Autumn Sensations of Lyon and Provence & Paris

Marseilles is an enticing port city known for its delectable seafood, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, and diverse melting pot of cultures. Less travelled by tourists than its other Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur counterparts, including Cannes and Nice, this seaside city is a vibrant, artistic, and historically significant stop worth exploring!

Believed to have been established in the seventh century by the Phoenicians or Greeks, Marseille is now the second largest French city after Paris and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Marseille is a city of and for immigrants, with a blend of cultures and religions from North Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and more, reflected in the gastronomic and architectural diversity of Marseille itself. Visit the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, constructed in an Arabic architectural style, for an immersive experience with exhibits showcasing the artifacts of Marseille’s extensive history. The city’s most frequented attraction, the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, is a stunning display of Roman and Byzantine design and provides spectacular views of the city below.

A trip to Marseille wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through Le Vieux Port and Le Panier, popular neighborhoods for tourism and lined with markets boasting fresh and authentic cuisine. Bouillabaisse, a delicious stew filled with local and fresh-caught seafood, is well-known as a Marseillaise specialty, but don’t pass up the chance to eat other scrumptious eats, including squid, sardines, and mussels, piping-hot pizzas, and a sip of anise-flavored Pastis. There’s a reason why the city was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite gastronomic destinations!

Be sure to take advantage of Marseille’s natural beauty. The variety of sandy and rocky beaches are perfect spots to revel in striking ocean scenes. Just south of Marseille, the Parc national des Calanques offers great hiking, biking, and boating excursions for any nature-lover.

With so much to see and do, Marseille, France, will delight and astonish you.

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!

Viviers, located along the banks of the Rhône River in southern France, is a town where history is visible at every turn. Its narrow cobblestone streets wind past medieval houses, Romanesque churches, and ancient city walls, offering visitors a sense of walking through time. The Saint-Vincent Cathedral stands as a centerpiece of the town, with its intricate stonework and quiet cloisters providing insight into centuries of religious and architectural tradition.

The town is known for its well-preserved historic center, where old mansions and Renaissance façades tell stories of past prosperity. Many buildings feature traditional painted shutters and wrought iron balconies, and small squares invite travelers to pause and watch daily life unfold. Street art and local sculptures add subtle touches of contemporary culture, blending seamlessly with the town’s ancient streetscape.

Natural surroundings add another layer of appeal to Viviers. The Rhône River offers scenic riverside walks and opportunities for boating or fishing. Nearby hills and vineyards create gentle landscapes ideal for short hikes or cycling excursions. The region’s Mediterranean climate brings vibrant greenery and colorful blooms that enhance the visual appeal of the town and surrounding countryside throughout the year.

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.

Vienne, France sits along the wide bend of the Rhône River in southeastern France, where stone bridges, riverbanks, and steep hills shape the view from nearly every angle. The old town is filled with narrow streets that open suddenly into squares lined with cafés and small shops. One of the most striking sights is how Roman ruins appear in unexpected places, blending into daily life rather than standing apart as distant monuments.

At the heart of the city stands the Temple of Augustus and Livia, a remarkably preserved Roman temple that still holds its tall columns and carved stone details. Locals often point out how it has changed roles over time, once serving ancient worship and later becoming part of civic life. Just a short walk away, the Roman Theatre of Vienne rises into the hillside, where stone seating curves around an open stage. It is still used for performances, so visitors may find music or theater set against a backdrop built for large gatherings long ago.

Walking along the riverfront adds another layer to the visit, where boats pass under stone bridges and paths lead toward vineyards on nearby slopes. Vineyards around Vienne are known for producing wines from steep terraces that follow the curve of the Rhône, a detail that explains why many viewpoints look almost hand-carved into the hills. The combination of riverside walks, ancient stonework, and everyday life gives the city a steady sense of connection between past and present.

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!

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!