Taste the foodie treasures of France on a river cruise with Michel Roux Jr
Deep red burgundy wines, pungent cheeses, deliciously smoked charcuterie – when it comes to big flavours, France’s Rhone Valley has it all and a European river cruise is a fantastic way to experience it.
Combined with the region’s stunning rural landscapes and romantic ancient towns and cities that line the river’s banks, you’ve got the recipe for a perfect foodie adventure.
This year, you can have a taste of all this and more on Good Housekeeping’s eight-day cruise down the River Rhone, where you’ll be joined for talks, wine tastings, excursions and cooking demonstrations by renowned chef Michel Roux Jr and food writer Tom Parker Bowles.
As Michel says, "I will help you discover the secrets of French cuisine in a region famous for its gastronomy."
You'll also tour Roman monuments, visit vineyards and enjoy all-inclusive food and wine in the ship's fantastic restaurants. What’s more, by booking through Good Housekeeping, you’ll save £500 per person – leaving you with plenty of cash in your pocket to spend along the way.
Dine among history
After landing in Marseilles and transferring to your ship, the stylish, modern Emerald Liberté, you’ll sail overnight to Arles – the French city renowned for its fascinating Roman architecture.
This includes a nearly 2000-year-old Roman amphitheatre, which was inspired by Rome’s Colosseum. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a traditional Provençale dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale.
Next, you’ll visit Avignon, the fortified town where you can visit the impressive Palais des Papes and striking bridge Pont d’Avignon - a great spot for taking photos.
Once in Viviers, home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals, you’ll also be treated to a tasting on board the ship, indulging in some of this region’s wonderful cheeses and olives.
Taste the region with experts
Another highlight is the chance to explore Tournon on a walking tour. Nestled in the slopes of the Massif Central mountain range, you’ll discover the area's rich wine-making heritage with another on-board tasting, this time hosted by Tom Parker Bowles.
With Michel Roux Jr, you'll hear tales of his career at the top of the restaurant industry and enjoy an informal Q&A and book signing, receiving a free copy of his latest book.
Arriving in Lyon, the wonderful alternative to Paris, you’ll take in its majestic buildings on a walking tour, including hilltop church Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière and the cobbled streets of its Old Town.
You’ll be joined by Michel on a visit to one of the city's renowned gourmet food markets, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. Together you can browse the market’s regional produce as Michel explains his tips for choosing the best ingredients.
Learn from the master chef
Then another highlight of the trip: an exclusive demonstration of Michel's cooking, sharing the secrets to creating the finest French cuisine, using the ingredients hand-picked from the market.
As well as tasting his creations, you’ll attend a gala dinner in the evening, with recipes chosen by Michel himself.
Chalon-Sur-Saône, known as the birthplace of photography and the centre of Burgundy's wine region, and the quaint village of Beaune, where you'll visit the amazing Hospices de Beaune are other parts of the trip that will make you fall in love with the region.
Book your place on an irresistible foodie cruise down the river Rhone, with Michel Roux Jr and Tom Parker Bowles.
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