From October 31 to November 7, 2026, Riverside Luxury Cruises invites guests to experience a truly special journey along the Rhône, from Lyon to Avignon, designed for those who wish to discover France through its most refined expressions: fine dining, great wines, classical music, art and history.
The journey begins in Lyon, a city situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers and regarded as one of France’s gastronomic capitals. It is the perfect place to immediately embrace the spirit of this cruise: here, fine cuisine is an integral part of the city’s identity. A must-visit is Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, the renowned covered market dedicated to gastronomic excellence, where regional produce, cheeses, cured meats, chocolate and French specialties showcase the country’s extraordinary culinary heritage.
But Lyon is much more than its gastronomy. The city preserves more than two thousand years of history, from Roman remains to medieval and Renaissance architecture, from the mysterious traboules of Vieux Lyon to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. From here, the journey heads south, following the course of the Rhône and passing through one of France’s most fascinating regions for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
The first stop is Vienne, a city with a rich Roman heritage. Walking through its streets, visitors encounter monuments that recall the important role Vienne played in antiquity: the Temple of Augustus and Livia, the magnificent Roman Theatre and Saint-Maurice Cathedral are among its most evocative landmarks. History enthusiasts can also explore the Gallo-Roman Museum, which offers a glimpse into everyday life in ancient Vienne through mosaics, sculptures, villas and baths.
Just across the river from Tournon, Tain-l’Hermitage is an almost unmissable destination for wine and food lovers. Some of the Rhône Valley’s most prestigious wines are produced here, including the renowned Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage appellations. This is a land where wine is not simply a beverage, but the result of a landscape, a history and centuries-old traditions. In Tain-l’Hermitage, the world of gastronomy also meets that of chocolate at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, an immersive experience dedicated to one of the most beloved ingredients in haute pastry.
The Rhône then leads to Viviers, a small town in the Ardèche that seems to have stepped straight out of a history book. Its historic centre is an open-air museum, with Saint-Vincent Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, the Maison des Chevaliers and elegant residences lining the Grande Rue. Climbing towards the upper town rewards visitors with beautiful views over the Rhône and the surrounding valley.
If there is one place where history and wine are inextricably intertwined, it is Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The name itself evokes the papal history of Avignon. The ruins of the medieval castle recall the town’s connection with the Popes, while the vineyards covering the surrounding hills reflect a winemaking tradition that has become famous throughout the world. Strolling through the village means immersing oneself in a medieval atmosphere, among ancient stone buildings, boutiques and wine cellars.
The journey continues to Avignon, one of Provence’s most iconic cities. Enclosed within its ancient walls, Avignon boasts a remarkable historical heritage. Its undisputed highlight is the Palais des Papes, one of Europe’s most imposing medieval structures, which recalls the period when the city became the seat of the papacy. Also not to be missed is the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet, known around the world thanks to the song Sur le pont d’Avignon, as well as the streets of the historic centre, perfect for exploring at a leisurely pace.
Continuing south, the journey reaches Arles, one of the most fascinating cities in Provence. Its Roman heritage is extraordinary: the amphitheatre, ancient baths and Church of Saint-Trophime bear witness to the city’s long history. But Arles also has a deeply artistic soul. It was here that Vincent van Gogh found one of his greatest sources of inspiration. Following the Van Gogh trail, visitors can identify some of the places the artist painted during his stay in the city. Combining Roman history, art and the landscapes of the Camargue, Arles is one of the most evocative stops on the entire itinerary.
The final stop is Tarascon, a town steeped in medieval atmosphere. Dominated by its imposing 15th-century castle, the historic centre is home to charming squares, historic buildings and the Jewish quarter. The town is also associated with a fascinating legend: that of the Tarasque, a mythical creature said, according to tradition, to have terrorised the river in the 1st century.
What makes this journey even more exclusive is a programme created especially for this departure, featuring internationally renowned names: Michelin-starred chefs, sommelier Natalie Lumpp, celebrated harpist Xavier de Maistre and jeweller Leicht. This is therefore not simply an opportunity to visit some of the most fascinating places in the Rhône Valley, but to experience them through encounters, tastings and moments that would be difficult to replicate on a traditional journey.
One of the elements that truly sets this cruise apart is the opportunity to enjoy experiences created exclusively for this departure. Among them is an exclusive dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant La Mère Germaine, offering guests the opportunity to savour haute cuisine in a particularly refined setting. The evening will be made even more special by a jewellery show by Leicht, bringing haute joaillerie together with the worlds of hospitality and gastronomy.
The culinary journey does not end there. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy a special oyster and caviar tasting hosted by Michelin-starred chef David Görne: a meeting of exceptional ingredients and culinary expertise, designed to transform a simple tasting into a memorable experience. It is precisely this attention to detail that distinguishes a cruise such as this one: not simply dining exceptionally well, but meeting the people, stories and passions that represent the very best of European excellence.
Wine will also be one of the great protagonists of this exclusive cruise. On board, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the expertise of renowned sommelier Natalie Lumpp, who will accompany the journey with tastings and experiences dedicated to wine culture.
Finally, making the experience even more memorable will be an exclusive concert by celebrated harpist Xavier de Maistre, an internationally renowned artist and one of the leading contemporary performers on the harp. After days spent among vineyards, historic cities and exceptional dining, music becomes the concluding moment of a journey built around beauty. And perhaps this is what makes the itinerary so special: it does not simply showcase France, but invites guests to experience it through all the senses.
This exclusive cruise along the Rhône is designed for those who do not simply want to see a destination, but wish to immerse themselves in it and experience its most authentic and sophisticated expressions. It is a week devoted to the great pleasures of France: from Michelin-starred cuisine to the wines of the Rhône, from the medieval treasures of Avignon and Viviers to the Roman heritage of Vienne and Arles, and finally to the music of an internationally acclaimed performer. An itinerary that brings together culture, gastronomy and exclusive experiences, offering a multifaceted way to discover the Rhône.
Giorgia Lombardo
