A Magical Journey Down The Rhône River

Traveling is always creatively inspiring – whether it’s a view of the landscapes, gardens,  shops, museums, villages or cities.

I recently took a River Cruise in France down the Rhône from Lyon to Marseilles.  My travels took me to 8 ports – charming villages, castles, vineyards, a visual feast for the eyes. Our trip took us to the regions of Burgundy where we cruised down the Saône revealing a peaceful river valley with charming small villages on the banks. Merging into the Rhône we reached Provence where the river flows into the Mediterranean.

As an Interior Designer, it was awesome to tour the ancient churches, hotel d’ville’s (now their Town Hall), view paintings by van Gogh, Cézanne and Picasso, not to mention, walking down the very cobblestone paths these masters had once travelled. We walked past homes built in the 15th century and streets built in the 13th-14th centuries. It was truly a magical journey….

Chalon-sur-Saône, France, was our port of departure.

Viking Ship	Slôane River
	Allée of Plane trees in Chalon originally planted by Louis XIV from Canada to provide shade for the solders.

Tournus

	Still on the Slôane River (half-way down France) Tournus, a medival town, was founded by the Romans. Today’s population is 6,000. Houses along a street built during the 13th-14th centuries.
Windows with lead mullions and ogee edges built in the 15th century.
	Statue of artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze (1725-1805), born in Tournus.

Lyon

Musée des Beaux-Arts where several Picasso, Monet, Manet, Renoir and Degas are on view.

Vienne

Roman Temple constructed in 2AD. There are only two complete Temples, both in France, with the other in Niems.
	Carved door with Perspective of wood floor.

Tournon

Best known for their Red Hermitage Rhône Valley wines – Côtes du Rhône. Grape bushes terraced on the hills of Tournon.

Tain

On the other side of the Rhône from Tournon is the town of Tain.

The pedestrian bridge with the European flag.

Arles

We went to an Amphitheatre, which holds 10,000 people, where gladiators once fought. Now bullfights are held here.
	The Roman Theatre where the Venus of Arles was uncovered and now the statue is displayed in the Louve.
Hotel Dieu – the hospital where van Gogh went after he cut off part of his ear.
	12th century church with the Last Judgement carved above the door.

Avignon

My favorite town! Cobblestone streets, elegant stores, rich in history, and the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards.

	Cobblestone steps
Cobblestones for the grape vines – the pebbles soak up the sun during the day and radiate warmth at night creating the perfect soil for the grapes.
Views of the vineyards.

Au Revoir!