Six luxurious ways to cruise the Rh?ne

Sailing along the Rh?ne River through pretty Provence showcases a slice of southern France overflowing with rich history that is as full-bodied as the wines it famously produces.

Cradled in glorious sweeping hills are centuries-old stone villages where visitors can step ashore to explore ancient Roman amphitheatres, statuesque cathedrals and grand palaces.

But this is also Chateauneuf-du-Pape territory and the famous tipple is an ideal accompaniment to the Provencal cuisine that is a focus of many voyages along this river.

Lyon is a linchpin of Rh?ne sailings, which generally stretch between here and Arles further south, and as the city sits on the confluence of the Rh?ne and Sa?ne rivers, many vessels also cruise northwards on the Sa?ne to spend a day or two in Burgundy as well.

Explore on two wheels

Start this one-week voyage to Arles with a bike ride through Lyon, from where it departs. Then settle into the stylish surroundings of the 144-passenger AmaCello with its onboard sauna, hot tub and chef’s table speciality restaurant. With a fleet of onboard bikes, passengers can cycle off on their own or take guided trips.

In Vienne, stride out on a walking tour to explore the well-preserved Roman remains and the Gothic St Maurice Cathedral or take a steam train ride from Tournon through the Ardeche past the magnificent landscapes of the Gorge du Doux.

Departs October 3, 2019, from ￡2,944pp (0800 320 2335; amawaterways.co.uk).

Flavours of Burgundy

Step aboard Scenic Sapphire, one of Scenic’s ‘Space-Ships’, so called because of the airy surroundings with generously-sized suites that come with butler service, a swimming pool and spa area that encompasses a salt therapy lounge, and even a Scenic Culinaire cookery class area.

Scenic's Idyllic Rhone voyage starts in the heart of Burgundy’s wine region at Chalon-sur-Saone where tours of the ‘Golden Stone’ region of Beaujolais allow for wine tastings before sailing on to the Rhone at Lyon to explore the city’s medieval old town with its hidden passageways, known as traboules.

In Vienne, further south, stroll around the town’s impressive Roman amphitheatre on a walking tour or take to two wheels to explore the locality on a cycling tour.

Departs August 26, 2019, from ￡2,970pp (0808 271 5355; scenic.co.uk).

Cooking, chocolate and cowboys

Tauck has brought an opulent family-flavour to selected Rh?ne sailings with special activities designed to appeal to younger cruisers. This one-week trip starts with a two-night stay in Paris, where youngsters explore the Louvre on a scavenger hunt before jumping on the TGV to Lyon to meet the 98-passenger Emerald river ship for a five-night sailing.

At the first stop of Tournon-sur-Rhone, a cooking class awaits along with a chocolate demonstration, while Arles is the gateway to the Camargue region, known as France’s ‘Wild West’, where guests can watch French gardians (cowboys) as they round up bull herds, before sitting down to lunch accompanied by gypsy music.

Departs July 21, 2019, from ￡3,690pp (0800 810 8020; tauck.co.uk).

Pretty as a picture

Capture the vivid colours of Provence, from neat rows of striking purple lavender to fields of gently waving yellow sunflowers, on a painting class at the atmospheric town of Arles, which promises to inspire your inner Van Gogh. This sailing to Lyon departs the walled city of Avignon, dominated by its imposing Gothic Palais de Papes, the seat of papal rule during the Middle Ages.

Stops include the riverside village of Viviers where guests can visit the rugged gorges and cliffs of the Ardeche to view the magnificent Pont d’Arc natural bridge, which spans nearly 200ft across a gorge. Soak up the surroundings from the cool Scandi chic of Viking River Cruises’ Viking Longship Buri with its onboard library and al fresco dining in the smart Aquavit Terrace and lounge.

Departs September 29, 2019, from ￡2,795pp (0800 319 6660; vikingrivercruises.co.uk)

Drink in the views

Savour cocktails at the Rh?ne’s famous Roman Pont du Gard viaduct at Avignon during a special musical reception and dine in style at the L’Abbaye de Collonges restaurant in Lyon, founded by the late Michelin-starred French chef Paul Bocuse.

These are two of the Signature Experiences of a one-week Rh?ne Treasures sailing with APT from Lyon to Arles aboard river ship AmaCello, which offers three speciality restaurants and a hot tub on the top deck. Other highlights include a visit to a truffle farm near Viviers and hiking through the Camargue National Reserve.

Departs July 25, 2019, from ￡3,695pp (0800 012 6683; aptouring.co.uk).

From guided hikes to ghost tours

Early morning stretching sessions on deck are hallmarks of this voyage on the all-suite Avalon Poetry II, which boasts a fitness centre, spacious surroundings and two dining spots, for its sailing from Arles to Lyon. This is an Active Discovery cruise, where passengers can take their pick from a variety of diversions at each stop, from guided hikes and cycle rides to tasting oysters at an oyster farm in the Camargue, exploring Arles with a local bullfighter to learn the secrets of their craft and joining a spooky night-time ghost tour of Viviers.

Departs June 25, 2019, from ￡3,369pp (0330 058 8243; avaloncruises.co.uk).