Viking River Cruise: Lyon & Provence

Because our first Viking River Cruise ( Paris to Normandy Viking Cruise) had been so enjoyable, we decided to try another one, and to see a part of France that we had driven through, but to see it more leisurely as we travel north on the Le Rhône River. Our goal was to see a different area of France, and hopefully have the same great river cruise experience we had on our River Seine Viking River Cruise.

We were again accompanied by my wife's parents, but we were unable to obtain the air tickets with the offer we had the previous year. Our prior Viking River Cruise (Paris to Normandy) was packaged with a "two for one" airline deal, but not this time. In addition, Viking made reservations with Air France, which would not have been our first choice of airline. Regardless of our concerns, the trip started out normally although we did find ourselves in a very narrow airplane seat. See the bottom of this page for what happened at the concluion of the cruise.

Because we had taken a Viking Cruise in the previous year from Paris to Normandy, Viking had continued to send us emails containing offers that kept getting better & better. At some point where we could no longer ignore the offers, we decided to go for it. Perhaps because the airfare component of the trip was "free", it turned out to be a bit different than we were used to.

Click here to view Viking's information on this cruise.

Imagine a treasure trove of over 650,000 cruise reviews, each one a whispered confession or an enthusiastic cheer from fellow travelers. Reviews of 700 cruise ships from over 120 cruise lines and 500 ports worldwide, with the information from both experts and actual travelers.

Cruise Critic is a highly valuable resource for individuals researching cruise vacations due to several key features:

• Comprehensive Reviews: It offers in-depth reviews of cruise lines, individual ships, and specific itineraries, allowing users to access firsthand experiences from past cruisers. These reviews cover various aspects of cruising, including dining, entertainment, excursions, and ship amenities, helping potential travelers make informed decisions.
• Cruise Deals and Planning Tools: Cruise Critic offers up-to-date information on promotions and discounts, helping users find the best deals. The site also provides tools such as the "Cruise Search" feature, which allows travelers to compare cruises based on their preferences.
• Community Engagement: The site features a vibrant community of cruisers who share tips, advice, and stories. The forums and Q&A sections allow visitors to get answers from people who have already experienced specific cruises, providing practical insights and recommendations.
• Expert Advice and Guides: Cruise Critic publishes expert advice, packing lists, and tips for first-time cruisers, making the cruising experience more approachable and less intimidating for beginners. It also features extensive destination guides, which help travelers plan excursions and understand what to expect at each port of call.

These factors combine to make Cruise Critic an indispensable tool for anyone looking to plan a cruise. And no, we are not affiliates with the Cruise Critic, we just think it is a valuable resource.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Viking River Cruises in France that we've been asked;

• What are the most popular French river cruises with Viking?

  Viking offers several notable French river cruises, including trips along the Danube, Seine, Rhône, and Saône rivers. Popular itineraries include "Paris & the Heart of Normandy", "Lyon & Provence", and "Chateaux, Rivers & Wine" each focusing on regional highlights like historic sites, local wines, and French cuisine. For current information regarding Viking River Cruises in France, you should visit their website.

• What is included in a Viking River Cruise in France?

  Viking’s cruises typically include meals, Wi-Fi, guided excursions, and wine or beer during lunch and dinner. Additional amenities, such as airport transfers and enrichment activities, are also included, making the experience well-rounded for guests seeking a cultural immersion. For current information, you should visit the Viking River Cruises FAQ page.

• How long are Viking’s French river cruises?

  Viking’s river cruises in France range from 7 to 15 days. Shorter options focus on a specific region, like Normandy or Provence, while longer itineraries cover multiple destinations and regions. For current information, you should visit the Viking River Cruises France River Cruises page.

• When is the best time to take a river cruise in France?

  The peak times are spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) due to mild weather and lower tourist density. Summer is also popular but can be crowded and warmer, while winter cruises are less common but offer a unique holiday experience. If you opt for a Springtime cruise, keep in mind that evenings can be chilly, bring proper clothing.

• What should guests expect for onboard activities and dining?

  Viking emphasizes destination-focused dining and enrichment activities. Local cuisine and wines are often incorporated into the dining experience, and onboard activities might include French cooking demonstrations, historical talks, and cultural performances related to the region. You might want to take a look at our "Viking Experiences Page" to see what our experiences were on our Viking Cruises (hint, we had a really good time on both cruises and the food was very good).

• Are excursions and tours included in the cruise package?

  Yes, Viking includes at least one guided excursion per port, often tailored to highlight the history, art, or gastronomy of the location. Guests can also opt for optional excursions, which come at an extra cost. You should refer to the Cruise Company Website for detailed information about their cruises.

• Are there water level problems with river cruising in France?

  Yes, water level issues can occur on some French rivers, particularly the Rhône and the Loire, which can experience both high and low water levels depending on the season, potentially impacting river cruises in France; however, cruise companies often adapt their itineraries to manage these fluctuations and most river cruises in France operate without major disruptions. Avoid peak summer (July and August), as water levels can drop significantly due to dry weather, potentially disrupting cruise schedules. Conversely, early spring (March and April) can occasionally see high water levels from snowmelt and rain, which may also impact navigation. Choosing the shoulder seasons provides a balance of favorable weather, water levels, and fewer crowds.

• What is included in the Viking Cruise fare?

  Viking River Cruises typically include accommodations, onboard meals, a selection of beverages during meals, daily shore excursions, port charges, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Additional amenities may vary by itinerary and ship.

• What is the tipping policy on a Viking Cruise?

  Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare. As of recent guidelines, Viking suggests €15 per person per day for the cruise staff and €2 per person per day for the Program Director. These amounts can be adjusted at your discretion.

• What is the dress code onboard?

  Viking promotes a casual and comfortable atmosphere. During the day, casual attire suitable for excursions is recommended. Evenings are smart casual; while jackets and ties are optional, they are not required.

For more detailed information, consult Viking's official Frequently Asked Questions page or contact their customer service directly.​

Upon our arrival in Marseille, we quickly collected our luggage and were warmly greeted by a Viking River Cruises representative. Their efficiency and professionalism were immediately apparent as they seamlessly guided us to the waiting motorcoach that would take us to Avignon, France, where we would embark on the Viking Heimdal. Given the effects of jet lag, we deeply appreciated the Viking staff’s friendly demeanor, punctuality, and attention to detail, ensuring that our transition from the airport to the ship was smooth and stress-free.

The Viking Heimdal is a modern and elegant longship, designed for comfortable river cruising along the Rhône River. Built n Avignon and launched in March 2014, it features state-of-the-art amenities, a sleek Scandinavian-inspired interior, and spacious staterooms. At 443 feet in length, it is notably longer than the Viking Spirit, the ship we sailed on during our first Viking cruise in 2014, which measured 375 feet. The extra space on the Heimdal allowed for more expansive public areas, including the sun deck, an open-air Aquavit Terrace, and a beautifully designed lounge with panoramic windows, perfect for taking in the breathtaking French countryside.

Click here to read a review of the Viking Heimdal Cruise Ship on the Cruise Critic Website.

Lyon, France

The ship arrived in Lyon at 3PM, and we initially tied up at the Quai Claude Bernard on the eastern side of the Rhône River. This is a very scenic location, adjacent to the Université Lumière Lyon and only 2.2 kilometers from the Place des Terreaux.

The Rhône River splits away from the Saône River at the southern tip of the Lyon City Peninsula and swings east on the north side of Lyon. The Saône River continues it's northward march to Vioménil, France. We were told by Viking personnel, that the Saône River was too high to allow the Viking Heimdal to proceed to it's usual location.

Since the city tour we are interested in takes place on day 7 (Tuesday), we decided to go ahead and do our "own" walking tour and so we headed off to Place Bellecour, and tramp around the Rue de Victor Hugo and Rue de la Charite. The goal was to see some of the city, walk off some of the good food being served on the Viking Heimdal, and to earn our next meal!

Perouges, France

Perouges is another of those amazing medieval walled & cobblestoned little villages that are all over Europe, but each is just different enough, to where it is always interesting to visit them. It is a medieval walled town 40 kilometers northeast of Lyon and is perched on a small hill that overlooks the plain of the Ain River.

Our visit was organized by the Viking River Cruises team as a bus tour day trip. Perouges is only 40 kilometers from Lyon but it is as close to a "living museum" as you can get with over 80 buildings listed as historic monuments.

Click here to view our Perouges page where you can view its distinctive fortified architecture, including the city gates and ramparts.

Lyon, France

As this was the last day of the River Rhone Cruise, we did quite a bit of exploring. We hiked into the city and found a good restaurant - we were looking for a restaurant where we could all enjoy mussels & french fries - and we succeeded.

Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage city, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and cuisine. Renowned for its Renaissance architecture, particularly in the Vieux Lyon district, the city is a feast for history lovers. Lyon is also considered the gastronomic capital of France, with its famous bouchons offering exquisite local dishes like quenelles and lyonnaise salads.

Click here to view our Lyon page where you can view the vibrant Traboules (hidden passageways), the beautiful Parc de la Tête d'Or, and Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

This was the "end of the cruise - departure day" and we woke up that morning to discover that not only had the French Air Traffic Controllers gone on strike sometime during the night, we also found to our horror, that the strike had caused many domestic flights to be cancelled. Including our Lyon to Paris flight, that was due to depart Lyon Airport at 1PM.

I'm not going to fully describe this part of the trip, suffice it to say that we eventually were able to get a semblance of normality restored, and we finally got back to Sarasota at 1:45AM. If it had not been for some very, very nice Air France personnel at the Lyon Airport, we would probably still be in Lyon today!

This was our second Viking River Cruise, and it is difficult to compare it to our 2014 River Seine cruise. The stops we made on this cruise were very good, however, the Rhone River locks are frequent and are quite low compared to the River Seine lock systems. The River bridges are also quite low, which meant that the sun-deck area of the ship was never open throughout the entire cruise. Considering how chilly it frequently was, the sun-deck would probably have not been utilized often. As just an example, average temperatures for Lyon, France are in the mid to lower 50's (farenheit).

The wine on this ship was as good as the River Seine cruise, but the food was not quite as good. It is difficult to put the food into perspective, it was well prepared, it was good quality, but it was not as enjoyable as what we had on the previous cruise. Bear in mind that it was not "bad", it was just not as good when you compare the two ships, perhaps due to the chef?

Viking changes various parameters of this cruise from time to time, so you should Click here to go the Viking Site and read about this cruise in more detail.