Riverside Ravel, Southern France Sojourn River Cruise ex Lyon to Avignon

Just mention the South of France and colorful images flood the imagination. Those images become reality on this week-long luxury cruise! Begin in 2,000-year-old Lyon with its world-class cuisine, then stop at Macon for a peek at the Gothic towers of Old Saint-Vincent Cathedral and the Hôtel-Dieu’s Louis XV-era apothecary shop; Chalon-sur-Saone; and Viviers for truffle hunting or a prehistoric cave art encounter. And, of course, in every port RIVERSIDE CHOICE provides wonderful excursion options, including the chance to see the sights in an active way.

LYON, FRANCE
Lyon is the destination for fine food fans. 2000 years of rich history. Musee des Beaux-Arts. The old town with cobblestone streets. The Basilica Notre-Dame and a magnificent view over the city and the countryside. Silk painting in the smart working-class district of La Croix-Rousse. The gourmet temple of Les Halles de Lyon de Paul Bocuse. The finest cuisine in the region’s typical “Bouchon” style. So much sensuality. So much pleasure.

VIVIERS, FRANCE
At night, the stories seem to emanate from the walls of the nearby houses. Narrow alleys. Cobblestone. This small town is a true gem. Yes, a walk through Viviers is a journey back to the Middle Ages, because the former bishop’s town was spared the destruction of wars. Besides small shops, there are also big things to see. For example, the cathedral with special works of art such as the five tapestries – three of them were given to the bishop by Napoleon III. A highlight in the truest sense of the word is the viewpoint in the upper town. What a view of this enchanting place.

AVIGNON, FRANCE
It is a city of unparalleled beauty. It curves its way over the river Rhone, and has done so since 1840. The Pont Saint-Benezet acquired international fame through the song “Sur le pont d’Avignon”. Crossing it, you find yourself immediately in front of the Papal Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval buildings in Europe. It arose, it must be said, out of sheer laziness: For the Archbishop of Bordeaux did not wish to travel to Rome for his papal consecration. He had himself crowned in Lyon and had a palace built in Avignon. A monument.

There is a photo of the famous French composer Ravel showing him in a relaxed pose in a leather armchair, with a well-groomed appearance, a bespoke suit, and with a waistcoat and silk tie. This photo symbolically stands for Riverside Ravel. A voyage on this ship means enjoying comfort and fine cuisine, stimulating the senses and experiencing the unforgettable. As in Ravel’s famous Boléro, you will glide slowly at a constant rhythm over the Rhône and Saône – and it is an attraction in itself.

A river cruise touches the senses. It combines space and time to create a contemplative experience. Sitting on the upper deck in an intimate atmosphere, watching unspoiled, beautiful scenery pass by – these are moments you will never forget.

Marvel at the engineering prowess of the locks. Immerse yourself in the culture of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Enjoy the culinary specialties of the regions the ship passes through. And you only have to pack your suitcase once. Yes, a river cruise in Europe with Riverside Luxury Cruises also means setting out to find yourself.

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Riverside Ravel - Deck 1

Riverside Ravel - Deck 2

Riverside Ravel - Deck 3

Riverside Ravel - Deck 4

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Owner's Suite

A dream in 750 square feet (70 m2) on the Ravel, the Owner’s Suite features two bedrooms and two baths. There’s also a stylish living room, where you can sit at the fireplace and read a book, dine privately with the family or sit at the desk and get a few things done on your laptop. Or on your own balcony. This suite guarantees guests a pristine appearance without any effort on your part. Give us your clothes – we’ll wash and iron them. An exclusive limousine transfer between the ariport or the train station will be looking forward to bring you on board.

Riverside Suite

Nomen est Omen – the name is a sign. Here, everything goes with the flow of the river. And it can even be seen in the morning right from your bed through the picture window.Enjoy style and comfort in perfect form. And just in case someone has especially moving dreams or the suite is intended for a cruise with a best friend, the king-size beds can easily be converted into two twin beds. For our Riverside Suite’s guests, a limousine transfer between the airport or the train station and the ship is included.

Symphony Suite

At 188 square feet (17,5 m2), you will still enjoy great comfort in a Symphony Suite. Go to sleep under covers of the finest cotton, and begin every day with a tea or coffee in bed as you gaze out into the fresh air. The rain shower in the bathroom will mobilize your energy for the entire day.A small desk gives you the opportunity to take notes – after all, a trip on our ships is full of experiences to write about.

Melody Suite

Varied tones in natural colours melt very harmoniously into a whole.Just downright cozy, as they say in America. A king-size bed and a walk-under rain shower make this suite a charming world in which to live. It’s no wonder that it carries the name Melody. As in all the suites, there is also a flatscreen HD television set here.

Seahorse Suite

Seahorses enjoy their peace and quiet and like to withdraw. And that’s exactly what you can do in our suite that bears that name. Even in the chic bath, tiled in marble and with double sinks, you’ll have a wonderful amount of space. Perfect comfort in just over 258 square feet (24 m2). The finest materials and art on the walls.

Ravel Suite

The great composers commanded their own space. And that’s what you can also do in these signature suites. They are identically furnished, although they carry the names of their respective ships. Each offers more than 500 square feet (45m2) of room and the same service as the Owner’s Suite. Full-length windows, art, fireplace, and a direct view of the water from the king-size bed. For our Bach Suite’s guests, a limousine transfer between the airport or the train station and the ship is included.