Summary
Anyone who has dreamed of traveling to the Burgundy and Provence regions of France would love the 8-day, “Portraits of Southern France” itinerary from Viking River Cruises. The journey connects Chalon-sur-Saône north of Lyon with Avignon in the south near Marseille, sailing along the picturesque Saône and Rhône Rivers.
Cruise the Burgundy and Provence Regions of France
The river cruise is nearly all-inclusive, offering all meals along with complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner. Furthermore, the ship provides complimentary WiFi. While the cruise includes ample time to sail along the rivers and enjoy the scenic vistas, it also stops at several memorable ports, including visits to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The ports of call and example included activities are:
- Beaune – Burgundy wine route excursion and wine tasting; visit to Hôtel-Dieu
- Lyon – Tour of the old city with free time to sample local cuisine in the gastronomic capital of France
- Vienne – Walking tour featuring the Temple of Augustus & Livia
- Tournon – Tain l’Hermitage excursion and wine tasting
- Viviers – Evening walk through the Old Town
- Arles – Walking tour including Les Arènes amphitheater
- Avignon – Walking tour featuring Pont d’Avignon and the Palace of the Popes
During the cruise, guests have the opportunity to sample a variety of French cheeses, learn to make chocolate fondue, taste some Burgundy wines, listen to French music, and attend informative lectures on the area. Most ports offer time for independent exploration, making it easier than on many ocean voyages, as the river ships typically dock close to the city center.
Spend Time in Avignon Before or After Your River Cruise
Saône and Rhône River cruises of southern France frequently embark or disembark in Avignon. This charming city, with a population of approximately 90,000, is celebrated as the papal residence for 70 years in the 14th century. Unsurprisingly, the most renowned site in Avignon is the Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes), which was once the center of Christianity.
Another significant attraction in Avignon is the remains of Pont Saint-Bénézet or Pont d’Avignon, an ancient bridge that inspired a well-known French nursery rhyme, “Sur le Pont d’Avignon.”
Avignon was a fortified city in medieval times, and a considerable portion of its old wall still stands. The old town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
This town is perfect for spending a few days either before or after a river cruise, allowing visitors to explore the area and see nearby attractions such as the remarkable Pont du Gard.
The central location for visitors is Clock Square, or Place de l’Horlage, which hosts the City Hall or Hotel de Ville. This lively square features numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, street vendors, and a carousel, serving as Avignon’s hub of activity. It is also the venue for Avignon’s large Christmas market during the months of November and December.
The Avignon City Hall (Hotel de Ville) sits on the town’s main square, featuring the iconic Clock Tower at its rear. This tower, constructed in the 14th or 15th century, complements the vibrant atmosphere of the square. The nearby National Opera Theatre, built in 1846 following a fire, adds to the cultural richness of Avignon.
Pope Clement V moved the papacy from Italy to Avignon in 1309, believing that the King of France would be more accommodating. As Avignon was a small town, the Papacy was able to acquire the entire town.
The prestigious Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes) served as the residence of the Popes for 70 years. Internal conflicts within the Church led to the Great Schism, with a second Pope residing in Rome starting in 1378. Nevertheless, until these disputes were resolved in the early 1400s, Avignon retained its significance as a center of Catholicism. Six Popes were elected at the Palace, making it a pivotal historical and religious landmark. Furthermore, architects regard the Palace as one of the most impressive examples of medieval Gothic architecture in Europe.
Notre Dame des Doms, located on Place du Palais adjacent to the Palace of the Popes, is Avignon’s cathedral dating back to the 12th century. Its most notable feature is the enormous gilded statue of the Virgin Mary, weighing over 4 tons, added in the 19th century.
Visitors to the Palace of the Popes can choose to tour independently, with an audio guide, or with a local guide. Upon entering, the distinctive Gothic style is immediately apparent from the elegant vaulted ceilings. Once adorned with vibrant paintings and figures, only a few remnants of these medieval artifacts remain today.
The Pope had a view of the Grand Courtyard from his bedroom window. The Benedict XII Cloister, encircled by two levels of galleries, is a lovely courtyard still utilized for weddings and special events. Named for Pope Benedict XII, who commissioned its construction, it showcases stunning architectural details relevant to this period.
This grand dining hall at the Palace measures an impressive 130 feet in length and 60 feet in width. While the Pope held sumptuous banquets, he was required to sit apart from his guests, who numbered around 200. The wooden, barrel-vaulted ceiling was restored in the 20th century; initially, it was painted dark blue, simulating a night sky scattered with stars.
Medieval culinary traditions saw the Pope, Cardinals, and guests enjoying extravagant meals consisting of up to 25-30 dishes, featuring nine courses with multiple options for each. The palace kitchen would frequently prepare meals for up to 1,500 people, often cooking several oxen simultaneously on spits, utilizing wood sourced from nearby gardens for cooking fires.
The North Sacristy at the Palace links the Great Chapel to the Pope’s private chambers. While the tombs of cardinals and other clerical figures may appear authentic, they are actually plaster replicas. The Great Chapel measures 150 feet in length and 60 feet in height, with a Gothic style similar to much of the Palace. This Chapel continues to hold significance, hosting approximately 60 major ceremonies each year.
As visitors exit the Palace of the Popes, they are greeted with magnificent panoramic views of the Pont d’Avignon along the walk to the Jardins des Papes. Originally completed in the 12th century, this bridge stretched approximately 3000 feet with 22 arches, serving as the only river crossing between Lyon and the Mediterranean. Today, only four arches remain, yet they are a popular attraction for tourists familiar with the nursery rhyme.
The medieval Popes grew herbs in a beautiful garden that was historically located on the hill above the Palace of the Popes. Today, this tranquil space invites leisurely walks, feeding ducks, and enjoying sweeping views of the Pont d’Avignon and the surrounding old town.
Les Halles, while unassuming from the outside, offers an enjoyable experience as visitors explore its market brimming with produce, meats, fish, and a variety of goods, located on Place Pie.
The Jardins des Papes (Garden of the Popes) boasts breathtaking views of the Rhône River and the historic old town of Avignon. This captivating medieval town serves as an excellent starting point or conclusion for your river cruise through southern France along the Saône and Rhône Rivers.
