PICTURESQUE PROVENCE & ARDÈCHE CRUISE SUMMARY
In this cruise you will explore the colourful countryside in the south of France and the beauty of its historical cities, including the famous Ardèche Gorge, before continuing into Provence and the Camargue, where the incomparable atmosphere inspired van Gogh. From Lyon, the cruise heads north on the Saône, to Chalon-sur-Saône, with an excursion option to Burgundy, then on the Rhône towards the Mediterranean Sea. Learn why the Romans felt so at home in Mâcon and Arles, then see the great buildings of Avignon, such as the papal palace.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Lyon 
Lyon: Casting off 10:30 p.m.
Fly/rail from London to Lyon and transfer to vessel. Embarkation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Day 2: Chalon-sur-Saône / Mâcon 
Chalon-sur-Saône: Mooring 11:00 a.m. – Casting off 6:00 p.m.
Excursion to Burgundy, with a visit to Beaune and Hôtel-Dieu, known for its strikingly colourful roof, including time to explore by yourself.
Mâcon: Mooring 11:30 p.m.
Day 3: Mâcon / Villefranche-sur-Saône 
Mâcon: Casting off 12:00 p.m.
Excursion to the historic Cluny Monastery – or excursion to the wonderful Château Cormatin – or time to make your own discoveries.
Villefranche-sur-Saône: Mooring 3:15 p.m. – Casting off 7:00 p.m.
Beaujolais excursion with a tour through the medieval village of Oingt and wine tasting at a vineyard.
Day 4: Viviers 
Viviers: Mooring 12:30 p.m. – Casting off 6:30 p.m.
Sensational countryside on an excursion to the steep slopes of the imposing Ardèche Canyon and a visit to the lavender museum or canoeing in the Ardèche Canyon. Time to explore by yourself.
Day 5: Arles / Avignon 
Arles: Mooring 3:00 a.m. – Casting off 6:00 p.m.
Guided tour through Arles, for numerous magnificent buildings from the Roman period, including the mighty arena.
Excursion to the exceptional region of the Camargue and a visit to a bull farm
Avignon: Mooring 10:30 p.m.
Day 6: Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape 
Avignon: Casting off 3:30 p.m.
Guided tour through Avignon for the famous Pont d’Avignon and papal palace, with time at leisure.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Mooring 5:30 p.m. – Casting off 6:15 p.m.
Excursion to the famous Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard (rejoining ship in Châteauneuf-du-Pape).
Day 7: Lyon 
Lyon: Mooring 3:30 p.m.
City tour/walk through the old town of Lyon, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the impressive basilica. Time to make your own discoveries.
Day 8: Lyon
Disembarkation until 9:00am. Transfer to Lyon Airport for return journey home or extend your stay in Lyon with a City Stay package (pricing on request)
The excursions marked in blue are included in your cruise package. The excursions marked in red can only be booked on board. Mooring and casting off times are guidance times. We reserve the right to change itineraries and excursion programmes. If a route cannot be travelled due to low/high water or a ship defect, the shipping company reserves the right to take passengers on this route by bus, to accommodate them in hotels and/or change the route. In certain circumstances it may be necessary to change to another ship.
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- Cruise along two great rivers in southern France, the Rhône and the Saône
- Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans at the arena of Arles and the Pont du Gard aqueduct
- The wild horses and flamingos of the Camargue
- Historic Avignon and the Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge
-
The UNESCO World Heritage old quarter of Lyon
PICTURESQUE PROVENCE & ARDÈCHE 2022 SAILINGS
2022 dates |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS BIJOU DU RHONE | Cabin Categories | |||||
| Dates | ||||||
| 23, 30 Mar, 26 Oct | £1,695 | £1,875 | £1,965 | £2,170 | £2,300 | £2,395 |
| 13 Apr, 12 Oct | £1,830 | £2,040 | £2,135 | £2,345 | £2,475 | £2,585 |
| 04, 25 May, 15 Jun | £2,010 | £2,215 | £2,315 | £2,520 | £2,640 | £2,755 |
| 06, 27 Jul, 07 Sep | £2,010 | £2,215 | £2,315 | £2,520 | £2,640 | £2,755 |
| 17 Aug, 21 Sep | £1,920 | £2,130 | £2,225 | £2,430 | £2,565 | £2,675 |
| 2 Bed Main Deck | 2 Bed Middle Deck | 2 Bed Deluxe Upper Deck Rear | |||
| 2 Bed Middle Deck Front | 2 Bed Deluxe Middle Deck | 2 Bed Deluxe Upper Deck |
PICTURESQUE PROVENCE & ARDÈCHE 2023 SAILINGS
2023 dates |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS BIJOU DU RHONE | Cabin Categories | |||||
| Dates | ||||||
| 22, 29 Mar, 25 Oct | £1,695 | £1,910 | £2,005 | £2,215 | £2,345 | £2,445 |
| 12 Apr, 11 Oct | £1,865 | £2,080 | £2,180 | £2,390 | £2,530 | £2,640 |
| 14 Jun, 05, 26 Jul | £2,050 | £2,265 | £2,365 | £2,575 | £2,695 | £2,815 |
| 03, 24 May, 06 Sep | £2,050 | £2,265 | £2,365 | £2,575 | £2,695 | £2,815 |
| 16 Aug, 20 Sep | £1,960 | £2,170 | £2,270 | £2,485 | £2,625 | £2,735 |
| 2 Bed Main Deck | 2 Bed Middle Deck | 2 Bed Deluxe Upper Deck Rear | |||
| 2 Bed Middle Deck Front | 2 Bed Deluxe Middle Deck | 2 Bed Deluxe Upper Deck |
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a cabin. Prices may be subject to change due to flight availability/pricing. Please call our Reservations Team on 01223 568907 for up to date pricing and availability. Single supplements vary depending on cabin category and date of travel, please call for details.
Cruises For Other Durations
We also offer a number of cruises on the Rhine and Danube for different durations from 4-13 days
Cruise Only Prices
We appreciate that you may want to make your own travel arrangements and can provide cruise only prices on request
City Hotel Stays
We can tailor-make any cruise itinerary with additional pre or post cruise hotels. Please enquire for our recommended hotels and prices.
MS Bijou Du Rhône 360° Tour
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Economy flight from London and overseas transfer to and from vessel
- 7 nights cruise including all meals
- Unlimited drinks inc wine, beer, cocktails and all non alcoholic drinks
- Nightly onboard entertainment
- 4 Guided Excursions
- Wifi
- Gratuities
- Port fees and taxes
- Full ATOL financial protection
- Baggage handling fee
MS Bijou du Rhône
MS Bijou du Rhône
MS Bijou du Rhône Reception
MS Bijou du Rhône
MS Bijou du Rhône 2 Bed Cabin
MS Bijou du Rhône 2 Bed Deluxe Cabin
MS Bijou du Rhône Restaurant
MS Bijou du Rhône Panorama Salon
MS Bijou du Rhône Library
