Nice to Paris & Sensations of Lyon and Provence

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.

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.

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.

The French capital needs no introduction, but seeing it from the Seine offers a different perspective on the city. The river winds through the heart of Paris, its banks flanked by many of its most iconic sights, from Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.Most cruises start or end in Paris, allowing at least a full day to explore, at your own pace or on an organised excursion. Independent exploration is easy, with the metro, bateaux-mouches and a good pair of shoes all offering ways to see the city on your terms.The Left Bank brims with literary cafés, while the Right Bank has grand boulevards and elegant arcades. And while you shouldn’t miss the city’s big hitters, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Jardin du Luxembourg, don’t hesitate to adventure beyond the headliners, whether you want to browse the shelves at English-language bookshop Shakespeare and Company, sip coffee at Les Deux Magots or take in the view from Montmartre.