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
Later, paddle steamers were once an everyday sight on the Rhône
and as engineering became more sophisticated, cables were
attached to the riverbed to effectively tow vessels upstream.
e Middle Ages was a time of almost constant turbulence
and war in France, but the city of Lyon nonetheless expanded
continually over the centuries, eventually becoming an essential
centre of the Resistance in World War II. It was several decades
after the war, once the region had become firmly established for
tourism, that pleasure cruising on the Rhône actually began.
Cruises begin at Lyon, a cultural and gastronomic centre with an
intriguing history. e story of regional silk production is told in
the fascinating textile museum, while the Musée des Beaux-Arts
houses one of France's finest art collections. e city is dotted
with bouchons, or local restaurants, where specialities are coq au
vin, quenelles de brochet (mousse of pike), cheeses and charcuterie.
Any tour of the city includes a trip to the top of Fourvière Hill,
which is dominated by the magnificent Basilica of Notre Dame de
Fourvière, from where stone angels gaze down over the rooftops to
the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône.
Tasting the produce of these vineyards is a highlight of any Rhône
cruise, starting with the smoky white Burgundies of Mâcon on
a day trip along the wine route. Beyond Lyon, the river flows
through Tournon, also famous for its punchy reds and in an
especially beautiful setting, guarded by a 10th-century castle cut
into the rock. Tournon is also the gateway to the craggy Ardèche
region, where sleepy towns nestle between lavender fields and
smaller rivers carve deep gorges through the bleached limestone.
Nearby Viviers is a beautiful old town, rich with medieval
buildings, and a wonderful place to explore on foot.
e Roman city of Arles is pure Van Gogh country and it's easy
to see how the dazzling yellows and rusts of the countryside
Beaujolais Wine Region
A Viking Longship
glides down the
River Rhône
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VIKING
