Southern France Sojourn: Lyon to Avignon

Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, Lyon is hailed as France's gastronomic capital and home to the gourmet "temple" of Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, the city's incredible food market since 1859. It also boasts 2,000 years of amazing history, with Roman, medieval, and Renaissance architectural treasures, like iconic Place Bellecour, one of Europe's largest town squares; the Old Town's fascinating traboules (secret passageways); the Museum of Fine Arts; Fourvière Basilica; and the Roman Amphitheater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in France's Burgundy region on the Saône River along an important trade route, 2,000-year-old Mâcon is a showcase of colorful facades and round-tile roofs that simply beg to be explored. Its charming cobblestone streets wind their way past ancient town houses. the Gothic towers from Old Saint-Vincent Cathedral, a 16th-century wooden house with unusual statues of monkeys and masked characters, and Hôtel-Dieu’s Louis XV-era apothecary shop also paint a charming scene.

With its medieval city center filled with narrow alleyways, Old World architecture, and eclectic shops and restaurants, Old Town Tournus is nearly perfect. The history of Tournus dates back to Roman times, when its position above the Saône River made it easy to defend. The 10th-century Abbey of Saint-Philibert features an unusual barrel-vaulting roof. Equally fascinating are the historic Hôtel-Dieu hospital and physics-defying Logis de la Teste Noire, whose upper level overhangs the ground floor—a way for medieval homeowners to avoid taxes!

The beauty of Chalon-sur-Saône in central Burgundy begins with its splendid half-timbered houses, St. Vincent's Cathedral, Baroque Church of Saint-Pierre, and Théâtre Piccolo, which was modeled after the royal opera at Versailles. But the city's pride extends far beyond its enchanting structures. Chalon was also home to French inventor Nicéphore Niépce, pioneer of photography; Dominique Denon, who helped convert the Louvre Palace into a museum after the French Revolution; and some of France's most delectable wines!

Vienne is a most intriguing former Roman colonies. By the 2nd century, it already boasted 30,000 inhabitants, so it's little wonder ancient sites abound here, like the Temple, built to honor the emperor and his wife; the 13,000-spectator capacity Roman Theater, which still hosts events such as the Vienne Jazz Festival; and the Vienne Cathedral, whose construction began in 1130 AD. Also noteworthy is the Gallo-Roman Museum to see how people lived in the 1st century―with luxury villas and adjoining thermal baths, mosaics, marble sculptures, and more.

Just across the river from Tournon, Tain-l'Hermitage is well known among epicures. A large number of large and small wineries call Tain home—as well as the famous Hermitage and Crozes Hermitage AOP wines. Another gem is the interactive Valrhona City of Chocolate gourmet chocolate factory. Here, visitors can learn what contributes to the very chocolate used by some of the world's most discerning chefs and can taste the amazing products as well!

Viviers is tiny in size only! This remarkable village in France's Ardèche is like an open-air museum of ancient architecture with its Town Hall, Bishop's Palace, St. Vincent Cathedral (said to be France's smallest cathedral), 16th-century Knights' House, and mansion-lined Grande Rue. The many stairs leading to the Upper Town reward the effort with outstanding panoramic views over the city below and the beautiful Rhône Valley.

Situated in the heart of the Rhône Valley near Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is, without a doubt, firmly entwined with papal history. Highlights include the remnants of 800-year-old Châteauneuf-du-Pape Castle, which was built to help the popes escape the summer heat of Avignon—and where the popes planted the town's first vineyards. The Old Town is also particularly inviting with its medieval ambiance, round clock-towered Town Hall, and many shops for tasting and buying the delectable Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines.

While other cities boast they emerged from great battles or great commerce, Avignon arose from...great laziness! The ancient walled city's claim to fame, the awe-inspiring Pope's Palace, one of Europe's largest and most important medieval structures, all came into being when the Archbishop of Bordeaux didn't want to travel to Rome for his papal consecration. Instead, he had himself crowned in Lyon and built a palace in Avignon. Other highlights include the pretty Old Town as well as St. Bénezet Bridge, inspiration of the famous song, Sur le pont d’Avignon.