A Journey through Beautiful Provence

Ferry to Calais and onwards to our hotel, where we stay overnight.

We continue our journey south, arriving in Lyon, where we board the A-ROSA STELLA. Dating back 2,000 years, Lyon is one of France’s oldest cities. Situated where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, this impressive city takes us on a journey through time. Its Old Town – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – offers a maze of narrow streets, vaulted passageways and historic buildings. Another highlight is the Notre Dame de Fourvière, a late 19th-century basilica built in shimmering white stone, one of just 200 impressive sites and illuminated after dark. Lyon is also reputed as the gourmet capital of France! We set sail in the evening, enjoying a panoramic cruise through this old town.

We arrive in Tournon-Sur-Rhône, a charming town that sits on the right bank of the river Rhône. Steeped in history, there are many notable sights, including Passerelle Marc-Seguin, the oldest suspension bridge in France. We enjoy an excursion to Pont-en-Royans, the picturesque village brimming with natural beauty. Colourful medieval houses seemingly hang off the cliff's edge and below, the scenic riverside offers a spot to sit and relax surrounded by lush greenery.

Previously voted as the European City of Culture in 2000, Avignon is one of the most popular ports of call on A-ROSA’s Rhône cruises. This striking, historic city was once the seat of the Catholic Popes in the Middle Ages – be sure to visit the unique Palais des Papes in Avignon’s ancient quarter, one of the largest medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. There are also beautifully preserved ramparts, old alleyways, mansion-lined streets, lively squares and the famous Pont d'Avignon to explore. We then enjoy a trip to Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct bridge, displaying an impressive three tiers of arches, and built in the first century AD. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this bridge draws in many visitors, due to its remarkable preservation and architectural ingenuity.

Our cruise continues to the Provençal city of Arles, with its sun-drenched terracotta-tiled rooftops, which occupies a broad bend in the River Rhône. Known as the city of art and history, Arles is famous for its ancient and Romanesque remains, including the exceptional Roman amphitheatre, with many monuments classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Arles is the gateway to the Camargue, Europe’s largest river delta, a hauntingly beautiful landscape, home to more than 400 species of birds and the wild, white Camargue horses. Today we enjoy some free time to explore or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll.

This afternoon we take a scenic drive of the Camargue, a regional park and nature reserve located south of Arles. This vast area is home to more than 400 bird species and is a classified Important Bird Area, while cattle and horses roam the marshlands. Flora and fauna are abundant in this region, as the saline conditions allow sea lavender, tamarisks and glasswort to flourish. We return to the ship later, for our evening meal.

Today we spend time in Viviers, a historic town surrounded by mountains and home to a rich heritage of monuments highlights include Saint-Vincent Cathedral, a spectacular structure dating back to the 5th century. Wander among the faded pastel-coloured buildings, the grand 18th-century houses and the ornamental stone carvings.

We arrive in Lyon where we disembark and head to Northern France for some free time and the opportunity to enjoy an evening meal (not included) before we travel to our overnight hotel.

We check out of the hotel and head to Calais for our return ferry home.