The Rhône: A River Carved by Time
The Rhône is one of Europe’s oldest and most influential trade routes — a river the Romans transformed on a grand scale for nearly 500 years. Monuments like the Pont du Gard, the amphitheater in Arles, and the theaters in Vienne still stop visitors in their tracks with their engineering brilliance and astonishing preservation. Traveling the Rhône today means gliding past the very landscapes that shaped Europe’s ancient civilizations.
Exploring Wine Country: Burgundy, Beaujolais & Provence
Our 8-day, 7-night Riviera River Cruise carried us through three of France’s most celebrated wine regions:
Burgundy, Beaujolais, and Provence.
Each region offered its own charm, flavors, and unforgettable scenery.
Lyon — Where Our Journey Began
We boarded the MS Thomas Hardy in Lyon, where the Saône and Rhône rivers meet. From here, the journey began with a peaceful sail north along the Saône — the most important tributary of the Rhône — into the heart of Burgundy.
Beaune — Market Day in Burgundy
After arriving in Chalon-sur-Saône, we traveled by coach to Beaune, a gorgeous town full of medieval charm. We were lucky enough to visit on market day, when stalls overflowed with fresh produce, cheeses, spices, flowers, and beautifully crafted artisan goods. The whole town felt alive with the sounds and scents of Burgundy.
Hôtel-Dieu — A Gothic Masterpiece
Beaune’s crown jewel is the Hôtel-Dieu, founded in 1443 as a hospice for the poor. Its colorful glazed-tile roof and ornate architecture make it one of the most photographed buildings in France — and for good reason. Every room tells a story of compassion and medieval innovation.
Sailing South Toward Roman History
Rejoining the ship, we cruised south again, reconnecting with the Rhône at Lyon and gliding toward the ancient towns of Vienne and Tain-l’Hermitage, and eventually the Provençal gems of Arles and Avignon. Each port offered a mix of history, architecture, and stunning landscapes.
One of the best perks of a river cruise? Docking right in the heart of each town — no long transfers, no complicated logistics. You step off the ship and you’re already there.
Arles — Walking in the Footsteps of Rome
Arles’ Roman amphitheater is spectacular, still dominating the city center after nearly 2,000 years. Our morning walking tour brought the site vividly to life, and standing in its shadow felt like stepping into another era.
Pont du Gard — A “WOW” Moment
Nothing prepared us for the sheer scale of the Pont du Gard.
At 160 feet high, built in the 1st century BC, the aqueduct remains one of the most
impressive engineering achievements of the ancient world. Touring it in the afternoon — and getting to walk across part of it — was a highlight of the trip.
Avignon — Bridges, Popes, and Medieval Majesty
In Avignon, we walked the famous Saint Bénézet Bridge, partially destroyed by a massive flood in 1669 but still one of the city’s most iconic structures.
Nearby stands the monumental Papal Palace, where Pope Clement V settled after leaving Rome in 1309. Over the next two decades, the palace grew into one of Europe’s greatest medieval fortresses, home to nine Popes, including two during the Western Schism. Its vast halls and towering stone walls are unforgettable.
A Journey to Remember
From Roman aqueducts to medieval palaces, from bustling markets to peaceful vineyards, this Riviera river cruise delivered history, culture, and scenery in a way only river travel can. The Rhône flowed beneath us, but the memories will stay with us long after the journey’s end.
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