Rhône
France & Switzerland
Initially used as a trade route, the Rhône River connects Northern Europe to the Mediterranean via 505 miles of scenic views. It begins in the Swiss Alps, winds its way to Lake Geneva, and then flows into France to the Mediterranean Sea. Many of the charming and historic towns along this route are known for red wines and delicacies such as truffles and cheeses. Along with vineyards, sunflower and lavender fields are quite prominent.
A river cruise on the Rhône will either start in Lyon or Chalon-sur-Saône. If headed in the opposite direction, the cruise will start in Arles or Avignon. Consider spending an extra day or two in Lyon if you love French foods, or plan your cruise around the third Thursday of November when the cultivated Beaujolais Nouveau is out for sale every year.
Because the Rhône runs south to the Mediterranean rather than through Central Europe's imperial capitals, its cruises lean more toward food and wine than castles and cathedrals — a good match for travelers who've already done the Rhine or Danube and want a different, more culinary focus for a return trip to river cruising.
Ports of Call
Chalon-sur-Saône, France
Also referred to as just “Chalon”, this port is located in Burgundy and is the starting point for trips to Dijon. The region of Chalon is most known for its wine and for being the birthplace of photography. In 1816, Nicéphore Niépce invented photography and thanks to that, Kodak has a large presence here. The Musee Nicéphore Niépce contains an unimaginable amount of photography information and displays, as well as cameras from the Apollo space missions.
Mâcon, France
Every May, the Burgundy wine sales occur in Mâcon, which goes to show how important of a role this town has in the wine trade. Wine lovers and cruisers flock to Benedictine Abbey of Cluny, a Unesco-Protected site located 15 miles northwest of Mâcon, or simply go taste the local wines of the region.
Lyon, France
As the second largest city in France, Lyon was founded over 2,000 years ago. Beautiful architecture is displayed throughout the city, which is best viewed after climbing the steep steps to the top of the Basilique de Notre-Dame. From here, you can look out over the rooftops of Lyon and past the vineyards and the rivers. The city also has a number of excellent museums, including the textile museum Musée Historique des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs, and the Musée des Beaux Arts, ranked second only to the Louvre. This city has a reputation for having some of the most incredible foods and local delicacies in the region, including quenelles de brochet (mousse of pike), with a handful of Michelin-starred chefs with ties to the city.
Vienne, France
Most notable for its jazz festival in July and its incredible Roman heritage, Vienne is an enticing town that appeals to a lot of tourists. One of the most well-preserved Roman amphitheaters in all of France is located here, on Mt Pipet, seating 13,000 people and still used for theatrical performances. Vienne also displays a lot of 1st-century Roman architecture at the Temple d'Auguste et de Livie.
Tournon-sur-Rhône, France
Getting to Tournon, you'll pass by many mountains, jagged cliffs, and castles scattered throughout, with vineyards plentiful. A 10th-century castle overlooks the city while Tain-l'Hermitage sits across the river. The most popular tour in Tournon is riding the train through the Doux Valley to the region of Ardéche, known for its wine and lavender.
Tain-l'Hermitage, France
Connected by a walkable bridge to Tournon-sur-Rhône, Tain-l'Hermitage is a quaint and simple town. Chocolate lovers will enjoy a visit to Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, near the food market in the center of town.
Viviers, France
The quiet town of Viviers sits on top of a hill and is separated into two parts: the Upper Town, home to the clergy, with incredible views of the Rhône only accessible through a 130 foot tall Tower of St Michael, and the Lower Town, home to craftsmen and business people. All of Viviers is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most well-preserved Medieval towns in Southern France. Nearby is Montélimar, the center for nougat-making in France.
Avignon, France
This university city, known as the City of Popes, is surrounded by medieval walls. In the town center is the historical Palais des Papes, one of the largest and most significant Gothic buildings in Europe. Avignon is also home to a famous bridge, Pont Saint-Bénézet, originally built in 1189.
Tarascon, France
This possible stop along your river cruise is a guarded medieval town that the river runs directly through. Located here is the Charles Demery fabric factory where beautiful French fabrics are made. The Collegiate Church and Château de Tarascon are frequently visited sights.
Arles and the Camargue, France
Helping to create an important relationship between Italy and Spain, the Romans built their first bridge here in this appealing small town. The town sits right along the Rhône riverbanks and was once the temporary home of Vincent van Gogh. It holds many Gallo-Roman ruins, including an amphitheater called Les Arènes, seating 20,000 and still used today for bull fights and plays. From Arles, you may be able to take an excursion to the Camargue, a beautiful nature reserve famed for its white horses and pink flamingos.
