2022 Scenic Freechoice - France River Cruising

2022 FRANCE RIVER CRUISING SCENIC FREECHOICE

Whether your interests lie in seeing great works of art and architecture, tasting regional specialties, visiting historic sites or learning about local culture and traditions, you’ll always find a Scenic Freechoice activity to enjoy. And of course, they’re all included.

Each guest is different, so we appreciate that you may want to move at your own pace. Perhaps you’ll want to follow a busy day with one at a more relaxed tempo or simply relax throughout.

We’ve divided our extensive list of Scenic Freechoice activities into active, moderate and relaxed pace so you can choose those which best suit your requirements and interests.

Active For those keen to explore further afield or take part in more energetic excursions.

Moderate A comfortable walking pace at which you can easily discover a beautiful city or marketplace.

FRANCE

FRANCE

ARCACHON/BORDEAUX

AVIGNON

DUNE DU PILAT

5 hours

Climb Europe’s largest sand dune for expansive panoramas over Arcachon Bay and the stunning French countryside. Please note this Scenic Freechoice option is rated as active and guests must be able to ascend at least 150 steps to reach the top.

WALKING TOUR OF ARCACHON

3.5 hours

From Bordeaux, join your local guide and coach to Arcachon (approx. 1hr) where you will have a guided tour of this charming bay side town. After some time at leisure you will return to the Scenic Diamond in Bordeaux.

LES BASSINS DE LUMIÈRES

3.5 hours

Located in Bordeaux’s former submarine base, Les Bassins de Lumières is an immersive art installation devoted to major artists in the history of art and contemporary art.

CITÉ DU VIN

3.5 hours

Take a local tram to the newly opened Cité du Vin Museum and enjoy an interactive journey of wine discovery. There are nearly twenty different themed areas in which you are invited to discover and enjoy the many sides of wine.

GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF AVIGNON

Relaxed A slower pace allowing you to enjoy a show or perhaps take part in a class.

3 hours

Your expert local guide will impart their knowledge during a guided tour of this beautiful city. Discover the historic centre including the famous Pont d’Avignon and visit the imposing Pope’s Palace.

EXCURSION TO ROUSSILON

3 hours

One of the most meautiful villages of France, Roussillon and its Ochre Trail are among the main attractions on Luberon’s ochre circuit. Take a guided tour through this charming village before a visit to a local lavender producer where you will learn how lavender is grown, harvested and utilised in this region of the South of France.

WINE TASTING AT CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE

3 hours

Along the length of its winding waters and gentle banks you will find Côte du Rhône vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Village history and centuries of wine production make for a very charming stop. Take this opportunity to sample some of the region’s most celebrated wines.

PONT DU GARD KAYAKING

4 hours

Paddle along the Gardon River towards the impressive and well preserved Pont du Gard, the Aqueduct that dates back to Roman times.

ACTIVE WALKING TOUR OF BLAYE LUBERON REGION

4.5 hours

Visit several of the villages that make up the Luberon region including the hilltop village of Gordes and the beautiful village of l’Isle-sur-la-Sourge. Please note: Due to uneven surfaces and a lot of walking both up and down hill, this tour is recommended only for guests with a high degree of fitness.

2.5 hours

Tour the UNESCO heritage Citadel of Blaye on an active tour with your guide understanding the defence system created by the famous architect Sébastien Vauban.

CHÂTEAU DE LA ROCHE COURBON

4 hours

The 15th century Château de la Roche Courbon is built on a high cliff overlooking the river Bruant. Discover this beautiful Château and its gardens during a guided visit.

FRANCE BORDEAUX GUIDED CITY TOUR OF BORDEAUX

EXCURSION TO PONT DU GARD

4 hours

3 hours

Join your local guide on a guided tour of Bordeaux and her many attractions. Discover the highlights of the city by coach and on foot whilst learning interesting facts about the city’s history, culture and way of life.

Visit the ancient Roman Aquaduct on a guided tour where you will see one of France’s most popular attractions, Pont du Gard.

SHOP WITH A CHEF & SCENIC CULINAIRE

2 hours

Join your on board chef on a guided visit to a local food market where you will have an opportunity to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer. Upon returning to your Scenic Space-Ship meet in the purpose built Scenic Culinaire cooking school for an interactive cooking demonstration making some of France’s most popular and delicious dishes using the ingredients you have just bought at the market.

GUIDED TOUR OF THE POPE’S PALACE

2.5 hours

Tour the splendid sights of Avignon, including the magnificent Pope’s Palace, one of the largest medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. See the impressive architecture and grand halls that were once home to several Popes. Please note: A moderate degree of fitness is required to participate in this tour due to Avignon’s many cobblestone streets as well as numerous steps to be climbed up and down in the palace.

SHOP WITH A CHEF & SCENIC CULINAIRE

CYCLING TOUR OF BORDEAUX

FRANCE

2 hours

Join your on board culinary team on a guided visit to a local food market, where you will have an opportunity to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer. Upon returning to your Scenic Space-Ship meet in the purpose built Scenic Culinaire cooking school for an interactive cooking demonstration making some of France’s most popular and delicious dishes using the ingredients you have just bought at the market.

3 hours

With your local guide, cycle the historic regions of Bordeaux.

Cross beautiful bridges to witness sites such as the Royal Gate and the Palais Rohan before cycling through public gardens back to the luxury of your floating hotel.

BLAYE

VISIT A LOCAL ESTATE

2 hours

Enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Gironde estuary from the right bank while tasting Côtes de Bourg wines at local winery.

FRANCE CADILLAC TOUR OF BLAYE

2.5 hours

Tour Blaye, including the spectacularly preserved historic centre contained within the walls of the UNESCO Citadel of Blaye.

GUIDED CYCLING TOUR ALONG THE CAPTAIN’S ROAD

3 hours

Join a 30km round trip cycling tour along the Captain’s Road which is named in honour of the WWI Captains who chose to purchase their homes along this beautiful stretch of waterway in the early 20th Century. Your journey continues through beautiful riverside villages before returning to the ship.

CADILLAC WALKING TOUR

2 hours

Enjoy a walking tour in the charming fortified town of Cadillac with a visit to the Château museum with the same name.

Architecture of this small town dates back to the 16th Century witnessing some interesting stories that you will learn from your guide today.

EXCURSION TO SAUTERNES WITH WINE TASTING 3 hours Venture into the Sauternes region with a visit to the prestigious Château de Rayne Vigneau. Enjoy a delicious tasting of their legendary fine wines as you take in the stunning views of the vineyard and its surrounds.

GUIDED CYCLING TOUR SAUTERNES WITH WINE TASTING

3 hours

Cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to the Grand Cru Classé estate of Château Lafaurie Peyraguey for a tasting.

Learn the history of the winemakers and the process involved in production from time of harvest, grape to wine, length of maturing and of course, the tasting pleasure.

EXCURSION TO BOLBEC AND NORMAND TRADITIONS MUSEUM

4 hours

Travel to the delightful hilltop town of Bolbec and visit its fascinating Textile museum. Alive with antique yet fully operational and impeccably maintained machinery, you will enjoy a tour of the many exhibits of this unique museum with the locals that maintain it. This Museum is run by volunteers, therefore this excursion is as much about cultural interaction as it is the importance of the textile industry in this area of France. After visiting the textile museum you will also have the opportunity to visit Normand Traditions Museum where you can learn all about the way of life in Normandy.

CYCLE TO VILLEQUIER WITH VICTOR HUGO MUSEUM

2 hours

From Caudebec-en-Caux, board your state of the art e-bikes and cycle to the charming village of Villequier where you will have the opportunity to visit the Victor Hugo Museum.

ROQUETAILLADE CASTLE

2.5 hours

Initiated by Charlemagne, tour the architectural jewel of Roquetaillade Castle, with the family that now resides within its historic walls. Please Note: This Scenic Freechoice option is not recommended for guests with mobility issues as guests will need to ascend/descend approx.30 stairs to reach the main part of the castle.

EXCURSION TO FÉCAMP AND ÉTRETAT

TRUFFLE TASTING

2 hours

Visit one of the most important truffle producers of Aquitaine to learn about and taste this special product. The farm you will visit today supplies truffles to some of the greatest chefs in the world.

CYCLE TO CHÂTEAU DE BENAUGE

3 hours

Hop on an e-bike and cycle the paths along the Gironde towards the Château Benauge and take in the impressive views over the surrounding landscapes.

FRANCE

4 hours

Visit Fécamp and its mighty palace. Situated in spectacular surrounds, the city’s natural setting contrasts perfectly with its architectural centrepiece, the Benedictine Palace. Then visit the beautiful seaside town of Étretat, sitting proudly between dramatic rock faces. With steep limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically towards the emerald waters of the English Channel below, the beauty of the Alabaster Coast will leave you breathless.

FRANCE CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE PHOTOGRAPHY MUSEUM

3 hours

Learn the history of photography in the town where it was first invented. The museum aims to explain photography since its invention through to the digital image. Its collection includes almost three million photographs and objects, which guests will observe during their guided tour.

CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX NORMANDY ABBEY ROAD

4 hours

The day is spent today discovering the series of abbeys along the meandering River Seine. Abbey of Saint-Wandrille is still a working monastery with around 40 monks that live, pray and work here 12 months per year. Also see the Jumiège abbey ruins, 11th Century Romanesque Abbey and its romantic garden.

LILLEBONNE TOUR

4 hours

Learn about the secret Roman past of the region from one of Caesar’s soldiers. Tradition holds that William the Conqueror was in his castle in Lillebonne in 1066 when he made his decision to invade England.

GUIDED TOUR OF BEAUNE

4 hours

Travel through the spectacular countryside past stone houses and vineyards to the beautiful town of Beaune. Upon arrival your local guide will take you on the tour of the town with the highlight being the spectacular Les Hospices de Beaune with its decorative tiled roofs. You will have free time afterwards to enjoy the sights of the town before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship.

VISIT A LOCAL ESTATE

4 hours

Visit a local estate situated in the heart of Burgundy. This Burgundy wine domain is a place full of history where you will be able to taste the wines from Côte de Beaune surrounded by unique architecture.

FRANCE HONFLEUR

FRANCE COGNAC BOURG CASTLE & CARRIAGES MUSEUM

2 hours

Situated inside the castle grounds, visit the Carriage museum with a local guide and discover the unique collection of horsedrawn vehicles on display. In addition, visit the 16th century passageway to the guard’s rooms and immense WWII oil tanks.

WALKING TOUR OF HONFLEUR

2.5 hours

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Honfleur and its charming inner harbour area especially known for its beautiful old houses with slate covered frontages.

EXCURSION TO THE NORMANDY BEACHES INCLUDING OMAHA BEACH

9.5 hours

Join a full day excursion to the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy, including the Arromanches Landing Museum and Omaha Beach cemetery and memorial. Take a moment to reflect on the momentous impact of that day as you look out from your hilltop position above Omaha Beach.

EXCURSION TO COGNAC

8.5 hours

Enjoy a full day excursion to the fortified town of Cognac. This picturesque town is situated on the shores of the river Charente and whilst its early economic stability was gained through the trading of salt, Cognac has developed into a renowned centre for the production of the some of the world’s finest brandies, which we’ll have the opportunity to sample on our visit to the acclaimed property of Rémy Martin.

FRANCE CONFLANS AUVERS-SUR-OISE

3.5 hours

Visit the charming village of Auvers-sur-Oise, famous as the place where Vincent van Gogh painted his final masterpieces.

Your tour includes entry to Van Gogh’s room.

CHANTILLY CASTLE AND GARDENS

9.5 hours

Join a full day excursion to the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy and discover the importance of this battle that saw tens of thousands of allied service men landing on the Normandy Beaches in order to free north western Europe from Nazi occupation. Our program will commence with a visit to the Bayeux War Cemetery & Museum of the Battle of Normandy before visiting the Landing Museum at Arromanches. After lunch at a local restaurant we will visit the British Normandy memorial and Pegasus Bridge & Museum with a short stop at Ranville Cemetery on the way back to the ship.

CALVADOS, CHEESE & CHARMING NORMAN VILLAGES

3.5 hours

Visit charming local villages and acclaimed cheese and calvados producers to gain a sense of the culinary heritage of this part of Northern France.

4.5 hours

Step inside the magnificent Chantilly Castle for a guided tour of this remarkable Château set amidst beautiful parklands.

Your tour includes walking through the castle and gardens.

Please Note: a moderate level of fitness is required.

CHANTILLY GREAT STABLES AND MUSEUM

EXCURSION TO THE NORMANDY BEACHES INCLUDING SWORD BEACH

4.5 hours

Today whilst the largest stables in Europe. The masterpiece of 18th Century architecture houses the Museum of the Horse, which presents the relationship between men and horses since the beginning of civilisation. The Museum houses over 200 objects and works of art exhibited for your viewing today.

EXCURSION TO THE NORMANDY BEACHES INCLUDING JUNO BEACH CENTRE

9.5 hours

Join a full day excursion to the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy, including the Arromanches Landing Museum and the Juno Beach Centre. The Juno Beach Centre is a museum that focuses on the Canadian war effort.

BAYEAUX TAPESTRY

4 hours

The Bayeaux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth nearly 70 metres long and 50 centimetres tall, which depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England concerning William, Duke of Normandy, and Harold, Earl of Wessex, later King of England, and culminating in the Battle of Hastings.

FRANCE

GUIDED CYCLING TO CHÂTEAU DE LA RIVIÈRE WITH WINE TASTING

Enjoy the breathtaking view on the meanders of the river from St Michel de Fronsac and continue on a scenic road winding its way through the Côtes de Fronsac vineyards to the spectacular Château de la Rivière for a visit and wine tasting.

WALKING TOUR OF LIBOURNE

LES ANDELYS HIKE TO CHÂTEAU GAILLARD WITH ‘RICHARD THE LIONHEART’

2.5 hours

Step back into the age of Robin Hood. This Medieval themed walking tour will follow in the footsteps of King Richard the Lionheart. Explore the historical secrets of the picturesque Norman town of Les Andelys on the banks of the river Seine and venture up to Lionheart’s castle of Château Gaillard. From there you will be able to take in the view of one of the most beautiful meanders of the river Seine.

3 hours

2 hours

Join your local guide for a guided walking tour of Libourne, including sights such as the quaint 16th Century town-house and gothic church boasting a 71m stone spire.

EXCURSION TO BERGERAC

5 hours

The 12th Century riverside village of Bergerac owes a major part of its post-war economic success to the cultivation of tobacco.

Tour this eclectic city before being invited onto a local farm for a tasting of their delicious foie gras.

FRANCE LYON

EXCURSION TO LYONS LA FORÊT

3.5 hours

Often regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in France, journey to Lyons la Forêt (approx. 50 min drive) and discover this delightful town that is surrounded by one of the largest Beech forests in Europe. While here, visit a local farm for a sampling of cider, the regions specialty.

WALKING TOUR OF LES ANDELYS

1.5 hours

Take a stroll along the banks of Petit-Andely before continuing to Collegiate Church of Our Lady in the Grand-Andely district.

This beautiful, Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance-style structure features amazing stained glass windows from the 16th Century. Your guide will be on hand to give you all details about it.

CYCLING IN LES ANDELYS

2.5 hours

Cycle in this charming little town on the River Seine, dominated

by King Richard the Lionheart’s Château Gaillard overlooking the river.

FRANCE

GUIDED TOUR OF LYON

3 hours

Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden traboules, secret passageways that date back to the 4th Century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica, offering a fabulous vantage point for views across Lyon.

EXCURSION TO PÉROUGES

GUIDED CYCLING TOUR LYON 4 hours Join your local guide and cycle to Lyon’s charming Tête d’or park. See the stunning botanical gardens and cycle through the zoo.

ACTIVE WALKING TOUR LYON

LIBOURNE

4 hours

Visit the medieval walled village of Pérouges, perched atop a hill overlooking the Ain River. The village has been well preserved since the 14th Century and is one of the most picturesque villages in the region. Due to cobblestone streets and a lot of uphill and downhill walking this tour is not suitable for everyone.

3 hours

Explore Lyon’s city sights along the waterways as it’s set on the confluence of the Saône & Rhône rivers.

SILK PAINTING WORKSHOP

3 hours

Explore Lyon’s city sights along the waterways as it’s set on the confluence of the Saône & Rhône rivers.

WINE TASTING AT CHÂTEAU DE LA RIVIÈRE

2.5 hours

Château de la Rivière is set on 8 hectares and has over 25km of underground cellars, where wine is aged. Visit this beautiful vineyard located on the Dordogne River for a visit and wine tasting.

FRANCE MÂCON

CHÂTEAU VAUX-LE-VICOMTE BEAUJOLAIS REGION

4 hours

Drive through the rolling hills of the Beaujolais and meet a local vintner in this world-famous wine region whilst you discover how wine is made throughout this region. You will also have the privilege of sampling some of his best drops. On your tour you will also visit Oingt, in the Golden Stone region.

EXCURSION TO CLUNY

4 hours

Drive to Cluny (approx. 45mins) and visit the village that was built around its great Benedictine Abbey, which was once the largest Christian building in the world. Your local guide will show you around the town as well as the impressive Abbey.

5 hours

Tour the magnificent 17th Century architectural jewel that is Vaux-le-Vicomte Palace, Louis XIV’s inspiration for Versailles Palace. After exploring the beautiful palace, explore its stunning grounds covered in spectacular manicured gardens.

OPERA GARNIER

4 hours

Admire the extravagance and grandeur of the famous Opera Garnier on a guided tour. From the ornately decorated theatre to the opulent chandeliers and the ceiling painted by Chagall, the interior of this building will take your breath away.

FRANCE PAUILLAC

CHÂTEAU DE CORMATIN

3 hours

Transfer by coach from Tournus to the historic Château de Cormatin. The castle boasts a fascinating history and has been lovingly restored back to its original glory. Admire the castle’s gilded rooms, moat, water features and manicured gardens.

FRANCE PARIS HIGHLIGHTS OF PARIS CITY TOUR

2 hours

MÉDOC WINE TASTING

2.5 hours

Travel the scenic Médoc wine route today and discover why this region is viewed as the world’s leading red wine producer. Afterwards, sample the region’s finest at one of the prestigious estates.

GUIDED CYCLING TOUR MÉDOC WITH WINE TASTING

3.5 hours

Join your local guide as you coach through the city seeing many of its most famous sights. Marvel at Paris’ most iconic landmark, the Eiffel tower, drive the famous Champs Elysee as well as seeing the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and Concorde Square. This is a great introduction to Paris for guests who have not been before.

Discover the spectacular Médoc countryside on e-bike today, and see many fine aristocratic Châteaux in the world’s leading red wine producing region. Afterwards, sample the region’s finest at one of the prestigious estates.

SHOP WITH A CHEF

ROUEN

2.5 hours

FRANCE

Join your on board culinary team for a guided visit to a local food market where you will have an opportunity to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer.

WALK WITH A PARISIAN

2 hours

Walk through the trendy Marais district with a resident expert and hear tales that only the locals know. Learn what Paris is good at, blending features of its past and present. Paris is unique as it blends history, culture and fashion, and this tour is the way to see it all.

ROUEN WALKING TOUR

2.5 hours

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Rouen, a historic capital city of Normandy. Once one of the largest and most prosperous cities of medieval Europe, Rouen is an architectural masterpiece.

The most interesting site, the Cathedral, is easily seen from far away with a spire that stands at 151 metres high.

ROUEN CITY TOUR

3 hours

During your guided city tour with a local guide See The old marketplace, the Cathedral district and the Saint Maclou Quarter before some free time.

ROUEN CITY TOUR WITH ROLLO THE VIKING

3 hours

Join Viking warlord, Rollo ‘The Walker’ in authentic attire on a walking tour with a focus on medieval past of the city. Learn about viking raiders that made Rouen their capital.

FRANCE TAIN L’HERMITAGE GUIDED WALKING TOUR TAIN L’HERMITAGE

3 hours

Located across the river from Tournon, the village of Tain l’Hermitage is surrounded by slopes of vineyard terraces and produces some of the most expensive Côtes du Rhône wines.

Enjoy a guided walking tour, including a tasting at Valrhona Chocolates’ Cite du Chocolate.

VISIT TO A LOCAL WINERY

3 hours

The Hermitage wine region is renowned primarily for its red wines, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the delicious Côtes du Rhône wines at a local winery.

GUIDED CYCLING TOUR

3 hours

Enjoy a guided cycling tour along the Rhône to neighbouring villages.

EXCURSION TO THE SOMME BATTLEFIELDS INCLUDING AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MEMORIAL

11 hours Take a full day excursion to the Somme Battlefields, the location of the infamous Battle of the Somme, which claimed the lives of over 150,000 soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth. This tour will take you to the Australian National Memorial located near Villers-Bretonneux where you can pay tribute to the 10,773 Australian soldiers killed with no known grave on the Western Front during WWI. During your excursion to the Somme Battlefields, you will have the opportunity to visit the Sir John Monash Centre, an interactive museum dedicated to Australia’s involvement in World War II. The Sir John Monash Centre is a state of the art immersive sensory experience that uses technology to tell the story. In order to maximise your experience we suggest you download the Sir John Monash Centre app from the Apple or GooglePlay store prior to embarking on your cruise.

EXCURSION TO THE SOMME BATTLEFIELDS INCLUDING LOCHNAGAR CRATER

TARASCON ACTIVE WALK IN LA CAMARGUE NATIONAL PARK 4.5 hours Take a guided walk through La Camargue National Park. Founded in 1927 by the National Society for Nature Protection, the vast space spreads Étang de Vaccarès in the north, right down to the sea, but public access is limited to the seawall and the beach.

More than 300 bird species have been documented here and the park is one of the main European relay points for migratory birds.

11 hours

Take a full day excursion to the Somme Battlefields, the location of the infamous Battle of the Somme, which claimed the lives of over 150,000 soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth. This tour will take you to the Australian National Memorial located near Villers-Bretonneux where you can pay tribute to the 10,773 Australian soldiers killed with no known grave on the Western Front during WWI. During your excursion to the Somme Battlefields, you will have the opportunity to visit the Lochnagar Crater, the Newfoundland memorial park and the Thiepval memorial.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

FRANCE

GUIDED TOUR OF ARLES

4 hours

Arles is the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Las Arenas, an arena that we’ll visit that seats 20,000 and is still in use today; experience the vibrant colours and striking quality of light on your tour of Arles, a city that has inspired many artists.

2.5 hours

Within the region made famous by impressionist artists such as Monet, enjoy your visit to the meticulously presented exhibitions within. Starting at your Scenic Space-Ship, walk with your local guide to the museum (approx. 30 min) and return by foot after your tour.

ACTIVE CYCLING TOUR

3 hours

Join your fellow travellers on a biking tour reaching over the Seine today. Among other sites, you will see a beautiful 19th Century botanical garden that houses a number of exotic and rare plants, as well as artificial lakes and a rose garden.

LES BAUX-DE-PROVENCE

4 hours

Join your guide on a walking tour of the town of Les Baux.

Located in “Les Alpilles” range of mountains, with incredible rock formations, the drive passes through olive groves and vineyards. The medieval city is dominated by the ruins of the fortified castle of the 11th Century where the “Le Baux” family was the most powerful Lords that ruled for 600 years until the 15th century. Your tour is complete with a visit to a quaint Olive Farm to enjoy a tasting of its produce.

CARRIÈRES DE LUMIÈRES

4 hours

Visit the former quarry that has now been transferred into an incredible digital art installation highlighting the works of many of the worlds most famous artists.

ONBOARD PAINTING CLASS

4 hours

Vincent Van Gogh once saiid that ‘The whole future of art is to be found in the South of France’ this is just one example of the high regard this region is held by artists the world over. Learn about the artistic heritage of this region while joining and on board painting class.

CYCLING TOUR

2 hours

On this 13km round trip through Vienne and neighbouring Saint-Romain-en-Gal, you will see abundant evidence of the city’s glory days as a Roman provincial centre. A marvellously preserved Roman temple stands proud in the town centre, a monument to Emperor Augustus and his wife Livia. On the opposite bank of the river is the ruins of a once-thriving district complete with bath houses, villas and industries.

FRANCE VIVIERS ARDÈCHE NATIONAL PARK WITH CAVERNE DU PONT-D’ARC MUSEUM

FRANCE TOURNUS CHÂTEAU DE CORMATIN

3 hours

Transfer by coach from Tournus to the historic Château de Cormatin. The castle boasts a fascinating history and has been lovingly restored back to its original glory. Admire the castle’s gilded rooms, moat, water features and manicured gardens.

5 hours

Explore the Ardèche National Park and immerse yourself in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum. With your local guide, tour the Museum, the largest decorated cave replica in the world. The original site was deemed too fragile for public access, so this replica cave was built only a few kilometres from the actual cave.

EXCURSION TO GRIGNAN

5.5 hours

Meet a local truffle farmer and learn the tricks and techniques of Truffle farming before enjoying a tasting of his delicious produce.

Excursion to the provincial village of Grignan. Join your local guide in an exploration of this beautiful town, see the mighty castle that dominates the town as well as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour before enjoying some time at leisure in this beautiful region of France.

GEORGES BLANC

WALKING TOUR OF VIVIERS

TRUFFLE TASTING

2 hours

4 hours

Learn the tricks of the trade with a cooking demonstration at Georges Blanc’s restaurant.

FRANCE

FRENCH RESISTANCE WALK

VERNON

2 hours

Take a guided walk through the charming town of Viviers hearing tales of the French Resistance who fought against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War 2. Hear tales of heroism and daring missions as you explore the town.

BOLLÈNE HYDROPLANT- A SITE WITH THREE ENERGIES

MONET’S HOUSE AND GARDEN

2 hours

Discover Viviers, the historical capital of the Vivarais to which it gave its name, and take a look at the Rhône from the top of its rocky peak where its cathedral sits.

3.5 hours

Giverny is located on the opposite side of the river to Vernon and 5km upstream. With your local guide travel to Monet’s house and explore the house as well as its impressive gardens that were the inspiration for some of the popular artist’s most famous works.

SELF-GUIDED CYCLE FROM VERNON TO GIVERNY

3 hours

Dive into the world of renewable energies by attending a tour of the site of Bollène, which includes a hydropower plant and its lock, a wind farm and two solar power plants. Please note that all guests will have to wear flat closed shoes – access may be denied.

Pictures & Videos are strictly forbidden inside. This visit isn’t recommended to guests with pacemakers or defibrillator implants.

3 hours

Take a self-guided bicycle ride from the ship in Vernon to Giverny (approx 5km each way) where you have the opportunity to visit Monet’s House and Garden.

FRANCE VIENNE GUIDED WALKING TOUR VIENNE

2 hours

Take a walking tour in Vienne, including a visit to the Roman ampitheatre and uncover the fascinating history of this quaint riverside town, once conquered by Julius Caesar. We will visit one of the best preserved Roman Ampitheatres in the area and learn about this once important town.

Refer to specific itinerary pages for included Scenic Freechoice activities. Certain Scenic Freechoice options may require pre selection prior to travel. Certain Scenic Freechoice activities may have minimum and maximum numbers.

Applicable to 2022 France River Cruising itineraries and subject to change.