Lilas: Avignon - Lyon

Board Lilas in Avignon for your cruise along the River Rhône. Your dedicated crew and guide welcome you with chilled champagne and a toast to the adventure ahead. After settling into your generous cabin, cruise past the famous Pont Saint-Bénezet (otherwise known as the Pont d’Avignon) and Villeneuve-les-Avignon. Later, enjoy your first gastronomic experience on board, a perfect blend of seasonal delicacies, irresistible wines and balmy, bucolic views.

After a delicious breakfast of tempting pastries and local treats, alight with your guide for a short drive back to Avignon. Visit the magnificent Palais des Papes, the former papal palace — don’t miss the gardens with views across the river to Villeneuve-les-Avignon. Enjoy free time to shop, sit in a gorgeous square watching the world go by or sample Avignon’s café society. Return to the barge for a late lunch and cruise to the charming medieval town of Viviers, where you moor for the evening. This is an ideal spot to take the barge’s bikes out or challenge the crew to a game of pétanque before enjoying a sumptuous dinner on board.

This morning, your guide escorts you on a scenic drive through the countryside. Stop at a small, family-run truffle farm to learn about the black diamond and hunt for the prized delicacy with the family’s dogs. Continue to Grignan, a typical Provençal village known for its wild roses and 12th-century château. Madame de Sévigné stayed here on many occasions  and wrote some of her wittiest and most eloquent letters there, first published in 1725. Enjoy lunch at a charming local restaurant, then take time to explore the quaint village and cobbled alleyways. Back on board, the barge continues cruising to La Voulte. Enjoy refreshing aperitifs and dinner under the stars.

Relax on the top deck and watch the beautiful scenery of the Rhône Valley glide by as the barge cruises towards Tain l’Hermitage. After lunch on board, your guide takes you to a local winery, just steps from where the boat is moored. Continue exploring the local attractions of Tain l’Hermitage, which include the famous Valrhona chocolate shop, before returning to the barge for dinner. 

Cruising the Vallée du Rhône south of Lyon is a delightful experience. The magnificent vineyards lining the hillsides seem to descend right into the river as the valley narrows. Spot famous names on signs reminiscent of the Hollywood Hills: Chapoutier, Guigal and Delas, among them. Today, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Vienne, a wonderful riverside town full of cobbled streets and Roman history. Ruins include the  impressive temple of Livia and a magnificent theatre still used today during the Vienne jazz festival. Return to Lilas for an enchanting dinner.

An early morning cruise brings you into the heart of Lyon, one of the most beautiful, diverse cities in France. Dominating the skyline is the splendidly ornate Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Shortly after lunch, alight with your guide for a walking tour that takes in Roman architecture, medieval streets, painted walls and the famous ‘traboules’— Renaissance style  passageways  used for centuries as shortcuts and secret escape routes. Most recently during WWII by the French resistance to escape the gestapo. Shoppers are sure to appreciate the top-quality stores and chic boutiques. Or you may prefer to relax in a sunny pavement café and soak up the ambience. Back on board your buoyant luxury villa, Chef is preparing an epicurean farewell feast. Unwind and share stories of your remarkable trip.

Awake to enjoy an indulgent breakfast. After, the crew bids you a fond farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements.

Please note, route may be subject to change without prior warning due to unforeseen circumstances.