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Lavender Fields & Gardens of Provence Cruise

Lavender Fields & Gardens of Provence Cruise

8 days from $5,020

Departing: June 2027 - June 2027

Delve into Provençal life at its best on this idyllic cruise, admiring lilac-hued fields, strolling through Old Town squares, discovering beautiful gardens and sampling superb French cuisine. Our ports of call along the Rhône are bursting with quaint charm and are filled with layer upon layer of history, such as popular Avignon and sun-drenched Arles, a city of terracotta-tiled rooftops with a treasure trove of UNESCO-listed gems. The pièce de résistance of Provence is of course its fragrant lavender, and we celebrate this glorious plant with an immersive experience at Un MAS en Provence de La Plante Au Parfum and a visit to the famous Musée de la Lavande Luberon. Combined with the chance to delve into the rich wine-making heritage of the region with a train journey through the Tain L'Hermitage Vineyards, joie de vivre awaits!

Included

  • Explore Musée de la Lavande Luberon & Sainte André Abbey Gardens, with entrance fees included
  • All other visits as outlined in the itinerary
  • Professional Tour Manager
  • 7 nights in a lower deck cabin on the A-ROSA STELLA on a full-board basis
  • Drinks on board with meals & at the bar (excluding premium drinks & spirits)
  • Return standard class rail travel from London St Pancras to Paris on board Eurostar
  • Return standard class rail from Paris to Lyon (first class upgrades & regional connections also available on request)
  • Private air-conditioned coach travel

Highlights

  • Soak up the lovely views and landscapes of Provence aboard the sun-deck of A-ROSA STELLA
  • Visit the Musée de la Lavande Luberon, home to the 'real' lavender of Provence
  • Discover the blooms intertwined with Sainte André Abbey, a Remarkable Garden of France
  • Enjoy an immersive experience at Un MAS en Provence de La Plante Au Parfum

Trevor Edwards

A horticulturist, garden designer and consultant with almost 50 years’ experience. He has led garden tours worldwide and lectured internationally on the Gardens of Ireland. A former garden centre owner, he is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners and Freeman of the City of London.

Tour Itinerary

We depart from London St Pancras International on the morning Eurostar service to Paris Gare du Nord. (First class upgrades and regional connections also available on request). Upon arrival, we catch the train to Lyon, where we board the A-ROSA STELLA for the start of our seven-night cruise. This evening, we enjoy dinner on board and meander along the river to Tournon-sur-Rhône.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: A-ROSA STELLA cabin 

Bathed in the Rhône region’s mild climate, nature flourishes in picturesque Tournon-sur-Rhône, and a stroll in the delightful Le Jardin Zen Erik Borja shows us this pretty spot in full bloom. The inspiration is mainly Japanese, with highlights including an ornamental pond with mini waterfalls, a tea garden, meditation garden, Mediterranean garden and a riverside arboretum. Created by sculptor Erik Borja, the result is a remarkable fusion of nature, art and spirituality, embodying the principles of Zen philosophy.

This afternoon provides the perfect chance to delve into the rich wine-making heritage of the region with an optional train ride through the Tain L'Hermitage Vineyards, famous for its beautiful panoramic views. This evening, we cruise to Avignon.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: A-ROSA STELLA cabin 

Avignon is one of the most popular ports on Rhône cruises and with a roll call of impressive history and stunning buildings, it is easy to see why. Once centre of the Roman Catholic church, Avignon boasts an impressive legacy that we explore today. We begin with the Musée de la Lavande Luberon, housed in an idyllic farmhouse, to learn about the history of Provence's lavender. Surrounded by purple-hued fields shaded by olive trees and umbrella pines, this spot has produced and distilled fine lavender since 1890 – it's a glorious delight for the senses!

In the afternoon, we discover the ancient cloisters and frescoes of Sainte André Abbey, where a Benedictine monastery was founded in the 10th century. The serene gardens are the real highlight, listed as a Remarkable Garden of France. Designed in classic Tuscan Renaissance, Mediterranean and Provençal styles, the fine display of horticultural excellence combines sculptures, ponds, pretty rose bushes, historic pine trees, olive groves, romantic wisteria and a whole host of other plants, all intermingled between the ruins of the former abbey. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: A-ROSA STELLA cabin 

In the morning, we visit the Pavillon De Galon, a stunning garden located in the heart of Provence. This remarkable site showcases meticulously designed formal gardens with geometric patterns, surrounded by vibrant Mediterranean flora. After exploring the gardens, we discover the world of Van Gogh, who was a resident in Arles for a while and painted some 200 works around the town. The Van Gogh Foundation and L'espace Van Gogh are the perfect places to immerse ourselves in the artistic legacy of this famous painter through curated exhibits and the preserved spaces where he once lived and worked.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: A-ROSA STELLA cabin 

The delightful Un MAS en Provence de La Plante Au Parfum awaits, a unique destination that takes us on a sensory journey from the cultivation of aromatic plants to the creation of exquisite perfumes. We enjoy an immersive experience and learn about the art of transforming plants into fragrances, sample natural essential oils and explore the connection between Provence's flora and its renowned perfume industry. Afterwards, we embark on a walking tour of Arles' historic centre, where we delve into the storied past of this city. As we wander the cobbled streets, look out for iconic landmarks such as the Roman Amphitheatre, the Ancient Theatre and the Church of St. Trophime. Back on board, we sail overnight to Viviers.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: A-ROSA STELLA cabin 

We embark on a guided tour of Château de Grignan, a majestic Renaissance castle perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the Drôme Provençale. The château is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Inside, we explore the opulent interiors adorned with period furnishings and artwork, gaining insights into the life of the Marquise de Sévigné, who famously resided here. Outside, the beautifully landscaped gardens offer a tranquil setting to admire the château's exterior and its harmonious blend of nature and history. We then enjoy an afternoon at leisure before our overnight cruise to Lyon.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: A-ROSA STELLA cabin 

Soak up the scenery during our cruise back to Lyon, taking in the stunning views of the Rhône River as we glide past picturesque villages, lush vineyards and historic landmarks.

Later on, we visit Lyon Botanical Garden in Parc de la Tête d’Or. Boasting over 15,000 species of plants, this renowned horticultural gem contains one of Europe's richest collections. Established in the mid-19th century, the gardens are divided into thematic sections, including a rose garden, alpine garden and an arboretum, with plants ranging from exotic tropical wonders housed in grand greenhouses to native flora meticulously cultivated across its sprawling grounds. 

This evening, enjoy Lyon's joie de vivre as our ship stays in port overnight. This culture-rich city is framed perfectly by the Rhône and Saône rivers which wind their way gracefully through the centre. Discover secret passageways used by 19th-century silk weavers in the atmospheric and UNESCO-listed Old Town and tuck into mouth-watering regional gastronomy in the bustling bistros.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: A-ROSA STELLA cabin 

After breakfast, we disembark in Lyon and catch the train to Paris, where we board our Eurostar service back to London.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation

The A-ROSA STELLA has a capacity for a maximum of 174 passengers and offers comfortable outside-facing cabins with shower/WC, safe, air-conditioning, TV, hairdryer and telephone. On-board facilities include a restaurant, panoramic lounge with bar and dance floor, a spacious sun deck with recliners, heated outdoor pool, shuffleboard, putting green and giant chess board plus a spa with sauna and fitness room (spa treatments are available at an extra cost).

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Availability & Booking

2027

27th June from $5,020

Call to Book

from $5,020

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