Riverside Ravel, a 110-passenger river ship, offers 55 suites all served by butlers, along with a pop-up bar and a seven-course chef's menu, on a four-night Rhône voyage from Lyon to Avignon.
One highlight of the cruise was a visit to the palace built by Ferdinand Cheval, a postman who spent 33 years constructing the quirky building from rocks collected in a wheelbarrow during his rounds in rural France. Cheval worked for a total of 93,000 hours on the edifice, inspired by images in the magazines and postcards he delivered. The once-abandoned structure now draws visitors to its sculptures, winding staircases and inscriptions, with temples, animals and a depiction of the White House among its decorated walls. A few miles away, the mausoleum Cheval spent eight years creating after being refused permission to be buried in his home is also open to visitors.
Suites, Dining and Onboard Amenities
The ship features a glass-covered Palm Court lounge and Botanist Bar, plus the Waterside restaurant with many tables for two. A more casual Atelier cafe and a popcorn machine are also available, along with 24-hour room service delivered by a butler. The butler can also pack bags, shine shoes or sort laundry, and a self-service washroom sits on the same deck as a spa with a single treatment room and an indoor swimming pool.
One evening, six passengers dined in The Vintage Room, a £280-a-head table where chef Jose Antonio Vela presented plates including scallop ravioli, veal tenderloin and Granny Smith and basil sorbet, while sommelier Johnny Hanganut explained the wines being served.
Excursions Along the Rhône
Shore trips included a tour of Vienne, which still has a Roman temple at its centre, and a museum with well-preserved floor and wall decorations. In Viviers, an outing to a truffle farm showcased the prized 'black diamonds' unearthed by specially trained dogs, including a springer spaniel called Romy. An evening coach trip led to a cellar for a tasting of four red wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Active options included an e-bike ride to a vineyard and a hike in the Ardèche gorge. The cruise ended in Avignon, where passengers could walk to the famous bridge before a transfer to Marseille airport.
Ship Features and Booking Details
The sun deck has a literal pop-up bar that sinks back into the decking when approaching low bridges. The Rhône route includes 12 locks, which the ship just about nudged into. Dress code in the main restaurant is smart casual, with no jeans but no jacket or tie required.
The four-night Lyon, Avignon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape cruise on Riverside Ravel, leaving Lyon on April 4, 2027, starts from £2,499 per person. More information and bookings are available at riverside-cruises.com.
