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viking.com | 55 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. River voyages begin at Lyon, a cultural and gastronomic centre with an intriguing history. The 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. The city is dotted with bouchons, or local restaurants, where specialities are coq au vin, quenelles de brochet (pike dumplings), cheeses and charcuterie. Any tour of the city includes a trip to the top of Fourvière Hill, which is dominated by the Basilica of Notre Dame, from where stone angels gaze down over the rooftops. Tasting the produce of these vineyards is a highlight of any Rhône voyage, 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. The town is 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. W I N T E R I S S U E 3 0 Tournon-sur-Rhône, France Tasting the produce of these vineyards is a highlight of any Rhône voyage, starting with the smoky white Burgundies of Mâcon on a day trip along the wine route. The Roman city of Arles is pure van Gogh country and it is easy to see how the yellows and rusts of the countryside inspired the artist's swirls. Van Gogh aside, Arles is defined by its magnificent Roman ruins, including the 20,000-seat arena, Les Arènes. WILD BEAUTY Once the heart of the Christian world, Avignon sprawls on the banks of the Rhône, encircled by medieval walls. The Gothic Palace of the Popes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is breathtaking in its sheer scale. The famous Pont d'Avignon juts out into the river below the Palace. During their reign, the Avignon Popes imbibed often, and powerful red wines have been produced at the nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, their summer residence, for around 700 years. Gathering strength, the river flows south until it splits into a series of channels crossing the Camargue, a marshy region home to a unique ecology. Pink flamingos feed in the salty water; wild, white horses roam; and black bulls are raised by modern-day cowboys. It is here that the Rhône meets its final destination, the Mediterranean Sea.