Lyon & the Rhône Valley

Located at the crossroads of central Europe and the Atlantic, the Rhine Valley, and the Mediterranean, grand old Lyon is France's third-largest metropolis and gastronomic capital. Poking around in old-fashioned bistros in checked tablecloths creates unforgettable memories - as do the majestic Roman amphitheaters of Fourviere, the cobbled Unesco-listed streets of Vieux Lyon, and the brave modern architecture of the new Confluence neighborhood.

Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also a city of lights and dwellings steeped in history. When night falls, the city becomes vibrant with theatrical and musical performances, festivals and innovative cuisine. The region offers endless culinary and winery tours for those who also love their sporty adventures.

The north of Lyon is home to Beaujolais wine production, while the picturesque hilltop village of Pérouges has been used as a film location in several TV shows and movies over the years.

For thousands of years, the Rhône River carved a vast canyon through southern France as it made its way down to the Mediterranean. Downstream from Vienne ( South of Lyon), boat passengers can enjoy stunning views of fruit orchards, lavender fields, and the Alps in the distance. Arriving at Valence and Montélimar, the river opens onto sunny vistas and walks through picturesque valleys that lead further south. Passing by vast rice paddies and ancient Roman ruins, the Rhône eventually reaches Gorges de l'Ardèche: a rugged gorge created by the raging Ardèche River which brings travelers to Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence — home to Arles, Nîmes, and Marseille!