T
he mere mention of the Rhône and the sun-drenched
landscapes through which it flows evokes images of
lavender fields, ruby-red wines, salty charcuterie and
decadently pungent cheeses. A voyage along the Rhône
is a journey through the gastronomic heart of France, as well
as a step back in time. From the Romans and their magnificent
architectural legacy of aqueducts and arenas to the more recent
world of Vincent van Gogh, who took his inspiration from the
hazy landscapes and yellow sunflower fields around Arles.
e Rhône rises high in the Swiss Alps, flowing through Lake
Geneva, cutting through the Jura Mountains and meandering
south towards Lyon, where it is joined by the Saône. From here,
the now powerful river flows south, carving a course through
steep cliffs and forested mountains dotted with ruined castles.
It is towards Avignon that you'll see those iconic lavender fields,
regimented rows of scented, purple flowers, as well as a patchwork
of Van Gogh's yellow sunflowers. Vineyards flank both sides of the
Rhône along its southern stretch through historic Avignon and
Arles until the majestic river branches out into its wide, marshy
delta, the salty wetlands of the Camargue.
roughout history, the Rhône has been an important trade route,
providing a means of transport between northern Europe and the
Mediterranean for goods including tin, amber and salt, as well as
wine. e area has been inhabited for thousands of years; the city
of Marseille, east of the Rhône delta, was founded as early as 600
BC. e Romans, travelling through the area, planted vines and
many of the vineyards date back two millennia. It is the Romans
who were also responsible for the region's original roads and the
graceful aqueducts along the river. Early vessels were typically
wooden barges, drifting downstream with the flow and being
towed back upstream by horses.
Clockwise from
the top:
The famous
lavender fields
near Avignon;
the Rhône has
long transported
wine across France
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