Scenic: Discovering the Fascinating Rhône Valley

The first day of the journey will feature Lyon as the main attraction. Various activities will be available: a guided tour of Lyon; an excursion to the fortified medieval village of Pérouges; a silk painting workshop, a tradition dating back to the time of Louis XI; or a guided bike tour through the 105 hectares of the Parc de la Tête d’Or with a local guide, including visits to the botanical garden, the rose garden, the greenhouse, and the zoo.

The sixth day will be dedicated to the City of the Popes. Avignon is rich in history and medieval architecture: the former papal capital of the 14th century and home to the magnificent Palais des Papes, one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can explore all its splendor with a guided walking tour or opt for an excursion to the Roman Pont du Gard. Additionally, wine enthusiasts can enjoy a tasting at Châteauneuf-du-Pape, surrounded by Côte du Rhône vineyards, while gourmet lovers can join Scenic’s onboard chef for a visit to the local food market to purchase and sample the finest regional ingredients. Upon returning to your ship, the Scenic Culinaire cooking school will offer an impressive interactive cooking demonstration, preparing some of France’s most popular dishes. Avignon’s culinary tradition is very strong, with 4,000 restaurants in the city, including 20 Michelin-starred establishments. In the evening, Scenic guests will be treated to a special indulgence: an unforgettable classical concert in the prestigious, exclusively reserved Palais des Papes.

Leaving Avignon will be difficult for many, but Arles will manage to captivate guests for the final stop of the journey. A coastal city and Roman colony for centuries, Arles is believed to have the most Roman ruins outside of Rome. It was also home to Vincent Van Gogh in 1888, where he drew inspiration from the landscape for many of his paintings and drawings. For the penultimate day, the available options include a guided tour among the Roman ruins, including Las Arenas, or an incredible visit to Les Baux, in the Alpilles. Alternatively, you can visit local farms: an olive farm among the region’s prized olive groves or a cosmetics workshop, where you can also try your hand at creating products. The Provence region has a strong tradition in cosmetics production, and from the end of June to mid-August, it is covered in purple lavender, offering spectacular scenery. Those who prefer to stay onboard can participate in a painting workshop, because as Vincent Van Gogh once said, “The whole future of art is in the south of France.”