The sun-soaked houses in Arles were favourites of artist Vincent Van Gogh, who painted over 200 works here. But did you know the city’s history extends all the way back to ancient Rome? Arles’ still functional amphitheatre is now used for music concerts, plays and the occasional bullfight.
Thanks to the well-known song Sur le Pont d’Avignon, this Provence town rings a bell for many. The ruins of the bridge in question date back to the Middle Ages and make for a beautiful piece of French architecture. Elsewhere in Avignon is Le Palais des Papes, dating from the 14th century when Pope Clement V left Rome and made Avignon the seat of papal power for much of the next seven decades. The resulting ecclesiastical architecture is world-famous, with medieval stone ramparts, huge antechambers, courtyards and palace rooms all UNESCO-protected and popular with visitors.
France’s gastronomic capital is Lyon, a city with over 2,000 restaurants and a passion for good food. There’s plenty here for history fans, too. Head to the Old Town to admire the city’s two Roman amphitheatres, the Neoclassical opera house and the various beautiful Medieval and Renaissance buildings that line the centuries-old streets. Museum buffs will love the eclectic collections on offer - choose from silk weaving, African objects, books and puppets, among others.
The small city of Mâcon is in the heart of Burgundy’s wine region, with pastel-coloured buildings and a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Of particular interest are the octagonal towers of Mâcon’s Old Cathedral of St. Vincent and a few interestingly structured houses like the 15th-century Maison de Bois.
Tournon-sur-Rhône is a lovely little village on the Rhône’s riverbanks. Vineyards climb the hills behind an impressive 16th-century castle placed on a large rock, while a visit to Eden Parc provides gorgeous views of the town from above with the river beyond.
Which cruise lines sail along the Rhône River?
