Rhône Culinary Highlights 2024

The ‘Route des Grands Crus’ will take you through gently rolling vineyards to Dijon, the capital of the historical duchy of Burgundy and the capital of the Côte-d’Or département today. Back in the 14th and 15th centuries a mighty empire was ruled from the imposing Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. Powerful dukes such as Philip the Bold supported the arts by acting as patrons – and their generosity is still evident in many places today. After enjoying some free time, you’ll return to the ship.

From Chalon-sur-Saône it is only few kilometres to Chemin Vert, which is one of the most beautiful bicycle tracks of France. Drive along Canal du Centre through the fascinating landscapes of famous vineyards. The grapes for the most fine wines in the world grow here: the Burgundy wines. In or close to Chagny, we will stop for a coffee break before cycling back to Chalon.

After a short drive, you will reach the small, impressive Château de Pierreclos in the middle of its vineyards. The château and its 12th century Romanesque chapel offer a wonderful view over the Beaujolais. A guided tour of the château will take you back to the Middle Ages. Afterwards, you will taste the wines from the château's own wine cellar before the excursion continues to a traditional goat farm. Here you will learn everything about the production of the traditional goat cheese of the Mâcon region and of course you can also taste it.

Often, simple is best. And from the saddle of your A-ROSA bike, you will experience the beauty of the Burgundy in a simple, yet breathtaking way: cycling along vineyards and the picturesque villages Prissé and Vinser. Afterwards, you will discover little treasures in Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône and Mâcon.

Ready for an exciting adventure? From Viviers the bus will take you to the kayak station. After a briefing with detailed information you will paddle on one of the world's most famous kayak trails. Through calm waters and exciting rapids, you will experience the beautiful landscape. In between, you can have a picnic before you paddle back to the valley station.

Join us on a journey to the breathtaking Ardèche, a hidden jewel of France that awaits you not only with breathtaking nature but also with exquisite wine. Your first stop is a lavender museum, typical of Provence, where you will learn about the diversity of lavender species and their use in medicine. On your onward journey to the Château des Amoureuses, you will stop at the famous Pont d'Arc for a photo stop. Be mesmerised by the majestic gorges and imposing rock formations. Once you arrive at the Châeteau, experienced winegrowers will explain the secrets of the local grape varieties and introduce you to the art of winemaking. Enjoy a wine tasting characterised by the aromas and nuances of the region.

Up to 300 metres deep, the Ardèche has carved out the typical limestone, forming one of the most beautiful landscapes in France. This includes the fairy-tale grottos. Along the river you will drive to one of the numerous grottos of the area, such as the Grottes des Madeleines with its subterranean halls. Continuing your trip to one of the lavender producers in the Ardèche-area, you will be shown the different types and species of lavender, as well as their usage in medicine, decoration and perfume production.

The Rhône crosses the landscape like a dark green ribbon. And you will cycle along the bank, beginning in Viviers. First you will pass the Hausberg, a local mountain and cycle through the pretty town of Donzère. Then it becomes a bit more demanding: you will cycle on a former route of the Tour de France with a longer climb. Your guide will adjust speed to ensure that everyone can keep up. And the effort is definitely worth it: the magnificent descent back to Viviers takes you past Châteauneuf-du-Rhône.

Your private English-speaking guide will pick you up in front of the ship and show you Arles according to your wishes. Stroll through the most beautiful city in France, at least that's what the French say. Discover the city centre with its numerous Roman buildings or take a look at the amphitheatre. Let the Roman era pass by and experience the city where even Vincent van Gogh spent a year creating numerous masterpieces.

The Camargue is a paradise not only for the white wild horses, but also for riders. The Mas Saint Germain, a typical ranch in the national park, awaits you and takes you on a one-hour tour through the magnificent landscape. Of course, you will also prepare the horse for your ride and bring it back to their pasture or stable afterwards.

Quaint villages, white wild horses and pink flamingos - that is the Camargue. Explore the untouched flood plain in the saddle of your A-ROSA bicycle. You will cycle past vast rice fields and the famous Camargue bulls - the meat is a real delicacy - until arriving in Étang de Vaccarès. With a little luck, we will see some flamingos here at the salt water lagoon. The next stop is Arles, which is a well-known thanks to Van Gogh's masterpieces. During a coffee break, you can admire the imposing amphitheatre from the Roman period.

Where land and sea merge, something wonderful is created. The Camargue is a natural wonder. And you will experience it first hand on this bus tour - with its flocks of flamingos and the famous white horses, the fauna is truly unique. Today, the free-roaming white Camargue horses and Camargue cattle are not wild animals anymore, but are kept on wide pastures that are typical for the region. We will continue to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a major pilgrimage site and a touristic hub of the Camargue. The Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer church from the 9th century houses sacred relics of Marie Saloné and Marie Jacobé. Since 1448, a pilgrimage to the church has been held twice per year. The centre of veneration of Saint Sarah, also known as Sara the Black, is also here in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a place of pilgrimage for Roma. After a short walk you will have some free time.

Discover and observe numerous bird species in their natural environment. The Parc Ornithologique covers 60 hectares and is home to the birds of the Camargue. Walk through the park, enjoy the birdsong and hundreds of pink flamingos. Then set off by jeep on a wonderful adventure across the Camargue. The Camargue is an Eldorado for nature lovers and freedom lovers. Say hello to the white wild horses and enjoy the unique nature and beautiful landscapes.

The small Alpilles mountain range rises between Avignon and Arles. On its southern slope lies Les Baux-de-Provence, a stronghold of the art of minstrelsy in the Middle Ages. Strolling through the alleys, the turbulent history of this town comes alive again. The view over the plain, above which Les Baux-de-Provence towers like a fortress, is also impressive. From here, the next destination is not that far away - the Carrières des Lumières. This former quarry with its caves now serves as a breathtaking art exhibition where you get the feeling of standing in the middle of a work of art. With light and laser projection, the artworks are thrown onto the cave walls, turning the whole cave into an illuminated work of art.

A very special culinary experience for two awaits you in the heart of Avignon. Give yourself over completely to French cuisine with a 5-course menu. The Michelin-starred restaurant successfully bridges the gap between tradition and modernity – both, in terms of taste and design.

In the 14th century, Avignon was the centre of Christianity. Its cultural richness, as well as monuments and city walls that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, have contributed to Avignon becoming the European Capital of Culture in 2000. Avignon's most famous feature is the bridge sung about in the famous children's song. The Papal Palace with its ornate chambers and chapels is also worth a visit. Visit the multifaceted city with your English-speaking tour guide according to your wishes and preferences.

Today you’ll feel like a VIP. Near Avignon you can climb a Cessna or Piper with a maximum of three people. Such small machines can fly particularly low and are very manoeuvrable, making for an exceptional flying experience. During your 30-minute round trip you will enjoy a unique view of the Pont du Gard, Saint-Rémy, Les Baux, Alpilles and the cities of Beaucaire and Tarascon.

In the morning, Avignon is still wonderfully quiet. The perfect time to explore the city and its exciting history by bike. After witnessing the sun rise over the Rhône, you will explore the enormous Pope's Palace and many other sights. The relocation of the Pope's seat to Avignon in the 14th century also provided the city with gothic churches, monasteries and other splendid buildings. The morning light also illuminates the small island Barthelasse with a fantastic atmosphere. Here, you will cycle through lush nature.

Whether through winding alleys, along the city palaces or past churches and chapels - in Avignon all roads lead to the Papal Palace. Pope Clement V settled here at the beginning of the 14th century, followed by other popes and counter-popes. The tour also takes you past the church of Saint-Agricol and the ruins of the Pont d'Avignon.

The indoor food market of Lyon is named after Paul Bocuse – and with good reason. This star chef was based in Lyon and so he often shopped here. There are plenty of tasty specialities for you to sample here. But France’s second-largest metropolis has a lot more to offer beyond that. Your tour will continue through the city centre, where you’ll take in some wonderful sights.

Would you like to explore the old town privately with a tour guide and enjoy a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the Presqu’Île, the city’s peninsula? Your guide will show you around and provide lots of valuable insights. After all, Lyon has so much to offer – and that applies to its cuisine too. Find out where to get the best coussins de Lyon – a sweet speciality made in the city – and much more.

Lyon is a multifaceted city brimming with cultural and culinary delights. It’s up to you to decide what you want to see: the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the old town with its legendary traboules (small secret passageways) or perhaps the famous facade paintings on the Presqu’Île, the city’s peninsula. Your driver will take you wherever you’d like to go – and your personal guide will then show you the city’s hidden treasures. You can book an expert tour guide at the same time if you wish.

Your guide will be waiting outside the ship to show you how to use your segway. In a small group you will explore the old town of Lyon with its impressive sights and the French lifestyle. After the tour across the peninsula you will return to the ship.

What better way to get to know French cuisine than with a private cooking class? Discover French delicacies up close with us! Near Bellecoure, your expert is waiting for you. Once you arrive at the culinary studio, you will start preparing the dishes and learn about the specialities of French cuisine and how to prepare them. Discover your passion for French cooking and enjoy a delicious meal!

After a 45-minute drive, you will reach one of the most spectacular places in France: Pérouges. The image of the town, founded in pre-Christian times, is characterised today by medieval buildings. Because of its historical flair, several filmmakers have already shot here. And when you stand on the cobbled village square, you will feel like you are in a medieval film yourself.

Would you like to experience Lyon’s hustle and bustle? Then get in the saddle and cycle through Lyon! A highlight of this refreshing tour is a stop at the market halls Les Halles, where fresh produce and products for fine Lyon cuisine are on display. Let your eyes wander over the huge Place Bellecour and watch the ever-hungry pigeons. Finally, you will have a view over the whole city from Fourvière Hill.

Join us on the trail of one of the best chefs of the 20th century. Paul Bocuse was the most important pioneer of nouvelle cuisine and internationally known like hardly any other French gastronome. In the centre of Lyon is the Halles Bocuse, one of the most famous markets in Lyon, where locals also go to enjoy the displays on offer. Feast your way from stall to stall and enjoy the French delicacies. For example, excellent cheese and delicious white wine at Mons, where over 100 different types of cheese are on offer. Of course, the tasting of oysters, French charcuterie (delicatessen meats), chocolate and macarons is not to be missed.