By Mitch McClung
A Riverside Luxury Cruise unveils the flavours, sights, and spirit of France.
“Petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid.”
Little by little, the bird builds its nest. The gentle French proverb captures the essence of a Riverside Luxury Cruise journey — an experience that layers moments, flavours, and sensations to create a lasting memory of the French Riviera.
Begin in Lyon, arriving a day before the cruise sets sail. France’s third-largest city is a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. In the city centre, heritage architecture sits comfortably alongside contemporary hotels and bustling cafés.
Lyon is often called the gastronomic capital of France, home to many celebrated chefs. Bouchon restaurants spill onto cobbled streets, and if you’re unsure where to begin, head to the local food hall. There, you can graze on freshly prepared fish, meats, cheeses, and pastries — all crafted à la minute.
Behind Lyon’s culinary prestige lies a rich history. Its most iconic dishes originate from Les Mères Lyonnaises, an iconic group of women who once cooked for the bourgeoisie using simple, local ingredients. That ethos lives on aboard the Riverside Ravel: thoughtful, seasonal cuisine shared with friends, enhanced by regional wines and warm hospitality.
As the Riverside Ravel ship begins its southbound course, curated on-land excursions offer an ideal blend of activity, culture, and gastronomy. Explore the Fourvière hill and the Renaissance old town, where the legacy of the silk trade and Italianate architecture is still visible.
You’re also welcome to explore on your own. Hop on an e-bike and cruise alongside the Rhône. Let the famous southern mistral wind carry you past countryside trails, vineyards, and roaming sheep. At a hillside winery, enjoy a tasting and perhaps take a bottle of your favourite vintage back on board.
Flavours, Fields, and French Artistry
Every evening, Executive Chef Benoît brings the day’s region to your plate. With ingredients sourced at each port and dishes designed to reflect local traditions, his menus are thoughtfully curated. For something special, reserve a table in the Vintage Room, where Benoît finishes each plate in person and pairs it with hand-selected wines.
In Tain-l’Hermitage, discover how chocolate and wine elevate each other. You’ll learn how ethically sourced cocoa transforms into nuanced, luxurious creations — our favourite was the caramelized “blonde.” Further along, in Viviers, visit the Ardèche truffle farm. Accompanied by his dog Sophie, your host will recount the region’s truffle history and how sustainability revived a once-depleted harvest.
For art lovers, a visit to the Carrières de Lumières near Les Baux-de-Provence is unforgettable. Inside a former limestone quarry, the works of Monet are projected in brilliant detail across massive stone walls. At first completely dark, the space transforms into a moving canvas of brushstrokes and colour, perfectly synchronized with music. You don’t just see the paintings; you feel them.
Souvenirs of the South
Signature events aboard Riverside Luxury Cruises only deepen the connection to place. At Châteauneuf-du-Pape, guests are greeted by a violinist as golden light bathes the vineyard. Inside the cool cellars — walls aged for centuries — wine, cheese, and cured meats are savoured without hurry or pretence.
As the journey drifts deeper into the South of France, the terrain shifts — from manicured vineyards to wild, fragrant lavender fields. The farewell dinner takes place in a vineyard garden, under lemon trees strung with soft lights. It’s a meal shared among friends, rich in laughter, stories, and the scent of citrus blossoms. I reached out to touch a flower, just to see if it was real. It was.
And with that, the proverb returned: Little by little, the bird builds its nest.
For some guests, souvenirs meant a bottle of wine or a silk scarf. For others, an apron in the classic blue-and-white Provençal print. For me, it was this garden. Back in Toronto, after the last frost, I planted lavender and irises — a tribute to the purple hues of Provence. The blooms may only last a few months, but their scent takes me back. Again and again.
