A river cruise might just be the best thing you organise this summer. For those who haven’t heard of the Rhone River, it snakes through France and Switzerland. Starting in the Alps, it passes Lake Geneva before cutting through major destinations (like Lyon and Provence) in France — finally joining the ocean on the south coast. It’s the perfect way to explore the prettiest of the region by water; in other words, it’s a serious adventure!
Rhone River cruises are a spectacular way of experiencing France slowly and authentically. But that’s not all; here are the most compelling reasons to embark on a Rhone cruise this year.
Explore the Lavender Fields of Provence
Have you seen the beautiful photographs of swaying lavender fields in Provence? The scenes are so fragrant that the scent almost jumps out at you from Instagram reels and images online. You’ve got to see it to believe it; these fields are nature’s own paintings.
There’s a Lavender Museum for tourists and specific visitor-friendly fields, like Plateau de Valensole. Reserve a cruise spot between mid-June and mid-July to coincide with Provence’s lavender season and catch the bright purple flowers as they spring to life.
Sample top-notch food in Lyon
Lyon is a trusted stop-off on the majority of Rhone River cruises. The reason for this? It’s delicious cuisine. The city is nicknamed the gastronomic capital of France, and its illustrious Michelin features speak volumes of its cuisine’s calibre.
There’s a massive focus on fresh produce, with local farms in the surrounding valleys and plenty of open-air markets on the city streets. Fussy eaters aren’t short of options, either, with over 1,500 cafes and restaurants. Lyon ticks off quality and quantity — a refreshing balance and a big motivator for foodies considering a Rhone cruise.
Learn about Van Gogh in Arles
Who doesn’t love Van Gogh? While the iconic painter might be better associated with Montmartre in Paris, he also spent a year living in Arles. It’s actually here that he painted the incredible piece, Starry Night.
This coastal city is a major stop-off on Rhone River itineraries, and needless to say, the Van Gogh history is a massive draw for art enthusiasts. It even has the hospital L’Espace Van Gogh, where the artist was sadly inducted as a patient.
Visit the Camargue Nature Reserve
Salt marshes and stunning white horses? Camargue Nature Reserve is a place of lingering wilderness and rugged natural beauty. Explore by kayak or book a themed experience, like birdwatching.
A Rhone River cruise is a launchpad to experience some of France’s most remote environments and precious ecosystems. This reserve is a breeze to access from Arles or Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer — book an experience while the boat moors for a day.
A cruise down the Rhone offers such varied experiences; walk with wildlife in Camargue or admire odes to Van Gogh in Arles. It’s an authentic way to connect with the real France.
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