Want to know why river cruising is one of our favorite ways to experience Europe? Because you get a chance to see multiple cities and towns while only having to unpack your luggage just once. It’s like traveling on a floating hotel where you wake up in a new destination each morning. Doesn’t that sound lovely? That is why Pete and I were so excited to be invited on a press trip with Viking River Cruises to France.
Rachelle and Pete enjoying views of the Rhone river from their stateroom balcony on a Viking River Cruise.
This specific Viking River Cruise itinerary sailed from Lyon to Avignon along the Rhone river. And it is perfect for travelers who love food and wine as Lyon is known as the gastromic capitol of France and the Rhone river valley is lush with vineyards. Here’s our reveiw of the Viking River Cruise Lyon to Avignon itinerary as well as tips for each city and our favorite exursions.
A little fact from our Viking Daily: “the name ‘Rhone’ comes from the Celtic Rodo or Roto, meaning ‘something that rolls.'”
View of Église Saint Georges de Lyon (Saint George Church of Lyon) and the red pedestrian bridge, Saint George’s Suspension Bridge, across the Saône river in Lyon, France.
DAY 1: LYON
Our first day was spent adjusting to jetlag and getting checked-in to our room aboard the Viking Hermod. Can I tell you how nice it is after an overnight flight to have a ride waiting for you at the airport? Viking does this for all their passengers and I think it’s a nice touch.
Rachelle and Pete, wearing red Viking stickers to identify they’re with Viking River Cruises, in the airport pickup vehicle on their way to the ship.
After getting our luggage checked-in at the dock, we were able to get a coffee and some breakfast on board the ship in the Aquavit Terrace. Then we went for a leisurely walk around Lyon while waiting for our stateroom to be ready for us to check-in for a restful night aboard the ship.
TASTE: Salade Lyonnaise, Beaujolais Wine, Brioches aux Pralines
Rachelle looking at a refreshing lemonade menu in Lyon, France.
DAY 2: LYON
On day 2 of our Viking River Cruise, we practically ate our way through Lyon, including Lyon’s brioches aux pralines roses, a buttery brioche layered with crispy almonds coated in caramelizad pink sugar to represent the roses on the Rhône. Back on board the ship, we ordred a salad lyonnaise and a salad Niçoise to balance out all the pastries, of which, I’m certain there’s an entire stick of butter in each. Our delightful surprise for the day was the Religious Art Museum of Fourvière that included gorgeous sculptures made of recycled glass.
A patisserie window featuring many different pastries including brioches aux pralines roses.
We had two excursion options to see Lyon. One was “Panoramic Lyon” by bus. And the other was called “Trek Vieux Lyon,” which was a bit more of a walking tour. We opted for the first tour as it was included with price of the cruise. Plus, it was nice to just bring a coffee, hop on board a bus, and ease into our first morning.
Rachelle and Pete at the top of Fourviere Hill (Esplanade du Site Notre-Dame de Fourvière) overlooking the city of Lyon behind them.
Fourviere Hill
The city of Lyon is the third largest city in France and is divided by two rivers, the Rhone and the Saone. Our tour began with a drive to the top of Fourviere Hill for a panoramic view of the city overlooking both rivers as well as Vieux (Old) Lyon. We also had some free time to walk around and take a peek inside Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, which is known for colorful tile mosaics. The tour then brought us back down the hill via bus and dropped us off for a guided walk around of Vieux Lyon.
Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière
Vieux Lyon
In Old Lyon, our guide aquainted us with the “traboules,” historic hidden passageways through buildings that help connect parallel streets. They’re a sort of cut-through for pedestrians to easily navigate the city, as Lyon’s silk traders once did.
Inside the “traboules,” historic hidden passageways through buildings that help connect parallel streets.
By the time we were in the center of Lyon, we were all eager for lunch. But in France, you’ll never be hungry very long. Our tour also took us to a patisserie known for baking Lyon’s legendary Brioche à la Praline.
Rachelle holding a torn piece of the pink brioches aux pralines roses outside of Boulangerie Du Palais in Lyon.
These pink pastries are decedant buttery brioche buns layered with pink candied almonds that have been crushed and incorporated into the batter. The pink color is said to have been created by a Lyonnais pastry chef in the 18th century who was inpsired by the rose gardens in the regions and tinted his pralines a similar pink. These pink pralines are now a specialty in Lyon, so definitely taste them if you get the chance.
LYON TRAVEL TIP: There are at least 20 Michelin Star restaurants in Lyon. If you have your heart on dining out, I would arrive a day or two early since the cruise typically starts on a Sunday (and most restaurants are closed Sunday and Monday). Also, research where you want to dine and make a reservation in advance.
Rachelle sipping wine on the Aquavit Terrace aboard the Viking Hermod.
Afternoon On Our Own In Lyon
After a light lunch aboard Viking Hemrod, we spent the afternoon taking a ride on the funicular back up to the top of Fourviere Hill. The fare was only 1.80 euros, and that was worth it to go visit the glass exhibit at the Fourviere museum and to get another view of the city of Lyon close to sunset. Afterward, we took the funicular back down the hill to meander around old town one more time, visit the shops at our leisure, and pick up some souveniers.
Rachelle at the entryway for the funicular back down to the river from Fourviere Hill.
TRAVEL TIP: Stop inside a grocery store to look for Lyon’s famous pink pralines as a souvenier. We found them at the local grocer for 4 euros, as opposed to the 12 euros at the candy shops in the touristy part of town.
A scoop of raspberry and blueberry glace in a wafflecone.
DAY 3: Beaujolais & Truffles
On the third day of our Viking River Cruise in France we indulged in goat cheese, truffles, and wine! We opted for one of the food-themed excursions: Beaujolais and Truffles. This option was one of the pricer choices at $269 per person (at the time of this posting). But it was so worth it! We spent a full day immersed in French food and wine, traveling with just a small group that made it fun and memorable.
Vineyards below the Roche de Solutre (Rock of Solutre).
Goat Cheese Farm
Our morning started with a drive out to the mountains of Burgundy to meet a goat cheese farmer. We stopped for a few pictures by vineyards near Roche de Solutre (Rock of Solutre), then continued to ascend up winding mountain roads in what felt like driving into a cloud.
Goat cheese farmer holding a plate of cheeses to taste.
The weather was misty, so when we arrived the goats were huddled together in the warmth of a hay filled barn. We tasted a variety of goat cheeses, from fresh to dry aged. Tasting the aged goat cheese was a first for me and reminded me of the taste and texture of parmesan.
Rachelle walking with truffle farmer, Oliver Devevre, as he explains the symbiotic relationship between truffles and trees.
Burgundy Black Truffle Farm
The goat cheese tasting was an appetizer compared to the feast awaiting for us a the next farm. Truffle farmer Oliver Devevre has a Ph.D. in microbiology specializing in mycology (study of mushrooms/fungus).
A Burgundy truffle cut in half showing the marbled interior.
Not only is he a farmer and scientist, but also a great chef. He invited us into his home and cooked everything for our small group himself. Beef stew slow cooked in local wine, vegetables from his garden, and a “cheese cake” of brillat-savarin layered with truffles.
Pete sitting down to lunch inside truffle farmer, Oliver Devevre’s home.
Rustic French lunch of beef stew, steamed organic garden vegetables of carratos and cabbage, farro, and homemade bread.
Truffle hunting dog, Maestro, looking cute for a photo. And probably hoping for a treat.
A small wedge of brillat-savarin, a soft cheese layered with truffles.
Burgundy Wine Tasting
From there, we rounded out our day with wine tasting at Chateau de Poncie and were lulled into a light nap on the bus trip back to the Viking Hermod docked at our next port, Vienne.
Rachelle and Pete at Chateau de Poncie.
And while I didn’t think I could eat a single morsel after our food-filled day, I couldn’t pass up the “Taste Of France” themed dinner on the ship. It included French specialties like coq a vin and quite the spread of local pastries and desserts.
Mairie de Vienne (City Hall) at night lit up in the colors of the French flag.
After dinner, Pete and I went for an evening stroll around Vienne just to settle our full bellies and to see the town with a different perspective at night.
Temple of Augustus & Livia lit up at night with a sapphire colored sky in the background.
DAY 4: Vienne & Tournon
Vienne is a small riverfront town, so our morning was spent on a walking tour getting to know more about the Roman history here and learning more about the Temple of Augustus & Livia, an incredibly preserved 1st-century structure, that we saw the night before.
An example of 15th century half-timbered houses above shops in Vienne, France.
The rest of the afternoon was restful, sailing down the Rhone through France’s Burgundy and Beaujolais regions. This is where having a balcony stateroom is worth the splurge.
Sipping tea on the stateroom balcony overlooking the river.
To sit, sip, and dream while watching the coastline roll by dotted with villages, vineyards, and castles. It was a restful day, the kind you need on vacation in-between long stretches of sight-seeing.
Tournon-sur-Rhône suspension bridge at night. This bridge, Passerelle Marc-Seguin, was built in 1825 and is the oldest suspension bridge in France. Today it is only used by pedestrians.
At night, we docked at Tournon-sur-Rhône, another picturesque riverfront town that was too inviting not to go for an evening stroll. It was the kind of place where you walk around and proclaim, “I could live here.”
Tournon-sur-Rhône at night.
DAY 5: Tournon & Ardeche
The weather cooled on the fifth day of our cruise. So we packed a daypack with raincoats and hats to spend a full day sight-seeing around Ardeche, visiting the gorge, lavender fields, and the charming down of Vogue.
Green lavender fields almost ready to bloom.
Lavender Farm
Our first top was a visit to see the lavender Museum and distillery. It smelled heavenly and had a wonderful little shop for souveniers. But if you have your heart set on seeing lavender fields in bloom, you must book your cruise at the right time of year. The lavender buds were just begining to grow when we visited at the end of May.
Gorges de l’Ardèche
Ardeche Gorge
After the lavender farm, we took a scenic drive to the top of Ardeche Gorge, a deep ravine known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe.” Then, drove to the bottom of the ravine to see the Pont d’Arc and have lunch by the river Ardeche.
Pont d’Arc in Ardeche Gorge
A sip of local chestnut liquor and hearty bowl of beef stew, followed by a cup of coffee and slice of chestnut pie, warmed us up after spending the morning outdoors in the rain.
Beef stew, local rose wine, and chestnut liquor.
A Walk Around Vogüé
For our final stop along the tour, we visited the village of Vogue (Vogüé). Located on the Ardeche river, this little historic town is listed as an Ardeche “village of character” and also a national “beautiful village of France.”
Rachelle standing in front of light blue carriage doors and a tall grape vine growing to a second story balcony in the village of Vogüé, France.
Walking around the centuries-old streets and taking photos of the stone architecture made us feel like we were in a storybook village.
Pete walking through a narrow passageway in between stone walls in the village of Vogüé, France.
Visiting Medieval Viviers
That evening we set sail, but stopped briefly for an evening tour of Viviers. There are some travel moments that feel magical, and this tour was one of those moments.
We docked for a twilight tour of the medieval village of Viviers. The lanterns casting a golden hue on the ancient stone buildings amid a saphire sky felt like walking through a Van Gogh painting.
Steps up to the cathedral in the medieval village of Viviers.
Throughout the leisurely walk, we listened to heartwarming stories from our guide, Ginette, who grew up in the village. We were welcomed back onboard the Viking Hermod with a cup of warm mulled wine.
Rachelle and Pete sipping warm mulled wine on deck aboard Viking Hermod after an evening tour of Viviers.
The temperature was a perfect 60 degrees. Just cool enough for a light jacket. So we sat in the wooden rockers in the Aquavit Terrace, sipping mulled wine while sailing into the night to our next destination.
TASTE: Lavender Ice Cream, Chestnut Liquor, Chestnut Pie
Rachelle standing in front of the pink doors of a local shop in Arles, France.
DAY 6: Arles
On day 6 of our Viking Cruise from Lyon to Avignon, we woke up in the city of Arles. Surrounded by medieval walls, with church spires and tiled roofs peeking above, this was a city I couldn’t wait to explore.
A stop at the entrance of the city of Arles to view Amédée Pichot fountain.
After breakfast on board the ship, we went out on a guided walking tour through Arles to the Roman amphitheater, Les Arenes. Built in the 1st centurey AD, our guide told us stories of gladiator contests, chariot rides, and bull fights in the stadium.
Inside the entrance to Arènes d’Arles (Arles Amphitheatre)
We had time for a refreshing glace (French style ice cream) before walking back through a maze of narrow streets to see some of the cafes and vibrant colored buildings that inspired Van Gogh.
A cafe similar to one in Van Gogh’s painting.
A picture of Van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night.
Delights of Provence
After lunch, we boarded a bus for our paid excusion, Delights of Provence, to visit a family-run olive mill in the village of Fontvieille. To be perfectly honest, I wish we would have skipped that tour so we could have more time in Arles. I didn’t realize how much I’d enjoy the city. But I guess that is one of the feautres of cruising, getting to experience a lot of different places and finding ones you want to travel back to spend more time in. And Arles is definitely a place I want to visit again.
A beautiful window with teal blue shutters, a blue and white stripped awning, pink flowers, and lace curtains in Arles, France.
Visiting the olive oil farm was delightful. We walked through the olive tree groves while the farmer showed us some of the flower buds blooming into tiny olives.
Olive tree buds.
We then gathered under the shade to taste olive oil, olives, and two types of Provencial tapenade on mini toasts.
Provencial black and green olives.
Provencial green and black tapenade on mini toast.
Shaded picnic table at the olive farm.
Rather than going back to the ship, the second part our our tour took us to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. We only had an hour there, and it seemed a bit touristy. Overall, while I enjoyed the olive oil and tapenade tasting, in hindsight I think I would have preferred to skip this excursion and spend the whole day in Arles.
Basket shop in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Day 7: Avignon
Our final day on the Rhône Viking River Cruise was spent in Avignon, the “city of popes.” After our tour we spent the afternoon on our own to explore the city, shop, and get ready for our flight back. I was actually sad the trip had come to an end! Here’s what we did on our final day.
Outdoor dining in Avignon.
City Of Popes
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Avignon is known as the “City of Popes” because the papacy was relocated here from Rome, amid great controversy, from 1309 to 1377.
Statue inside the Palace of Popes in Avignon.
This medieval walled city was charming to walk through and explore. And our local guide gave us a tour of the Palace of the Popes before the crowds set in, so it felt like we had it to ourselves for awhile.
Fun Fact: Châteauneuf-du-Pape means “Papa’s New Castle” in French.
Colorful tile floor inside the Palace of The Popes.
Food Hall
After the Palace, we walked to the Market Hall, an iconic indoor market with stalls selling local fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
Cherry tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, and white asparagus inside Avignon’s food hall.
It is the perfect place for picking up some wine, Herbs de Provence, or flavored salts as a souvenier. I really enjoyed walking around the hall, tasting a few things, and picking up some recipe inspiration too.
Rachelle buying street art in Avignon.
After the food hall, we slowly meandered through the city, stopping at the Place de l’Horloge, the city’s central square. It was a great spot for buying localy made art and jewelry. (I got a few watercolors for my office!) Altough, the restaurants along this stretch seemed a bit touristy, so I’d walk a little further out for a more relaxed local dining experience.
Two people riding bikes down a street in Avignon, France.
TASTE: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Provencial Tapenade
After getting our luggage in order, we enjoyed a French themed dinner on the ship and then strolled through the city again one last time to soak in the ambiance of France. And we wanted to see Pont d’Avignon, a medieval bridge across the Rhône, lit up at night too.
Red wine poached pear and ice cream dessert on board Viking River Cruise.
Crêpes Suzette dessert on board Viking River Cruise.
Overall we really enjoyed our Viking River Cruise in the south of France! Would definitely recommend this itineary to anyone who loves food and travel.
Rachelle and Pete enjoying the view from their balcony stateroom on board Viking River Cruises.
Have any questions about this Viking River Cruise itinerary? Let us know in the comments below.
Hi Rachelle – Stumbled upon your site. Just looking for tips/must dos/can’t miss/and what to pack for our first cruise ever. We’re on the Lyon to Avignon end of July. We thought River Cruising might just be all old people but when I saw ‘you guys’ it gave me hope! We are 62 but we are super active – ultra trail runners- so any adventures that we just can’t miss, please let us know – we’re game! Oh, and French Rhone Wines are our favorites!!
Enjoy your cruise! It was one of our favorites! Definitely splurge a little on some of the excursions. We love food, so the truffle farmer excursion was our personal favorite.
My wife and I have necver done a Viking cruise. Foe this trip…which of the paid excursions do you value?
Thanks!
Paul
pssandler@comcast.net
Hi Paul,
The excursions were all really memorable, so it depends on your interests. We enjoy food, so we loved the excursion with the truffle farmer. The lavender fields depend on the season (they were not in bloom when we were there), but viewing Ardeche Gorge and having lunch there by the river was lovely. We got to sample a few local specialties there as well. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I’m happy to answer them.
What city did you fly out of after the cruise had finished? Marseille?
Hi Tom! It was Marseille. I believe there are some extensions to Nice, so that might be an option too.
Hi we are doing this trip in reverse next may so enjoyed seeing it through your eyes as a traveller . Any suggestions as to location to stay the night before we board the cruise as we arrive the day prior in Avignon. Do yo7 think near the port area is there hotels and eateries .
Thanks in advance Leanne
Hi Leanne! Avignon was very walkable, so anywhere near the river is perfect! Enjoy your stay!
Hi Rachelle, thank you for your nice sharing, may I know which month have you been the river cruise, I have booked one on March, is it too early to travel there..
Ling.
Hello Ling. I believe we were there at the end of April, early May. I think March is a great time! The weather might be a little cooler since it is early spring, but it shouldn’t be crowded which is great. I love traveling during the shoulder seasons.