Issue No. 25

Slow travel and food, glorious food
You can do as much or as little as you like,
and there are excursions available every day
- sometimes two. They’re designed to take in
the best of the area where you visit. On my
trip we had a terrific guided tour of the
Palais des Papes in Avignon, a coach ride
through the Gorges of the Ardeche with
stops at key observation spots such as the
Pont d’Arc, wine tasting in Vercours and a
tour of the Roman town of Vienne, either by
Segway or on foot.
CroisiEurope's cruises are all inclusive
(except for some off boat tours), from
breakfast buffet to 3 course lunches and 4
course dinners plus traditional gala dinner.
Wine and cocktails, spirits and soft drinks
are included - with the bar open from 10 am
to 1am. When you return from tours you’re
handed a refreshing drink, rooms are
cleaned, beds made, the staff, every single
one of them, was unfailingly friendly and
welcoming.
The food is superb and served at table (we
had one buffet lunch). Classic French dishes
are their speciality and the chefs work as
much as possible with local producers to
source fresh, seasonal, local food. You don’t
get a menu to choose from, the attitude is
very much “maman cooks, the family eats”
but they do vegan, vegetarian and gluten
free alternatives, and if you don’t like a dish
(menus are circulated the night before), just
let the reception desk know and they’ll ask
the chefs to make you something different.
The inclusive wine is excellent, a choice of
reds, whites and rosés, plus a daily cocktail
and shorts.
A great way to cruise
My conclusion was, a CroisiEurope river
cruise in France is a trip that makes you
smile. It’s perfect for couples and friends.
You’ll relax, laugh, eat like a King, get to visit
some beautiful places and experience slow
travel in the best possible way.
CroisiEurope offers a number of Rhone
itineraries from April to October. They also have
itineraries across France including Paris to
Honfleur, Provence and many more routes. For
further information and reservations visit:
www.croisieurope.co.uk
For loads of ideas for visits to France see: www.
france.fr