Iconic France: River valleys and vineyards

Ease into your French adventure in the elegant riverside city of Lyon, often considered the gastronomic capital of the country. From here, cruise north through Burgundy, where vineyard-covered hillsides and medieval towns set the tone for a journey that’s rich in flavour and culture.

Discover Chalon-sur-Saône, your gateway to the Burgundy wine region. Meander through its timber-framed old town or travel to nearby Beaune, where Gothic architecture and centuries-old wine cellars reveal the area’s deep-rooted viticultural heritage. There’s also the chance to explore a local wine estate, or follow in the footsteps of the French Resistance on a moving historical walking tour.

In Tournus, choose how you’d like to explore: join a truffle farmer and their hound for a tasting in the countryside, step inside the gilded halls and gardens of Château de Cormatin or enjoy a cooking demonstration at the legendary Michelin-starred kitchen of Georges Blanc. Back on board, a traditional cooperage demonstration offers insight into the craft behind the barrels that help define France’s finest wines.

Sail into the walled city of Avignon, where medieval towers rise above the Rhône and the legacy of popes, poets and painters is written into every stone. From its grand Gothic palace to its leafy squares and café-lined streets, this Provençal gem blends history with a youthful energy.

Step inside the soaring Palais des Papes on a guided walking tour, or venture beyond the city to see the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard: an ancient Roman aqueduct that still leaves modern engineers in awe. For something a little different, paddle a kayak beneath its soaring arches and see it from a new perspective.

In the evening, an exclusive gala dinner awaits inside the Pope’s Palace – a private event just for Scenic guests, with live classical music performed in the very room where the popes once dined. It’s an unforgettable moment in one of France’s most iconic buildings.

Cruise into Viviers, a riverside town where time appears to have paused somewhere in the Middle Ages. Its narrow lanes, ancient archways and quiet cathedral square paint a vivid picture of life in centuries past. Join a guided walking tour through its zigzagging streets or hear powerful stories of bravery on a route tracing the footsteps of the French Resistance.

From Viviers, you can explore the dramatic Ardèche region, from prehistoric cave replicas and underground chambers to quiet hilltop villages like Grignan, known for its impressive château and literary legacy. Whether you prefer natural wonders or cultural discoveries, this corner of Provence offers both in equal measure.

From Lyon, a short flight takes you to Bordeaux, a region synonymous with world-renowned wines, stately châteaux and gently rolling countryside. Settle into your new Scenic Space-Ship and begin your exploration along the Dordogne and Gironde rivers, where wine is not just a product but a way of life.

Cruise into Libourne, a handsome port town at the heart of northern Gironde. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion invites you to step into its honey-hued streets and explore the remarkable Monolithic Church, carved directly into limestone. This area is a dream for wine lovers, with ample opportunity to taste the bold reds that have made it so famous.

Sail into the Médoc, one of the world’s most prestigious red wine regions. With thousands of hectares of vines and the famed Route des Châteaux winding between storied estates, it’s a place where viticulture and heritage go hand in hand. Choose how you’d like to explore, by coach or electric bike, stopping at a local estate for an in-depth tasting.

Later, enjoy a memorable Scenic Enrich experience at the 13th-century Château d’Agassac, where classical musicians perform just for Scenic guests in a setting as elegant as the wines it produces.

Next, journey south to Cadillac, a peaceful town on the banks of the Garonne and gateway to the Sauternes region. Known for its sweet, golden wines, this area is as beautiful as it is historic. Cycle between rolling vineyards, visit a local château for a tasting or take a tour of the centuries-old Roquetaillade Castle, still home to descendants of the same family after 700 years.

Return to Bordeaux for a deeper taste of this vibrant riverside city. Join a guided walking or cycling tour to uncover its highlights, from grand Gothic architecture to hidden boulangeries, or accompany your on-board chef to a local market and discover the flavours behind classic French cuisine, followed by a Scenic Culinaire cooking demonstration back on board.

In the evening, enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Bassins des Lumières: a spectacular digital art installation inside a former submarine base. With a glass of Champagne in hand, take in a bespoke visual performance created just for Scenic guests.

Cruise onward to Bourg, a medieval town perched on a rocky outcrop above the Dordogne. Here you can admire the unique Carriages Museum, visit the Roman ruins of Saintes, or take a full-day excursion to Cognac for a tour and tasting at the prestigious house of Rémy Martin.

Your final days are spent sailing through some of the Gironde’s most scenic and historically rich landscapes. Arrive in Blaye, a small town best known for its impressive citadel – a World Heritage-listed stronghold designed by Louis XIV’s famed military architect, Vauban. Take a gentle walking tour through the fortress and along the estuary, or opt for a more active route on a guided cycling tour. You can also venture further afield to visit the elegant Château de la Roche Courbon, complete with manicured gardens and centuries of history.