Rachelle and Pete, wearing red Viking stickers to identify they\u2019re with Viking River Cruises, in the airport pickup vehicle on their way to the ship.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAfter getting our luggage checked-in at the dock, we were able to get a coffee and some breakfast on board the ship in the Aquavit Terrace. Then we went for a leisurely walk around Lyon while waiting for our stateroom to be ready for us to check-in for a restful night aboard the ship.\u00a0<\/p>\n
TASTE: Salade Lyonnaise, Beaujolais Wine, Brioches aux Pralines<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Rachelle looking at a refreshing lemonade menu in Lyon, France.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>DAY 2: LYON<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nOn day 2 of our Viking River Cruise, we practically ate our way through Lyon, including Lyon\u2019s brioches aux pralines roses, a buttery brioche layered with crispy almonds coated in caramelizad pink sugar to represent the roses on the Rh\u00f4ne. Back on board the ship, we ordred a salad lyonnaise and a salad Ni\u00e7oise to balance out all the pastries, of which, I\u2019m certain there\u2019s an entire stick of butter in each. Our delightful surprise for the day was the Religious Art Museum of Fourvi\u00e8re that included gorgeous sculptures made of recycled glass.<\/p>\n
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A patisserie window featuring many different pastries including brioches aux pralines roses.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWe had two excursion options to see Lyon. One was \u201cPanoramic Lyon\u201d by bus. And the other was called \u201cTrek Vieux Lyon,\u201d which was a bit more of a walking tour. We opted for the first tour as it was included with price of the cruise. Plus, it was nice to just bring a coffee, hop on board a bus, and ease into our first morning.<\/p>\n
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Rachelle and Pete at the top of Fourviere Hill (Esplanade du Site Notre-Dame de Fourvi\u00e8re) overlooking the city of Lyon behind them.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>Fourviere Hill<\/span><\/h3>\nThe city of Lyon is the third largest city in France and is divided by two rivers, the Rhone and the Saone. Our tour began with a drive to the top\u00a0of Fourviere Hill for a panoramic view of the city overlooking both rivers as well as Vieux (Old) Lyon. We also had some free time to walk around and take a peek inside\u00a0Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvi\u00e8re, which is known for colorful tile mosaics. The tour then brought us back down the hill via bus and dropped us off for a guided walk around of Vieux Lyon.<\/p>\n
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Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvi\u00e8re<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>Vieux Lyon<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nIn Old Lyon, our guide aquainted us with the \u201ctraboules,\u201d historic hidden passageways through buildings that help connect parallel streets. They\u2019re a sort of cut-through for pedestrians to easily navigate the city, as Lyon\u2019s silk traders once did.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Inside the \u201ctraboules,\u201d historic hidden passageways through buildings that help connect parallel streets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nBy the time we were in the center of Lyon, we were all eager for lunch. But in France, you\u2019ll never be hungry very long. Our tour also took us to\u00a0a patisserie known for baking Lyon\u2019s legendary Brioche \u00e0 la Praline.<\/p>\n
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Rachelle holding a torn piece of the pink brioches aux pralines roses outside of Boulangerie Du Palais in Lyon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThese pink pastries are decedant buttery brioche buns layered with pink candied almonds that have been crushed and incorporated into the batter. The pink color is said to have been created by a Lyonnais pastry chef in the 18th century who was inpsired by the rose gardens in the regions and tinted his pralines a similar pink. These pink pralines are now a specialty in Lyon, so definitely taste them if you get the chance.<\/p>\n
LYON TRAVEL TIP: <\/strong>There are at least 20 Michelin Star restaurants in Lyon. If you have your heart on dining out, I would arrive a day or two early since the cruise typically starts on a Sunday (and most restaurants are closed Sunday and Monday). Also, research where you want to dine and make a reservation in advance.<\/p>\n\n
Rachelle sipping wine on the Aquavit Terrace aboard the Viking Hermod.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>Afternoon On Our Own In Lyon\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nAfter a light lunch aboard Viking Hemrod, we spent the afternoon taking a ride on the funicular back up to the top of Fourviere Hill. The fare was only 1.80 euros, and that was worth it to go visit the glass exhibit at the Fourviere museum and to get another view of the city of Lyon close to sunset. Afterward, we took the funicular back down the hill to meander around old town one more time, visit the shops at our leisure, and pick up some souveniers.<\/p>\n
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Rachelle at the entryway for the funicular back down to the river from Fourviere Hill.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nTRAVEL TIP: <\/strong>Stop inside a grocery store to look for Lyon\u2019s famous pink pralines as a souvenier. We found them at the local grocer for 4 euros, as opposed to the 12 euros at the candy shops in the touristy part of town.<\/p>\n\n
A scoop of raspberry and blueberry glace in a wafflecone.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>DAY 3: Beaujolais & Truffles<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nOn the third day of our Viking River Cruise in France we indulged in goat cheese, truffles, and wine! We opted for one of the food-themed excursions: Beaujolais and Truffles. This option was one of the pricer choices at $269 per person (at the time of this posting). But it was so worth it! We spent a full day immersed in French food and wine, traveling with just a small group that made it fun and memorable.<\/p>\n
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Vineyards below the Roche de Solutre (Rock of Solutre).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>Goat Cheese Farm<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nOur morning started with a drive out to the mountains of Burgundy to meet a goat cheese farmer. We stopped for a few pictures by vineyards near Roche de Solutre (Rock of Solutre), then continued to ascend up winding mountain roads in what felt like driving into a cloud.<\/p>\n
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Goat cheese farmer holding a plate of cheeses to taste.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe weather was misty, so when we arrived the goats were huddled together in the warmth of a hay filled barn. We tasted a variety of goat cheeses, from fresh to dry aged. Tasting the aged goat cheese was a first for me and reminded me of the taste and texture of parmesan. \u00a0<\/p>\n
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Rachelle walking with truffle farmer, Oliver Devevre, as he explains the symbiotic relationship between truffles and trees.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>Burgundy Black Truffle Farm<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nThe goat cheese tasting was an appetizer compared to the feast awaiting for us a the next farm. Truffle farmer Oliver Devevre has a Ph.D. in microbiology specializing in mycology (study of mushrooms\/fungus).<\/p>\n
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A Burgundy truffle cut in half showing the marbled interior.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nNot only is he a farmer and scientist, but also a great chef. He invited us into his home and cooked everything for our small group himself. Beef stew slow cooked in local wine, vegetables from his garden, and a \u201ccheese cake\u201d of brillat-savarin layered with truffles.<\/p>\n
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Pete sitting down to lunch inside truffle farmer, Oliver Devevre\u2019s home.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
Rustic French lunch of beef stew, steamed organic garden vegetables of carratos and cabbage, farro, and homemade bread.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
Truffle hunting dog, Maestro, looking cute for a photo. And probably hoping for a treat.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
A small wedge of brillat-savarin, a soft cheese layered with truffles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>Burgundy Wine Tasting<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nFrom there, we rounded out our day with wine tasting at Chateau de Poncie and were lulled into a light nap on the bus trip back to the Viking Hermod docked at our next port, Vienne.<\/p>\n
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Rachelle and Pete at Chateau de Poncie.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAnd while I didn\u2019t think I could eat a single morsel after our food-filled day, I couldn\u2019t pass up the \u201cTaste Of France\u201d themed dinner on the ship. It included French specialties like coq a vin and quite the spread of local pastries and desserts.<\/p>\n
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Mairie de Vienne (City Hall) at night lit up in the colors of the French flag.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAfter dinner, Pete and I went for an evening stroll around Vienne just to settle our full bellies and to see the town with a different perspective at night.<\/p>\n
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Temple of Augustus & Livia lit up at night with a sapphire colored sky in the background.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>DAY 4: Vienne & Tournon<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nVienne is a small riverfront town, so our morning was spent on a walking tour getting to know more about the Roman history here and learning more about the Temple of Augustus & Livia, an incredibly preserved 1st-century structure, that we saw the night before.<\/p>\n
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An example of 15th century half-timbered houses above shops in Vienne, France.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe rest of the afternoon was restful, sailing down the Rhone through France\u2019s Burgundy and Beaujolais regions. This is where having a balcony stateroom is worth the splurge.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Sipping tea on the stateroom balcony overlooking the river.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nTo sit, sip, and dream while watching the coastline roll by dotted with villages, vineyards, and castles. It was a restful day, the kind you need on vacation in-between long stretches of sight-seeing.<\/p>\n
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Tournon-sur-Rh\u00f4ne suspension bridge at night. This bridge, Passerelle Marc-Seguin, was built in 1825 and is the oldest suspension bridge in France. Today it is only used by pedestrians.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAt night, we docked at Tournon-sur-Rh\u00f4ne, another picturesque riverfront town that was too inviting not to go for an evening stroll. It was the kind of place where you walk around and proclaim, \u201cI could live here.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Tournon-sur-Rh\u00f4ne at night.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>DAY 5: Tournon & Ardeche<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nThe weather cooled on the fifth day of our cruise. So we packed a daypack with raincoats and hats to spend a full day sight-seeing around Ardeche, visiting the gorge, lavender fields, and the charming down of Vogue.<\/p>\n
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Green lavender fields almost ready to bloom.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>Lavender Farm<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nOur first top was a visit to see the lavender Museum and distillery. It smelled heavenly and had a wonderful little shop for souveniers. But if you have your heart set on seeing lavender fields in bloom, you must book your cruise at the right time of year. The lavender buds were just begining to grow when we visited at the end of May.<\/p>\n
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Gorges de l\u2019Ard\u00e8che<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>Ardeche Gorge<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nAfter the lavender farm, we took a scenic drive to the top of Ardeche Gorge, a deep ravine known as the \u201cGrand Canyon of Europe.\u201d Then, drove to the bottom of the ravine to see the Pont d\u2019Arc and have lunch by the river Ardeche.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Pont d\u2019Arc in Ardeche Gorge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nA sip of local chestnut liquor and hearty bowl of beef stew, followed by a cup of coffee and slice of chestnut pie, warmed us up after spending the morning outdoors in the rain.<\/p>\n
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Beef stew, local rose wine, and chestnut liquor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>A Walk Around Vog\u00fc\u00e9<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\nFor our final stop along the tour, we visited the village of Vogue (Vog\u00fc\u00e9). Located on the Ardeche river, this little historic town is listed as an Ardeche \u201cvillage of character\u201d and also a national \u201cbeautiful village of France.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Rachelle standing in front of light blue carriage doors and a tall grape vine growing to a second story balcony in the village of Vog\u00fc\u00e9, France.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWalking around the centuries-old streets and taking photos of the stone architecture made us feel like we were in a storybook village.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Pete walking through a narrow passageway in between stone walls in the village of Vog\u00fc\u00e9, France.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>Visiting Medieval Viviers<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nThat evening we set sail, but stopped briefly for an evening tour of Viviers. There are some travel moments that feel magical, and this tour was one of those moments.<\/p>\n
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We docked for a twilight tour of the medieval village of Viviers. The lanterns casting a golden hue on the ancient stone buildings amid a saphire sky felt like walking through a Van Gogh painting.<\/p>\n
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Steps up to the cathedral in the medieval village of Viviers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThroughout the leisurely walk, we listened to heartwarming stories from our guide, Ginette, who grew up in the village. We were welcomed back onboard the Viking Hermod with a cup of warm mulled wine.<\/p>\n
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Rachelle and Pete sipping warm mulled wine on deck aboard Viking Hermod after an evening tour of Viviers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe temperature was a perfect 60 degrees. Just cool enough for a light jacket. So we sat in the wooden rockers in the Aquavit Terrace, sipping mulled wine while sailing into the night to our next destination.<\/p>\n
TASTE: Lavender Ice Cream, Chestnut Liquor, Chestnut Pie<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Rachelle standing in front of the pink doors of a local shop in Arles, France.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>DAY 6: Arles<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nOn day 6 of our Viking Cruise from Lyon to Avignon, we woke up in the city of Arles. Surrounded by medieval walls, with church spires and tiled roofs peeking above, this was a city I couldn\u2019t wait to explore.<\/p>\n
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A stop at the entrance of the city of Arles to view Am\u00e9d\u00e9e Pichot fountain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAfter breakfast on board the ship, we went out on a guided walking tour through Arles to the Roman amphitheater, Les Arenes. Built in the 1st centurey AD, our guide told us stories of gladiator contests, chariot rides, and bull fights in the stadium.<\/p>\n
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Inside the entrance to Ar\u00e8nes d\u2019Arles (Arles Amphitheatre)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWe had time for a refreshing glace (French style ice cream) before walking back through a maze of narrow streets to see some of the cafes and vibrant colored buildings that inspired Van Gogh.<\/p>\n
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A cafe similar to one in Van Gogh\u2019s painting.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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