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Roman Ruins, Fine Wine & Van Gogh: River Cruising Southern France

Rob and Kerri Stuart Episode 170

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170 - Think river cruising in France means the Seine? Think again. In this episode of Travel Inspired, hosts and travel agents Rob & Kerri Stuart take you along on a seven-day journey down one of Europe's most overlooked — and most rewarding — waterways: the Rhône River in southern France.

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From the Van Gogh-painted streets of Arles to the Roman grandeur of Avignon, the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct, and the snow-dusted vineyards of Tain-l'Hermitage, every port stop on this iconic south-to-north itinerary offers something unforgettable. And it all culminates in Lyon — the gastronomic capital of France and a city that deserves far more than a quick stopover.

Rob and Kerri share firsthand experiences from two separate Rhône River cruises (first with AmaWaterways in 2014, and most recently with luxury boutique line Uniworld), offering honest insight into what makes this itinerary so special — and who it's perfect for.

In this episode, you'll discover:

  • Why the Rhône rivals Italy for Roman history and architecture
  • The best port stops on a southern Rhône cruise — and what not to miss
  • How to choose between Arles-to-Lyon vs. Lyon-to-Arles (and why direction matters)
  • What a private wine tasting in the Rhône Valley is really like
  • Why Lyon deserves extra days at the end of your cruise
  • Who this cruise is ideal for — couples, empty nesters, foodies, and beyond

Whether you're a first-time river cruiser or looking to upgrade from the Rhine or Danube, this episode will inspire you to put the Rhône River at the top of your travel bucket list.

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Keywords: Rhône River cruise, river cruising France, southern France travel, Arles France, Avignon travel, Lyon food guide, Pont du Gard, Uniworld river cruise, AmaWaterways, European river cruise, France travel tips, Roman history France, wine tasting Rhône Valley, best river cruises Europe, Travel Inspired podcast