Even though it is one of the major and most well-known rivers on the European continent, the Rhone is not often thought of first as a place to go on a cruise. This is quite surprising given, as we shall see the places that it flows through and the fact that it is very accessible.
Going on a France cruise generally includes Paris and it seems as though this is the center point of any holiday to the country. You wouldn’t be criticised for thinking this way as the city has a fantastic array of culture and history to equal any other one in the world; however sometimes it is just as worthwhile in seeing areas that are perhaps less renowned; or, at least, less full of tourists. A Rhone Cruise will generally start in the city of Lyon that can be found in the east of the country and it is here that your journey really begins. Like many French cities, Lyon is a real source of culture and it houses some of the most interesting and significant sights in this area of France. It was one of the first cities in Europe to consistently print books away back in the middle ages and the religious significance on the city can be seen evidently in the architecture and various cathedrals that are located throughout the area. River Rhone cities are full of Historical and Cultural experiences If history and culture is your thing then you will not be sorry when going on a Rhone Cruise as the whole trip is literally full of it. Further downstream and you will no doubt some to Avignon that is home to the historical palace of the Pope and is, like many areas on France, steeped in religious significance and symbolism. The whole area of Lyon and this side of the country is also famous for its fine cuisine. Anyone who has been to France will tell you that they take their food extremely seriously and you can find specialties wherever in the country that you go; however the eastern and central areas of France have a particularly strong reputation for top class food and drink so it is highly recommended that you try some traditional dishes and visit and local markets if you can. The whole point of a cruise holiday is relaxation and you will find no place better than majestically sailing down the river on a luxury ship. Some of the natural landscape is quite stunning and you can see why this area has been populated for so long; lush green fields with fascinating cities, towns and villages make it a place to remember. A cruise along the Rhone should realistically take around 7-10 days depending on the itinerary. What you will find is a totally different culture from what you would experience in Paris and you will explore and see a different aspect to the country that the majority of holiday makers miss out on. |