France - Colors of the Rhone and Provence

Your French Adventure begins in the city of Lyon, a supremely qualified rival to Paris that offers today’s urban explorers a wealth of enticing experiences. This bustling city provides the perfect starting place for your Teeming River Cruises French tour. After settling in your cabin, which will be your floating hotel room for the duration of the cruise, a mandatory Safety and Information Briefing will be at 6 PM.

Vienne is bathed in a gentle light which bestows a Mediterranean feel on the town. Its impressive Roman ruins (temple, theatre, city of Saint-Romain-en-Gal) have contributed to its renown, in addition to its medieval heritage (Romanesque cloister, Gothic cathedral, and covered passageways). One of the city’s great charms is the comfortable coexistence of styles from every period of its history. A cross-timbered medieval house sits just a few feet from the ruins of the Garden of Cybèle, a Gallo-Roman forum, while barrel-vaulted passageways lead from one narrow street to the next.

Perched on the edge of the Rhône River, is the picturesque village of Tournon. Standing majestically on its granite rock foundation as if serving as watchman of the town, is Château de Tournon (Castle of Tournon), a medieval castle-turned-museum whose foundation dates back to the 10^th century. Below the castle is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets meandering through the historic city center where there are monuments that have preserved the area’s cultural heritage through the years. One such building is the Collegiate Church Saint Julien, built in the 14th century with the Penitent’s Chapel next to it housing magnificent frescoes.  There are also beautiful landscapes (specifically the lovely botanical Garden of Eden situated near the old rampart) and plenty of charming shops to dash into. Visitors can also cross the Rhône on the Seguin Footbridge, the oldest suspension bridge still used in France, to reach Tain-l’Hermitage, where explorers can purchase amazing chocolate at the popular La Cité du Chocolat Valrhona.

Arles is a Mediterranean city, in the Provence region of southern France. It’s famed for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh, which influenced the contemporary art displayed at the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh. Once a provincial capital of ancient Rome, Arles is also known for many remains from that era, including its marquee attraction the Arles Amphitheatre (les Arènes d’Arles), now hosting plays, concerts, and bullfights.

Located in the heart of Provence, Avignon is full of history and life. The capital of the Vaucluse and the Côtes du Rhône, seat of the popes, and city of art and culture, theatre, cinema, museums, big stores, and little shops, Avignon is a small city that has everything. From medieval streets and houses to private mansions from the Renaissance, you will pass through all its old and enticing squares, some no bigger than a tiny lane. Avignon invites you for a stay beyond all imagination.

The lovely pale-stone buildings of Viviers, presided over by a graceful hilltop cathedral.  This enchanting town was spared during WWII and is a great representation of life in the middle ages. Exploring Viviers on foot allows visitors a fascinating glimpse of its layered history, from Roman and medieval times to the Renaissance and beyond, and an up-close view of a charming French country village. This charming town looks very different by day and by night!

Your cruise comes to an end in the picturesque city of Lyon. Depart after breakfast, with freedom to explore this world-class city on your own. France’s second city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a sophistication that makes it a hugely intriguing option for visitors. Lyon is known for its cuisine and gastronomy, historical and architectural landmarks, outstanding museums, dynamic cultural life, thriving university, and fantastic shopping.  Lyon is located amongst the best wine producing regions in France, the Cotes du Rhônes and Beaujolais, two of the centers of Rhône and Burgundy wine regions respectively. While this is the end of your cruise, your memories will live on from your French Adventure. Thank you for cruising with Teeming River Cruises, where vacations come first and memories last.