Welcome aboard the S.S. Catherine where we will sail the Rhône and Saône rivers through Burgundy and Provence.
European River cruising allows travelers to enjoy a one-of-a-kind, curated itinerary, where you step off inland in the heart of historical cities, with ease, grace, and anticipation. There are 65 passengers onboard representing the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, a mini-united nations. With a crew and staff of 57 representing 7 nationalities i.e., Romania, Portugal, Italy, and France…
Having traveled on the great rivers of Europe for more than a decade ourselves, there are few journeys more endearing than slowly plying Europe’s waterways. We have used river cruising to bookend overland travel across Europe. Concluding with a beautifully appointed 5-star floating boutique ship, gourmet meals, and wine from the region.
In the afternoon, many chose an optional Masterpiece Collection: Olive Farm and Art Immersion. Beginning with a tour at Moulin à Huile Saint Jean in Fontvielle. A sixth-generation-owned olive farm, where two sisters, Anna and Magali, run the family business, processing 1500 kilos of olives per day during harvest season. These strong, independent women oversee the growing of 4200 olive trees on 11 hectares. This legacy farm family maintains the land, and their historic family chapel from the 13th century, still used for family weddings and baptisms. The sisters invited our group into the courtyard to enjoy a glass of rosé, a tasting of olive oils and tapenade fresh from the farm.
After, we drive southeast winding between impressive limestone rock formations for another 10km reaching Les Baux-de-Provence in the heart of the Alpilles mountains, between Arles and Saint Rémy. Where we enter Val d’Enger, a limestone quarry, at the foot of Les Baux. There we experience the Carriéres de Lumières exhibition, a must see when in Provence. It’s a digital and immersive 3D light and sound show; Venice, la Serenissima, and Yves Klein’s, infinite Blue. Where a truly spectacular display of art and history is projected on the walls and floor of the quarry.
We end our day of tours and sightseeing on this 102° day by sailing back to Avignon and tethering up at the Quai de l’Oulle on the Rhône River near the Pont Saint Bénézet bridge in the heart of the city.
France is
just waiting for you to amble through the winding cobblestone streets
and discover hidden treasures that will simply take your breath
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Continue to sail north with us to smallest village in France, Viviers.
Le Republic Street is the main street in Avignon. shopping-eating
Transportation notes to Luberon, Alpilles etc.
Uniworld European River Cruises
Olive Farm and Carrières de Lumières 79€ (price 2022)
I’m Christie, a Midwest native who is an intrepid traveler, author, and owner of the blog Scribbles and Smiles. Writing under the bespoke pen name J. Christina, sharing stories from European adventures and magical excursions. Since starting my blog, I have contributed articles to France Today, Bonjour Paris, The Good Life France, Perfectly Provence, and Bella Provence Travels.
Travel is a privilege.
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