Viking Cruises

54 | Viking Explorer Society News THE RIVETING RHÔNE We explore the Rhône River, from whose banks you can explore the rich history and delectable food and wine of southern France. The mere mention of the Rhône and the sun-drenched landscapes through which it flows evokes images of lavender fields and ruby-red wines. A voyage along the Rhône is a journey through the gastronomic heart of France, as well as a step back in time. The Romans left a magnificent architectural legacy of aqueducts and arenas, while Vincent van Gogh found inspiration in the hazy landscapes and yellow sunflower fields around Arles. HISTORICAL IMPACT The 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 river flows south, through steep cliffs and forested mountains dotted with ruined castles. It is near Avignon that you will 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 river branches out into a marshy delta, the wetlands of the Camargue. Throughout 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, salt and wine. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years; the city of Marseille, east of the Rhône delta, was founded as early as 600 BC. The Romans planted vines and many of the vineyards date back two millennia. They were also responsible for the region's early roads and the graceful aqueducts. Early vessels were wooden barges, drifting downstream and being towed back upstream by horses. Later, paddle steamers were an everyday sight, and as engineering became more sophisticated, cables were attached to the riverbed to effectively tow vessels upstream. CULTURE & CUISINE The Middle Ages was a time of almost constant turbulence and war in France, but the

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