This cruise takes you through the colourful landscapes of southern France and its beautiful, historical cities. The route passes through the Ardeche Gorge, Provence and the Camargue, the region with the incomparable atmosphere that inspired van Gogh to create his wonderful paintings. In the towns of Macon and Arles you get a real sense of why the Romans chose them as settlements. In Avignon magnificent buildings such as the Palace of the Popes await you.
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Delightful South of France Cruise-Only prices include:
• 7 night cruise aboard the river cruise ship, MS Bijou du Rhone, round trip from Lyon
• All shipboard main meals
• Welcome and Farewell reception
• Festive gala dinner onboard
• Excursion package with four excursions included – Burgundy, Arles, Avignon and Lyon (valued at EUR 164 per person)^
• The services of a nicko cruise director and local tour guides
• A bi-lingual departure with English-speaking service on board and excursions
• Comfortable Sennheiser Audio system is used on all excursions
• Entertainment programme
• All port and government charges
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DISCOUNTS:
A range of earlybird and combination discounts may be available on this cruise. Please contact us for your current best offer and availability. All rates shown are in Euros per person twin share based on full brochure fare. Single supplements apply.
^Included Shore Tours: Nicko Cruises guarantee that the excursions will be carried out in English provided at least 1 person has booked the excursion package in advance. It is therefore strongly recommends guests to book the package in advance. For other excursions the minimum number of pax is between 20 and 25 pax (depending on the excursion).
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BEVERAGE PACKAGE*:
For an additional cost you may include a beverage package in your cruise. Please advise your consultant at time of booking.
River Cruise Beverage Package: priced from EUR 203 per person includes:
• House wine by the glass (white, rose and red)
• Sparkling house wine by the glass
• Draft and bottled beers, non-alcoholic beer
• Cocktails and long drinks
• All non-alcoholic house beverages
• Water provided in the cabins and on daily excursions
• All coffee specialties (alcohol-free)
• Hot chocolate and tea
Special Conditions
Special Validity Dates
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09 Oct 2024 | Lyon, France |
10:30 PM | |
| 10 Oct 2024 | Chalon-sur-Saone, France |
11:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 10 Oct 2024 | Macon, France |
11:30 PM | |
| 11 Oct 2024 | Macon, France |
12:00 PM | |
| 11 Oct 2024 | Belleville, France |
02:30 PM | 03:00 PM |
| 11 Oct 2024 | Trevoux, France |
04:30 PM | 07:00 PM |
| 12 Oct 2024 | Viviers, France |
12:30 PM | 06:30 PM |
| 13 Oct 2024 | Arles, France |
03:00 AM | 06:00 PM |
| 13 Oct 2024 | Avignon, France |
10:30 PM | Overnight |
| 14 Oct 2024 | Avignon, France |
03:30 PM | |
| 14 Oct 2024 | Chateauneuf du Pape, France |
05:30 PM | 06:15 PM |
| 15 Oct 2024 | Lyon, France |
02:00 PM | Overnight |
| 16 Oct 2024 | Lyon, France |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
7 Night Cruise sailing from Lyon roundtrip aboard Bijou Du Rhone.
Live like God in France? This trip makes it possible! Because it not only opens up the colorful landscape of the French south and the beauty of its historic cities to you. You will also experience the “Savoir Vivre”, for which France is so famous. Look forward to enjoyment in all its facets: taste wine, cheese, olive oil and regional specialties among others where they are produced. Visit the famous Ardeche Gorge, the magnificent Provence and the impressive Camargue. Join and first on the Saone from Lyon to Chalon-sur-Saone and then on the Rhône towards the Mediterranean.
Highlights of this cruise:
Lyon
Lyon is the third largest city in France and centre of the second largest metropolitan area in the country. It is the capital of the Rhone-Alpes region and the Rhone departement. The city is known for its historical and architectural landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lyon was historically known as an important area for the production and weaving of silk and in modern times has developed a reputation as the capital of gastronomy in France.
Lyon is shaped by its two rivers, the Rhône (to the East) and the Saone (to the West), which both run North-South. The main areas of interest are Fourviere hill, Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), Presqu’ile, Croix-Rousse, Confluence, Part-Dieu, Brotteaux, Guillotiere, Etats-Unis and Vaise.
There are many sights of interest in Lyon including the Roman ruins on the hillside near the Fourviere Basilica with the Ancient Theatre of Fourviere, the Odeon of Lyon and the accompanying Gallo-Roman Museum, the Amphitheatre of the Three Gaul and the roman ruins of an amphiteatre. There are many churches dating back to the Middle Ages and Renaissance and buildings built in the 17th and 18th century.
Macon
Macon is a small city (commune) in central France. It is prefecture of the Saone-et-Loire department, in the region of Bourgogne, and the capital of the Maconnais district. The city lies on the western bank of the Saone river, between Bresse in the East and the Beaujolais hills in the South. Macon is the southernmost city in the region of Burgundy. It is located 65 kilometres north of Lyon and 400 kilometres from Paris.
The center is the town’s shopping area. Most shops are located near the Town Hall (rue Carnot, rue Dufour, rue Sigorgne, rue Philibert-Laguiche, rue Dombert, rue Franche, the quay Lamartine, the esplanade Lamartine and rue de la Barre). It is also the historical center of the town. Most monuments are located in that area (Cathedral of Saint-Vincent, Church Saint Pierre…), as are the town’s two museums. The town centre consists of several districts which are all rather different from each other. With its Place aux Herbes, the Saint-Antoine district is the historic heart of Macon.
Avignon
Avignon is one of the major cities of Provence, in Southern France. It is the main city of the departement of Vaucluse, and is located on the banks of the Rhone river. The city is probably best known for its Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), where the Popes lived for much of the 14th century. For centuries, it has also been one of the major artistic centres of France.
Avignon has an immaculately preserved medieval town with endless impressively decorated buildings, ancient churches, chapels and convents, and plenty of places to eat and drink. There is a great shopping area, with pedestrian streets without cars and loads of shops of all kinds. Southeast of the Place de l’Horloge: rue des Marchands, rue Rouge and ajoining streets are full of clothing and other shops.
Our precious jewel in Southern France welcomes you – guaranteeing the highest feel-good factor from the first day. The famous “Laissez faire” is everywhere on board the MS BIJOU DU RHÔNE. You can relax everywhere on-board, being in the comfortably stylish furnished cabins, the large panorama saloon or in the inviting sun deck. Naturally, the tasty kitchen along with the one or other drop of wine should not be missing during a trip through the cuisine landscapes of France, our experienced kitchen chef will ensure for that every day.
At meal times, all guest will find a place in the generously arranged panorama restaurant. Let yourself be pampered by the friendly staff. International specialities can be found in the menu, as well as dishes from kitchens of the countries along the travelling route.
Theme evenings, quiz events, bingo (depending on the programme) as well as live music ensure that there is no time for boredom on-board. Books, board and card games are also available.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 114.3 m
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 150
Ship Amenities
- Television
- Telephone
- Hair Dryer
- Safe
- Individual Climate Control
Ship Facilities
- Panorama Restaurant
- Panorama Saloon with Bar
- Souvenir Shop
- Library
- Sun Deck
nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH is one of the most dynamic cruise providers in Germany. In recent years, the company has evolved from a leading river cruise provider with more than 30 years of experience into a well-known provider of small ships with destination-oriented ocean routes. With its fleet, which is as modern as it is comfortable, nicko cruises travels the world’s oceans as well as all domestic waterways and coastal sections that are in demand for tourists. In 2023, the programme includes not only 22 river ships, but also the classic ocean-going vessel VASCO DA GAMA.
With its “time to discover” philosophy, nicko cruises focuses on cruise schedules that are rich in discovery and on intensive travel experiences in the product fields river and ocean. The product features of so-called “slow cruising”, such as small ships and long anchorage times, are combined with emotional moments at nicko cruises. During the cruises, guests always have plenty of time for exploring. Thanks to the large variety of products, everyone will find just the right trip at nicko cruises, individually tailored to their needs. The ships in the fleet are all in the 4 to 5-star category according to German land hotel trade standards. Attractive inland excursions and the varied culinary offers on board round off the travel experience. nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH has its company headquarters in Stuttgart, where it employs roughly 110 highly motivated members of staff.
Select the Deck to view detail.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
The cabins are furnished in style and comfort with an air conditioning system that can be regulated separately, shower/WC SAT TV, telephone, hair dryer and safe. The cabins have an approx. size of 15 m² and have larger panorama windows that can be opened in the deluxe cabins. They offer beds positioned next to each other that can be pushed apart on request. The main cabins have a size of approx. 12?m², have large panorama windows that cannot be opened and are all equipped with a fold-down bed and a sofa bed.
The cabins are furnished in style and comfort with an air conditioning system that can be regulated separately, shower/WC SAT TV, telephone, hair dryer and safe. The cabins have an approx. size of 15 m² and have larger panorama windows that can be opened in the deluxe cabins. They offer beds positioned next to each other that can be pushed apart on request. The main cabins have a size of approx. 12?m², have large panorama windows that cannot be opened and are all equipped with a fold-down bed and a sofa bed.
The cabins are furnished in style and comfort with an air conditioning system that can be regulated separately, shower/WC SAT TV, telephone, hair dryer and safe. The cabins have an approx. size of 15 m² and have larger panorama windows that can be opened in the deluxe cabins. They offer beds positioned next to each other that can be pushed apart on request. The main cabins have a size of approx. 12?m², have large panorama windows that cannot be opened and are all equipped with a fold-down bed and a sofa bed.
The cabins are furnished in style and comfort with an air conditioning system that can be regulated separately, shower/WC SAT TV, telephone, hair dryer and safe. The cabins have an approx. size of 15 m² and have larger panorama windows that can be opened in the deluxe cabins. They offer beds positioned next to each other that can be pushed apart on request. The main cabins have a size of approx. 12?m², have large panorama windows that cannot be opened and are all equipped with a fold-down bed and a sofa bed.
The cabins are furnished in style and comfort with an air conditioning system that can be regulated separately, shower/WC SAT TV, telephone, hair dryer and safe. The cabins have an approx. size of 15 m² and have larger panorama windows that can be opened in the deluxe cabins. They offer beds positioned next to each other that can be pushed apart on request. The main cabins have a size of approx. 12?m², have large panorama windows that cannot be opened and are all equipped with a fold-down bed and a sofa bed.
The cabins are furnished in style and comfort with an air conditioning system that can be regulated separately, shower/WC SAT TV, telephone, hair dryer and safe. The cabins have an approx. size of 15 m² and have larger panorama windows that can be opened in the deluxe cabins. They offer beds positioned next to each other that can be pushed apart on request. The main cabins have a size of approx. 12?m², have large panorama windows that cannot be opened and are all equipped with a fold-down bed and a sofa bed.
* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.
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