Europe’s history and culture have been shaped by several major rivers. Among the more significant of these is the Rhône, which runs through Switzerland and Southern France. If you’re looking for a Rhône river cruise, especially if you’re holidaying with your significant other, there are a number of stops along the way to think about.
Lyon: The Culinary Capital of France
Lyon is a city that appeals to tourists mainly because of its food. You’ll find countless bouchons whose menus feature local delicacies like sausage, coq-au-vin, and duck pâté. While you’re in town, it’s worth taking a stroll around some of the larger markets, like Les Halles de Lyon, Paul Bocuse, and Saint Antoine. You might even enjoy a cookery demonstration. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is also worth visiting, thanks to a wealth of Renaissance architecture and the concealed passageways called traboules that define the city.
Avignon: The City of Popes
Avignon is the subject of a famous French nursery rhyme and home of a number of incredible buildings, like the Palais des Papes and the City Hall, at the Place de l’Horloge. You might even pay a visit to the Pont d’Avignon itself, walk around the cobblestone-covered streets, and soak in the atmosphere at a local café. If you want a flavour of Avignon’s history, you might spend some time up on the ramparts – the old city walls. This is the second-largest continuous wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China.
Arles: A Journey Through Time
What sets Arles apart is its impressive historical buildings, many of which served as inspiration to Vincent van Gogh during the painter’s stay in the city. There’s an enormous amphitheatre, constructed by the Romans, as well as a Roman aqueduct, and a collection of amazing churches, like that of St. Trophime. Of course, you might also pay a visit to the fields that surround the city, where a multitude of sunflowers grow.
Tournon-sur-Rhône: Vineyards and Views
A tour through the Rhône valley simply wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Tournon-sur-Rhône, whose wonderful castle overlooks the river itself and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the vineyards that lie there. Getting the best from a stay here, of course, means paying a visit to the wine estates themselves. There, you’ll be able to sample the wine, and see exactly how it’s made.
