A lavender and thyme-scented paradise, and home to some of the most scenic surroundings in Southern France, Provence always ranks high on a must-see list. And one of the best ways to take in this beautiful part of the country is from on board a hotel barge or river cruise ship as you glide along the majestic Rhône and Saône.
But what if you want to explore this magical land further? Dive deeper into its history and heritage? Sample some of the finest wines in the world? That’s when river cruise excursions in Provence take centre stage, allowing you to discover this beautiful region beyond the riverbanks. To ensure you sign up for the best, read on.
Best river cruise excursions in Provence to explore its extraordinary heritage
France plays host to over 40 world heritage sites, several of which are in Provence. Make the most of your trip to the French Riviera to see at least a couple of them: easy to do when you join a river cruise excursion to Arles and/or Avignon.
UNESCO World Heritage in Arles
This smallish town comes packed to the brim with stunning monuments, including two Roman jewels that come second only to those in Rome itself: the Roman Theatre and Crypotoporticus. Some say the amphitheatre is the best-surviving example in the world and the underground galleries are also contenders.
UNESCO World Heritage in Avignon
The 12th-century Pont and the Palais des Papes both have world heritage status. The bridge has just four remaining arches, but views of the Rhône from the end are unmissable. The 25 rooms at the Palais offer one treasure after another.
UNESCO World Heritage in Orange
While you’re in Roman mode, join a trip to Orange to admire its Roman theatre, also among the world’s best, and the Arc de Triomphe, dating back to 25AD.
Discover more things to do in Provence
UNESCO World Heritage at the Pont du Gard
An easy side trip from Avignon, this Roman aqueduct rises tall over the River Gardon and is part of the Nimes aqueduct that runs for almost 50km.
Soak up these UNESCO wonders from onboard Le Pivoine or Le Roi Soleil.
Best river cruise excursions in Provence to smell that heavenly lavender
If you’re looking for purple gorgeousness, time your river cruise to coincide with a two-month window in the summer. Visit between mid-June and mid-August to see the vast fields of lavender at their fragrant and visual best.
Choose a river cruise excursion that includes a visit to one of these lavender destinations:
- Drôme is home to quieter lavender fields and two lovely villages, Montbrun-les-Bains and La Garde Adhémar.
- Sénanque Abbey rates as the most iconic lavender destination, so be prepared for the crowds. However, the pretty monastery and surroundings make up for not having the lavender fields to yourself.
- Valensole has the largest lavender fields in France, making the landscape an ocean of purple scent in high summer.
Experience those fields of purple when you join a Rhône river cruise
Best river cruise excursions in Provence to savour that fine wine
Any cruise along a French waterway inevitably involves delicious wine and wine tasting. The Rhône is no exception. Along the northern stretch of the river, you’ll find the excellent Côtes du Rhône and hallowed Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Vineyard tours and tastings form a staple of river cruise excursions.
Read our guide to Côtes du Rhône wine
Northern stretch of the Rhône
This part of the Côtes du Rhône contains nearly 20 AOCs, so le bon vin is a given. Syrah grapes rule the vineyards, and the most famous crus include Hermitage (home to some of the world’s finest wine), Condrieu, Côte Rôtie and Saint Joseph.
Southern stretch of the Rhône
The world-famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Winefolly describes it as “the gateway drug to French wine” (!) – hails from here along with other prestigious AOCs. They include Beaumes de Venise and Vacqueryras.
Provence itself
Wine production in Provence is prolific, but unlike most other wine regions in France, wine here is almost all rosé. There are three AOCs, Côtes de Provence (the largest), Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence and Coteaux Varois en Provence. Between them, they produce the quintessential summer barbecue drink.
See the vineyards and sample their fabulous wines when you take a hotel barge cruise in Provence. Join the Napoleon or the Mam Goz.
Best river cruise excursions in Provence to explore those pretty gems
Provence comes literally strewn with beautiful places to visit. You’ll spot some of them from your boat as you make your way along the Rhône, but others are off the beaten waterway and require a side trip. Arles and Avignon are, of course, top favourites, but others worth a visit include these:
- Aix-en-Provence – this bustling centre is known as the city of a thousand fountains, but, as well as lots of water sources, you’ll discover Cézanne’s roots, stunning architecture, boutiques and antique shops, and several fine museums.
- Cassis – the picture-perfect town combines all the ingredients of Provence: pretty old quarter, good wine, lavender-flavoured ice cream and a Mediterranean location. Join a boat trip to the Calanques rocky inlets.
- Valence – known as the gateway to Provence, this little city offers plenty to see, including a medieval old quarter, complete with cobbled streets, several fine parks, good art galleries and Michelin-starred dining.
- Viviers – a must-see for its views with a capital V! Along with the 360-degree vistas, this town also offers the smallest cathedral in France, an attractive bishop’s palace and a Roman bridge over the River Escoutay.
Discover the southern delights of Provence and the Camargue from onboard a self-drive boat.
Best river cruise excursions in Provence to soak up that stunning art
With its lovely landscapes and brilliant Mediterranean light, Provence has always inspired painters. If you’d like to find out more about them, why not join a themed excursion?
Cézanne in Provence
The Impressionist artist was born in Aix-en-Provence, where he also died, and the city has a trail that follows in the artist’s footsteps. Key landmarks include his studio, just as it was when he created there, the Bastide du Jas de Bouffan, the Cézanne family property, and the Bibémus Quarries that house his cottage.
Picasso in Provence
The 20th century’s greatest artist fell in love with Provence through the works of Cézanne and made his home in a château in Vauvenargues, where he lived and is buried. Château visits are limited, but you can always admire Mont Sainte-Victoire, featured in Picasso’s Nude under a Pine Tree and the subject of 87 paintings by Cézanne.
Van Gogh in Provence
The Dutch genius is perhaps the most associated with Provence since it was here that he found his greatest inspiration. Local colours, light and landscape all became central themes to his paintings. Arles gives you the best insight into the world of Van Gogh’s Provence, even better when you follow his circuit.
More about those amazing river cruise excursions
All our hotel barge and river cruises in Provence include excursions to allow you to discover the very best of this stunning part of France. For more information and detailed itineraries, get in touch with our team today.
