Navigate the Rhône with Riverside Luxury Cruises
Choosing a river cruise with Riverside Luxury Cruises means embracing a refined and deeply immersive way of traveling. Along Europe’s great waterways, each itinerary is designed to combine absolute comfort, exceptional gastronomy, and a meticulously curated excursion program.
The ships, intimate and elegant, become floating boutique hotels where personalized service meets the relaxed atmosphere of a journey without haste. On the Rhône, in the heart of Provence, the experience becomes even more enchanting. Amid sun-drenched vineyards, lavender fields, and cities of art that hold centuries of history, one of the most captivating stops is undoubtedly Arles: a place where the Roman world coexists with the legacy of Van Gogh and the rural traditions of the Camargue.
Riverside Ravel France
8. Riverside minicrociere, Arles, France
Nestled on the banks of the Rhône, Arles is a city that surprises with its extraordinary concentration of Roman monuments and the intensity of its light. Founded in ancient times and flourishing under the Roman Empire, it preserves architectural masterpieces of rare beauty: from the 1st-century amphitheater, still used for events and performances, to the Roman theater where the famous Venus of Arles was discovered in 1651.
Walking through the historic center, visitors traverse centuries of history: 13th-century city gates, the Town Hall built with stones from the Roman theater, and the magnificent 12th-century Romanesque church of Saint-Trophime, with its richly sculpted portal. But Arles is also inextricably linked to the name of Vincent van Gogh, who found inspiration here for some of his most famous paintings. The lively Café de Nuit, still painted in the same intense yellow immortalized by the artist, is an iconic stop for those wishing to walk in his footsteps.
With Riverside Luxury Cruises, discovering Arles goes beyond the monuments: it becomes a multisensory journey through art, traditions, scents, and Provençal flavors. The “Van Gogh’s Arles” excursion invites you to explore the city through the artist’s eyes. Led by a local expert, guests begin with a walk through the historic center, admiring the imposing Roman amphitheater and the ancient theater, then continue through picturesque alleys and sunlit squares. The tour touches symbolic locations linked to Vincent van Gogh’s time in the city, including the famous Café de Nuit. The experience is enhanced by a visit to the local markets, where the colors of fruit, spices, and flowers evoke the artist’s palettes. The final free time allows for exploring artisan boutiques, tasting regional specialties, or simply soaking in the authentic atmosphere of the city.
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Mas en Provence Perfume Workshop_Riverside
Provence is a land of essences and aromatic plants. With the “Mas en Provence” excursion, guests reach a traditional French farm nestled in the countryside. Here, among fields cultivated using organic methods, they discover the many uses of aromatic plants and the process that transforms them into essential oils. The visit becomes a creative experience: guided by expert perfumers, guests learn the differences between top, heart, and base notes, and are led in creating their own personalized fragrance.
For those wishing to discover the more authentic and wild face of the region, the Camargue excursion offers an immersion into unspoiled nature. During the transfer, vast plains dotted with salt lagoons and reed beds are traversed, providing the natural habitat for the famous pink flamingos. The heart of the experience is a visit to a “manade,” a traditional farm where Camargue white horses and bulls are raised according to age-old practices. Guests meet the ranchers, hear stories about their breeding techniques, and watch the management of the herds. The visit concludes with a tasting of local specialties, such as brandade de morue (salted cod), paired with regional wines— a convivial moment that highlights the deep connection between the land and its gastronomy.
The “A Taste of Aix-en-Provence” excursion takes guests to Aix-en-Provence, an elegant city of art founded by the Romans in 123 BC and made the capital of Provence during the Middle Ages. Known as the “City of a Thousand Fountains,” it charms visitors with the refined Cours Mirabeau, lined with trees and stately buildings. Aix is indelibly linked to Paul Cézanne, whose artistic sensitivity was deeply influenced by the extraordinary light of the region. During the visit, guests also learn about the city’s ties to Louis XIV and its role in the French Resistance during World War II. The tour is enriched with tastings of local specialties: sun-ripened olive tapenade, cheeses scented with Provençal herbs, and the famous calissons— diamond-shaped sweets made from almonds, candied melon, and orange peel.
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Nestled among the Alpilles, one of the most beautiful villages in France rises. Perched on a rocky spur, it retains the medieval charm of its stone streets and the ruins of the castle that overlook the valley. Legend has it that the Princes of Baux descended from Balthazar, one of the Three Wise Men, adding a mythical aura to the place. After a walk, the excursion continues with a visit to a local olive mill, where guests discover the process of producing extra virgin olive oil and other specialties such as tapenade and jams. The final tastings allow guests to appreciate the quality and aromatic richness of these iconic Provençal products.
Between late June and early July, Provence turns a deep blue with the lavender bloom. The excursion to a traditional farm offers the chance to stroll among fragrant rows of lavender, learning about cultivation and harvesting techniques, including the ancient practice of manual scything. The distillation process used to extract organic essential oils is also explored, highlighting the many applications of this versatile plant.
Visiting Arles with Riverside Luxury Cruises means experiencing Provence in all its facets: from the Roman heritage to Van Gogh’s brushstrokes, from the scents of essences to the intense flavors of local cuisine, to the wild spaces of the Camargue and the medieval villages perched on the hills. Each excursion is designed to offer a balance of cultural discovery, authentic experiences, and moments of pleasure. On board, the comfort and elegance of the ship complete the experience, transforming every day into a precious memory.
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