Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! I’m back in the office after 3 wonderful weeks in France; I must admit I wasn’t ready to leave, believe it or not. While I’ve traveled in France over the years, this deep dive trip was both very worthwhile for business and at the same time the perfect personal break and reset.
This trip report will be in four parts:
- Southeastern France’s Rhône River towns
- Paris in the springtime and Notre Dame visit
- Normandy’s villages (including Giverny) and D-day landing sites
- The charm of the Loire Valley
Read on for the France scoop part one – Southeastern France’s Rhône River towns…
Why the Rhône?
What brought me to the Rhône River? I had a conference onboard the Avalon Poetry II river cruise boat that sailed for seven days. The conference began in Marseille and ended in Arles. Each morning, I was able to experience the ports of call:
Arles – Van Gogh was inspired by this charming, historic town in the Provence region.
Viviers – a hidden gem that is a well-preserved medieval town.
Lyon – the gastronomic capital of France (fun fact- it’s not Paris).
Tain L’Hermitage and Tournon – boasting a 16th century castle and Roman ruins.
Avignon – home to the world’s largest gothic fortress, Palace of the Popes.
💎Hidden Gem Tip: The Rhône River flows through Switzerland and Southeastern France. Its towns have inspired wine makers and impressionist era artists like Vincent Van Gogh. It was in Arles that he painted Starry Night Over the Rhône.
Three Highlights
My three highlights of this itinerary are mentioned below. The first is the river cruise experience.
Being able to dock and walk into these charming towns and cities was the ultimate in convenience; the Avalon Poetry II served as a floating boutique hotel where I could tour by morning and attend my conference in the afternoons. I’ve been on many river cruises and love this mode of travel.
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: If this river cruise itinerary appeals to you or if you’d like my input on the many river cruise companies and their offerings (I’m very well versed and experienced), schedule a river cruise consultation.
Viviers
Viviers was a hidden gem with few tourists as it was pre-season in late March and not an over-touristed place. We were treated to a 4 song private concert with a world-renowned opera singer who lives Viviers; she sang beautifully giving me chills inside the 14th century Cathedral of St. Vincent atop the hill. Below the hill, we walked the ancient narrow passageways where the commoners lived in ancient times.
Arles
Arles is where Vincent Van Gogh lived for a few years after Paris and was highly productive here. Impressionist period painters were inspired in Arles. It’s also home to an ancient Roman theater which dates to the 1st century BC. I visited the arena where a retired bullfighter told his story within the larger history of bullfighting. I’d love to return to Arles and spend more time here and nearby.
While space is limited in these newsletters, I felt that every port was worthwhile. For example, I love Lyon and have been there before; it’s a fascinating city and ideal for lovers of food and wine; Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France. And you can take a day trip to Geneva, Switzerland from Lyon. Email me to learn more.
To travel is to live… here’s to 2025 being an unforgettable and amazing year for new travel adventures! Let’s go…
Susan
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