The Rhône is no ordinary river—and this is no ordinary cruise. Picture yourself sipping a glass of Côte-Rôtie on the sundeck as lavender fields blur into the horizon, drifting past sun-dappled vineyards and medieval villages. With AmaWaterways, you’re not just cruising through Southern France—you’re tasting it, breathing it, and living it.
France is many things to many people: a destination for dreamers, gourmands, lovers, and adventurers. But aboard AmaWaterways’ Flavors of France Rhône River Cruise, it’s something more intimate, more immersive. This is France by flavor—savored slowly, like a perfectly aged wheel of Comté or a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
A Gourmet Gateway: Lyon, the Culinary Capital
The journey begins in Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the undisputed gastronomic heart of France. As your ship sets sail from this charming city, you’ll have already tasted your way through bouchons serving up quenelles de brochet and saucisson brioché.
But the real luxury lies in the authenticity: market tours with the ship’s chef, cheese tastings with affineurs, and local wine pairings that seem too perfect to have occurred by accident. Lyon doesn’t whisper its culinary reputation—it sings it from every cobbled street and bustling marché.
Sipping Through the Vineyards: Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage
As the ship meanders south, you’ll find yourself nestled in Tournon-sur-Rhône, a postcard-perfect town where the scent of ripe grapes hangs in the air. Just across the river lies Tain-l’Hermitage, home to some of the most prized vineyards in the Rhône Valley.
AmaWaterways arranges wine tastings in 100-year-old cellars, hosted by passionate vintners whose families have tended these vines for generations. A glass of Hermitage Syrah here tastes different—more alive, more connected to the land.
And because you’re with AmaWaterways, there’s no rush. Savor that second glass. Watch the sun drip behind the hills like honey. You’re on Rhône time now.
A Taste of the Past in Avignon
Few places in France marry history and hedonism quite like Avignon. Once the seat of Popes, this medieval city is a walled wonder where the echoes of Gregorian chants seem to blend effortlessly with the clink of wine glasses.
In Avignon, you’ll wander through ancient palaces by day and feast on truffle-infused delicacies by night. AmaWaterways offers a curated truffle farm excursion followed by a tasting that feels almost illicit in its indulgence. You’ll nibble on tapenade, drizzle olive oil fresh from the mill, and dine al fresco beneath Provençal skies.
Artisanal Life in Arles
The cruise concludes in Arles, a town beloved by Van Gogh and dripping with Roman heritage. Its Saturday market rivals those of Provence’s best, and AmaWaterways ensures you’re not just browsing—you’re experiencing. Think hands-on olive oil tastings, flaky pastries pulled fresh from a boulangerie’s oven, and perhaps even a lesson in Provençal cooking onboard.
In the evening, return to the ship to find a wine-paired tasting menu inspired by the day’s explorations. Because on this cruise, the river isn’t the only thing that flows—the wine does, too.
Why AmaWaterways?
Luxury here doesn’t shout—it whispers in attentive service, in the subtle elegance of your stateroom, in the careful curation of every detail. Onboard amenities rival five-star hotels, with wellness activities, cultural performances, and open-air lounges that make you feel like royalty without the stiffness.
But the true luxury? Access. To the people, the plates, and the places that make France unforgettable.
Ready to taste your way through France?
Join AmaWaterways for an unforgettable Rhône River cruise where every moment is infused with flavor, elegance, and discovery. Reserve your stateroom today and raise a glass to the journey of a lifetime.
Call us now at 888 717 5074 to speak with one of our luxury cruise specialists and start planning your unforgettable journey through the heart of France.
Book Your Amawaterways CruiseFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the best time to take a Rhône River cruise?
A: Late spring through early fall (May–October) offers the best weather, blooming lavender, and peak market experiences.
Q: What is the dress code on AmaWaterways cruises?
A: Smart casual during the day; elegant casual for dinner. No need to overpack—just dress comfortably and chicly.
Q: Is the cruise suitable for foodies and wine lovers?
A: Absolutely. The cruise is designed for epicureans, featuring gourmet excursions, local tastings, and curated wine pairings.
Q: Can dietary preferences be accommodated?
A: Yes. AmaWaterways offers personalized dining options to meet dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and others upon request.
Q: Which other French destinations are accessible from the Rhône?
A: Extensions are available to Paris, Nice, and even Bordeaux for guests wishing to extend their gourmet journey.
