9 nights · France · River cruise · Departs Paris City (France) · Visiting Lyon, Viviers-sur-Rhone, Arles, Avignon, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Tournon-sur-Rhone · Aboard Riviera Travel on the Tauck MS Lumiere
Image courtesy of Riviera Travel ©
This river cruise sails the Seine and Rhone, departing Paris City.
| Cruise line | Riviera Travel |
|---|---|
| Ship | Tauck MS Lumiere |
| Duration | 9 nights |
| Port calls | 7 |
| Departures | 12 sailings |
| From fare | $5,890 per person |
| Year built | 2026 |
| Guests | 130 |
| Cabins | 68 |
| Crew | 50 |
| Length | 135 m |
| Beam | 12 m |
| Cruising speed | 11.0 kn |
Paris rewards travellers who look beyond its familiar landmarks. Follow the Seine past the Louvre and Notre-Dame; explore streets where cafés, markets and small museums reveal daily life. The Eiffel Tower still commands the skyline, but the best hours are spent walking, with time for lunch. Choose one or two neighbourhoods rather than racing across town; Paris is best experienced at street level.
Where the Rhône meets the Saône, France’s third-largest city joins Roman foundations, Renaissance streets and contemporary architecture. Walk Vieux Lyon’s covered passageways, then climb to Fourvière for broad views over terracotta roofs. Come hungry: Lyon’s bouchons serve regional dishes, while Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse brings together the city’s finest producers. Allow time for the riverbanks, museums and a meal that makes Lyon’s culinary reputation tangible.
Viviers stands on the Rhône in Ardèche, a compact medieval town best explored on foot. Stone lanes climb toward the Cathedral of Saint-Vincent, whose Romanesque origins and later additions reflect centuries of ecclesiastical power. Look for bishops’ residences, sculpted doorways and views across the river valley. Beyond town, Ardèche landscapes invite excursions to vineyards, limestone gorges and hill villages, while Viviers rewards those who linger.
Arles stands on the Rhône in Provence, where Roman monuments and a working southern French city share the same streets. The UNESCO-listed Roman theatre and amphitheatre remain central landmarks, built when ancient Arelate prospered. Vincent van Gogh painted here from 1888 to 1889, drawn by the region’s clear light. Visit the Fondation Vincent van Gogh, then explore the old town’s Provençal markets and café terraces.
Avignon rewards a slow first look: medieval ramparts frame a city shaped by popes, merchants and the Rhône. Inside the walls, the immense Palais des Papes recalls the 14th-century era when the papacy moved here. Nearby, the broken span of Pont Saint-Bénézet reaches into the river, made famous by the French song. Leave time for shaded squares, Provençal markets and a glass of local wine before the Rhône carries you onward.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape sits among the Rhône Valley’s most celebrated vineyards, a compact Provençal village with an outsized reputation. Its name recalls the 14th-century popes of Avignon, who built a summer residence here. Today, the château’s weathered ruins crown the village, while cellar doors welcome visitors to taste its powerful, sun-ripened wines. Wander the narrow lanes, then look across the vines toward the Rhône plain. This is a rewarding stop for wine lovers and history-minded travelers.
From the Rhône’s western bank, Tournon-sur-Rhône faces the celebrated vineyards of Tain-l’Hermitage, just across the river. Its medieval castle now houses a museum, while steep lanes climb past stone houses and old town walls. A suspension bridge links the two towns, making vineyard visits and tastings easy. Come for the northern Rhône’s Syrah, then return to the quay for river views and a slower, distinctly French afternoon.
Where the Rhône meets the Saône, France’s third-largest city joins Roman foundations, Renaissance streets and contemporary architecture. Walk Vieux Lyon’s covered passageways, then climb to Fourvière for broad views over terracotta roofs. Come hungry: Lyon’s bouchons serve regional dishes, while Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse brings together the city’s finest producers. Allow time for the riverbanks, museums and a meal that makes Lyon’s culinary reputation tangible.
Published September 5, 2026
Last updated October 24, 2026
Author: J. Richard
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
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