The Rhône river has transitioned from its fierce past, known as Rhône Sauvage, to a serene cruise destination highlighted by locks and dams. Spanning 505 miles from the Swiss Alps to the Mediterranean, its 6-day cruise from Lyon to Martigues showcases varied cultural treasures and picturesque landscapes. Key stops include UNESCO-listed Avignon, home to the Gothic palace of the Popes and a famous medieval bridge, as well as charming villages like Les Baux-de-Provence and St-Rémy-de-Provence, offering delightful local atmospheres and scenic beauty, even in rain.
Known for centuries as the Rhône Sauvage, after its ferocious nature, the Rhône river has been largely calmed over the years thanks to the creation of locks and dams which have now made it a fabulous cruise destination for exploring valleys of vineyards, picturesque villages, historic cities and the Camargue, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse department in Provence, southern France. It's the world-famous seat of the 14th-century Popes. Their former home is the greatest Gothic palace in Europe and UNESCO World Heritage listed.
It's astonishing just how diverse the route is over a relatively short distance of around 300km (180 miles) and how many cultural treasures there are to discover en route.
I visited on a rainy day, but the charms of St-Rémy were not dampened. Plane-tree shaded squares, elegant streets, cafés filled with locals chilling over coffee or wine, tinkling fountains - this little town is a photographer's dream.
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