Sensations of Lyon & Provence from Marseille

The Sensations of Lyon & Provence from Marseille is a 7-night Europe cruise aboard Emerald Liberte, operated by Emerald Yacht Cruises. Departing Marseille, France on August 8, 2026, the voyage visits 8 ports.

Length: 7 nights
Departs: Aug 8, 2026
Returns: Aug 15, 2026
Ports of call: 8

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Itinerary

Day 1 Aug 8, 2026 Marseille, France Marseille is the second largest city in France after Paris. It is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Mediterranean. Cave paintings in the nearby Calanques are estimated to be 30,000 years old, and remains of brick habitations date from 6,000 BCE. The more recent history begins with a Hellenic port in about 600 BCE, some remains of which are on view at the city’s History Museum. It has been one of the world’s major seaports almost from its founding, and served as the main European terminus of the French colonial empire in Africa and the Far East. It is located in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region and is the capital of the Bouches-du-Rhone department. On an island in the expansive bay of Marseille stands the prison of Chateau d’If made famous by the Alexandre Dumas novel “The Count of Monte Cristo.” The Vieux-Port with its atmospheric buildings and wharves is the area where visitors can search for the perfect example of the local specialty bouillabaisse, a rich fish stew containing at least three, and often more varieties of local fishes. Marseille’s newly renovated port at the venerable Joliette Docks is situated very close to the striking Cathédrale de la Major and the fascinating collections at the Museum of African, Oceanic and American Indian Arts. Marseille, France port guide Search cruises visiting Marseille, France

Marseille, France photo — Day 1 Aug 8, 2026 Marseille, France Marseille is the second largest city in France after Paris. It is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Mediterranean. Cave paintings in the nearby Calanques are estimated to be 30,000 years old, and remains of brick habitations date from 6,000 BCE. The more recent history begins with a Hellenic port in about 600 BCE, some remains of which are on view at the city’s History Museum. It has been one of the world’s major seaports almost from its founding, and served as the main European terminus of the French colonial empire in Africa and the Far East. It is located in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region and is the capital of the Bouches-du-Rhone department. On an island in the expansive bay of Marseille stands the prison of Chateau d’If made famous by the Alexandre Dumas novel “The Count of Monte Cristo.” The Vieux-Port with its atmospheric buildings and wharves is the area where visitors can search for the perfect example of the local specialty bouillabaisse, a rich fish stew containing at least three, and often more varieties of local fishes. Marseille’s newly renovated port at the venerable Joliette Docks is situated very close to the striking Cathédrale de la Major and the fascinating collections at the Museum of African, Oceanic and American Indian Arts. Marseille, France port guide Search cruises visiting Marseille, France

Day 1 Aug 8, 2026 Arles If you have a love of Roman history, then Arles should be on the visiting itinerary. Situated on the Rhône River, in Southern France, the city was at one time a provincial capital of ancient Rome. The Roman influence can still be seen to this day in its historical sites. Its semi-circular Roman theatre still stands on a hilltop. Its Amphitheatre, built between the 1st and 2nd century, and capable of accommodating over 20,000 spectators, is used today for plays, festivals and bullfights. While the Alyscamps, or Roman Necropolis, built by the Romans and Greeks, is the most famous burial site in the western world. Another site worthy of mention is the Constantine Thermes, built between the 3rd and 4th centuries during the reign of the Emperor Constantine. Arles is also said to have influenced Van Gough’s paintings, and the contemporary art on show at the Vincent Van Gough Foundation. Arles port guide Search cruises visiting Arles

Day 3 Aug 10, 2026 Avignon As you stroll the squares and cobbled streets of Avignon, in south-eastern France, you can’t help but be impressed by the architectural influence of 400 years of papal rule. From its 800 year old ramparts that tower majestically over the Rhône River, to the UNESCO listed Pope’s Palace and city centre, the area is steeped in cultural history. However, to contrast the spectacular ancient architecture, the city has a young energetic population. With many attending the University of Avignon, they add a dynamic energy to the many cafes and bistros dotted around the town squares and alleyways. Visit the three magnificent Gothic churches, the old papal mint, Collection Lambert, and the Renaissance artwork in the Musee du Petit. Wander through the Rochers des Doms gardens. Take in the spectacular view across the city skyline, and relax with a liqueur coffee and pastries, in one of the many pavement cafes. Avignon port guide Search cruises visiting Avignon

Avignon photo — Day 3 Aug 10, 2026 Avignon As you stroll the squares and cobbled streets of Avignon, in south-eastern France, you can’t help but be impressed by the architectural influence of 400 years of papal rule. From its 800 year old ramparts that tower majestically over the Rhône River, to the UNESCO listed Pope’s Palace and city centre, the area is steeped in cultural history. However, to contrast the spectacular ancient architecture, the city has a young energetic population. With many attending the University of Avignon, they add a dynamic energy to the many cafes and bistros dotted around the town squares and alleyways. Visit the three magnificent Gothic churches, the old papal mint, Collection Lambert, and the Renaissance artwork in the Musee du Petit. Wander through the Rochers des Doms gardens. Take in the spectacular view across the city skyline, and relax with a liqueur coffee and pastries, in one of the many pavement cafes. Avignon port guide Search cruises visiting Avignon

Day 4 Aug 11, 2026 Viviers Viviers is a small and sleepy town in south-central France, in the province of Ardeche. This medieval town has retained a lot of its original appeal. A cruise through the city will be significantly different compared to a walk. The cruise trip on the Rhine river will typically run through the evening and will wind through the cobblestone streets of the city. The city has Medieval stone houses which will quickly give you an idea of how life was back in the 15th and 16th centuries. You will also notice that the place is very quiet, having about 3,000 inhabitants at the time. A key attraction you will see in the city is the famous Renaissance Maison des Chevaliers or House of Knights. This Renaissance-style house has a long and interesting history, having originally been the house of a rich merchant known as Noel Alberta. You will also see the famous Cathedral of St. Vincent which is even much older than the House of Knights. The cathedral was constructed in the 12th century and is currently protected as a historical monument. Viviers port guide Search cruises visiting Viviers

Day 5 Aug 12, 2026 Tournon Hugging the rich landscape of the Rhône wine valleys, and not far from the rugged Doux valley, you'll find the picturesque village of Tournon, nestled on the banks of the Rhône river. Known as Tournon-sur-Rhône, this scenic town, in the Ardéche valley of the South of France, boasts an historic castle of the same name. Step inside the Castle of Tournon-sur-Rhône to find the Musée de France, depicting the world of the Renaissance. Enjoy the art and furniture of the times, reflecting the culture and beauty of Tournon-sur-Rhône. Take a stroll through the side streets of the ancient village of Tournon-sur-Rhône, where you'll absorb the atmosphere of the rich past of Tournon. While you're there, enjoy a coffee, and perhaps a piece of cheese! Don't miss a visit to the Jardin d'Eden, the gardens that were previously owned by the historic monastery of the Moines des Cordeliers. The current owners have put their all into maintaining this lovely garden. Tournon port guide Search cruises visiting Tournon

Tournon photo — Day 5 Aug 12, 2026 Tournon Hugging the rich landscape of the Rhône wine valleys, and not far from the rugged Doux valley, you'll find the picturesque village of Tournon, nestled on the banks of the Rhône river. Known as Tournon-sur-Rhône, this scenic town, in the Ardéche valley of the South of France, boasts an historic castle of the same name. Step inside the Castle of Tournon-sur-Rhône to find the Musée de France, depicting the world of the Renaissance. Enjoy the art and furniture of the times, reflecting the culture and beauty of Tournon-sur-Rhône. Take a stroll through the side streets of the ancient village of Tournon-sur-Rhône, where you'll absorb the atmosphere of the rich past of Tournon. While you're there, enjoy a coffee, and perhaps a piece of cheese! Don't miss a visit to the Jardin d'Eden, the gardens that were previously owned by the historic monastery of the Moines des Cordeliers. The current owners have put their all into maintaining this lovely garden. Tournon port guide Search cruises visiting Tournon

Day 6 Aug 13, 2026 Lyon Sitting in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge, Lyon boasts a proud 2,000 year history. From its magnificent Roman Amphitheatre of Fourvière, to Renaissance architecture in Lyon’s old town, to the Presqu’ile peninsula, where impressive 19th century buildings house banks, cultural centres, and government buildings, alongside designer stores, independent retailers, restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs. Check out the Vieux area of the city, and its grand houses of the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, built by the city’s wealthy silk merchants. Walk the Traboules, underground passageways that linked the weaving houses to the river. Visit the impressive Fourvière Basilica, and Lyon’s gothic cathedral. Seek out the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the largest fine-arts museum outside of Paris. Or choose to relax, stroll the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of France’s largest botanical gardens, and stop off at a Bouchon, to enjoy some local Lyon cuisine. Lyon port guide Search cruises visiting Lyon

Lyon photo — Day 6 Aug 13, 2026 Lyon Sitting in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge, Lyon boasts a proud 2,000 year history. From its magnificent Roman Amphitheatre of Fourvière, to Renaissance architecture in Lyon’s old town, to the Presqu’ile peninsula, where impressive 19th century buildings house banks, cultural centres, and government buildings, alongside designer stores, independent retailers, restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs. Check out the Vieux area of the city, and its grand houses of the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, built by the city’s wealthy silk merchants. Walk the Traboules, underground passageways that linked the weaving houses to the river. Visit the impressive Fourvière Basilica, and Lyon’s gothic cathedral. Seek out the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the largest fine-arts museum outside of Paris. Or choose to relax, stroll the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of France’s largest botanical gardens, and stop off at a Bouchon, to enjoy some local Lyon cuisine. Lyon port guide Search cruises visiting Lyon

Pricing

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Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

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Show all 8 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Emerald Stateroom	D	Oceanview
Emerald Stateroom	E	Oceanview
Single Stateroom	ES	Oceanview
Panorama Balcony Suite	A	Suite
Panorama Balcony Suite	B	Suite
Panorama Balcony Suite	C	Suite
Grand Balcony Suite	S	Suite
Owner's One-Bedroom Suite	SA	Suite

Ship

Your ship Emerald Liberte 4★ **138** guests Built **2017** Specially commissioned to sail the Rhône and Saône as part of our Sensations of Southern France river cruise, Emerald Liberté is one of three Star-Ships added to the Emerald Waterways fleet in 2017. Custom-built to provide the most exhilarating and authentic experiences cruising through France, the Emerald Liberté will skilfully navigate the rivers Rhône & Saône when she enters into service in 2017. The standards of service, attention to food, and knowledge of wine you’d expect in France will be sewn into the very essence of the Emerald Liberté – providing on-board experience comparable with world class boutique hotels. Completing the Sensations of Southern France itinerary, the ship exudes the same relaxed spirit as the lands which surround the rivers it sails upon. Travelling from Lyon to Avignon, the Emerald Liberté will explore culturally-rich and enigmatic cities before dissecting the wine regions and charming Mediterranean settlements of France. The Emerald Liberté is just one of three new ships to be added to the Emerald Waterways fleet in 2017, a year promising amazing things for the river cruise world. Emerald Liberte ship guide Search cruises on Emerald Liberte

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