Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Smithsonian Journeys)

Vienne is one of the most historically layered stops on a Rhône River cruise. Once a major Roman settlement, today's city still bears the imprint of its imperial past. A walk through the centre reveals two of the best-preserved Roman sites in France: the striking Temple of Augustus and Livia and the vast Roman theatre, which continues to host concerts and performances during the annual jazz festival. The Rhône curves through the city centre, lined with cafés and markets. The Saturday market is one of the largest in the region and sprawls across several streets and squares.Cruise passengers often join walking tours, taking in Roman and medieval landmarks. Consider riding the funicular to Mont Pipet for sweeping views over the river valley. Around the cathedral and narrow lanes, you’ll find quiet courtyards, bakeries and hidden chapels.

Rhône River cruises typically begin or end in Lyon. The city combines Roman ruins, Renaissance alleyways and a thriving modern food scene. Its position at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône helped shape its identity as a major trade hub.Ships typically dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, painted shutters and hidden passageways called traboules. On the Presqu’île, the city opens out into grand 19th-century boulevards and public squares. Food is a major part of the Lyonnaise identity, and even a short visit can include a tasting at Les Halles, lunch at a traditional bouchon or a market stop on Quai Saint-Antoine.For something quieter, head up to the Roman amphitheatre and basilica on Fourvière Hill. The views over the red rooftops and intersecting rivers are among the best in the region. You can take the funicular or walk through the garden path known as Jardin des Curiosités.

Vienne is one of the most historically layered stops on a Rhône River cruise. Once a major Roman settlement, today's city still bears the imprint of its imperial past. A walk through the centre reveals two of the best-preserved Roman sites in France: the striking Temple of Augustus and Livia and the vast Roman theatre, which continues to host concerts and performances during the annual jazz festival. The Rhône curves through the city centre, lined with cafés and markets. The Saturday market is one of the largest in the region and sprawls across several streets and squares.Cruise passengers often join walking tours, taking in Roman and medieval landmarks. Consider riding the funicular to Mont Pipet for sweeping views over the river valley. Around the cathedral and narrow lanes, you’ll find quiet courtyards, bakeries and hidden chapels.

This small medieval town is known for its well-preserved historic centre with winding streets and ancient stone buildings. Once a powerful diocese, Viviers's religious past is still visible today in its cathedral and the bishop’s residence.The town's narrow, cobbled streets are lined with houses that once belonged to the city’s most influential families, their facades weathered but full of character. At the heart of the town is the Cathedral of Saint Vincent, perched on a hill and offering stunning views of the Rhône River and the surrounding countryside.Many river cruises allow for a leisurely walk through Viviers. Beyond the cathedral, there’s a serene atmosphere in the town, making it a perfect place to escape the crowds and soak in the history.

Few river ports carry as much historical weight as Avignon. The city served as the papal residence during the 14th century, a period that left an architectural legacy still shaping the skyline. The star attraction, the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), towers above the cobbled streets and leafy squares below. Its thick walls, cavernous halls and rooftop views give a sense of the power once concentrated here.Despite its ecclesiastical past, Avignon is far from austere. Life spills into the squares and streets, especially around Les Halles – the covered market packed with olives, cheeses and fresh Provençal produce. The city is surrounded by medieval ramparts, and within them are crooked lanes, bell towers and terracotta-roofed houses. The famous Pont d’Avignon, which ends halfway across the Rhône after parts collapsed during flooding in the 18th century, is another landmark of the city.Cruise excursions often focus on the palace, bridge and city walls, but it’s also worth exploring at your own pace. Rue des Teinturiers follows a shaded canal once used by cloth dyers and offers a quieter route through the city. In summer, the Avignon Festival transforms the town with theatre and street performances.

Arles lies where the Rhône begins to fan out into the Camargue. The city was once one of the most important Roman settlements in Gaul, and many of its monuments remain in everyday use. The vast amphitheatre still hosts events, while the nearby theatre is tucked between houses and narrow lanes. Beyond the Roman past, Arles became a hub for artists, most famously Van Gogh, who painted over 300 works.Walking through Arles feels like passing between centuries. Yellow shutters, terracotta tiles and sun-bleached stone give it a soft, Provençal warmth. The Romanesque Saint-Trophime church sits next to the Place de la République, while the twisting lanes nearby hide bakeries, galleries and small shops. Cruise excursions often include walking tours taking in the main sites.A more recent addition to the city is the LUMA Arles art complex, where contemporary art installations fill a former railway yard. The twisting tower designed by Frank Gehry has become a new landmark, contrasting sharply with the city’s more traditional buildings. For those with more time, the Camargue’s wetlands, flamingos and white horses are within easy reach.