Enjoying an attractive location close to the Beaujolais hills, Mâcon is Burgundy's southernmost town and a major name in the local wine trade. The town grew initially as a communications post between the French Kingdom and the Holy Roman Empire. Mâcon then thrived and became wealthy thanks to customs dues on this border. By the late Middle Ages the town was making considerable use of the extensive vineyards surrounding it, and continued to prosper as a result of this.
Today Mâcon attracts a number of tourists wishing to visit the Wine Road of Mâconnais, which celebrates the town's history and rich architectural heritage, of course in addition to its internationally-renowned wines. The vast majority of wines made here come from the Chardonnay grape, and as such almost all of the wines are white.
Discover the timeless elegance of France's beautiful Rhône on a memorable cruise which takes you to ancient monuments, enchanting cities, natural wonders and more.
Visit quaint Lyon, holy Avignon and charming Beaune, as well as the magnificent Ardèche Gorge as you drift down this peaceful river on a specially designed Five-Star ship. Enjoy excellent food and good company on this superb French adventure.
… see more8 days from £1,645 pp
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Discover the timeless elegance of France's beautiful Rhône on board the MS Amadeus Provence. Experience a memorable cruise, enchanting cities, natural wonders and more.
Visit quaint Lyon, holy Avignon and charming Beaune, and admire the magnificent Ardèche Gorge as you drift down this peaceful river.
… see more8 days from £1,695 pp
View tour details >
By Persephone Hallow
12 April 2017
River cruising is becoming one of the most popular holiday choices, particularly for leisurely travellers over 60, offering a scenic escape with some wonderful perks. Today we’re exploring why the river cruise has become so popular in recent years, and whether it might just be the right holiday for you.
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3 December 2014
Enjoy a relaxing river cruise with Great Rail Journeys. Travel in luxury on the great rivers of Europe and beyond, including the Rhine and Seine.
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Impeccable organisation from start to finish. Our Tour Manager, Caroline Bryan, was delightful, friendly and unflappable and was on all shore excursions to look after us. The ship, 'Amadeus Provence' was new and immaculate, wonderful staff, superb food and entertainment. Our ports of call were all fascinating and the good weather was a bonus - as was the fact that we went from and back to St Pancras, with no airports. This was my second river cruise (Danube last year) and I have already booked another for the Garonne and Dordogne next year. Great Rail are the tops!