My sister and I are looking into taking a river cruise in April 2020. We looked into and really loved the itinerary offered by AMA Waterways but they are already booked for 2020 and we would have to wait until the following April 2021 if we sailed with them. What a disappointment! I had no idea they would be booked out so far in advance. So . . . . . I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has done a Provence river cruise and which company you would recommend if you had a great experience. We are locked into cruising from Arles to Lyon (I lived for some months in the area a lifetime ago and I want to re-visit and will use Lyon as a jumping off place to head towards Annecy, the Swiss Alps after the cruise . . . so that's why we are locked into Arles to Lyon). Due to my sister's work schedule, we are locked into springtime (primarily April) as well. Hopefully we can find a great company that has some space available! Thanks so much!!
Posted by
Paris
7260 posts
No advice on cruise company here, but a word of warning / expectation management : the Rhône river has been largely dammed and channelled up to Lyon, and while it has its moments (passing by Avignon, the narrows by Donzere, the stretch between Tournon and Vienne with the vineyards), it does not strike me as a particularly scenic river to cruise on. The scenic beauty of Provence and the area immediately to the north lies largely away from the Rhône valley.
Posted by
New York, NY
1585 posts
Have you looked in to Viking River cruises?
Your cruise is the exact one I took a few years back. I started in Lyon, up into Burgundy for a day and then down to Avignon and Arles before returning to Lyon.
https://www.cruiseexperts.com/river-cruises/8-day-viking-river-cruise-from-lyon-to-avignon-2019/
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
1129 posts
Tauck is AMA's major competitor - a similar high-end cruise line. They have 3 dates still open in April of 2020. See https://www.tauck.com/tours/savoring-southern-france-paris-lyon-provence-river-cruise?tcd=rof2020 - you can also add on time in Paris before or after if you like.
You can always get on a waitlist with AMA, as well. But I have researched river cruises for a long time and believe you will get the same experience with Tauck, quality-wise, as you would with AMA.
Posted by
OP
california
40 posts
balso, thank you, I appreciate your feedback.
Our thought was to spend a few days in Paris then make our way south through Burgundy and a bit of Provence before beginning our cruise in Arles. Then after the cruise ends in Lyon, we would make our way through the French and Swiss Alps before heading home. Any recommendation on scenic villages? Thanks!
Posted by
OP
california
40 posts
Thank you, RJean and Kelly! I will definitely look those up and see what they may have available!
Posted by
Paris
7260 posts
What is your mode of transportation in Burgundy, Provence and the Alps? How long do you have
Anyway, assuming a car and a lot of time, here are a few scenic town/ village suggestions
Burgundy
More town than village, Beaune is a great base. Further north and west, Semur en Auxois and Autun are beautiful too. A smaller village that's interesting is La Rochepot, near Beaune.Provence
There is a lot of information available so I'll just list my favorites: Uzès near pont du Gard, St Rémy and Eygalieres (tiny) near Arles, Menerbes and Venasque in the Luberon.French Alps:
Leaving Lyon towards the Alps, Perouges is worth a stop. Further east into the Alps, around Annecy you have several. I particularly like La Clusaz and its meadows, and Menthon St Bernard and its castle. Even further east, on the way to Chamonix (which is highly recommended), Megeve is worth a quick stop.
Posted by
OP
california
40 posts
balso, we will have a few weeks and trains most likely or a combination of trains and car . . . none of that is determined as of yet. Thank you for your list of towns! I know a couple of them and it will be fun looking up the others!