Active & Discovery On The Rhône With 2 Nights In Paris (Southbound)

The metropolitan center of southeastern France, vibrant Lyon abounds with stunning architectural masterpieces, gastronomic delights, and immersive museums. This spectacular city, founded by the Romans centuries ago, rivals Paris as a cultural and social hub for exploring the best that France has to offer.

Discover beautifully constructed cathedrals and remnants of the Renaissance in the neighborhood of Vieux Lyon, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and located on the banks of the Saône River. From the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste’s vaulted ceilings and exquisite stained-glass windows to the mysterious Traboules, concealed passageways beneath the city, Vieux Lyon is the perfect place to trace Lyon’s rich history. Just north of Vieux Lyon, the remains of the Theatres Romains de Fourvière, built thousands of years ago during Roman occupation, still stand; the amphitheater’s immense stone steps seemingly transport you to another bygone era. Steps away, la Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, the nineteenth-century basilica overlooking Lyon’s city center, represents a more recent period in Lyonnaise history, adorned in a decadent and colorful Byzantine style.

You'll find dozens of fascinating and unique museums throughout Lyon, including the Musée des Beaux Arts, the Musée Miniature et Cinema, Musée des Automates, La Sucrière, and many more! When you finish wandering through these carefully curated exhibits, stop to savor Lyon’s highly lauded culinary scene, where numerous Michelin starred restaurants serve some of the best food in all of France. Taste everything from coq au vin, quenelles, andouillette, and salade lyonnaise, and relish in the city’s flavorful gourmet paradise.

Lyon, France beckons you!

A popular stop on river cruises down the Rhône, Tournon, France is a picturesque town south of Lyon. Despite its small size, this French ville is instantly charming. From historic buildings like the Château-Musée de Tournon and the Église Saint-Julien de Tournon, to the lush botanical splendor of the Jardin d’Eden, Tournon’s quaint beauty is guaranteed to enchant. Head to the hillsides of Belvédère de la Chapelle for panoramic views of the city below, or hop aboard the vintage Train de l’Ardeche to roam the countryside.

Nestled between two nature parks and the Rhône River, picturesque Arles will absolutely delight any traveler to the south of France. Situated near Marseille in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Arles boasts small town charm and its architectural treasures have been heavily influenced by the city’s role as an ancient Roman capital. Once the stomping grounds of Vincent van Gogh, Arles’s innate natural beauty has become an inspiration and haven for artists and lovers of art alike.

From the Théâtre antique d’Arles, the city’s historic Roman amphitheater, to the ruins of Thermes de Constantin, to the Alyscamps cemetery, hints of the ancient Roman Empire remain throughout Arles and are essential landmarks deserving of exploration. Other notable sites include the Abbaye de Montmajour and the Cloître Saint-Trophime, both of which date back to medieval times, as well as Arles’s attractions dedicated to the life and work of Van Gogh, such as l’Espace Van Gogh and the Fondation Vincent van Gogh. Head to the Marché d’Arles for the best of Provençale cuisine and fresh produce.

Discover Arles and immerse yourself in the city's historic splendor!

Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, located at the mouth of the Rhône River in southern France, is a coastal town that serves as both a working port and a gateway to the natural wonders of the Camargue region. Established in the 19th century, the town has grown around its maritime activities, from fishing and shipping to salt harvesting, while retaining a close connection to the surrounding wetlands, lagoons, and rice fields.

The town is an ideal base for exploring the Camargue, a unique natural area known for its wild white horses, pink flamingos, and expansive salt flats. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, horseback riding, and cycling along the riverbanks and salt marshes. The nearby beaches along the Mediterranean provide opportunities for swimming and sunbathing, while the town itself offers seafood restaurants, markets, and traditional Provençal culture.

Nestled between two nature parks and the Rhône River, picturesque Arles will absolutely delight any traveler to the south of France. Situated near Marseille in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Arles boasts small town charm and its architectural treasures have been heavily influenced by the city’s role as an ancient Roman capital. Once the stomping grounds of Vincent van Gogh, Arles’s innate natural beauty has become an inspiration and haven for artists and lovers of art alike.

From the Théâtre antique d’Arles, the city’s historic Roman amphitheater, to the ruins of Thermes de Constantin, to the Alyscamps cemetery, hints of the ancient Roman Empire remain throughout Arles and are essential landmarks deserving of exploration. Other notable sites include the Abbaye de Montmajour and the Cloître Saint-Trophime, both of which date back to medieval times, as well as Arles’s attractions dedicated to the life and work of Van Gogh, such as l’Espace Van Gogh and the Fondation Vincent van Gogh. Head to the Marché d’Arles for the best of Provençale cuisine and fresh produce.

Discover Arles and immerse yourself in the city's historic splendor!