The South of France has long held a kind of hazy, romantic quality in my mind. I picture quaint villages, rolling hills swathed in vines, lazy afternoons spent sipping wine in sun-drenched courtyards…
Having just returned from a week-long river cruise with Uniworld from Arles to Lyon- I am delighted to report that not only were my expectations of the region met, but far exceeded!
River cruising is a very unique way to travel and one which- in our chaotic modern world- feels like a truly restful escape. Unpacking once, waking up to new landscapes and slowing down allowed me to see a very different side to France. And with Uniworld River Cruises, those explorations unfold in the ultimate level of comfort and luxury.
Stepping onboard the S.S. Catherine there is an immediate sense of elegance. Designed with Uniworld’s classic colourful and detail-oriented style, the vessel is influenced by the art, colours and history of Burgundy and Provence. S.S. Catherine’s opulent interior give the sense that one is staying at a boutique hotel…which just so happens to float!
The mighty Rhône River stretches 310km from its confluence with the Saône at Lyons-La Mulatière to the sea. A flowing, powerful body of water, which was once an essential Roman trading route and is now testament to the incredible feat of engineering.
Our journey on its waters began in Arles- a charming and ancient town which greatly inspired Van Gogh. We then wound our way upriver, traipsing into gorgeous little towns such as Viviers and Tain l’Hermitage, and delving into the historical centres of Avignon and Lyon. Days spent exploring, gourmet evenings spent dining and relaxing onboard- rather heavenly!
Uniworld include at least one shore excursion in each port- led by fabulous hand selected local guides who know the towns and their fascinating history like the back of their own hand. It felt a little like visiting a friend, with one guide even inviting us back to her house to look at old war tunnels that ran beneath. However, they also offer a range of curated excursions which form their Masterpiece collections. These include experiences such as a visit to a Truffle Farm where the truffle hounds unearthed a harvest before our eyes (which we then ate with local wines) followed by a meandering afternoon spent in the impossibly lovely hilltop village of Grignon.
Another exceptional day was spent in Burgundy with a visit to Beaune and a Masterpiece exclusive visit to Chateau de Rully. The Count, whose family have been in residence for hundreds of years led us through a wine tasting, shared his home and then prepared the most beautiful beef bourguignon and dauphinoise potatoes I have ever tasted!
One of the highlights of the Uniworld experience is the incredible quality of the food and wine onboard. The primary restaurant- Cezanne Restaurant- is a beautiful space- with dark blue velvet and cosy tables around which fellow travellers and newfound friends gather to exchange stories.
The food was incredible and evolved throughout the journey to reflect regional specialties. Wines were thoughtfully paired by the onboard Sommelier and served by some of the loveliest staff I have ever had the fortune to meet.
Home now, I am wistfully remembering my time onboard and dreaming of my next visit.
