Cruise and Hikes: The Rhône and the Saône Reveal the Richness of Their Terroirs (port-to-port cruise)

LYON - MÂCON - VIENNE - AVIGNON - ARLES - The Camargue - ARLES - VIVIERS - TOURNON - LYON

Boarding at 6:00 p.m. Presentation of the crew and welcome cocktail. Dinner and lively evening.

In the morning, included excursions:

HIKERS: Urban hike in Lyon. During this unusual walk, you will discover the secrets of the capital of the Gauls. You will cross the historic center, towards the Tête d’Or Park, along the banks of the Saône and the Rhône, Place des Terreaux and the City Hall, the splendid Place Bellecour, the Opera, and some curious sights such as the Wall of the Lyonnais or the Wall of Writers. It is also the Lyon of Guignol and his companion Gnafron, of gastronomy and "bouchons", but also the Lyon of the Resistance and its tragedies during the Occupation and the Second World War. (Duration: 3 hours of walking, 10 km and no elevation.)

NON-HIKERS: Guided tour of Lyon. The city reveals its most beautiful assets, one of its symbols being without a doubt the Basilica standing on the top of Fourvière Hill. Old Lyon is just as fascinating: this medieval district reflects the city's golden age, and its famous traboules (covered pedestrian passageways) are real little gems. Return on board and departure for a cruise towards Mâcon.

The cruise follows the curves of the Saône, first through the heart of the capital of the Gauls, where the Saône River is an integral part of the magnificent Lyon panorama. Its influence was decisive in the city’s development, especially in the older neighborhoods. nThen the river winds through the valley and the plain, scattered with villages, beautiful mansions, and many castles...

Arrival late in the evening. Overnight stop.

In the morning, included excursions:

HIKERS: Hike to the Roche de Solutré. A major site of Prehistory, resulting from a rare geological phenomenon, this natural monument is the emblem of southern Burgundy. As you walk through the vineyards, you will enjoy remarkable viewpoints of the Roche de Solutré and the Saône Valley. From the top of the Roche, on a clear day, you may see the Alps. (Duration: approx. 2 hours of walking, 5 km and 120 m of elevation.)

NON-HIKERS: Cluny Abbey. In the Middle Ages, it extended its influence across all of Europe. Before the construction of Saint Peter’s in Rome, its abbey church was the largest in Western Christendom. Today, remnants of this prestigious heritage remain, including the beautiful Holy Water Bell Tower, which offer a glimpse of the richness of this once great Christian site.

Return on board and departure for cruising.

You will travel along the Saône and its varied landscapes, then reach the Rhône after Lyon. Overnight cruise to Vienne.

Included excursion for HIKERS / NON-HIKERS: Vienne. The richness and diversity of its heritage have elevated Vienne to a City of Art and History. From the Gallo-Roman era to the industrial age, remnants of the past blend with vibrant cultural activities, exemplified by the Jazz Festival.

Afternoon navigation on the Rhône towards Avignon. The Rhône Valley unveils the magnificent Pilat Regional Park, a mid-mountain massif extending over 700 km², featuring varied landscapes alternating between fir and beech forests, pastures, vine-covered hillsides, orchards... A preserved territory home to rich flora and fauna. Pass by towns like Condrieu, Vérin, Chavanay, located on the famous Rhône Valley wine route.​

Entertaining evening. Overnight navigation.

Arrival early in the morning in Avignon. Onboard conference.

Morning - Included excursion HIKERS/NON-HIKERS: Avignon and the City of the Popes. From its glorious past as the capital of Christendom, the city has retained an exceptional heritage. From the Popes' Palace to the Saint-Bénézet Bridge and the medieval ramparts, Avignon proudly displays its historic legacy at the gates of Provence. The imposing fortress of the Popes' Palace — the largest Gothic palace in the world — symbolises the immense power of the Church in the Middle Ages. It hosted seven pontiffs in the 14th century. During the visit, explore the grand ceremonial halls, chapels, and private apartments, tracing the political and religious power wielded from this site.

Return onboard for lunch and navigation towards Arles, arriving early in the afternoon.

Afternoon - Included excursions: The Camargue, birthplace of Provençal culture and tradition, is a wild and authentic land of stunning biodiversity and unique scenery. Set between sky and sea, it’s a preserved natural sanctuary.

HIKERS: 4x4 tour of the Camargue. An immersive adventure into this wild region. Let yourself be guided through vast, untamed landscapes in a safari-style experience that awakens all your senses.

NON-HIKERS: Visit of a traditional manade and Camargue experience. Discover the local bull- and horse-breeding traditions, including a demonstration of horseback herding by gardians — the Camargue cowboys. Their profession, rooted in medieval customs, lives on in this unique setting.

Evening: Provençal-themed evening and folkloric entertainment onboard.

Morning - Included excursions:

HIKERS: Hike in the Alpilles and the village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Transfer by coach to the village of Fontvieille. From there, start your hike along the iconic limestone chain of the Alpilles — the most famous and beloved hills in Provence. This is where Van Gogh found his inspiration, amidst mineral landscapes and Provençal light. The hike will lead you to the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence, perched like an eagle’s nest in the Alpilles. Artists, artisans, and local producers bring this stunning place to life all year round. Return transfer to the boat. (Duration: 3.5 hours, including 2 to 2.5 hours walking, 5 km, elevation gain 250 m)

NON-HIKERS : Guided tour of Arles and visit to an olive oil producer. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Arles is a city of Roman heritage, Van Gogh’s legacy, and Provençal culture. The tour includes a visit to an olive oil producer to discover this cornerstone of local gastronomy.

Afternoon: While the excursion is underway, the ship sails to Avignon where passengers re-board. Then, navigation continues towards Viviers.

Evening - Included excursion HIKERS/NON HIKERS: Viviers. A medieval town classified as a protected heritage site, Viviers overlooks the Rhône from a rocky outcrop. It is home to a rich collection of architecture, including nine buildings listed as historic monuments.

Early morning departure on a cruise towards Tournon. As you cruise along, you will pass Montélimar, the capital of Nougat, and Valence, at the heart of the Drôme, symbolising the gateway to the South of France. In Tain l’Hermitage, you will enjoy a scenic view over the sloping vineyards.

Arrival in Tournon in the early afternoon.

Included excursions:

HIKERS: Hike to the ruins of Crussol Castle. Departure by coach to Saint-Péray, starting point of the hike. You will explore the Crussol Mountain, which has a unique vegetation in the region. It features a beautiful formation of Jurassic limestone rich in fossils, including ammonites and belemnites. Your route will lead you to the ruins of Crussol Castle. Its remains majestically overlook the Rhône Valley. A 3-hectare historic site enclosed within its ramparts, sure to delight lovers of medieval history. Centuries of history remain behind its once-impenetrable fortress walls. The site is also unique for its historical heritage and its rich biodiversity. Crussol Castle is classified as a Natura 2000 site and a Sensitive Natural Area. Return to Tournon.

NON-HIKERS: Tournon. Guided tour of Tournon, stop at the castle-museum, followed by a tasting of local wines and regional products. The charming village of Tournon overlooks the banks of the Rhône. Its impressive castle, cobbled streets, terraced vineyards, lush gardens and spectacular views invite you to enjoy a visit rich in emotion and sensory experiences. Return on board for the gala evening.

Overnight cruise towards Lyon.

Buffet breakfast on board. Disembarkation at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.