There’s something hypnotic about gliding down the Rhone River, tracing the southern heart of France where vineyards, medieval villages, and Roman ruins seem to appear at every bend. I arrived for my river cruise on the Riverside Ravel with high expectations, I’d heard lots of good things about them, and after traipsing around Northern France on a hectic schedule, I was ready to slow my pace a little.
From the moment I stepped aboard the Ravel in Avignon, the rhythm of life shifted. Over the course of the week, we’d wind past timeless towns—Tarascon, with its brooding castle; Arles, where Van Gogh’s palette still feels alive; Châteauneuf-du-Pape, as intoxicating in story as in taste; and on northward through Viviers and Tain l’Hermitage before disembarking in Lyon.
Unlike ocean liners that measure days by miles covered, this river cruise invites you to dream in kilometers, each one unfolding gently between Avignon and Lyon. This was not about ticking boxes, it was about savoring, each stop and each glass of Rhone red at a time.
We are unapologetically cruise lovers. Big ships, small ships, and ships in between. Oceans, rivers, canals. We enjoy them all for different reasons, different occasions, and different experiences. We believe there’s a cruise that’s right for most every kind of traveler. It’s just a matter of considering your interests and preferences and matching them up with a cruise line and cruise itinerary that meets those preferences.
Knowing where to start, and the questions to ask may seem overwhelming. That’s why we continue to write about different types of cruising, different ships, different cruise lines, and different itineraries. And we go indepth, all in one story, so you don’t have to hop around looking for everything. You’ll find what you need to know right here – cabins, food and beverage,cruise pricing (which is highly variable), itineraries, what we did, any mistakes we made, and all of our recommendations. Our goal is to help you make an informed cruise choice, and to enjoy cruising as much as we do.
Let’s take a look!
Note: I traveled with a writing colleague on the sailing. We received a complimentary sailing as media cover the ship and itinerary.
Rhone River in France
From the moment I stepped aboard the Ravel in Avignon, the rhythm of life shifted. Over the course of the week, we’d wind past timeless towns—Tarascon, with its brooding castle; Arles, where Van Gogh’s palette still feels alive; Châteauneuf-du-Pape, as intoxicating in story as in taste; and on northward through Viviers and Tain l’Hermitage before disembarking in Lyon.
Unlike ocean liners that measure days by miles covered, this river cruise invites you to dream in kilometers, each one unfolding gently between Avignon and Lyon. This was not about ticking boxes, it was about savoring, each stop and each glass of Rhone red at a time.
The Ship: Riverside Ravel
Riverside Ravel is part of the Riverside Luxury Cruises fleet and designed for space, comfort,
and a slower pace. This isn’t a ship built around constant entertainment, it’s for travelers who
enjoy quiet moments and see sailing between ports as part of the journey.
With 110 guests (55 suites) onboard, public spaces never feel crowded. Finding a window seat
or a quiet spot on deck is easy, and the atmosphere stays relaxed, letting you choose to do and see everything, or just to relax with a book or conversation. That slower pace is one reason I love river cruising. The ship was only about a third of capacity on our sailing.
The ship’s design is modern and understated, with clean lines, neutral colors, and practical layouts
that feel more like a comfortable home than a traditional cruise ship. Large windows in lounges,
dining areas, and cabins keep the river always in sight.
And there’s a pool!
Let’s take a look at some ship specifics:
- Sun Deck – With a mix sun and shaded seating, this was a great spot for watching the the scenery go by. During our sailing, barbecue buffets were staged here two nights.
- Upper Deck – This deck had suites, and also the main lounge and bar. This was a great spot for casual drinks, evening entertainment and conversation.
- Main Deck – Dining room and staterooms
- Lower Deck – Staterooms and some service areas. One unique feature for river ships – there’s a laundry room, with washer and dryers available for complimentary use.
I love this ship! (The ship was formerly owned by Crystal Cruises, and acquired as part of their liquidations, so experienced cruisers may already be familiar with it.)
Restaurants and Dining
Dining aboard Riverside Ravel follows the same philosophy as the rest of the ship. It’s
thoughtful, restrained, and designed to support the itinerary rather than compete with it. Meals
are well planned and well executed, service is terrific, and the staff never crosses the line into performative. That’s my definition of 5-star luxury.
Menus are rooted in French culinary traditions, with a clear focus on the Rhone Valley and
surrounding regions. Ingredients are regional where possible, and preparation favors classic
techniques over novelty. Portions are balanced, presentation is clean, and the overall approach
feels consistent from day to day.
The rhythm works well. Breakfast is unhurried, lunch stays practical and time-sensitive, and dinner is structured without becoming formal. It’s good food served at the right pace, which matters on a river cruise where time between ports is part of the experience.
There are a few options to enjoy the food and beverage experience on Ravel. Menus included traditional as well as locally influenced dishes, and there was always plenty to choose from. Dining is open seating, so you can show up at any time during scheduled meal times.
Breakfast and lunch were served buffet style, with themed stations set up – fruit, pastries, cook-to-order, savory selections, main course, desserts, etc. Dinner was ordered tableside from a daily changing menu.
Wine, Service, and Overall Experience
Wine is integrated into menus as if it were part of the itinerary, rather than an afterthought. Selections reflected the regions we were sailing through, and since we were in France, there were lots of options.
The onboard food and beverage staff is knowledgeable and helpful, without being intrusive. We quickly formed a relationship with one of the servers, and tried to sit at a table in his section every evening. He knew what we liked, pointed out menu items he thought we might like to try, and was comfortable joking around with us (we can be a little bit irreverent sometimes).
Dietary needs are handled smoothly, and flexibility is consistent across venues. Dining on
Riverside Ravel feels aligned with the ship itself. Calm, well considered, and built around how
people actually like to eat while traveling. We looked forward to meals not just for the food (which was gourmet without being pretentious), but because we looked forward to the experience.
Waterside Restaurant
The Waterside Restaurant is the ship’s main dining room and where most meals are served.
The space is comfortable and understated, with no pressure to dress up or treat meals as
events.
Breakfast and lunch lean toward buffet and market-style service, with freshly baked breads,
made-to-order egg dishes, salads, cheeses, hot entrées, and plenty of choice. Lunch is typically
served buffet-style, which works well on days with longer excursions. Dinner brings a more
composed menu, drawing from regional French cuisine and seasonal ingredients.
My recommendation: Say yes to dessert! (There’s a reason that most of my food photos are of desserts.)
We enjoyed dessert every single night. We realized we had to skip it one evening, and a nighttime excursion didn’t allow us sufficient time. Our server offered to send it to our cabin so it would be waiting for us upon our return. Our top choice, though, was a fruit tart with ice cream, and it would, obviously, melt without referigeration.
Undeterred in his quest to get us dessert, our server coordinated with our butler to make it happen. We texted our butler when we were on our way back to the ship, and our dessert (along with a pot of tea) was waiting for us when we got there.
When we remarked that we didn’t have time for dessert, the staff could have let it go. But they didn’t. Without prompting or fuss, they created and offered an alternative – which we delightedly accepted. This is 5-star customer service!
The Atelier
The Atelier had late riser’s breakfast and from noon-5pm offered Riverside Bites, perfect for when you wanted a little something to take the edge off your hunger.
On one evening, the Atelier had a themed tasting menu. I’ve heard from others that dinner is typically offered here more frequently. We had a small number of passengers on the cruise, so this may be the reason why we only saw it offered one evening. Dinner in the Atelier may have an additional charge.
The Vintage Room
The Vintage Room is the most intimate dining space on board, and foodies will love it. The special food and wine paired multi-course meal is offered once per sailing, with seating limited to a small group, gathered around a single table.
We were unable to get reservations (required) for the Vintage Room, but did have a chance to peek in at the room and table set up. It was lovely.
My recommendation: If you’re a foodie, wine lover, or enjoy exploring the pairing of the two, book this ASAP. Reservations are required, and there’s an additional fee.
Bars and Casual Dining
The Palm Court serves as the ship’s primary cocktail space. Along with the classic cocktails, you’ll find specialty items that include botanical and herbal profiles, all prepared with both care and flare. Although I’m not a cocktail lover, I was able to enjoy many of the specialties items as non-alcoholic.
This is an easy place to spend time before or after dinner without feeling like a social hub you’re expected to participate in. Seating is such that you can enjoy a lively conversation with other guests, sit and listen to the piano player (pianist Yordan was a charmer), or put your nose in a book and enjoy private time. All with a river view.
The Vista Bar on the Upper Deck is a relaxed spot for a drink when the weather allows (we sailed in the summer and it was a great time to be outside). On given occasions, the staff brings out the grills for a sumptuous barbecue. Think seafood, meats, vegetables, accompanied by an array of salads and desserts. Delicious!
Cabins on Riverside Ravel
All accommodations on Riverside Ravel are suites with butlers, offered in several categories that differ
mainly in size and location.
Cabin selection is a very personal thing. Everyone has different priorities and preferences. My recommendation for cabin selection is to select the best that your budget allows. If your budget only stretches for an entry level cabin, don’t let that get in the way of deciding whether or not to book. No matter the price point there is good value on Riverside.
Be sure to look for special pricing, take a close look at the amenities offered in each stateroom category, and do the math to determine the value of what’s included and where you get the most value. It’s about what right for you.
We were in Cabin 211, a Seahorse Suite. Decor follows the rest of the ship’s theme, modern, neutral, and understated, without leaning heavily into trends soon to become outdated.
For travelers who appreciate downtime between excursions, the cabins serve as comfortable
spaces to read, write, or simply watch the scenery pass. Cabin layouts were practical, with a bed configuration that could be as a King or two single beds. The bed(s) faced the Panoramic Balcony-Window, a configuration that you don’t realize you prefer until you experience.
USB ports and plug-ins were conveniently located, which always makes for a more efficient cabin traffic flow. And there was a walk-in closet! The bathroom was marble tiled, with double sinks and a rain shower, and plenty of room for what you needed it for.
At 258 square feet, the cabin maximzed space in a way that didn’t feel crowded – even with two working travel writers spread out.
The Itinerary: South of France Soiree with Pont du Gard and Rhone Delta
This Rhone River itinerary offers an introduction to southern France, balancing well-known destinations with smaller stops that add texture to the journey, without overloading the schedule. Days are structured but not rushed, allowing plenty of time in port to explore while enjoying relaxed sailing between destinations.
I always recommend arriving at least one day early for a river cruise. Delays happen, and that can mean missed connections, late arrivals, and jetlag. Avignon, the embarkation point, is a beautiful city worth exploring on its own, so why not add a day to arrive early?
Day 1: Avignon (Embarkation)
Avignon serves as the embarkation point and sets the historical theme for the journey. The walled city is known for its papal history and medieval fortifications and architecture.
Visitors can explore the Palais des Papes, Pont Saint-Bénézet, and charming streets within the old city
walls.
We arrived in Avignon by train from Geneva, having spent some time learning about Comte cheese in France and Switzerland before the cruise. Train travel is Europe is easy-peasy! We were picked up at the train station and transported to the ship, where we were warmly welcomed aboard and shown to the cabin. Following introductions from our butler, a few quick photos before we rearranged the beds and messed things up, we were off for a scheduled excursion of a guided tour of Avignon.
My recommendation: Arrive a day early to explore Avignon without feeling rushed and to adjust to travel logistics (and maybe enjoy a cafe terrace or two). If you’ve been traveling in the region already, try to arrive early enough to take advantage of this excursion. Our guide was a local who brought the history of his city to life. I think he was one of our favorite tours guides of the week.
Day 2: Tarascon & Arles
Tarascon is smaller and quieter, providing a contrast to larger cities along the Rhôoe. Its medieval heritage and proximity to the Provencal countryside make it an ideal introduction to the slower rhythms of the region. Key sights include the Chateau de Tarascon and historic town squares. The town is best explored on foot to fully appreciate its medieval streets and architecture
What I did: I opted for the Gems of Tarascon excursion, which was a blend of history and architecture that I enjoy in these medieval towns. Plus, the timing fit well with an excursion that I wanted to do in the afternoon when we got to Arles.
Arles blends Roman history, artistic legacy, and everyday life. The city is home to well-preserved Roman ruins, including an amphitheater and theater, alongside streets that inspired Van Gogh’s artwork. Markets, cafes, and shops add to the local atmosphere.
What I did: For my excursion in Arles, I chose a Taste of Aix-en-Provence, a not surprisng food and wine choice. This was right up my alley!
Day 3: Avignon & Pont du Gard
After the morning in Arles, and while passengers were enjoying excursions, the ship sailed back to Avignon. Most excusions met up with the ship back in Avignon for an afternoon experience.
What I did: For my morning excursion, I opted for a hands-on experience on a Provence Lavender Farm.
The peak lavender season varies, based on geography and weather, and we hit it on the tail end of peak season. There was still color in the fields, but it past the time to see rolling hils of vibrant purple throughout the countryside.
Our time at the farm was spent learning about lavender, having time in the fields, and enjoying snacks made with lavender as an ingredient (biscuits, cookies, ice cream).
The highlight for me, however, was making a lavender balm to take home with me. We did this in a classroom-like setting, complete with a recipe, bunson burner-like device, and ingredients. There was a time or two when I said, “I could do this at home,” but the reality is that I won’t. I will just buy some. Nonetheless, this was great fun, and I’ve just about used up all of balm six months later.
My afternoon excursion was a walking tour of Pont du Gard (for the more adventurous, there were kayaking and e-Biking options).
Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge, built in the 1st century A.C. to carry water across the Gardon River to Nimes. It’s one of the best-preserved examples of Roman engineer and architecture, and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.
As expected, the Pont du Gard was impressive, especially when I thought about how far back history dates this. Our guide, though, was less that stellar, and I feel like I missed out on learning much about it. Most of the time was left for self-exploration, but without firm timelines for departure, it was hard to know how far to venture.
My recommendation: Unless you’re up for the exertion of kayaking or e-Biking, this is the best excursion option. It just felt like a missed opportunity.
Day 4: Chateauneuf-du-Pape
This day was split between excursions to villages around the area, then sailing to Chateauneuf-du-Pate (of wine fame), with an evening event.
The morning featured one excursion, Provence Discovery with Gordes and L’Isle sure la Sorgue.
I had never heard of Gordes, but apparently I’m one of the few who hadn’t. Gordes is one of the most visited villages in the area (perhaps because it was listed in the 2023 Travel + Leisure most beautiful villages in the world list).
Our time there included some quick history of the area, then time to independently explore. I was charmed by the art installations around town featuring cats. With the friendly cafes and shops, combined with a terrific view, I can see why visitors would choose to stay there.
L’Isle sur la Sorgue is often called the “Venice of Provence” because of its network of canals fed by the Sorgue River. It’s also wellknown to antique lovers, who flock to the town for flea markets and antique fairs.
There was no time for antiquing, although some of the shop windows cried out for a visit. We just had a little time to wander the town, with minimal time for indepth exploration. I did carve out time for a gelato, though.
The evening was spent is Chateauneuf-du-pape, a village renowned for its vineyards and wine heritage. There’s a cute village worth exploring, and a few attractions, but our excursion here focused on wine tasting.
What I did: The Wine Tasting in Chateauneuf-du-Pape is exactly what it sounds like – a visit to a small family winery (Maison Bouachon) to learn about the native grapes, the process of turning them into wine, and tasing what the winery had to offer.
I always learn a lot at wine tastings, discovering unfamiliar grapes and blends, learning new pairings, and thinking about how I might pair the wines at home. This experience didn’t disappoint, and I took home two bottles, one red and one white.
Day 5: Viviers
Viviers is medieval town with roots dating back to Roman times when it served as a trading hub known as Vivarium. It is home to France’s smallest active cathedral, Saint-Vincent
What I did: I chose the excusion Truffle Farm and Chateau Grignan excursion. A castle and truffles? You bet!
Chateau Grignan is a 17th-century Renaissance chateau that dominates the landscape and provides 360-degree views of the region. I could almost feel the emotions from its aristocratic past, the lavish balls held there, and the magnificence of its salons. Alas, only an outside visit was permitted.
Our cruise visit did not coincide with truffle season, which is generally in winter, mid-November to mid-March, but our excursion was still able to maximize our experience with a visit to Domaine de Cordis. We spent time with the owner, Didier Chabert, and learned about the truffle estate, the truffle oak trees, and the dogs who hunt for the black truffle.
We were able to visit the pups, and get a few pets in, then accompanied them on a simulated truffle hunt (the truffles were placed in advance). While I’m sure they are a little more serious without a dozen visitors interested in giving them pets and hugs, it was a reasonable reenactment.
There was a little time for tasting estate made truffle products – salt, oil, vinegar, and a dessert topping. I purchased a few things to take home, and have enjoyed using the truffle salt to season many of the dishes I make.
An evening excursion in Viviers was offered, Viviers Evening Stroll. Since I had heard that the city was beautifully lit at night, it seemed like a good fit for me. I like part of the experience, but it also took a strange turn into a ghost reenactment, which battled against the history and architecture.
I enjoyed strolling through the town, the alleys, and the nooks and crannies. The concert at the cathedral was an unexpected treat – lovely music in a lovely setting – the ghost reenactment fell flat with me. It just didn’t seem to fit with my expectations.
A warning on this excursion: The streets are cobblestone and uneven, as are the stairs. Once it was dark, there were few street lamps to light the way. Our guide had a flashlight, but it provided minimal lighting, especially for anyone a little unsteady who needed more illumination of their walking path.
Day 6: Tain l’Hermitage
Situated in the heart of Rhone wine country, Tain l’Hermitage combines scenic river views with
culinary and viticultural traditions. Visitors can tour vineyards, taste local wines, and enjoy views
from the hillside above the Rhone. The wine tours give context to the region’s winemaking heritage, plus you might discover a favorite bottle to bring home.
What I did: You might be surprised that I didn’t opt for the wine tour! Instead, I combined two of my favorite things – wine and chocolate – and opted for the Valrhona Chocolate and Wine Discovery excursion. It’s a lot harder to pair wine and chocolate that most people think, so I was eager to learn more at this workshop. It didn’t disappoint, and I recommend it. After the class, there was time to explore and shop in the Valrhona chocolate shop. Consider taking some favorites home with you.
Tip: The chocolate shop can be visited independently, so even if you don’t opt for the pairing class, you can stop off for some decadent treats.
Day 7: Lyon
Lyon is widely regarded as France’s gastronomic capital. The city offers historic neighborhoods, traboules (hidden passageways), vibrant markets, and renowned culinary and wine experiences.
What I did: I opted for the full day excursion: A Day in Chardonnay with Lunch and Wine Tasting. Our winery visit was at Domaine Nadine Ferrand, a women owned and run family winery. This was a great choice for me.
I’m the first to admit that I’m a little prejudiced against chardonnay. I tend to think of that oaky, buttery, California Chardonnay. As I learned when touring Chablis (also I wine I overlook), finding wine at its roots is often a very different experience. That was the case here as well.
While I didn’t fall in love with any of the wines, I learned a lot more about Chardonnary and what might be a better profile for my pallet.
Day 8: Lyon (Disembarkation)
All good things must end, and for me, that end was Lyon. Lyon is a great city to extend your stay. I only had a quick overnight, but wished I had schedled a couple more days. There were food tours, museum visits, at cafes calling my name.
The Price
Cruise pricing is full of special offers. You’ll find lots of bundling, two-for-ones, and special discounts. Keeping up with cruise pricing can be a full-time job!
You’ll need to do your own personal research to evaluate what’s important to you on any cruise, and the price point that is comfortable for you. Armed with that information and knowledge, you can book directly with a cruise line or use a travel agent with good cruise knowledge.
The itinerary which most closely matches the one I sailed on is now called the Rhone Rhapsody with Rhone Delta and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. A quick look at 2026 pricing shows this 8-day itinerary starting around $4,676 per person, including alcohol, excursions, and gratuities (see note below).
I love knowing that the crew is fairly compensated, with gratuities built into the pricing. It suits my travel ethos, my personal ethics, and I like not having to think about what the local customs are when traveling. A little something extra, slipped to a favorite waiter or your butler, will always be appreciates.
NOTE: Pricing on the website is very confusing. Europeans are enjoying shorter cruises, so you’ll find 4-day options that are a part of the longer cruise. There is also separate pricing for North Americans (who are used to the all-inclusive nature of cruising), and Europeans (who have different pricing inclusions). Given the confusing nature pricing on the website, I recommend contacting a trusted travel advisor who specializes in cruising.
Is this Riverside Southern France Itinerary Right for You
We believe that there’s a cruise for everyone, it’s just a matter of matching up your preferences for size and type of ship, onboard features and amenities, and itineraries. I love all types of cruises, having some favorites of course, and I love discovering new cruise lines, new ships, and new itineraries.
I loved the luxury of the Riverside Ravel, the attentive service of all the staff, and the way I felt welcomed every time I set foot back on the ship. The food was delicious, with a focus on local flavors. There were plenty of new dishes for me to try, but I could also avoid food choices that I’ve never enjoyed. The itinerary was one that suited me – all the things I love – history, small French towns, food, and wine.
But, there were hiccups.
Riverside Luxury Cruises was founded in 2022, and the Ravel debuted in 2023. While the parent company, German hotel brand, Seaside Collection, has deep roots in the travel industry, as a cruise line, they’re like a start up. And like all start ups, there are growing pains.
The one area where I think Riverside fell short was with its excursions and guides. When they were good, they were very good. Some of our excursions were outstanding.
But when they weren’t so good, though, it was usually because of the guide. A couple were lackadaisical about time, which left me unable to plan and maximize the time I had to explore. It also meant that we ran seriously late on more than one occasion. A couple seemed unable to wrangle groups of people in a way that maximized the experience for everyone. And nearly all of them lacked the ability to deal with a handful of passengers whose behavior infringed on others.
Now entering its third full season on the river, I’m told that there is now more consistency with established guides. As the ships are booked closer to capacity, this will be a critical part of the shipboard experience that I’ll be keeping an eye on.
Would it keep me from booking another Riverside cruise? Absolutely not! The postive experiences far outweighed the areas with challenges.
Worth Reading
Are you ready to prepare for a Rhone river cruise? Here are some books to enjoy until you’re sailing. All are set in the region this itinerary covered.
- The Yellow House: Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Nine Turbulent Weeks in Arles by Martin Gayford. A historical account of Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gaguin’s stormy artitic collaboration and clashes.
- A Good Year by Peter Mayle. A british banker inherits a vineyard, uncovers family secrets, and embraces Provencal life amid wine and romance. Also by Peter Mayle, Toujours Provence, humorous essays on expat life.
- Mystery in Provence by Vivian Conroy. A spirited female detective solves murders at a lavish wedding amid lavender fields and chateau secrets. The first in a series.
- Murder in Arles bySusan Kiernan-Lewis. A couple investigates a killing tied to ancient Roman sites and local festivals.
- Cooking for Picasso by Camille Aubray. A young cook inspires the artist while her grandaughter uncovers family recipe and art. (This is the book I read before going on the cruise.)
