Review: Riviera History and Art of the Rhone Cruise – Days 5-8

We are halfway there Riviera TravelEpic Rhone River Cruise. Journey from Avignon to Lyon, through vine-covered hills and the ghosts of Roman civilization. Countless stories of history and art, accompanied by exquisite cuisine and excellent wines, continue as we join Saône after Lyon.

The date is marked. We saw the grandeur of the Papal Palace at Avignon, the Roman amphitheater at Arles, and the towering Pont du Gard.

We did an equally good job in the art. Two of Van Gogh’s oils presented a contemporary exhibition in Arles. While the 36,000-year-old Chauvet cave painting in the Ardeche has a strong claim to being the “world’s first masterpiece”. Throw in some Botticellis in Avignon too.

These experiences have been carefully curated with Riviera’s 40 years of travel experience. Unsurprisingly, the luxury ship attracts guests from all over the world: the majority from the UK, but others have traveled from Ireland, America, Australia, Canada, China and Spain.

Day 5 – Vienne

Since our arrival in Vienne is not scheduled until around 2pm, it is an opportunity to lie down and have a relaxing breakfast. Along with the boulangerie, charcuterie, pastries, fruit buffet and hot buffet, there are also eggs cooked to order. After that, Diana, the course director, gave us an introduction to the historic city.

Afterwards, there’s a chance to head to the gym, swim in the small pool, play short games of golf on the putting green or get a massage.

There’s also time for a leisurely lunch in the intimate pub, with an open kitchen containing just 24 covers. A choice of French onion soup followed by goat cheese salad, croque monsieur or mole marinière makes for a perfect French lunch. Advance reservations for dinner at the pub are essential as it is a popular option.

Vienne has long vied with Lyon for the title of the most important Roman city in France. The Temple of Augustus, the amphitheatre, the Odeon and the remains of the city wall provide evidence that Vienne was an important Roman city.

Our guide Alison chose to start at the more recent cathedral. “I will start with destruction and end with death,” she joked. In 1944, when retreating German forces blew up the Vienne Bridge, they also smashed centuries-old stained glass windows; They were replaced in the 1950s by modern architectural designs. Death came at the hands of King Philip the Just of France, who burned members of the Knights Templar at the stake after the rigged Council of Vienne in the early 14th century. The quality of “just” came from his appearance, and certainly not from a sense of justice.

Back on board, during cocktail hour, Pierre and his partner Nicole put on a dance performance. While Nicole quickly changes dresses and eras between dances, Pierre, who has danced in Blackpool, offers a funny commentary on the differences between British ballroom and more relaxed French ballroom dancing.

Day 6 – Chalon-sur-Saône and Beaune

On another morning of the drive north, the leaves are turning golden brown with the arrival of autumn. A month earlier, the Rhône had served as a flight path for millions of birds migrating south: black and red kites, cranes and cormorants among them. Take a Rhone River cruise in spring or fall, and it’s worth packing binoculars for a nature view.

After leaving the Rhône, we arrive at Chalon-sur-Saône where Nicéphore Niépce took the world’s first photograph in 1824. Although Daguerre stole his fame, Chalon celebrates his achievements with a statue. “He was a serial inventor. A cross between Heath Robinson and Wallis Who Wallis and Gromit“, says our guide as we head to Beaune, the wine capital of France.

As we entered the stunningly ornate Hotel Dieu museum, we were told: “Maybe it was called God’s Hospital because God was your best hope for recovery.” Medicine was primitive and putting two patients to bed only increased mortality. Prayer and surrounding patients with religious art are intended to prepare them for the afterlife. What is worrying for patients, in the lower part of the Rogier van der Weyden Hospital Final judgement They saw that there were more people going to hell than going to heaven.

We return to the ship through the grand vineyards of the Côte d’Or, where the grapes are hand-picked, becoming increasingly golden with the bites of autumn. However, vines are struggling with global warming. Some winemakers are looking to acquire acres in southern England.

After farewell drinks and thanking the crew, we took our seats for the Captain’s Dinner, a four-course culinary extravaganza.

Day 7 – Lyon

During the night, we sail back south along La Saone to Lyon, where the feminine river joins the masculine Le Rhone, having given up its name by marriage. It is said that the two rivers escape like lovers to the Mediterranean Sea.

The church located on a high hill looks like an expensive wedding cake. From the adjacent square, overlooking Lyon, we learned of the city’s fondness for nicknames. Since the thin office building is called the “Pencil”, its neighbor is the “Rubber”. While the Opera House, which glows red at night, is a toaster. We later learn that the classic columns of the city hall make it a radiator.

Among the ancient stones of Lyon, among the Renaissance houses and shops, we are reminded of the menus and deli products, as we walk through the ancient streets of Lyon, which claims to be the gastronomic capital of France. Also, the city of Lyon was once considered the silk capital of the world, with its narrow streets echoing with the crackling sounds of silk weaving looms.

However, Lyon’s fame began long before the advent of silk. An afternoon visit to the Lodenjoom Museum, built into the hillside that hosts the amphitheater, tells the story of the development of a vital Roman colony to supply the empire’s northern regions.

Day 8 – Departure

Unfortunately, we take our luggage out from under the bed to pack it, and leave it in the corridor, as we head out for one last breakfast. Meanwhile, the crew placed our luggage on the bus to take us to the airport.

Cost

The 8-day cruise starts from £1,899 based on two people sharing a cabin.

Final ruling

Riviera Travel provides care-free travel, eliminating doubts. They organize itineraries and admissions, and hire high-quality guides for a river cruise that could have been sponsored by Roman gods, ancient popes, and master winemakers.

As one experienced Riviera Travel cruiser said: “The Rhone is better than the Danube and the Rhine, and is much more diverse. And the wine is better too!” He has already booked another Rivera Rhône cruise for next spring which also hosts the Camargue.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by us Riviera Travel.

Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards is a travel writer from Oxfordshire, UK. Although Michael published his first travel articles nearly four decades ago, he still searches for new luxury destinations to visit and write about.