Southern France with Riverside Luxury Cruises

Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, Lyon is hailed as France’s gastronomic capital and home to the gourmet “temple” of Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, the city’s incredible food market since 1859. It also boasts 2,000 years of amazing history, with Roman, medieval, and Renaissance architectural treasures, like iconic Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest town squares; the Old Town’s fascinating traboules (secret passageways); the Museum of Fine Arts; Fourvière Basilica; and the Roman Amphitheater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Just across the river from Tournon, Tain-l’Hermitage is well known among epicures. A large number of large and small wineries call Tain home—as well as the famous Hermitage and Crozes Hermitage AOP wines. Another gem is the interactive Valrhona City of Chocolate gourmet chocolate factory. Here, visitors can learn what contributes to the very chocolate used by some of the world’s most discerning chefs and can taste the amazing products as well!

Viviers is tiny in size only! This remarkable village in France’s Ardèche is like an open-air museum of ancient architecture with its Town Hall, Bishop’s Palace, St. Vincent Cathedral (said to be France’s smallest cathedral), 16th-century Knights’ House, and mansion-lined Grande Rue. The many stairs leading to the Upper Town reward the effort with outstanding panoramic views over the city below and the beautiful Rhône Valley.

Situated in the heart of the Rhône Valley near Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is, without a doubt, firmly entwined with papal history. Highlights include the remnants of 800-year-old Châteauneuf-du-Pape Castle, which was built to help the popes escape the summer heat of Avignon—and where the popes planted the town’s first vineyards. The Old Town is also particularly inviting with its medieval ambiance, round clock-towered Town Hall, and many shops for tasting and buying the delectable Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines.

While other cities boast they emerged from great battles or great commerce, Avignon arose from…great laziness! The ancient walled city’s claim to fame, the awe-inspiring Pope’s Palace, one of Europe’s largest and most important medieval structures, all came into being when the Archbishop of Bordeaux didn’t want to travel to Rome for his papal consecration. Instead, he had himself crowned in Lyon and built a palace in Avignon. Other highlights include the pretty Old Town as well as St. Bénezet Bridge, inspiration of the famous song, Sur le pont d’Avignon.

Surrounded by some of Europe’s prettiest natural parks, the Pearl of Provence is one history-packed little city. From a Roman Empire-era port hub, it evolved into a thriving city during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Highlights include the prominent, two-tiered Roman Amphitheater; the thermal baths dating back to the 4th century; and the Church of St. Trophime pilgrimage site. Arles is also where Van Gogh was most inspired—and the Van Gogh Pedestrian Path shows the likely spots where the artist painted many of his masterpieces.

We will enjoy delightful evening drinks on the Sun Deck (weather permitting) as your ship moves quietly through the spellbinding Rhône Delta.

Tarascon is certainly colorful, its very origin story tells of a mighty water dragon that terrorized river traffic in the 1st century. With a beginning like that, any visit is bound to be interesting! The city is home to an imposing 15th-century fortress, whose dungeons once held doomed French Revolution prisoners, and an inviting Old Town with a fascinating Jewish quarter, Baroque Town Hall, bustling market squares, and the half-Romanesque/half-Gothic St. Martha’s Collegiate Church, where tradition claims the Biblical figure Martha is buried.

The city sits at the confluence of three rivers and had therefore military importance. The fortress Veste Oberhaus now houses the museum and the Dom features a great organ.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Welcome on board the Riverside Ravel
There is a photograph of the famous French composer Ravel in a casual pose in a leather armchair, looking dapper in a fine suit with waistcoat and silk tie. This photograph symbolises the Riverside Ravel. Travelling on this ship means enjoying comfort and culinary delights, experiencing pure relaxation, and enjoying an unforgettable luxury river cruise in France. As in Ravel’s famous Boléro, she glides slowly and steadily along the Rhône and Saône – and is an attraction in herself.

YOUR OWN HAVEN
Elegance and space – our suites
The suites on Riverside Ravel offer you plenty of space, privacy and maximum comfort. The suites have elegant bathrooms and king-size beds and are decorated in fine materials, such as velvet and leather, with soft colours that reflect the tones of nature. Panoramic windows blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. There are only differences in nuance and size. Whichever suite you choose, it’s guaranteed to be just right for you!

To sleep is to live!
Our suites on the Ravel:
Our suites will guarantee you plenty of space, privacy and superlative comfort. They are equipped with luxurious materials, fine fabrics, velvet and leather. All of them have elegant bathrooms and King size beds. Their colours are soft and match the tones of nature. Panoramic windows blur the boundaries between inside and outside. There are only differences in the nuances and sizes. But no matter which suite you decide on, it will be the right one!

Melody Suite – 18 m², 1 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms, Up to 2 Guests

Symphony Suite – 18 m², 1 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms, Up to 2 Guests

Sonata Suite – 22 m², 1 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms, Up to 2 Guests

Seahorse Suite – 24 m², 1 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms, Up to 2 Guests

Riverside Suite – 24 m², 1 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms, Up to 2 Guests

Ravel Suite – 47 m², 1 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms, Up to 2 Guests

Owner’s Suite – 70 m², 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Up to 4 Guests

Comme il faut!
There are some things in life that you can rely on, such as French cuisine with its fine products and ingredients: tarte tatin, boeuf bourguignon and crêpe suzette. Then there are the exquisite wines of the southern Rhône – with the fruit of Grenache, the flavour of Syrah or the power of Mourvèdre. Luxury river cruises on the Riverside Ravel are culinary voyages of discovery. Our chefs create exquisite dishes using local produce, inspired by the region the boat is travelling through,. From jam to bread and rolls, everything on board is homemade. Convenience is a foreign word in the galleys of Riverside Luxury Cruises.

Fine cuisine on the Ravel
There are some things in life you can simply rely on, such as French cuisine with its high-quality products and ingredients: tarte tatin, boeuf bourguignon and crêpe suzette. Then there are the exquisite wines of the southern Rhône – with the fruit of Grenache, the flavour of Syrah or the power of Mourvèdre. Luxury river cruises on the Riverside Ravel are culinary voyages of discovery. Our chefs create exquisite dishes using local produce, inspired by the region the boat is travelling through. From jam to bread and rolls, everything on board is homemade. Convenience is a foreign word in the galleys of Riverside Luxury Cruises.

Waterside Restaurant

The oval marble counter at reception and the black wooden mosaic announces the elegant style of this restaurant. A delightful breakfast to start the day – with egg specialties, fine charcuterie, and freshly baked breads and rolls. At lunchtime, our marketplace offers an extensive buffet for lunch and then turns into a perfectly dimmed fine-dining world in the evenings. You sit on aqua-blue velvet armchairs at round tables here and can concentrate on one thing – enjoyment.

In Our Atelier

The Atelier is a haven for true connoisseurs: Regional ingredients, carefully selected, meet creative craftsmanship and a touch of finesse. Begin your day with a cozy breakfast featuring the finest coffee and homemade pastries. At lunchtime, we serve light, refined dishes, while in the evening, the Atelier truly comes into its own – with pure flavors, elegant presentation, and a focus on the essentials. Simple. Beautiful. Exceptional.

Additional charges may apply depending on the selected culinary package.

The Vintage Room

A place for gourmets and fine wine enthusiasts. The Vintage Room aboard the Riverside Ravel offers an exclusive culinary experience. On selected evenings, our chefs present a refined 6- to 7-course menu, perfectly paired with exquisite wines carefully chosen by our Head Sommelier.

Up to 10 guests gather at the long table to indulge in the fine art of dining in an elegant and intimate atmosphere. For a lighter daytime option, the Champagne Vintage Room offers a thoughtfully composed 4-course lunch menu. Exceptional craftsmanship, elegant surroundings, and distinguished wines make the Vintage Room the perfect setting for unforgettable evenings. Additional charges apply.

Bontanist Bar

Step into the world of botany and herbal artistry at the Botanist Bar. Embark on a journey through the natural flavors of herbs, fruits, and spices. The idea of an endless botanical world is, of course, also reflected in the Botanist cocktail menu. Our skilled and passionate bartenders craft high-quality drinks using aromatic herbs, fresh fruits, vibrant flowers, and exotic spices – each cocktail a unique expression of nature’s bounty.

Vista Upper Deck

Champagne is always welcome, especially if it’s enjoyed in the shadow of a sailcloth on the upper deck of the Ravel at midday. Enjoy your beverage with a bite of fresh grilled langoustines or steak at our Uniquely Riverside barbecue while admiring the landscape, which slowly and gently drifts by like a stage set. Return in the evening for a romantic French 75 at sunset. The Vista Deck is a laid-back lounge, a bar, a grill, and – above all – utterly unique.