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, and 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 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.
Burgundy is famous not only for its wines, but also for the many religious houses, which played a major role in medieval Christianity. Beaune is located in the centre of this famous wine-growing area of the Cote-d’Or. Its history goes back to prehistoric times and in the Middle Ages the town became the residence of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy. Many of the town’s monuments stem from this period – the 12th Century Church of Notre-Dame, medieval defensive walls, the Ducal Palace. All these are included in our tour, as well as the Hotel Dieu – a 15th Century hospital with the loveliest roof in France.
Mâcon: Mooring 11:30 p.m.
Day 3: Mâcon / Belleville-sur-Saône
Mâcon: Casting off 12:00 p.m.
Excursion to the impressive and historic Cluny Monastery or excursion to the wonderful Château Cormatin.
Belleville-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 (from Belleville-sur-Saône / to Trévoux).
Day 4: Viviers
Viviers: Mooring 12:30 p.m. – Casting off 6:30 p.m.
Sensational countryside on an excursion to the imposing Ardèche Canyon with its steep slopes 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, in the footsteps of the ancient Romans.
Guided tour through Arles: The Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh was fascinated by the special light in southern Provence. It inspired him to create numerous paintings on the banks of the Rhône in Arles and to become the founder of modern painting. To this day, visitors can encounter Vincent van Gogh and his sources of inspiration. Arles, a former provincial capital of the Roman Empire, has numerous architectural legacies such as the amphitheatre where theatrical plays are still performed. The past and present are interwoven and shape the city. You’ll leave with a very special feeling.
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 with the famous Pont d’Avignon and the papal palace.
Time to make your own discoveries.
Guided tour through Avignon: Avignon on the Rhône has left a lasting mark on European history. For several decades in the 14th century, it was home to the Catholic popes. Around every corner you will encounter relics of the past, with castles, palaces, squares, streets, the Papal Palace and of course, the Pont Saint-Bénézet. The famous bridge ruin and its small chapel spans the mighty river. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the charm of the city and taste the delicacies of the region.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Mooring 5:30 p.m. – Casting off 6:15 p.m.
Excursion to the famous Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard (from Avignon to Châteauneufdu-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, with its impressive basilica. Shore leave for your personal visit.
Guided city tour through Lyon: The city centre of Lyon impresses with numerous historic buildings and pretty squares. The central Place des Terreaux in particular is surrounded by elegant buildings. In 1998 UNESCO declared the old town on the banks of the Saône a World Heritage Site. Lyon is a bishopric of the Roman Catholic Church, whose bishopric is the Saint-Jean cathedral in the old town. More striking is the Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica, which towers over the roofs of the entire city. You can admire both churches during your excursion. During a short walk through the old town of Lyon, “Vieux Lyon”, you will also encounter the “Traboules” characteristic of Lyon. These are narrow passageways between the individual alleys that were used by workers in the past to dryly transport the silk and cloth bales through the city. Today, more than 300 of these traboules have been preserved and are an integral part of the old town.
Day 8: Lyon
Lyon:
Disembarkation until 9:00 a.m. Transfer to Lyon Airport or add a city stay (prices on request).
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
- Option to book an active outing canoeing in the Ardèche
- 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
SPECIAL OFFER
£250 – £500 per person off all the Rhone & Saone cruises (8 days) in 2021. Book by 31 October 2021
MS BIJOU DU RHÔNE
2022 Guide prices per person in £
| Cabin category | Season B Prices From | Season C Prices From | Season D Prices From | Cabin Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Bed Main Deck | £1,595 | £1,995 | £2,095 | |
| 2 Bed Middle Deck Front | £2,095 | £2,195 | £2,295 | |
| 2 Bed Middle Deck | £2,195 | £2,295 | £2,395 | |
| 2 Bed Deluxe Middle Deck with Panormaic Window | £2,395 | £2,495 | £2,595 | |
| 2 Bed Deluxe Upper Deck Rear with Panormaic Window | £2,545 | £2,645 | £2,745 | |
| 2 Bed Deluxe Upper Deck with Panormaic Front | £2,695 | £2,795 | £2,845 |
2022 Travel dates / Season
- 23.03. – 30.03.22 A
- 30.03. – 06.04.22 A
- 13.04. – 20.04.22 B
- 04.05. – 11.05.22 D
- 25.05. – 01.06.22 D
- 15.06. – 22.06.22 D
- 06.07. – 13.07.22 D
- 27.07. – 03.08.22 D
- 17.08. – 24.08.22 C
- 07.09. – 14.09.22 D
- 21.09. – 28.09.22 C
- 12.10. – 19.10.22 B
- 26.10. – 02.11.22 A
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.
Dates in bold are guaranteed English FIT sailings
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
- Free Wifi
- Gratuities
- Port fees and taxes
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
