Sponsored by Viking In the springtime I set sail along the Rhône River on the Viking Hermod The journey ahead promised an immersion into a rich tapestry of French culture Join me as I unfold this eight-day voyage that was as much an exploration of a storied river as it was a journey through the vibrant essence of the South of France Lyon is the start of a Viking River cruises journey through the heart of France (Photo: Viking) After settling into our staterooms on the first day aboard the Viking Longship in Lyon we joined fellow passengers in the lounge for a welcome briefing where we received an overview of the exciting adventure that awaited us in the South of France during the Lyon & Provence itinerary a city that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern energy our exploration on day 2 began with a Viking included walking tour We ventured through the city's cobbled streets admiring the exquisite Renaissance architecture that adorned the old town The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière presented breathtaking panoramic views Lyon's vibrant culinary scene delighted us with a diverse range of flavors from delicious street crepes to savory local sausages and indulgent pralines The bustling markets and enchanting hidden passageways further enriched our experience offering glimpses into Lyon's cultural tapestry we were treated to the Lyonnaise favorites we had been introduced to during our walking tour The Viking chefs expertly crafted these delectable dishes paying homage to the region's culinary heritage and providing us with an authentic taste of the local cuisine Wine in the Beaujolais region (Image: Viking) As we continued our voyage, we arrived in the province of Beaujolais, a sun-kissed wine region known for its exceptional wines. A visit to the Beaujolais vineyards allowed us to explore the origins of the famous wine we learned about the winemaking process and indulged in the exquisite flavors of the region It was a journey that connected us with the land and its proud winemaking traditions After exploring the history of the Beaujolais wine region we had a delightful dinner in The Restaurant featuring regional cuisine with wine pairings from the area we savored the delicious Poire à la Beaujolais The evening ended on a high note with a performance by local musicians who entertained us with beloved French classics including the iconic "La Vie en Rose.” Temple of Augustus Livia in Vienne France (Image: Viking) we discovered a rich Roman heritage and a captivating blend of ancient and modern attractions we explored one of France's largest ancient theaters and the well-preserved Temple of Augustus and Livia Viking arranged an interesting and informative Q & A with the first officer who provided an insider's perspective on life along the Rhône River and the intricacies of navigating one of Viking’s Longships Tournon sur Rhone (Photo: Rudmer Zwerver/Shutterstock) In Tournon, an included Viking excursion took us on the Train de l'Ardèche, immersing us in the remarkable scenery of the Doux Valley This heritage railway offered panoramic views of the vibrant French countryside and meandering rivers dotting the landscape Upon departing from Tournon sur Rhone for Viviers passengers were invited to the lounge for a chocolate fondant demonstration by Viking chefs This culinary experience was a welcome surprise especially since a number of us had just indulged in this French chocolate delight over coffee in a Vienne café the previous day creating an enchanting atmosphere straight out of a fairy tale added to the allure of this fascinating setting Immersed in Viviers' rich history and architectural beauty we discovered the magic within its ancient walls and streets • Want to know more about first time river cruising? Check out our comprehensive guide Viking shore excursion in Arles France (Image: Viking) a city renowned for its ancient Roman history and artistic significance we were captivated by the Arles Amphitheatre once a venue for gladiatorial battles and now bullfighting events filled us with a sense of awe and transported us to an era of grand spectacles Arles had a special connection to the artist Vincent van Gogh This was where he found inspiration for some of his most iconic works Just a short walk from where our Viking Longship docked visiting the locations he immortalized on canvas like Café Terrace at Night and Asylum Garden at Arles Van Gogh's distinctive brushstrokes brought these scenes to life allowing us to witness the captivating beauty that inspired the artist guests were invited to a lively cocktail party in the lounge The atmosphere was filled with party chatter as passengers shared tales of our exploration in the historic and beautiful city of Arles The night culminated with a dynamic performance of French music by the local Arles musicians A town square in Avignon France (Image: Viking) a city enclosed by medieval walls that seamlessly blended history and modern vibrancy stood as a testament to the city's central role in Western Christianity It became the seat of the Papacy during the 14th century marking a unique period when the Papal court resided outside of Rome we were transported to an era when Avignon held religious and political power solidifying its significance as a historical landmark we discovered a city brimming with life and vitality Its charming streets led us to hidden boutiques and charming corners where we could embrace the essence of Avignon's modern vibrancy with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of stalls delighted our senses with fresh produce and delicious delicacies From plump olives and vibrant fruits to artisanal cheeses and tasty chocolates the market showcased the flavors and culinary treasures of the region our final evening aboard the Viking Hermod in the South of France had arrived Passengers gathered to commemorate the occasion by joining Captain Robert for a farewell toast and bid adieu to the many new friends we had made during our adventure A Viking Longship in Lyon France (Image: Viking) As our journey through Lyon and Provence comes to a close my fellow passengers and I reflect on the remarkable experiences aboard the Viking Hermod provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable adventure From Lyon's Renaissance architecture to the charming towns of Provence and from the breathtaking landscapes of Tournon sur Rhône to the grandeur of Avignon each moment unfolded as a testament to the beauty and allure of the South of France Emerald Liberté offers contemporary & stylish cruising along the Rhône and Saône rivers says Sarah Riches World of Cruising embarked on Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Liberté for a seven-night Sensations of Lyon cruise which sailed north from Arles in the south of France to Avignon Lyon and Chalon-sur-Saône before ending in Lyon the ship was easy to navigate; it has a capacity of 130 so it felt intimate too; by the end of the cruise we'd chatted to most people on board and were on first-name terms with about a third the ship looks new and has a contemporary design Glittering gold orbs in the atrium greeted guests on arrival Enormous windows meant little space for artwork but we didn’t miss that while waving to fishermen and campers along the River Rhone’s leafy banks and admiring shuttered houses in medieval villages The sundeck was closed during sailings because the River Rhone’s bridges are too low for guests to stand on it safely Lanterns and cushions would have enhanced it It’s important to realise that a Panorama Balcony Suite doesn’t actually have a balcony; instead you press a button and the window moves down halfway The room felt compact – the safe didn’t fit our camera and the TV took up space on the desk – although it had space-saving designs such as a cupboard beneath the bed for luggage and a desk that lifted to reveal a phone international chargers and a good selection of lighting options the air conditioning was simple to work – always a bonus led into a compact bathroom with a shower and Espa toiletries The shelves were narrow and it would have benefitted from a few more which didn’t bother us because it had glass walls and the view constantly changed with salad and pasta cooked in front of you Dinner was a la carte and featured dishes such as truffle soup and frogs’ legs to start steak and catfish for mains and our favourite – perch atop a buttery risotto with apple and walnut Sorbet and a cheeseboard were regular options alongside changing desserts such as meringue or crème brûlée My preferred spot for a pre-dinner drink was outside Horizons Bar & Lounge The bar also served snacks and light meals although service was often slow at meal times Guests arrived for dinner at 7pm and the ship was nearly full but some guests were served pudding before others received their main course She explained what would happen each day and told a funny poem about cruising with the recurring line “It must be time to eat” which made everyone laugh introduced each dish before the meal and spoke to diners at their table The pool floor is raised for morning exercise classes and evening film nights and lowered during the day so guests can swim which took place in the pool area in front of a glass wall with river views One afternoon a handful of us tried line dancing inspired by a guest who was a regular dancer There was also a DJ one night and traditional dancers in folk dresses on another there were films on a big screen with popcorn in the pool area and a wide selection of films on TVs in the cabins There are a variety of included and paid-for excursions Emerald Cruises prides itself on offering an active excursion included in the price each day hiking and cycling – the ship has 20 electric bikes active excursions and entertainment were included which will suit guests who don’t drink much There’s a good-value premium package with includes house wine draft beer and soft drinks for €14.50 euros (£12) a day and a platinum package for €28.50 (£24) which includes cocktails Sarah was inspired to become a travel journalist Sarah has freelanced for Condé Nast Traveller and National Geographic Traveller and is the author of London Almanac (2010) and Culture Smart The Essential Guide to British Customs & Culture (2024) She was also the deputy editor of Time Out Abu Dhabi digital editor of Wanderlust – the UK’s oldest travel magazine Get World of Cruising magazine delivered straight to your doorstep destinations guides and top travel tips for planning the perfect cruise holiday Subscribe today to discover the World of Cruising were congratulated at a recent meeting by Laura Loy the Youth Exchange coordinator for the Rotary Club of Los Alamos Germany; Langenbrunner will study in Tournon Sur-Rhône spoke in May at the Rotary Club of Los Alamos Her Rotary Youth Exchange studies will take her to Kanazawa sponsored by the Rotary Club of Los Alamos are preparing for their youth exchange year abroad Students develop lifelong leadership skills The Rotary Youth Exchange is a catalyst for humanitarian service and cultural understanding Candidates are ages 15-18½ and are leaders in their schools and communities Students attend schools abroad for a full academic year and live with multiple host families and travel documents; they are also responsible for their own spending money who will provide Club contacts for the Rotary Youth Exchange program Copyright © 2012-2025 The Los Alamos Daily Post is the Official Newspaper of Record in Los Alamos County This Site and all information contained here including graphs and graphics is the property of the Los Alamos Daily Post Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted provided that the Los Alamos Daily Post and author/photographer are properly cited columnists and other contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Los Alamos Daily Post The Los Alamos Daily Post newspaper was founded Feb Of all the smallish towns I have stayed in along France’s Rhône Valley watch the world and chat with waiters and fellow patrons as I later found out when I realised I’d taken the corner seat of one regular muttering something I hoped translated as “I may be set in my ways and though I was alone I never felt lonely The French understand the value of sitting for a long time around others And perhaps that’s because people being social is central to human happiness having no community to be a part of — that’s depressing That is the kind of despair that can quickly reach desperate This cafe culture, which I saw every day in every community along the Rhône Valley is just one example of France’s healthy sense of communalism The socialising here isn’t “networking” — the point isn’t to make work connections or climb the social hierarchy with a shared understanding of who you are (in this case By Chris Arnade of recognising that you’re a valuable part of something bigger and better than yourself one defined by your own flavour of uniqueness It’s one of the reasons I think Europe (or at least large parts of it) is far healthier than the US: you can see that borne out in the suicide and mortality statistics but you can also see it with your own eyes if you spend time shuttling between the two It doesn’t take long to realise that we Americans are not a healthy bunch We are a sick country and we’re getting sicker We have an unnaturally high level of mental illness We are killing ourselves in record numbers Americans claim that because we have more stuff happiness and fulfilment are the more important measures of achievement Yet Americans often miss the strength of Europe because they rarely stray beyond its touristy city centres Big city Europe is in the process of being smoothed into a generic This soulless Americanisation has accelerated dramatically over the last few decades The result is McEurope — a chain of big cities where chunks of each are the same The branding of the franchises might be a tad different but these chunks serve up the same drab experience There isn’t much dignity left in these “historic downtowns” most of it lost in the rush to monetise the mobs The Hen and Stag parties flown in on Ryanair The cobbled streets lined with the same stores selling trainers absurdly calorific sweets and whatever else tourists splurge on to feel special Even the cathedrals have been reduced to a check mark on tourist lists to justify a day of binge drinking What McEurope is lacking the most is the communalism that’s central to European culture McEurope is confined to a few neighbourhoods I would always recommend visiting some random mid-sized town in Europe which like Paris has a long history and an ancient and sublime cathedral yet hasn’t entirely succumbed to the global forces trying to flatten the world you can see the care Europeans still give to living: to eating to working with a purpose beyond making mint we find the antidote to the very American ideology of individual liberation The idea that everyone needs to be emancipated from everything Everyone needs to find their true self and be it — even if that means severing ties with family that can only be seen as positive if you have an abnormal sense of what it means to be human To be human is to be social; the ancient Greeks knew it the medieval Christians knew it and even the early Liberals knew it then you understand that the American definition of freedom ends in despair True freedom isn’t being so emancipated that you are isolated it’s the opposite — being part of a group and knowing where you fit in and are valued we view community as something to move beyond This is especially true of the intellectual class who have an outsized role in policy and business decisions Yet even in America, you can see a glimmer of resistance. Americans are social animals too, as all humans are; we need community so much that we will seek to build relationships in the most hostile environments. Just look at the McDonald’s franchise conceived as a ruthlessly efficient and transactional way to sell food many McDonald’s branches around America have evolved into community centres the corporation has recognised this and changed their approach although the higher driving goal is still efficiency.) During my years focusing on poverty, addiction and despair in America, I saw communities emerge in the most desperate places: from trap houses in the Bronx, to homeless camps under bridges or dive bars in Los Angeles Without functional communities to become part of many Americans end up gravitating to dysfunctional ones out of desperation they go to the drug traps; without families a growing minority fail completely to find anything to be part of and end up in a state of completely antisocial perversion That is a freedom turned into a tyranny of emptiness A version of this essay was first published on Substack Chris Arnade is an American photographer. He is currently walking round the world Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Please click here to view our media pack for more information on advertising and partnership opportunities with UnHerd My mom and dad had their own style of exploring the world we stuck to caravanning around the Western U.S. camping for a few nights in a National Park and then retreating to the comfort of a Motel 6 for a night with a swimming pool after I made my first backpack tour of Europe mom and dad realized they were missing out on something With my brother and I having entered adulthood they had the means to treat themselves to international travel They began embarking on what became almost yearly visits to Europe — traveling on their terms they would reserve the first few nights of hotel maybe a quick-to-fill independent hotel in Paris or Madrid but then would tool around for weeks through two or three countries One summer they bought a VW Vanagon in Germany and used it for five weeks of lodging before shipping it back to the states and the history of these countries — and they were perfect traveling companions I became aware that mom’s independence had its limits Travel on her own without her favorite navigator was daunting and as she got older physical limitations — primarily an unsteady gait caused by lousy feet — meant she was at risk for falls her hunger for seeing the world has never been tempered My career as a travel writer owes a lot to my parents’ sense of wanderlust the opportunity to bring someone comes along and that is how mom and I found ourselves in France aboard a Viking cruise down the Rhône River Primed by the steady drumbeat of ads introducing the TV show Downton Abbey mom has been curious about a river cruise for some time now and Viking seemed like a perfect match for her sensibilities — and mine This wouldn’t be my first trip with mom; I took her and my (then) 10-year-old nephew on a Disney Alaska cruise with common refrence points and an ability to efficiently communicate in shorthand on some topics Plus cruises create a great hub for multi-generational travel — a place where the needs of of almost any family member can be accommodated and the ability to go at your own pace is respected by crew and fellow cruisers alike Come along with us on this seven-night Lyon & Provence journey (it’s also offered by Viking in the reverse direction) as I share my day-by-day report on a trip with mom The itinerary explores some of France’s most beloved territory — from Lyon through cherished wine regions of Beaujolais and Côte Rôtie with stops to discover 2,000-year-old architectural treasures along the way My backpack is safely stored in the basement and a calling plan has been enabled for mom’s phone — let’s go The Rhône River courses from the Swiss Alps to Lyon and then heads straight south to Avignon the “City of Popes.” While perhaps not as storied as the Rhine or Danube the Rhône has its own appeal (can you say “Provence”?) and history (the Romans left their mark) as well as art (Arles was Van Gogh’s stomping grounds) as well as an introduction to river cruising While she and dad have stopped in various places in Provence it turns out she’s seen precious little of the towns along the Rhône Rather than go straight from the plane to the ship ahead of our trip I asked mom if there was another area in the vicinity where she’d like to spend a few days She hadn’t been to the land of cheese and chocolate for about 30 years so we flew into Geneva to spend three days alongside the Rhône and its tributaries in Zermatt and Lake Geneva made easier by the comprehensive and efficient Swiss Rail System so yesterday we made our way by rail from Geneva to Lyon so luggage was my responsibility (fortunately While train travel is relatively easy for those of us who are able-bodied it didn’t take long to realize that this was a journey mom could not have done on her own meaning most of the trip-planning is left to me the Viking cruise will take much of the planning responsibilities off my shoulders the busy Lyon train station proved an intimidating transition from the gentler bustle of Swiss towns I planted mom in the station Starbucks to guard our bags while I scurried about changing money and pondered options for the transfer to the ship which would have deposited us just a few blocks from the dock The taxi — 20 euros for a 2-mile ride — dropped us at a road pullout above the dock and we made our way down the ramp to the Viking Delling a cruise ship is basically a hotel on water) welcomed us aboard and showed us to our cabin a veranda suite where the TV was already tuned to the safety video While typical river cruise cabins are slightly smaller than the average ocean cruise cabin ours is generously proportioned — 275 square feet divided into two separate rooms plus a wide balcony where we survey cyclists whizzing by along a river path Our cabin steward converted the queen bed in our bedroom into two twins We loved the larger bathroom than most mid-priced cruise ships have plus a floor-to-ceiling window that can be opened down to a railing (Another option if traveling with a parent is to book two separate cabins) After grabbing a bite to eat we explored Viking Delling forward and aft The décor on Viking’s longships utilizes clean subtle Scandinavian design elements — nothing flashy or overstated Each of the ships has 95 cabins spread onto three decks with the lobby and main restaurant found on the second deck and with August weather pleasingly warm but not hot we are looking forward to the open air and sunshine We’re spending two days and two nights docked in Lyon providing plenty of opportunity to explore the city either independently or on the tours Viking provides — at least one complimentary each day painless introduction to the port and its culture and history The departure on coaches was set for 9 a.m but mom chose to stay behind and enjoy breakfast on a more leisurely basis while I headed out to see the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière the enormous structure sits atop the city’s most prominent hill and inside the church is resplendent with lush mosaics lining most of the walls The tour continued into the heart of the old town But the old city is known for a unique feature: the “traboules,” a series of passageways that connect one building to another providing shortcuts through private property interior stairwells and a gallery for light and air But just walking the main streets of Old Lyon was amply rewarding on its own I returned to the old town after the included tour to explore on my own finding a silk shop that actually still makes the product that Lyon was long known for and a store where a handsome young clerk offered a tasting of different types of the liqueur Chartreuse where mom was awaiting an update on my day — and lunch Having enjoyed a leisurely day reading on the sun deck (and falling in love with the cookies stocked next to the coffee machine) mom is looking forward to our excursion tomorrow into the country and to the vineyards of Beaujolais she knows what she likes and Beaujolais Nouveau has never impressed her Will this light-drinking French wine live down to its reputation a trio of musicians from the Lyonnaise opera house are warming up in the lounge for a post-prandial performance Time to order a glass of Champagne and settle in for the show mom and I learned that the Beaujolais appellation is no longer dedicated only to wines designed to be drunk young As we bused 35 miles north from Lyon into the region our guide Lesley Cleaver told us how the growers of Beaujolais had successfully marketed their wine as one that should be drunk as close to the date that it appears on store shelves each November “Beaujolais Nouveau could be made quickly and cheaply and the gamay grape lends itself to being drunk very young,” said Cleaver But as taste buds became more sophisticated and with an eye to the more profitable vineyards of Burgundy just north growers looked to improve their region’s reputation through more traditional aging processes “They are now making more interesting wines I’ve had a few glasses of Beaujolais Nouveau over the years Mom’s opinion of Beaujolias Nouveau she'd drunk at home over the years was stronger and even less favorable she approached the excursion with an open mind and reveled in how the view from our coach opened up as we headed out of Lyon Our adventure included a stop at the Château des Ravatys in Saint-Lager Our verdict: All had experienced varying degrees of aging especially the premier cru that finished our session — they were also affordably-priced was accompanied by a lush carpet of vineyards rolling over the gentle hillsides We were in the France we dream of back home Soon we were back aboard the ship for lunch during which the captain cast off from Lyon for the 200-mile journey south on the Rhône River to Arles and Avignon and we followed the Rhône River through Valais and down to Lake Geneva we wondered whether any of the water lapping the ship today could be the same molecules we were alongside a few days prior in the Rhône Valley for meals we had two choices: the main Restaurant partially covered and located at the bow of the ship and a small buffet spread nearby was primed with salads and a carvery plus entrées such as turkey breast with green pea risotto smoked salmon quesadilla (surprisingly tasty) and house wine and beer was offered at all meals — no upcharge I enjoyed the decadence of working on my laptop on our balcony — one of the better offices I’ve had — and soon realized Viking Delling had slowed to a crawl I looked out ahead and saw a dam-like structure ahead This would be the first of a series of 12 locks that would gradually take us from Lyon much-anticipated lock experience (the Panama Canal has been on her bucket list for many years) so she parked herself on the balcony for the show Viking’s 50-some longships are all identical in size 443 feet in length and 37 feet at the beam — the precise measurements that allow the vessels to go through locks on most of Europe’s major rivers we were amazed by the perfectly straight approach the vessel made — there was no more than six inches from the edge of ship to the wall of the lock and we could only assume the same was true on the starboard side This detail soon became more impressive as the water level lowered and we were close enough to kiss the wet curtain of concrete rising in front of our balcony Viewing the lock transit from our balcony was cool (if slightly claustrophobic) but we vowed to witness future locks from other positions on the ship Some time this evening we’ll dock in Vienne The included shore excursion is a walking tour of town and mom has already warned that she won’t be able to keep up with the group A couple we sat with at dinner last night advised that I wasn’t the only person traveling with mom And while these other cruisers might not be using their mother as fodder for a story for Cruise Critic I definitely want to meet up with them and get their take on the experience One of the things I like about Viking is that Rather than aiming to be the end-all be-all for every potential customer — age 8 to 80 and from backpacker to well-heeled — Viking has been carefully positioned for a specific demographic: Age 55 and up Viking’s clientele is well-traveled and curious to explore either for the ship’s operation or for how our fellow guests comport themselves but feel no pressure to wear it; mom isn’t self-conscious about her white and neon purple tennies I chide mom for her propensity to drag out little plastic baggies of medications and supplements at the breakfast table where she laboriously extracts one pill after another more than a dozen in all — a routine imported from home But here we share a table with other guests Perhaps translating my objection into French will get the message across But the word for “tacky” is not one she’s familiar with so I put away my Google Translate app and give an embarrassed shrug to our tablemates are more than willing to forgive my mother’s idiosyncrasies my mother enchants those we share a table with and a lot of the passengers praise me for taking her on the journey Today's offered shore excursion is a walking tour but one look out the window reveals hills rising on all sides — a city of terraces I overheard someone say — and mom has already said “you go on without me." I really don't want her to miss any experience if possible and peering out the window while at breakfast I spy a possible solution: a tourist tram parked on the street opposite the dock I quickly checked with the adjacent tourist office and the tram offers a tour of the city every hour on the hour for €7.50 give her a 20-euro note for the Vienne City Tram the walking tours are split into three speeds I chose the more-spirited paced group and off we go ascending mostly deserted streets along 2,000-year-old Roman walls Huffing and puffing we make our way up the hill a viewpoint over the town capped by a small church a Roman theatre fans out beneath — a two-week jazz festival concluded in July On an adjacent ridge sit ruins of a Medieval castle while below the Rhône River arcs through the valley Just as we were about to walk back down the hill I see a door open in front and out come the walking poles with mom close behind fellow Viking passengers from the cabin next to ours I thanked the couple profusely for being guardian angels for mom — I’m sure they won’t be the last to look after her when I’m not nearby Our walking tour heads back down the hill and Ms Saez shares Vienne’s Roman bona fides over the “Quietvox” headsets we all wear we encounter the 2,000-year-old Temple d’Auguste et de Livie which fills much of the town’s main square Built around 10 BC in honor of Emperor Augustus and his wife Livie the temple is in astonishingly good shape (owing its survival to having been converted to a church following the Theodosian decrees) its majestic Corinthian columns providing a sublime backdrop for the café-goers reading the morning news The afternoon is spent sailing down the Rhône navigating three more locks which mom and I enjoy from different spots on the ship and eventually we arrived in our port for the night a 116-year-old steam train is on the agenda What a day this has been — exploring a quaint town on foot riding a steam train and a midnight ramble through a tiny village robed in history I embarked on Viking’s included excursion which started with a walk around the small town of Tournon-sur-Rhône Against a backdrop of terraced vineyards our guide shared that the unprepossessing hillsides on the other side of the river are valued at 1 million euros per acre as Mylène kept a moderately fast pace and playfully referred to our group as “very elastic.” “Ooh là là!,” Mylène exclaimed as she bounded into a street and urged us to cross so crossing the street can be a leap of faith.” though she would have enjoyed wandering through the market of Tournon where the region’s long history of cured meats was on display the original Valrhôna chocolate factory has a museum Mylène advised that if we were to bring one thing home that is emblematic of the region it should be the chestnut cream and she promised it would be it would be well-stocked at the gift shop for our next morning excursion the train line runs between Tournon and a mountain town called Le Cheylard traveling via the gorges of the Doux River By 1968 the line was no longer economically viable and it shut down as a commercial operation But in 2013 it was revived by rail enthusiasts and converted into a delightful tourist venture utilizing authentic steam engines from the turn of the (previous) century We only traveled the initial 10-or-so miles of the route and despite the flecks of grit sprinkling onto hair and clothes where the wildlife was limited to the occasional sunbathing nudist Aboard the train we got to meet one of the mother-daughter couples we learned were traveling with us on the cruise It was a first trip to France for both of them and Susan had an amazing back story as a businesswoman and single mother having recently relocated from Hong Kong to Toronto Susan was enjoying the cruise at her own pace joining in on some tours but skipping others she walked confidently with her cane and seemed game for the adventure we continued down the Rhône at a fairly fast clip One of the bridges we cruised under was so low that crew was on the top deck to make sure everyone ducked to clear the structure as it whisked by overhead a box-like structure sitting on the top deck revealed itself to be a jack-in-the-box apparatus and for these low clearances it dropped into a void below its top almost flush with the top deck as we sailed under Downstairs we were kept entertained with a demonstration on how to make a tarte tatin the classic upside-down caramelized apple tart Delling’s executive chef Frixos and maître d’ Petar were more focused on an off-the-cuff comedy routine that showcased the camaraderie of the ship’s crew than tart tips The informal show concluded with not only samples of the tarte tatin but an array of other delectable desserts for afternoon tea plus a trove of chocolates that someone had generously hauled aboard from the Valrhôna factory The evening concluded with one of the more unusual shore excursions I’ve taken where guides were waiting to take us on a late-night stroll through the tiny town’s outsized history which dates back to the Roman era and includes listed monuments and a tight cluster of architecture in Romanesque Carrying flashlights and the indispensable Quietvox headsets our guide Ginette explained how the Viviers’ population of 4,000 remains stable because it is quite a bit less expensive to live here than in neighboring communities But with many buildings dating to the 14th century and earlier and our route on foot ascended past the former Bishops Palace to the cathedral but otherwise Viviers was eerily quiet and haunting While it would have been great to see the town during the day (as Viking’s northbound itineraries do) I wouldn’t have given up our evocative midnight stroll through this little-known architectural treasure we landed at the tiny town of Tarascon (apparently Viking’s longships are a bit too large to dock downstream in Arles) The night before I thumbed through the ship’s Lonely Planet guidebook and found no mention of Tarascon just a thousand feet from the dock loomed an imposing castle dipping a toe into the Rhône The hulking medieval Château de Roi René is well-preserved and warrants a look but instead mom and I grabbed a quick breakfast and headed off to the buses for our included walking tour of must-see Arles Arles is most famously linked to the legacy of the impressionist Vincent Van Gogh The artist did 200-some paintings in the vicinity and he wanted to develop a community of artists “Gauguin was the first invited to come down,” said Bell Although there is no museum here possessing a trove of his work the Van Gogh legacy seems to touch every corner of Arles Just a few hundred feet from the bus loading area is the site of one of Van Gogh’s most important paintings a little yellow house at the corner of 2 place Lamaryine It was here that mom decided to split from the walking tour anxious that the she wouldn’t be able to keep up with the pace There was minimal traffic this Sunday morning and the walled city seemed compact enough that she wouldn’t get lost Leading with the QuietVox headsets to narrate which rose above the street a couple blocks away the theatre in Arles is a more intimate and intact structure and Bell leads us inside to find a row where we can be seated in the shade “It was completed 10 years after the Colosseum,” says Bell our guide goes through a typical day at the Arena which would start with animals fighting in the morning and then gladiator games in the afternoon for the big finish The Arena was used for these shows over several hundred years when the entire town of Arles was moved inside to protect the population against the bubonic plague by law the people could not remove the stones for building,” Bell adds which is probably why the Arena remains largely intact today mom had heard of a must-do tour while in Arles and it turned out to be an optional excursion available aboard Delling The tour to the tiny village of Les Baux-de-Provence visited former limestone quarries that have been transformed for a sound and light show called Carrières de Lumières the quarries have been used for shows with different themes each year and the 2019 edition featuring the works of Van Gogh has been a huge hit the Viking tour includes not just the bus transfer to Les Baux and when we arrive we find out why: A long line of people snakes outside the caves and inside we discover some 75,000 square feet of nearly flat limestone surface used for the projections The images are accompanied by well-chosen music creating a literal immersion into Van Gogh’s work beautifully composed and alive on walls as tall as 50 feet moving through the various chambers is invited and I hold mom’s hands carefully as she navigates the uneven ground which itself sometimes becomes animated with the paintings the bus takes us to the town of Les Baux — or rather The car-free village sits among a jumble of boulders she notes that she was here once before with dad “But back then I don’t think Les Baux had been discovered,” she adds recalling the days before Provence hit the big time with tourists and when her mother and grandfather gave her a graduation gift of a trip the one she chose was the Viking cruise — with her mom “When we got on-board I discovered there was no one my age,” she exclaimed I was worried about us traveling together before the trip Mom and I can butt heads — sometimes I’ll give her a little attitude we’re just so happy and grateful to be here.” I find myself constantly putting the brakes on And so I’m learning how patience isn’t just a virtue While I don’t have the physical challenges that mom does I can see there will be a day where I will appreciate the patience of those around me and going it at a slower pace will be its own virtue just a few hundred feet from the wall that surrounds the city Mom and I sat at the Aquavit Terrace to enjoy breakfast the sun peeking through whispery clouds and advising us of a warm day ahead Although today’s walking tour of the City of Popes was offered at a leisurely pace as well as — well mom advised that she wanted to take the morning off She spends these hours on the ship reading she’s delighted — not disappointed — to hear of my discoveries As someone who aims to conquer every corner of every port While trying to conquer every corner of each port was my speed I have been learning to accept the speed mom wants to see France and part of that means keeping the agenda unpressured And she’s been adjusting to me as well: She now downs her morning pills in the cabin And so we’ll save our touring for after lunch Today’s included tour explores Avignon’s historic center and our guide Marie Neige leads us into the old city and as we pass through a gate she explains the history of the ramparts “We built the wall not because we were afraid of the French,” explains Neige we cross our fingers and wait for the floor and silt.” Today “Living inside the wall is not very convenient,” Neige cautions Soon we arrive at the city’s claim to fame when Pope Clement V fled Rome in the 14th century it was Avignon where the seat of papal power moved to seven different popes resided in Avignon and built a towering imposing palace — a precursor to the Vatican cavernous chambers speak to the power the church wielded in Medieval times Despite a lack of gilded trappings to ogle If the treasure and the library had been left here none would have survived the French Revolution.” mom and I share lunch and discover that Susan would also like to see a bit of town we join forces and the four of us Uber to one of the city gates We meander slowly and cautiously along the narrow streets bolts of colorful fabric are spread across tables and mom sees patterns and colors she likes — and at bargain prices “Would you like me to sew you a tablecloth and napkins,” she asks She marks off three generous meters of fabric and folds it into a bag We shared our dinner with Sarah and Susan on this last night of the cruise Debating between veal scaloppini or risotto of roasted vegetables and corn we tipped back Champagne to toast our mother and child journey it’s one that will find a special place in my heart David Swanson has sailed on all of the big-ship cruise lines but most enjoys the undiscovered ports and offbeat journeys of smaller cruise vessels His writing and photography has been featured in the pages of National Geographic Traveler and the Los Angeles Times for more than 20 years and he has served on the Board of Directors for the Society of American Travel Writers since 2009 We traveled on Europe's most popular rivers -- the Danube Rhone and Seine -- and share our stories about our discoveries with plenty of tips and insights to help you plan your own voyage On the Danube River: Two Longtime Pals Make Discoveries About Europe and Friendship On the Rhine River: Our Culinary, Castle and Cathedral Discoveries Are Just the Beginning On the Rhone River: Mother and Son Take Their First River Cruise Together On the Seine River: Paris Is Just One of Many Standouts on This Solo Cruise And don't miss our exclusive new series: Cruise Critic's Ultimate River Cruise Guides The guides give expert advice on what to do in ports of call when cruising Europe's rivers from insight on the marquee attractions that are typically featured on included tours to off-the-track discoveries to make on your own Check out: Cruise Critic's Ultimate Danube River Cruise Guide Check out: Cruise Critic's Ultimate Rhine River Cruise Guide Check out: Cruise Critic's Ultimate Seine River Cruise Guide Sue and Bill Brooks of Lewes Crossing traveled to Tournon-sur-Rhône in southern France to celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary Their celebration would not have been complete without a ride aboard the Mallet steam locomotive 414 which was invented by the Franco-Swiss inventor Anatole Mallet and constructed in 1932 by Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécanique Show fellow Cape Gazette readers just how wide a territory their newspaper covers! Carry your Cape Gazette on your travels. Email jamie@capegazette.com a photo and description - don’t forget names Sign up for our daily Newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news You are receiving this pop-up because this is the first time you are visiting our site You are using software which is blocking our advertisements (adblocker) we are relying on revenues from our banners So please disable your adblocker and reload the page to continue using this site.Thanks French cherry farmers in the Ardeche region vented their frustrations over an EU-wide dimethoate ban by depositing a ton of decaying cherries at a government building in Tournon-sur-Rhone This action underscores the grave impact of the 2020 prohibition due to health concerns linked to both consumers and agricultural workers The ban has significantly hampered efforts to combat fruit flies leading to substantial crop losses estimated between 30-40% this year alone "It's becoming impossible for farmers." He highlighted the urgent need for governmental intervention to fulfill promised aid and provide effective solutions The protest reflects the broader challenge facing policymakers: balancing the reduction of synthetic pesticide use against ensuring the viability of food production and farmer livelihoods have proven ineffective against pests like Drosophila suzukii a significant threat since its 2010 appearance in France The scarcity of effective alternatives has also contributed to the soaring prices of cherries This situation is part of a larger environmental and health issue with the European Environment Agency noting pesticide detection above safe thresholds in 22% of monitored European water bodies in 2020 underscoring the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices Source: timesofmalta.com Frontpage photo: © Nexus7 | Dreamstime FreshPublishers © 2005-2025 FreshPlaza.com swapped Kirkcaldy High school for Merrywood Grammar in Bristol where his interest in languages was kindled Returning north to study French and Latin at the University of Edinburgh he graduated in 1968 after a life-changing year as a language assistant in Tournon-sur-Rhône in the south of France where Mallarmé spent three years of his life Opting for payment in wine rather than cash Gordon also became English tutor to the owner of Maison M one of the finest wine producers in the Rhône Valley Before leaving Tournon he declined with regret Chapoutier’s offer of an internship Influenced by the Mallarmé specialist Carl Barbier, who was professor of French at Edinburgh, Gordon completed under Barbier’s supervision a PhD on the writer and socialite Pierre Louÿs. Appointed lecturer in French at the University of Strathclyde in 1976 vice-dean and head of its school of modern languages before retiring in 2009 His thesis was published as Pierre Louÿs ou le culte de l’amitié (1979) and he later edited the vast correspondence between Louÿs and his diplomat half-brother and after Barbier’s death he completed their definitive edition Stéphane Mallarmé: Poésies but A Throw of the Dice; the Life of Stéphane Mallarmé (1994) remains indispensable for anglophone readers confronting the difficulties of Mallarmé’s work Gordon’s flair for unearthing information about Mallarmé’s circle continued with Les ‘Mardis’ de Stéphane Mallarmé: mythes et réalités (2008) and Mallarmé à Tournon et au-delà (2018) Marie Mallarmé: Le fantôme dans la glace (2019) is an account of Mallarmé’s German-born wife These constitute a formidable body of scholarship about which he remained endearingly modest He is survived by his wife, Anne (nee Robbie), whom he married in 1970 after they met as students in Edinburgh, their children, David and Bryony, and by his brother. What You Need to Know to Plan Interesting Walks in France The Republic of Albania is a small country which borders the eastern side of the southern Adriatic Sea and looks towards Puglia, the heel of Italy. It has one of the oldest winemaking histories in the world. Well-known for brandy production, Armenia is a small, landlocked country at the southern end of the Eurasian Caucasus – the mountainous region between Europe and Asia. Austria is enjoying a renaissance as a modern wine producing nation. Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are the flag bearers Azerbaijan is a small country located in the Eurasian Caucasus, on the western shores of the Caspian Sea. As in neighboring Georgia winemaking here appears to date back thousands of years. Better known for its vodka and grain spirit-based production than wine, Belarus is a landlocked country in the north of Eastern Europe. Belgium is better known for its traditional abbey-brewed beers than its wines, but this small northern European country does produce a small quantity of wine each vintage, mostly from Bosnia-Herzegovina is a country in the east of southern Europe, also referred to as Bosnia and Herzegovina. It does not produce a significant quantity of wine, although it does have a few thousand acres of productive vineyards. Bulgaria has a long history of viticulture, and its modern wine industry is introducing regions, grape varieties and wine styles. The Crimea is a peninsula in Eastern Europe, almost entirely surrounded by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It has a very long history of winemaking, dating back at least to the classical Greek period. Croatia has been making wine for well over two thousand years. More recently, the last three decades have seen a steady rise in quality. The Mediterranean island of Cyprus lies 50 miles off the coast of Turkey. In wine terms it is best known for the dessert wine Commandaria. However, a wider range of styles and grape varieties are coming to the fore. Czechia (or The Czech Republic), the western half of the former Czechoslovakia, is better known for its beer than its wine, though the latter is also produced in reasonable quantities. Denmark is one of the three northern European countries which make up Scandinavia. The brewing of beer dominates production of alcoholic beverages. The wine industry is in its infancy. Estonia is a country in the Baltic region of northern Europe, far north of the latitudes in which grapes can reliably ripen. Estonian wine is a rarity, and the nation is better known for its beers and vodkas. Finland is a northern European country located on the eastern side of the Scandinavian Peninsular. The majority of alcoholic beverages produced in Finland are beers and spirits distilled from grain, principally vodka. France is arguably the wine world's most important country, and home to famed regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne. For centuries it has produced wine in a wide variety of styles in greater quantity than any other country. Georgia is one of the world’s oldest winemaking countries. The red grape Saperavi and the white grape Rkatsiteli are the key varieties grown here Germany's best Rieslings are some of the greatest whites in the world, while fine wines are also made from a number of other red and white grape varieties. Beer brewing is also a key part of the culture here. Greece has been home to a winemaking industry for at least three thousand years. Nowadays it combines tradition with modernity, using both native and international grape varieties. Hungary's wine industry is best known for Tokaj and Bull's Blood. But its wine portfolio is much broader in terms of wine styles, grape varieties and regions. Iceland is an island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, located around 900 kilometers (550 miles) north of Scotland's Orkney Islands. There is little chance of successful viticulture being carried out on the volcanic island, and few have tried. Ireland is an island off the west coast of Britain, and is divided into two distinct parts. The following description majors on the beverages produced in the Republic of Ireland. Italy is the home of Chianti, Prosecco, Barolo, and more. It has a rich and diverse wine heritage and a bewildering diversity of both grape varieties and wine styles. Kosovo is a region of south-eastern Europe, once an autonomous province within the former Yugoslavia. Until the outbreak of civil war, Kosovo had a substantial acreage of productive wine-bearing vineyards. Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. The country once held the Guinness World Record as the world's most northerly commercial, open-air vineyard known as Vina kalns ('wine hill'). Liechtenstein is a tiny country hidden away among the Alps. In keeping with its dramatic geography, the country's most noteworthy vineyard is terraced into a rocky outcrop topped by the 1000-year-old Schloss Gutenberg Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe between Belarus and the Baltic Sea, bordered by Latvia to the north and Poland to the south. The country's best known alcoholic produce is its vodka. Luxembourg (officially the 'Grand Duchy of Luxembourg') is a small nation in northern Europe covering just over 2,500 square kilometers (960sq miles). Only 1 percent of this is given over to viticulture. Malta is a small island (25 miles / 40m long) in the central Mediterranean Ocean just 80km (50 miles) south of Sicily. Viniculture here dates back to the early 16th Century, when the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem arrived on the island, bringing with them centuries of winemaking tradition. Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, and one of several former Soviet states in this region. Although relatively small, Moldova ranks among the most significant wine regions of Eastern Europe. Montenegro is a small country on the western side of the Balkan Peninsula, with a coast on the Adriatic Sea. The wine industry here is best known for its intense, deeply colored red wine made from the Vranac grape variety. The Netherlands is a country in northern Europe, often referred to as "Holland". The latter is the name of the ancient county in the western Netherlands, where the key cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague are located. Norway is a Nordic country located on the western side of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Its eastern neighbor is Sweden, but it also borders Finland and Russia at its far-northern edges. Poland, in Central Europe, is a new and perhaps surprising addition to the list of wine-producing nations. Although viniculture is very much in its infancy here, and has yet to make any mark on international markets, it is nonetheless under way. Portugal has long been famous its Port, Madeira and Vinho Verde. But in the last decade or two it has gained acclaim for its new wave of rich, ripe, table wines, with reds from the Douro Valley particularly prominent. Romania lies at the crossroads between Central Europe and South-eastern Europe. Its wine industry makes use of a broad portfolio of indigenous and international red and white grape varieties. Russia is the largest country in the world, covering over 17 million square kilometers (6.5 million square miles), although only the country's southernmost lands are capable of supporting quality viticulture. Serbia, in the south-east of Europe, is geographically the largest of the former Yugoslav states, and the most productive in wine terms. Serbian wine is not often seen on international markets, although there is no question that the country has the potential to produce world-class wines. Slovakia's vineyards are mostly clustered around Bratislava and scattered eastwards along the border with Hungary. The eastern fringe of the Tokaj wine region lies in Slovakia Slovenia is a small European country with a long history of wine production. Despite the cultural and political turmoil that has besieged the Balkan states over the past century, Slovenia has maintained its wine industry, one which has been particularly successful since the country gained independence from former Yugoslavia, in 1991. Spain is home to more hectares of vineyards than any other country, and has a national wine output exceeded only by France and Italy. Though a wide range of wine styles are made, Tempranillo is by far the dominant grape variety. Sweden is a country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe. Winemaking here is very much in its infancy making up a fraction of one percent of the nation's total alcohol production. Switzerland is not widely known as a wine-producing nation, largely because the Swiss keep much of their output to themselves. The white Chasselas grape is the specialty here, though Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot and Chardonnay all feature. Turkey may well be where wine production first began, more than 6000 years ago, Today the country grows more grapes than almost any country on earth, though few are made into wine. The United Kingdom is best known for its beer, cider, whisky, gin and other spirits. It also has a small wine industry which has undergone recent expansion, particularly with respect to sparkling wine production. Ukraine is a large Eastern European country with a long but potted history of wine production although the country is more readily associated to the production of grain-based spirits (horilka). Canada is famous for its high-quality ice wines, but powerful Cabernet blends and aromatic dry Rieslings are also key features in the country's wine portfolio Mexico is renowned for its Tequila, Mezcal and beer. But wine has been made here for longer than anywhere else in the Americas. The Vitis vinifera vine came to Mexico with the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th Century. The United States is home to many quality wine regions, though its global reputation still rides on the success of California and the Napa Valley in particular. Whiskey distilling and beer brewing are both integral parts of American culture. Argentina is the largest producer of wine in South America. It is very closely associated with Malbec, its principal grape variety; in recent decades they have together risen to global prominence. Bolivia has an extreme high-altitude wine industry, in which around 75 percent of production is devoted to red wine. Like other South American countries, its winemaking origins date back to the 16th Century arrival of the Spanish. Brazil has a burgeoning wine industry led by its sparkling wines, though Cachaça is still its best known export beverage Chile occupies a thin strip down the western coast South America and is home to an enviable variety of wine terroirs and styles. Capable of both quality and volume, it is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and its USP, Carmenère Colombia is situated at the north-western corner of South America. Wines is produced, though the country's rum has a higher profile. Ecuador lies on the Pacific coast of northern South America. There are only a few hundred hectares of vineyards; rum and beer are produced in much greater volumes. Guyana is a country located on the Atlantic coast of northern South America. It is well-known for its production of rum and cultivation of sugarcane. Paraguay is a landlocked, Spanish-speaking country in central South America. The country is more famous for its rum than its wines alhough it does produce more than seven million liters (1.85 million US gallons) of wine each year. Peru is a Spanish-speaking nation in western South America. Pisco, a grape brandy, is the national drink. Table wine is produced in cooler areas. Suriname is a country on the north-eastern coast of South America. Rum production dominates, but a small amount of winemaking does in fact take place, using fruits other than grapes. Uruguay is the fourth-largest wine-producing country in South America, best known for red wines from Tannat. Wine grapes have been grown here for more than 250 years, although commercial vineyards were first established in the second half of the 19th Century. Venezuela is, in terms of production of alcoholic beverages, very much a rum specialist. The bottlings from Diplomático and Ron Santa Teresa have gained particular acclaim around the world. Belize is a small country on the eastern (Mediterranean) coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico and Guatemala. Its primary alcoholic product is, unsurprisingly, rum. The Caribbean is not known for its wines (grape vines do not thrive in the tropical climate), though the region is the undisputed home of rum. Costa Rica is a country in Central America, and sits on the isthmus between Panama (to the south) and Nicaragua (to the north). The country's key alcoholic beverages are beer and rum. Guatemala is a small country in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north and west, and Honduras, Belize and El Salvador to the east. Although it is far from competing with Jamaica, sugarcane and the rum produced from it are some of Guatemala's main exports. Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, is famous for its coffee, sugar, tobacco and bananas, and its rum. Given Nicaragua's location at the western edge of the Caribbean, it is hardly surprising that its key alcohol production comes from sugar, rather than grape or grain. Panama is a long, thin country in Central America, famous as the land link between North America and South America. It is also home to one of the world's largest tropical rainforests, prolific banana plantations and, of course, the Panama Canal. Australia is a leading wine producing country, both in terms of quality and scale. Vast in size, its climatic and geographical range offers versatility, though Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay lead the way Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean. There are over 330 islands (110 are inhabited) plus many hundreds more islets. In the sphere of alcoholic beverages, it is best known for its rum. New Zealand is known globally for its aromatic Sauvignon Blanc whites, but it also makes a range of acclaimed cool-climate wines, from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Bordeaux blends and Syrah. Norfolk Island is a tiny island located in the Pacific Ocean, located almost exactly half-way between New Caledonia and the northern tip of New Zealand. Although technically part of the Commonwealth of Australia, (Sydney lies 1050 miles / 1700km to the south-west), the island has a high level of self-governance. Tahiti, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is one of the world's least-known wine regions. As unlikely as it might seem, grape wine is made on this tropical island, albeit in tiny quantities China vies with several countries as the world's sixth largest producer of wine by volume. Its best producers are gaining international recognition, and its domestic market continues to grow India is a rapidly emerging wine economy in terms of both production and consumption, with the potential to become a significant player. Whisky and spirits distillation has a longer history. Indonesia is a Southeast Asian country made up of 33 provinces spread across more than 13,000 individual islands. Unlikely as it might seem, there are wines made in Indonesia: not from imported must or juice but from grapes grown in the island's small number of vineyards. Israel has ancient wine connections, though its modern industry has mostly developed in the last few decades. The Judean Foothills and Galilee are the largest regions Japan is famous for sake rice wine, though grape wine has been made there for several centuries. Beer and whisky production have also become established in the last hundred years Jordan is a country in the Middle East (or Western Asia, as it is officially labeled by the UN) bordered by Iraq and Iran to the east, Syria to the north and Israel to the west. The country takes its name from the Jordan river, which since biblical times has been a vital source of water in this desert area. Kazakhstan is a large trans-continental country: the vast majority of it lies in Asia, but its western extremities cross over into eastern Europe. Though it has a very long history of wine production, vodka is the principal alcohlic beverage here. Lebanon has an ancient wine culture and a modern industry dating from the 19th century. Its vineyards are concentrated mostly in the Bekaa Valley, home to leading wineries Chateau Musar, Chateau Ksara and Chateau Kefraya The Republic of Myanmar (or Burma) produces a minute quantity of wine, unlikely as that might seem to the outsider in this hot, humid part of South-East Asia. Nepal, the land-locked country in the Himalayas, has been home to tiny plantings of wine-producing vines since the late 20th Century. The high-altitude Himalayan climate is not particularly suited to Vitis vinifera vines, so local wines are made from a combination of honey, plant roots, fruits and herbs. The Philippines is a complex group of islands in Southeast Asia. While grapevines are not abundant, indigenous wines are produced from a variety of fermented crops including fruit, rice and honey. South Korea is a country at the far eastern extremity of East Asia, situated on a large peninsula which juts southwards from north-eastern China. Sri Lanka is an island off the southern tip of India, a satellite of the vast Asian continent. Syria is a mid-sized country in the western Middle East (also known as the Near East), situated between the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea and the deserts of Iraq. Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is located at the centre of the Indochina Peninsula. Perhaps better known for its beer, with brands such as Chang and Singha, there are also a number of rum producers with the wine industry beginning to gain international notice. Vietnam is one of a number of East Asian countries which have appeared on the wine radar since the turn of the century. Although its growth is far from rapid and nowhere near as dramatic as that of neighboring China, Vietnam's wine production is steadily increasing. Algeria is a large country in the Maghreb geographical region of north-west Africa. Though an Islamic nation it has a remarkably extensive area under vine. Though today much of this focuses on table grape production, it is still the second largest wine producer in Africa. Cape Verde (officially Cabo Verde) is a small archipelago nation off the coast of West Africa originally colonized by settlers from Portugal in the 15th Century and has a long history of wine production. Egypt is home to some of the oldest winemaking traditions on Earth, dating back to the third millennium BC, though the modern industry, confined to the Nile Delta, is very small. Madagascar is a large island off the south-east coast of Africa. Spanning 13 degrees of latitude, from 12 degrees to 25 degrees, it lies almost entirely within the southern tropics creating an ideal climate for sugarcane cultivation and rum maturation. Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean about 2000 kilometers off the south-east coast of Africa. Known for its sugarcane crops, the country has a long history of rum production.  Morocco's wine industry retains a strong French influence over six decades from independence. Key grapes are Syrah, the Southern Rhone red varieties, plus Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Namibia is a country in southern Africa, bordered by the southern Atlantic Ocean to the west, Angola and Zambia to the north, South Africa to the south and Botswana to the east. Nigeria, on the west coast of Africa, produces only very small quantities of grape wine. Wines made from pineapples or palm sap are more common in this tropical nation. South Africa is a key wine nation, despite its isolated position. Pinotage and Chenin Blanc have been its signatures, but Shiraz, the red Bordeaux varieties, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also widely planted. Tanzania, despite not having an international reputation as a wine producer, is actually home to the second largest wine producing region in Sub-Saharan Africa (after South Africa). The history of wine production in the country is relatively recent and roughly grew in tandem with the independence of Tanganyika and its merger with Zanzibar in the 1960s. Tunisia is a North African country with a long (if not consistent) history of wine production. Despite being a predominantly Muslim country, the wine industry here makes over 40 million liters of wine per year.  Uganda, in eastern Africa, produces little or no wine from grapes. The climate here is simply too hot, and there is no cultural tradition of winemaking. It does, however, have at least one producer making wine from hibiscus flowers. Zimbabwe is rarely cited as a wine region of note, yet, since the middle of the 20th Century, the southern African nation's wine industry has been gradually growing and evolving. This page is currently under development as we change its function. Read about the best known regional styles and find the most popular signature style wines. points out that Valence is right in the centre of all good things food-wise in France the Alps and the Ardèche are on the doorstep and it’s right in the Rhône Valley once the favoured route to the Côte d’Azur for sun-seeking northern Europeans for a few deeply indulgent days away eating great food and drinking fine wine And if you don’t have time to cruise the N7 (for which a pure-bred Bentley or an in-your-face Ferrari is a must) then the Eurostar from London’s St Pancras to Paris does the job perfectly well – and it’s a lot quicker A couple of stops from the Gare Du Nord to board a TGV express at the Gare De Lyon and a rental car at the Valence TGV station and you’re soon on the road to Château Du Besset (chateaudubesset.com) It’s difficult to imagine a better-value dinner than the offering at its magnanerie which you can follow by a night in one of three beautifully decorated rooms The table d’hôte menu (£35) provides three inventive courses of local produce a roast filet mignon with chorizo sauce and French staples such as tarte au citrons or the less French tiramisu First, a visit to the Hôtel De La Villeon (hoteldelavilleon.com) in Tournon-Sur-Rhône an exquisite 18th-century mansion recently restored to its former glory where you can stay in one of 16 guest rooms and spend hot afternoons relaxing in the rooftop gardens with views over the old town Consider a stop-off at the idyllic Tain-L’Hermitage for lunch at Cité Du Chocolat Valrhona (citeduchocolat.com) where there’s plenty of opportunity to taste the various confections including lunch dishes (ever tried chocolate salad dressing?) but leave time (and room) for Le Carré D’Alethius itself: not so much for the modern hotel but more for the exceptional cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Olivier Samin where a table overlooking the garden provides a truly memorable experience as well as its three-Michelin-starred restaurant a stylish modern shrine to the best that the Rhône Valley can provide A long weekend in... Lisbon The best things to do in Los Angeles The best hotels in the UK to stay in this year Viking ModiViking ModiViking ModiViking Modi10 Nights 10 Nights  Europe - AllChristmas On The Rhine & MainLeaving from: Basel →+9 ports 2027(2)Viking River CruisesViking AtlaViking AtlaViking AtlaViking Atla7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllRomantic DanubeLeaving from: Budapest →+6 ports 2026(25)Viking River CruisesViking SigrunViking SigrunViking SigrunViking Sigrun7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllChristmas On The RhineLeaving from: Basel →+9 ports 2027(6)Viking River CruisesViking Idun7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllRhine GetawayLeaving from: Amsterdam →+9 ports Viking AlrunaViking AlrunaViking AlrunaViking AlrunaViking Alruna7 Nights 2027(4)Viking River CruisesViking ManiViking ManiViking ManiViking Mani7 Nights 2027(43)Viking River CruisesViking AegirViking AegirViking AegirViking AegirViking Aegir7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllDanube WaltzLeaving from: Budapest →+5 ports 2026(22)Viking River CruisesViking Idun7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllRhine GetawayLeaving from: Basel →+9 ports 2025(6)Viking River CruisesCruise Critic FavoriteViking IngviViking IngviViking IngviViking Ingvi7 Nights 2027(43)Viking River Cruises.css-ad1o0y{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;height:-webkit-max-content;height:-moz-max-content;height:max-content;margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-6);}Viking TorViking TorViking TorViking Tor7 Nights 2027(36)Viking River CruisesViking TorViking TorViking TorViking Tor7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllRomantic DanubeLeaving from: Regensburg →+6 ports 2027(40)Viking River CruisesViking EmblaViking EmblaViking EmblaViking Embla7 Nights 2026(24)Viking River CruisesViking Dagur7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllChristmas On The RhineLeaving from: Amsterdam →+10 ports 7 Nights  Europe - AllDanube Christmas DelightsLeaving from: Budapest →+6 ports Our partners who list cruise pricing on Cruise Critic are required to provide prices for cruise only or cruise packages and are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings Rates are in GBP and valid for UK and Ireland residents only please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site Cruise Critic is not responsible for content on external web sites Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of 6th May 2025 SpitsbergenSpitsbergenSpitsbergenSpitsbergenSpitsbergen7 Nights 7 Nights  NorwayNorway CruiseLeaving from: Tromso →+12 ports The River Rhône & Provence - Ms Thomas H...Leaving from: Lyon →+5 ports 7 Nights  Europe - AllHistory And Art Of The Rhône - Ms Thomas HardyLeaving from: Avignon →+5 ports 7 Nights  Europe - AllFlavors Of BurgundyLeaving from: Lyon →+3 ports Malaysia & More in StyleBali & Singapore Hotel Stays IncludedAll-Inc Drinks 9 Nights  Europe - AllAix-en-provence With Sensations Of Lyon & ProvenceLeaving from: Lyon →+7 ports 2025(4)Emerald River CruisesEmerald DestinyEmerald DestinyEmerald DestinyEmerald DestinyEmerald Destiny14 Nights 14 Nights  Europe - AllDiscover The Rhine & Rhone RiversLeaving from: Amsterdam →+12 ports 2025(3)Emerald River CruisesEmerald Liberte14 Nights 14 Nights  Europe - AllDiscover The Rhine & Rhone RiversLeaving from: Marseille →+13 ports 2026Emerald River CruisesEmerald Liberte9 Nights 9 Nights  Europe - AllParis & Springtime Sensations Of Lyon And ProvenceLeaving from: Paris →+7 ports 2026Emerald River CruisesEmerald Liberte14 Nights 14 Nights  Europe - AllDiscover The Rivers Of France & PortugalLeaving from: Nice →+13 ports 2026Emerald River Cruises.css-ad1o0y{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;height:-webkit-max-content;height:-moz-max-content;height:max-content;margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-6);}Emerald Liberte10 Nights 10 Nights  Europe - AllAutumn Sensations Of Lyon & Provence With NiceLeaving from: Lyon →+6 ports 2026(2)Emerald River CruisesEmerald Liberte10 Nights 10 Nights  Europe - AllSpringtime Sensations Of Lyon & Provence With NiceLeaving from: Lyon →+6 ports 9 Nights  Europe - AllAutumn Sensations Of Lyon And Provence & ParisLeaving from: Nice →+7 ports 2026Emerald River CruisesScenic Sapphire9 Nights 9 Nights  Europe - AllIdyllic Rhône With Highlights Of ParisLeaving from: Paris →+6 ports 9 Nights  Europe - AllParis & Autumn Sensations Of Lyon And ProvenceLeaving from: Paris →+7 ports 2026Emerald River CruisesEmerald Liberte12 Nights 12 Nights  Europe - AllParis To Nice & Sensations Of Lyon And ProvenceLeaving from: Paris →+7 ports Lyon's food scene has earned the city its nickname the "world capital of gastronomy" Some people on the streets try to trick tourists into donating money to fake charities From its cobblestone streets to its Paris-like shops There is no cruise terminal at Lyon; vessels simply dock against the riverbank The Rhone's banks have been pedestrianized with trees and flowers planted to brighten up the setting It is possible to walk into town for shops restaurants and bars are located on the opposite street A small boat-cafe called La Passagere (21 Quai Victor Augagneur; 33-4-72-73-36-98; 3 p.m but pickpockets are known to operate in tourist areas so it is sensible to take the usual precautions as French drivers do not always slow down for disoriented tourists The cruise line will provide complimentary transportation to and from shore excursions it's easy to walk to most of the sights (or catch the funicular from Vieux Lyon Metro station up the steep hill to Fourviere) Public transport is very efficient and affordable as well as four tram lines and more than 100 bus routes a cheap form of bike rental available from several spots around the city you can cycle on a flat path to an urban park The busy streets are best avoided on two wheels and ATM's are easily found throughout the city but not all shopkeepers or waiters are fluent It is best to start with bonjour (hello) and ask parlez-vous anglais Always say merci (thank you) when leaving a store or restaurant People will smile politely at your poor pronunciation I can't fault a river cruise for many 1fr));}@media screen and (min-width: 576px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(1 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(2 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(3 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 1284px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(4 Emerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald Star9 Nights 9 Nights  Europe - AllDanube Explorer & Highlights Of BudapestLeaving from: Budapest →+6 ports 2026(3)Emerald River CruisesEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald Star10 Nights 10 Nights  Europe - AllDanube Delights & Classic PragueLeaving from: Budapest →+6 ports 2025(3)Emerald River CruisesEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald Star10 Nights 2026(3)Emerald River CruisesEmerald SkyEmerald SkyEmerald SkyEmerald Sky10 Nights 10 Nights  Europe - AllJewels Of The Rhine & Glacier ExpressLeaving from: Amsterdam →+8 ports Emerald SkyEmerald SkyEmerald SkyEmerald Sky10 Nights 10 Nights  Europe - AllJewels Of The Rhine & Glacier ExpressLeaving from: Amsterdam →+7 ports 2025Emerald River CruisesEmerald SkyEmerald SkyEmerald SkyEmerald Sky10 Nights 10 Nights  Europe - AllClassic Prague & Danube DelightsLeaving from: Prague →+6 ports 2026(4)Emerald River CruisesEmerald Harmony12 Nights Cambodia & The MekongLeaving from: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) →+7 ports 2026(5)Emerald River CruisesEmerald Harmony12 Nights 13 Nights  Europe - AllMadrid To Lisbon & Secrets Of The DouroLeaving from: Madrid →+9 ports 2026(2)Emerald River Cruises.css-ad1o0y{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;height:-webkit-max-content;height:-moz-max-content;height:max-content;margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-6);}Emerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald Star17 Nights 17 Nights  Europe - AllParis & Splendours Of EuropeLeaving from: Paris →+13 ports 2026Emerald River CruisesCruise Critic FavoriteEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald Star8 Nights 8 Nights  Europe - AllEnchantment Of Eastern EuropeLeaving from: Bucharest →+7 ports 2026(2)Emerald River CruisesCruise Critic FavoriteEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald Star8 Nights 2025(3)Emerald River CruisesEmerald SkyEmerald SkyEmerald SkyEmerald Sky7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllThe Majestic RhineLeaving from: Frankfurt →+7 ports 2025Emerald River CruisesEmerald DestinyEmerald DestinyEmerald DestinyEmerald DestinyEmerald Destiny7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllJewels Of The RhineLeaving from: Amsterdam →+6 ports 2025(7)Emerald River CruisesEmerald DestinyEmerald DestinyEmerald DestinyEmerald DestinyEmerald Destiny7 Nights Who goes on Emerald River Cruises cruise ships Emerald Cruises serves the typical European river cruise passenger -- generally well-traveled cruise veterans in the 55-plus bracket boutique-style ships also attract first-time river cruisers who enjoy the active shore excursions on offer Around half of the passengers come from the U.K. Do I have to dress up on a Emerald River Cruises cruise There is no special dress code and there are no formal nights Jeans can be worn in the restaurant in the evening but shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate Many passengers dress up for the captain's welcome dinner and/or farewell dinner but mostly opting for smarter casual rather than full-on cocktail dresses and suits Is everything free on Emerald River Cruises cruises Cruise fares include most shore excursions What are Emerald River Cruises’s most popular activities Shore excursions are the most popular activities for Emerald's passengers with the EmeraldPLUS (tours that focus on local customs) and EmeraldACTIVE options particular favorites cruisers love hanging out in the dual-purpose area at the back of the ship that transforms from an indoor heated pool with retractable roof during the day to a cinema at night Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site