Lyon on board the exclusive barge Belmond Alouette

Guests board the exclusive Belmond Alouette barge, where the crew welcomes them with champagne. In the evening we sail along the Rhône to Roquemaure, before inviting the travelers to their first dinner on board.

Guests will visit the wonderful, fortified city of Avignon and its monuments inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995 - the Papal Palace in Avignon and the Nôtre Dame Cathedral. A private guide will show them around the Papal Palace in Avignon (Palais des Papes). This palace is the residence of the popes, built during the Avignon captivity, when the city served as the Holy See in the years 1309-1377. The palace is still one of the largest Gothic castles in Europe. The decision to expand the bishop's palace was made by John XXII. However, the monumental defensive residence was built only during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XII and his successors until 1364. The palace was built in two main phases: in the years 1334–1342 the Old Palace was built (Palais Vieux), and then in the years 1342-1352 the New Palace was built (New Palace).

The luxury barge then sails to Viviers, a charming town where guests can enjoy stunning views from the cathedral. Its tower dates back to the 11th century, while the rest of the building dates back to the 12th century. The barrel vault of the building was destroyed in the 16th century and was rebuilt only in the 18th century.

We invite guests on a drive through charming Provençal villages to the town of Nyons. This city was founded in the 500th century BC as Nyrax, by the Gallic Segusjaw tribes. Hecaetus of Miletus mentions it around XNUMX BC in his writings regarding the Celts. It is situated on the bank of the Eygues River, over which a medieval bridge, preserved to this day, was spanned. Here, guests will visit a local lavender producer and learn interesting facts about this beautifully scented plant. For lunch we will go to a wonderful restaurant in Grignan, and after lunch we will visit a local truffle farm to learn more about them and taste this delicacy.

In the afternoon, guests continue their cruise to La Voulte.

Guests sail either to Tain l'Hermitage or Tournon. The views from the vineyard-covered hills are unique and have been attracting tourists for years - including the third American president - Thomas Jefferson. Guests will visit Chez Ferraton, a nearby vineyard, for an exclusive wine tasting session. The Ferraton family has been known for centuries for producing some of the best Côtes du Rhône wines.

A luxury barge slowly sails along the beautiful Rhône valley south of Lyon. Guests can admire the wonderful vineyards of the Côtes Rôties and Côtes du Rhône appellations, almost reaching the banks of the river.

On this day, guests have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Roman city of Vienne, built on the bank of the river. Before the Romans arrived, Vienne was the capital of the Allobrog tribe. In 47 BC it was transformed into a Roman colony by Julius Caesar. Many Roman buildings have been preserved to this day. In Vienne, in 1311, Pope Clement V dissolved the Templar Order.

After visiting Vienne, guests return to Condrieu for a wine tasting before finally spending a relaxing evening back on board the Belmond Alouette.

Guests sail into the heart of Lyon, where we invite them on a guided walking tour. The city is the second largest city in France - a paradise for tourists looking for both cultural and gastronomic entertainment.

According to historian Cassius Dio, the Roman Senate ordered in 43 BC to build a settlement for Roman refugees after the war with the Allobrogs. These refugees were expelled from Vienne and built a camp at the confluence of the Saône and the Rhône. Construction began on Fourvière Hill, and the colony was officially named Colonia Copia Felix Munatia. However, it was more often known as Lugdunum - which is the Gallic name for the fort on a hill dedicated to the Celtic god of light - Lugus. The Romans quickly appreciated the strategic importance of the city located at the confluence of two important rivers. Two Roman roads began here, and Lugdunum became the capital of the Roman province - Gaul Lugdunensis. Two Roman emperors were born in Lyon - Claudius and Caracalla.

In 437, after the destruction of Worms by the Huns, the Burgundians settled here, and in 443 the Romans established the Kingdom of Burgundians in this area, the first capital of which in 461 was Lugdunum. In 843, Lyon was granted to Emperor Lothair I. Later, the city became part of the Kingdom of Arles. Only in the XNUMXth century did the city come under French control.

In your free time, we suggest exploring the city and visiting Lyon's chic boutiques. We invite guests back on board for a farewell gala dinner.

In the morning, guests enjoy a last breakfast served on board the exclusive Belmod Alouette barge, and then the crew bids them farewell at the end of the luxurious cruise.