Lilas: Lyon to Avignon

Board the barge moored in Lyon for your cruise along the River Rhône. Your dedicated crew and guide welcome you with chilled champagne and a toast to the adventure ahead. An evening cocktail cruise through the centre of Lyon is a wonderful introduction to life on the river. Later, enjoy your first gastronomic experience on board, a perfect blend of seasonal delicacies, irresistible wines and balmy, bucolic views.

Shortly after breakfast, alight with your guide for a walking tour of Lyon, one of the most beautiful, diverse cities in France. Dominating the skyline is the splendidly ornate Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Discover 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. Return to the barge for lunch and a cruise down the river to Vienne. The River Rhône is a major, fast-flowing waterway, where you will pass a variety of barges and pleasure craft. Relax on deck and watch the beautiful scenery unfold before dinner is served.

This morning, savour the thrill of cruising past the magnificent vineyards of the Côte-Rôtie and Côtes du Rhône, which seem to descend right to the river's edge. Spot famous names on signs reminiscent of the Hollywood Hills: Chapoutier, Guigal and Delas, among them. In the afternoon, a wine tasting has been organised for you at a local winery, just steps from where the barge moors. Take time to explore the delights of Tain l'Hermitage, including the famous Valrhona chocolate shop, before returning to the barge for an enchanting dinner.

Relax on the top deck and admire the breathtaking scenery of the Rhône Valley as the barge glides towards Viviers. Cool off in the pool or find a shaded spot to lose yourself in contemplation. Mid-afternoon, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Viviers, a tiny medieval city brimming with historic charm. Return to the barge to relax – perhaps challenge the crew to a game of pétanque or pedal off exploring on one of the barge bikes. Your efforts will be rewarded with another delicious dinner on board. 

After breakfast, your guide escorts you on a scenic drive through the countryside. Stop at a truffle farm to learn about and sample the world-renowned delicacy before continuing to Grignan. This 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 before taking time to explore the quaint village with its cobbled alleyways. Back on board, the barge continues to cruise south to Roquemaure, passing through the Bollène-Écluse, a lock with a 23-metre drop, one of the longest in Europe. Dinner is served on board.

Unwind on deck this morning before accompanying your guide to the 14th-century summer home of the Popes of Avignon. Enjoy a tour of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a private tasting of the region’s famous wines. Rejoin the barge for a lunch cruise to Avignon, during which you'll sail past the famous Pont Saint-Bénezet (otherwise known as the Pont d'Avignon). After reaching our mooring, which is opposite the gate to the walled city, alight for a guided tour of Avignon, including the soaring Palais des Papes, or papal palace — don’t miss the gardens with views across the river to Villeneuve-les-Avignon. Afterwards, enjoy free time to shop, sit in a gorgeous square watching the world go by or sample Avignon’s café society. Back on board your buoyant luxury villa, Chef is preparing an epicurean farewell feast. Unwind and share stories of your extraordinary 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.