Idyllic Rhône with French Riviera: 11 days Lyon to Nice

Welcome to spectacular Lyon, France’s third largest city and its culinary capital, promising a blend of fascinating history and a sophisticated dining and shopping scene. Upon arrival, transfer to the Scenic Sapphire where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board.

Spend this afternoon exploring your Scenic Space-Ship. Relax in your luxurious suite or take a beverage to the Sun Deck and admire the magnificent views across the city of Lyon. With a late departure tonight, you may like to head out and get a taste of the gastronomic delights. 

You’ll wake this morning in the town of Mâcon, which will be your base for exploring southern Burgundy. Mâcon sits right on the edge of the river, with stunning pastel-hued buildings, ancient churches and picturesque quays. It is close to the Burgundy wine region, one of the most famous in France, which produces exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay and Sparkling Wines.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Beaujolais wine region: Drive through the rolling hills of the world-famous Beaujolais wine region and meet a local vintner. Discover how this wine is produced and enjoy the privilege of sampling some of the region’s best drops.

Excursion to Cluny and Cluny Abbey: Step back in time to the medieval town of Cluny, which is famous for its Benedictine Abbey, once the largest Christian buildings in the world. Tour the impressive town, learn about its history and soak up its charm during some free time.

Excursion to Château de Cormatin: Transfer by coach to the historic Château de Cormatin, built in 1606. The castle boasts a fascinating history and has been lovingly restored back to its original glory. Admire the castle’s gilded rooms, moat, water features and more than 10 hectares of manicured gardens on a guided tour.

Return to Lyon today. You may like to arrange for your butler to deliver a coffee to your suite so you can enjoy it in your private Scenic Sun Lounge before you venture out for the day.

Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the city was founded by the Romans in 43BC. Since the mid-1500s it has been a financial and industrial powerhouse and today is recognised as France’s culinary capital. The city is home to more than 4,000 restaurants – including 20 that hold Michelin stars – and eating well is a way of life.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore Lyon with this morning’s range of Scenic Freechoice:

Guided tour of Lyon: Discover Lyon’s historic significance as you traverse its hidden traboules, secret passageways that date back to the fourth century. Then visit the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, offering a fabulous vantage point for views across Lyon.

Excursion to Pérouges: Visit this medieval walled village, located atop a hill overlooking the Ain River. It has been beautifully preserved, featuring vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and a market square centred around a centuries-old lime tree. Please note: Due to uneven surfaces and a lot of walking both up and down hill, this tour is recommended only for guests with a high degree of fitness.

Silk painting workshop: Lyon has a rich heritage of silk production that dates back almost five centuries to when Louis XI chose the city as a potential base for the silk weaving industry. During this workshop, you’ll learn about the history and process of silk painting.

Guided cycling tour to Tête d’or Park: With a local guide, cycle along one of Lyon's many bike lanes to charming Tête d’or Park. At 105 hectares, it is one of France’s largest urban parks and features a sprawling lake with Souvenir Island at its centre, a botanical garden, rose garden and greenhouse, and a zoo.

Another late departure gives you more opportunities to explore Lyon’s restaurant scene. 

Cruising downstream, along the Rhône River, your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Chavaney today. This charming village is made up of quintessentially French red-roofed buildings and surrounded by the lush vineyards of the Rhône wine region. It’s also known for its outdoor pursuits, such as hiking and cycling, and is a key stop on the French Camino pilgrimage route. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Discover your way with this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Walking tour of Vienne with Roman theatre: Travel to nearby Vienne to uncover the fascinating history of this quaint riverside town, once conquered by Julius Caesar. You will visit one of the best-preserved Roman theatres, which was built against the steep slopes of a hill and could hold more than 10,000 spectators.

Cycling tour: Enjoy an easy cycling tour along gentle, flat terrain. Make a leisurely loop from Chavanay along the Rhône River and through nearby picturesque villages. The route offers beautiful views of the rolling hills and stops for wine tasting or local refreshments.

St-Joseph - Côte-Rôtie wine tasting: Savour the exquisite wines of the Côte-Rôtie  amid the picturesque vineyards of Chavanay. This region is renowned for its exceptional terroirs that produce some of the finest wines in France. During a private tour of a local estate, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship and passion behind each bottle.

This morning you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum thanks to its rich medieval heritage and architecture. The town was founded in the fifth century, and as you walk down the narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel as though little has changed in the past 1,600 years. At its peak in the Middle Ages, Viviers was home to 30,000 people, today less than 4,000 people live here, happily secluded in their own world. 

Scenic Freechoice:
The choice is yours with this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Walking tour of Viviers: Join a local guide to explore Viviers on foot. Admire its many monuments and architectural treasures such as the Cathedral of St. Vincent – first built in the 11th century, it is now resplendent in 18th century Gothic style with a Renaissance facade. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Viviers at your leisure.

French Resistance walking tour: On a walking tour of Viviers, hear stories of the French Resistance, who fought bravely against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. Learn local stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the historic town.

Excursion to Grignan de Provence: Join your local guide on an exploration of the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. See the mighty castle that dominates the town as well as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour before enjoying some time at leisure.

This afternoon is spent relaxing on board as you cruise towards Avignon, the gateway to Provence, a region blanketed in vineyards and lavender fields, rolling hills and historic villages. Enjoy a regional wine in the Panorama Lounge & Bar as you take in the ever-changing scenery along the banks of the Rhône or spend some time recharging in the wellness centre.

Known as the ‘City of the Popes’, Avignon is rich in history and astounding medieval architecture. At the same time, it also has a youthful energy and a buzzing arts scene. Circled by fortified walls, the former papal capital is home to the World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe, and the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge, which was once the only way to cross the Rhône between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea.

Scenic Freechoice:
Take your pick from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Walking tour of Avignon including visits to Popes Palace: From the ship, you will be guided on a walk through Avignon, visiting the historic city walls and the Pope’s Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Avignon is filled with cobblestoned streets and the palace has numerous steps, so a moderate degree of fitness is required for this tour.

Excursion to Pont Du Gard: Visit the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, on a guided tour. Dating to the middle of the first century, this engineering masterpiece was designed to carry water to the city of Nîmes.

Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire: Join your Scenic chef to visit the local market where you will shop for and sample the best ingredients this region has to offer. Return to the ship for an interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire. (Please note: Avignon Market is closed on a Monday).

Wine tasting in Châteauneuf du Pape: The fertile banks of the Rhône are peppered with Côte du Rhône vineyards, including at the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, where centuries of wine production make for a fascinating history. Take this opportunity to sample some of the region’s most celebrated wines that were once known as the ‘Wine of Popes’.

This afternoon is at your leisure to further explore Avignon at your own pace. If you’re feeling energetic, wander up Le Rocher des Doms. Set 30 metres above the river, it offers excellent views over the city as well as a picturesque English-style garden with shady trees, fountains and ponds.

Scenic Enrich
Classical concert at the Palais des Papes: When the doors are closed to the general public, step inside Palais des Papes, one of the most visited sites in France which you will have to yourself. Upon arrival, you will be ushered into the grandiose palace for an exclusive classical concert from a trio of musicians and accompanied dinner in the very banquet hall popes once dined. Be immersed in the beauty of famous classical pieces, which gain a new fascinating dimension inside the palace’s walls.

Depart before dawn and arrive in Arles for breakfast. Founded around 56BC by Julius Caesar, the city has a rich Roman heritage and is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins outside the Eternal City itself. The remnants of ancient monuments, theatres, baths and administrative buildings are strewn along the river’s left bank. It was also the home of Vincent van Gogh in 1888, and he drew inspiration from the landscape for many of his paintings and drawings, including his infamous work ‘The Yellow House’. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore the city with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice:

Guided tour of Arles: Join a local guide for an insightful walking tour. Departing from the ship, you’ll visit the heart of Arles to see impressive Roman ruins, including Las Arenas, a 20,000-seat arena dating back to 90 AD that’s still in use today. Experience the vibrant colours and striking quality of light that has inspired many artists.

Les Baux & olive farm visit: The Alpilles region is famed for its olives, known locally as green gold. Visit an olive farm to see how olive oil is made and enjoy a tasting of their fine products. Then take a tour of the medieval city of Le Baux, with its charming old town filled with cobblestone streets and dominated by an 11th century castle.

Following Vincent – Van Gogh’s Arles: Step into the vibrant world of Vincent van Gogh on a walking tour. Trace the artist’s journey through the resplendent streets and historic sites that inspired some of his most famous works during his 15 months in this charming Provençal town, experiencing the colours and atmosphere that shaped his genius.

Discovery of lavender – from field to perfume: Provence region is renowned for aromatic herbs, particularly lavender. At certain times of the year (typically from late June to mid-August), fields are transformed into a breathtaking sea of purple. Visit a local organic farm specialising in the production of essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs. Discover the health benefits of these plants, learn the process of essential oil extraction, and create your own natural and fragrant lavender mist, made with organic essential oil.

Tarascon is the end of your cruise. Depart after a farewell breakfast and journey by train to Nice.

Welcome to the heart of the French Riviera. Upon arrival, transfer to your luxury hotel and settle in as you enjoy the timeless charm of the Côte d’Azur.

This dazzling stretch of coastline has long captivated artists, writers, and royalty with its blend of elegance, glamour, and Mediterranean beauty. Spend the afternoon at leisure - stroll the palm-lined promenades, wander cobbled old towns, or simply relax with a glass of wine as the sea breeze drifts in.

This morning, set out on a guided walking tour of Nice, the glittering capital of the French Riviera. Stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, where palm trees line the sweeping curve of the Mediterranean coast. Pause at Place Masséna, the city’s grand central square, where French elegance meets Italian flair, before venturing into the colourful maze of Vieux Nice. Here, narrow cobbled streets open to lively markets and artisan shops, with the scent of fresh flowers, herbs, and spices filling the air.

In the evening, join your Tour Director for an included dinner at a local restaurant, chosen to reflect the effortless charm and culinary excellence that make the French Riviera so captivating.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today, choose the way to explore this beautiful region with the following Scenic Freechoice:

Excursion to Monte Carlo: Beautiful Monte Carlo is just a short ride from Nice. Take in the 
beauty of this coastal gem on a city tour. See the Prince's Palace, the renowned Casino, the circuit of one of the most breathtaking Formula One races, and much more.

Saint-Paul de Vence: Wander the same timeless streets that inspired legends like Picasso and Chagall. The medieval architecture, lively markets, and artistic spirit of this picturesque town will captivate you.

Your journey uncovering the timeless charm of the French Riviera ends today. After breakfast, bid farewell to Nice, carrying with you memories for a lifetime.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. Please refer to our terms and conditions.