late in Viviers, so spend the evening with a local guide and enjoy music, a sunset and humorous anecdotes about the town’s most colourful characters and events.
Arles
A few places boast such an astonishing collection of Roman ruins. See the theatre where the famous Venus of Arles was discovered in 1651, city gates dating to the 13th century, the Town Hall, and the 12th-century Church of St. Trophime. Walk in Van Gogh’s footsteps, past the cheery yellow Café de Nuit, still open and the same shade of yellow as when he painted it. Take a trip to medieval Les Baux-de-Provence, nestled in the scenic Alpilles mountains and designated as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Explore the castle sitting high atop a rocky outcrop and conclude your day with a remarkable sound and light show at the Quarry of Lights. Alternatively, embark on a journey through the captivating Camargue, a pristine nature reserve situated between Arles and the Mediterranean Sea, and renowned for its pink flamingos, salt marshes and wild horses. You can also visit Aix-en-Provence, a “City of a Thousand Fountains” founded by the Romans in 123 BC. You will find the spirit of artist Paul Cézanne lives on and is immortalized with a bronze statue, showing the artist on his way to Mount Sainte-Victoire, one of his favourite subjects.
Tarascon
Built on the left bank of the Rhône in the heart of the golden triangle of Nîmes, Arles and Avignon, Tarascon is the emblematic seat of the Counts of Provence and also the encounter between history, architecture, nature and legends. Meander through the Jewish quarter, the 9th-century castle, the 17th-century Hôtel de Ville (town hall), and St. Martha’s, the half Romanesque, half Gothic church where legend claims the Biblical figure Martha is buried.
Tain L’Hermitage
Côtes du Rhône wine and gourmet chocolate make the town a popular destination with epicurean travellers. Take an easy guided hike to the Cave de Tain at the foot of Hermitage Hill and enjoy a special tasting featuring wines, cheese, and chocolate. You can also visit Valrhone, the City of Chocolate, and participate in a workshop to create (and taste) this classic treat. For a completely different experience, one monument has been talked about around the world for over a century. In the small village of Hauterives, within a lush garden, Ferdinand Cheval (known as the Postman Cheval due to his job) built one of the most incredible works of art ever, Cheval’s Ideal Palace. Spending thirty-three years of his life building a two-storey palace from stones, pebbles and shells he collected on his daily mail rounds and inspired by images from postcards he delivered and his own dreams.
Lyon
Discover the best of Lyon, recognized for its gastronomy, as well as historical and architectural landmarks, on foot or by eBike. Riding along the Rhône & Saône rivers, you’ll pass the gorgeous urban Tête d’or Park, iconic PlaceBellecour, in the city centre, one of the largest open squares in Europe. Take a funicular ride up to visit FourvièreBasilika and the Roman Amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose origins date back to around 15 BC. Enjoy a market tour of Les Halles de Paul Bocuse, a remarkable indoor market offering the very finest produce available anywhere. For an out of town experience, consider a day in Chardonnay with a delectable lunch at Le Moulin du Gastronome and wine and liqueurs tasting at the 6th century Château de Pierreclos. If you prefer red wine over white, enjoy a half-day trip to the “Tuscany of France”, the Beaujolais, and enjoy a wine tasting at the Château de la Chaize, a family owned winery dating back 350 years, in medieval Oingt. There is also the option to visit medieval Pèrouges, perched on a hill with French Alps as the perfect fairytale backdrop. Wander through narrow alleyways, visit tiny homes, and one of the oldest inns in France, and enjoy a famous Galettes de Pèrouges, a delicious sugar pastry, before heading back to the ship.
On board the Riverside Ravel, the accommodation is all-suite and exceptionally comfortable, whether you choose an entry-level Melody Suite or the two-bedroom, two-bathroom Owner's Suite. Each suite features a king-size bed convertible into two twin beds, bed linens made from the finest cotton, height adjustable dining/coffee table, a sofa, bar area with a minibar, Espresso coffee maker, flat-screen HD TV, USB sockets, luxurious terry bathrobes, slippers, closet, high quality toiletries, in-suite safe, 220 volt electricity and the services of a Butler who takes care of your every request. Simply stay in touch via WhatsApp and relax. Additional inclusions such as laundry, ironing and complimentary limousine transfers on embarkation and debarkation days are available in the higher end suites. Roundtrip group transfers by coach are available for lower suite categories.
One of the highlights of your Riverside cruise will be your culinary discovery. The chefs will spoil you from breakfast to dinner, and in between, from the bread and jam made on board, to exquisite dishes based on the regions the ships are travelling through, using fresh, locally sourced produce. Ratatouille, bouillabaisse, tapenade, salade niçoise, socca, daube de boeuf as well as fish, seafood and a wide variety of cheeses to name just a few delightful options awaiting guests on their Rhône sailing. All dishes expertly paired with exquisite wines from the region you are sailing through. You will also have several dining venues to choose from when cruising aboard the Riverside Ravel. Find delicious tapas at the Bistro, Michelin-inspired à la carte selections at the Waterside, grilled fish and juicy steaks at the Vista Bar & Grill paired with delicious Rosé from the Rhône region and complete with picturesque views. You can also opt for a platter of grilled seasonal vegetables or a charcuterie board featuring local meats and cheeses as you watch the sun set down. For the ultimate dining experience, try the elegant and exclusive Vintage Room. This private enclave dressed in fine linens, welcomes up to 10 guests for a seven-course wine pairing dinner on select nights. Over a glass of Bollinger Champagne, meet the chef and sommelier who will introduce and describe each course and wine choice in detail. There is an upcharge for this extravagant meal (295 euros per person) but you won’t be disappointed, we promise.
Luxury Without Boundaries:
• Expansive Suites with windows facing king-size beds
• Panoramic French balconies
• Personal Butler service for every guest
• Fully stocked mini-bar
• Michelin-inspired cuisine, prepared à la minute
• All-inclusive premium spirits, Champagne, and cocktails
• Multiple gourmet restaurants and 24-hour room service
• Luxurious spa, indoor pool and a rooftop pop-up bar
• Complimentary StarLink Wi-Fi
• Choice of daily shore excursions
• Complimentary bikes and ebikes
• Gratuities, port charges, and airport transfers included
• Unique refundable deposits
Contact your Travel Professional for details or visit here.
Mention a promo code CATL2024 and enjoy €250 per person onboard credit applicable to all Riverside 2024/2025 cruises of 7 nights and longer.