‘Soft Travel’ in the South of France

Discovering the south of France on a river cruise 

1. Why Southern France Suits a Slower Style of Travel 
   

2. The Simplicity of Unpacking Once  
   

3. Deeper Discoveries, Without the Rush 
   

4. The Experiences that Bring the Region Closer 
   

5. Why More Time Makes the Journey Feel Richer 

Why Southern France Suits a Slower Style of Travel

Soft travel is about choosing a journey that feels considered rather than crowded, and Scenic’s extended 11‑day Spectacular South of France, with 10 nights on the Rhône and Saône rivers, is designed exactly with that in mind. With more time on the rivers than a typical one‑week itinerary, you will enjoy overnight stays and enriching experiences that reveal Burgundy, the Rhône Valley and Provence in greater depth, so each region feels genuinely experienced rather than simply visited. 

The itinerary cruises round‑trip from Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France, and moves through some of the country’s most iconic culinary and cultural regions, giving you space to enjoy historic towns, local flavours and river scenery without the constant stop‑start rhythm of a traditional multi‑city trip. As you sip your way through legendary vineyards, visit historic châteaux and wander riverside villages, the slower pace and additional nights on the rivers make soft travel in the South of France feel natural, rewarding and deeply relaxing. 

The Simplicity of Unpacking Once 

One of the greatest luxuries of a river cruise is simplicity. Instead of changing hotels and managing every transfer yourself, you can unpack upon arriving on your Scenic Space-Ship and continue through France in truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury. Indulging in your, spacious suites with, butler service, a full mini-bar restocked daily, all beverages and a choice of up to five on board dining experiences.  

That ease changes the whole mood of the journey. Scenic’s purpose-built ships also dock in the heart of towns, which means more time to explore, and less time spent getting from one place to the next. 

Deeper Discoveries, Without the Rush

A gentler rhythm opens up more possibilities. You can select from up to 33 included Scenic Freechoice excursions on this itinerary, so you can personalise your days in ways that match your interests while still keeping the overall journey relaxed and unhurried. You might spend one day sampling bold red wines in renowned appellations such as Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape, another walking in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles, or choose to explore local craftsmanship in Lyon through a silk painting demonstration in a traditional atelier.  

For independent exploration, Scenic offers the freedom of complimentary e‑bikes, giving you another way to see more on shore at your own pace, whether you prefer a self‑guided outing or simply a more flexible way to experience each destination. 

The Experiences that Bring the Region Closer 

This is a journey shaped as much by flavour as by scenery. Your exploration of France’s cuisine often starts on board, as you meet the culinary team and learn about the regional specialties that inspire the daily menus, then continues on shore when you join them for a guided visit to a local food market, shopping alongside the chef for seasonal produce and tasting the ingredients that define the region. On return to your Scenic Space‑Ship, step into Scenic Culinaire, where an expert Scenic chef leads a cooking demonstration that turns those market finds into classic French dishes and shares techniques you can recreate at home. 

French gastronomy is further highlighted through special moments woven into the itinerary. Guests can delight in a dessert buffet from a local pâtissier and enjoy an on‑farm truffle tasting that reveals how prized ingredients are cultivated and prepared in the countryside. On selected departures, Michelin‑starred chef Didier Goiffon brings a personal touch on board, creating a special regional meal showcasing authentic local flavours in an intimate setting. Known for his approachable style and culinary excellence, Chef Goiffon’s dishes highlight the rich gastronomy of the regions visited and make this dinner a warm celebration of French culinary tradition.  

Your Scenic Enrich then takes you beyond everyday sightseeing, with experiences created exclusively for Scenic guests such as an acapella choir performance in Lyon’s ornately decorated Trinity Chapel, a 17th‑century Baroque building whose Carrara marble interior provides a remarkable backdrop for this moving private concert. 

Why More Time Makes the Journey Feel Richer 

What makes this style of travel so appealing is the sense of balance it brings. You can spend your days tasting wines in legendary regions, learning new techniques in Scenic Culinaire, exploring by e-bike or stepping into beautifully staged Scenic Enrich events, then return on board to the comfort of an all-inclusive river cruise designed to feel seamless. 

In the South of France, slowing down means having the time to appreciate more of what makes the region unforgettable, from its food and wine to its architecture, landscapes and cultural traditions, all experienced with the ease of one carefully designed river journey.