Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Nice, located along the French Riviera, combines Mediterranean charm with cultural elegance. Known for its sunny climate and stunning coastline, Nice has attracted artists, writers, and travelers for centuries. The Promenade des Anglais, a long stretch of seafront with breathtaking views, is perfect for leisurely strolls or simply enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

The city’s old town, or Vieux Nice, is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets filled with pastel-colored buildings, markets, and cafés. It is also home to boutiques and art galleries that reflect the city’s creative spirit. Nearby, the Castle Hill (Colline du Château) provides panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean.

Nice boasts a vibrant art scene. The Musée Matisse houses an extensive collection of works by Henri Matisse, who spent much of his life in Nice. Art lovers will also appreciate the Musée Marc Chagall, which features some of the artist’s most iconic pieces.

Food in Nice is a reflection of its Mediterranean heritage, featuring fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Visitors should try Niçoise salad, pissaladière (an onion and anchovy tart), and freshly caught seafood.

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.

Mâcon is a riverside town in the Saône et Loire department of southern Burgundy, set where the Saône River curves gently through the countryside. Its roots stretch back to Roman times when it was known as Matisco, and over the centuries it became an important trading center and later an episcopal seat. Today, remnants of its long story include the old Pont Saint Laurent, a medieval stone bridge that spans the Saône, and layers of architecture in the old town that reveal influences from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

Walking through the town naturally leads visitors from the riverfront toward its historic streets, where the past seems to linger in every corner. In the heart of Mâcon’s historic district, pedestrians find streets lined with notable sites. The Maison de Bois, a richly carved timber house dating to the early 1500s, stands as one of the oldest urban dwellings and now hosts a café where visitors can pause during a walking tour. Nearby, the Musée des Ursulines occupies a former convent with collections spanning archaeology and fine arts that reflect the region’s heritage. Churches such as Saint Pierre, with its neo Romanesque towers, add depth to any visit by linking faith and design across eras.

Exploring these historic streets often leads to a deeper appreciation for the people who shaped Mâcon’s identity. The town is also the birthplace of Alphonse de Lamartine, a 19th century poet and statesman whose work influenced French literature and politics. Statues and walking paths through gardens and squares commemorate his life, giving curious travelers a sense of local pride in their literary history. Guided tours hosted by the tourist office bring these stories to life, inviting guests to uncover subtle details that might be missed on a casual stroll.

Leaving the historic streets, the landscape opens to rolling vineyards that define the Mâconnais wine region. Villages like Pouilly Fuissé and Viré Clessé produce wines known for fresh, expressive Chardonnay grapes, and visitors can follow wine routes or enjoy tastings at local estates. Markets around Place aux Herbes showcase regional produce and cheese, such as the local goat’s cheese with its distinctive shape and flavor. A glass of Mâcon wine paired with these local flavors gives a true taste of the area’s food traditions.

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!