French Fête in Saone and Rhône: From Lyon to Avignon

Lyon is the destination for fine food fans. 2000 years of rich history. Musée des Beaux-Arts. The old town with cobblestone streets. The Basilica Notre-Dame and a magnificent view over the city and the countryside. Silk painting in the smart working-class district of La Croix-Rousse. The gourmet temple of Les Halles de Lyon de Paul Bocuse. The finest cuisine in the region's typical “Bouchon” style. So much sensuality. So much pleasure.

Quelle surprise! The beauty of Chalon-sur-Saône begins right at Quai Gambetta, where the boat docks. Walk upstream and discover this pretty town, where Julius Caesar left his mark, and whose museum focuses on the invention of photography. In Chalon-sur-Saône, you can see pretty half-timbered houses and façades in an Art Nouveau style. The Théâtre Piccolo was modelled on the royal opera in Versailles.

With colourful old town houses and the old church of St. Vincent, with vineyards and meadows, Mâcon is a charming little town. If you walk through the city and come to Place aux Herbes, you should stop in front of the Maison de Bois wooden house. While looking at the façade, you will discover magical grotesques and mythical creatures. Incidentally, the French international footballer Antoine Griezmann was born in Mâcon.

This city is a jewel for people interested in both yesterday and today. Vienne is a small town, but already boasted 30,000 inhabitants in the 2nd century. Trade and steam navigation brought an upswing in the 19th century. And what can you expect to see? Definitely the Archaeological Museum, the St-Romain-en-Gal museum complex with the “House of the Ocean Gods” and the remains of the former thermal baths. And afterwards, it's best to sit down in a café and enjoy the present.

If you like historic towns, you will love Viviers! Thanks to Bishop Charles de la Font de Savine, Viviers was spared from the destruction during the French Revolution and has kept its medieval structure until today. The best way to explore the divided city is on foot, but be careful, the stairs to the upper town are numerous. It is worth it, however, if only for the view. Visit the Saint-Vincent Cathedral. It is said to be the smallest cathedral in France.

Tarascon, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France, is steeped in history. The magnificent Tarascon Fortress, built in the 15th century, stands as an imposing symbol of the town's medieval heritage. Constructed between 1401 and 1433, it served as a first line of defense on the border territories of the Rhône River and as a residence for King René, who held the titles of King of Naples, Duke of Anjou, and Count of Provence. This formidable fortress has been exceptionally well-preserved and now houses a museum showcasing historic artifacts, art, and furniture. The town's Collegiate Church of Saint Martha, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, is another architectural gem. Tarascon's rich history extends to its annual "Fête de la Tarasque," which celebrates the mythical Tarasque monster, a unique local legend.

This pearl of Provence is surrounded by the most beautiful natural parks in Europe. Today, Arles is the epitome of important art and a contemporary witness to an eventful history, from the amphitheatre to proud patrician houses. And what would Arles be without van Gogh – strolling through the town in the footsteps of this great artist – that too is unforgettable.

This pearl of Provence is surrounded by the most beautiful natural parks in Europe. Today, Arles is the epitome of important art and a contemporary witness to an eventful history, from the amphitheatre to proud patrician houses. And what would Arles be without van Gogh – strolling through the town in the footsteps of this great artist – that too is unforgettable.

It is a city of unparalleled beauty. It curves its way over the river Rhône, and has done so since 1840. The Pont Saint-Bénézet acquired international fame through the song “Sur le pont d'Avignon”. Crossing it, you find yourself immediately in front of the Papal Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval buildings in Europe. It arose, it must be said, out of sheer laziness: For the Archbishop of Bordeaux did not wish to travel to Rome for his papal consecration. He had himself crowned in Lyon and had a palace built in Avignon. A monument.

It is a city of unparalleled beauty. It curves its way over the river Rhône, and has done so since 1840. The Pont Saint-Bénézet acquired international fame through the song “Sur le pont d'Avignon”. Crossing it, you find yourself immediately in front of the Papal Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval buildings in Europe. It arose, it must be said, out of sheer laziness: For the Archbishop of Bordeaux did not wish to travel to Rome for his papal consecration. He had himself crowned in Lyon and had a palace built in Avignon. A monument.