I lean back in bed, looking out at the Provence countryside through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Our boat, Lovell, glides silently along the Rhône River. The ship is part of the Riverside Luxury Cruises fleet, which languishes up and down Europe’s mighty rivers, with an atmosphere of tranquility.
The length of a soccer field, Lovell has just 55 bedrooms. So there’s always no problem finding a quiet corner on the upper vista deck or relaxing by the small but charming and surprisingly sparsely populated indoor pool. The moment you step on board, the tension of everyday life seems to melt away. It feels like living in the most luxurious cocoon.
As the boat makes its silent journey from Avignon to Lyon, the only sound is the sound of waves crashing over the side. Every night, this soothing rhythm gently lulls us to sleep. The next morning, when you wake up refreshed and open the curtains, another beautiful medieval town appears. Eventually, you’ll start to think, “Maybe I’ll get used to this.”
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Eating and drinking
It’s so easy to get the best seat in the house at a quiet table
(Image credit: Riverside Luxury Cruises)
The first thing about dining at The Ravel is that there are no forced frolics at the captain’s table or with other passengers. There is absolutely no obligation to go to a cabaret or socialize with strangers. A cry of “Hurray!” can be heard. From here. It’s easy to get the best seat in the house at a quiet table by the window and spend time with the person you’re actually traveling with.
The food in the elegant waterside restaurant is top-notch, with walls, carpets and curtains charmingly decorated with wavy designs. A sumptuous buffet breakfast with panoramic views and nightly five-course dinners with wine pairings are a rare treat. Every detail has been thought out, right down to the selection of four exquisitely flavored butters – truffles, anyone? – to the amazing selection of local produce.
Memorable dishes include risotto Camargue with beef chorizo, aromatic herbs and extra-virgin olive oil, and tarte au rebrochon with red onion compote and truffle honey. Everything on the menu is handmade, and the chef says the word “convenient” is taboo. He has clearly never visited my kitchen.
One evening, when the boat docks at Viviers, a wonderful BBQ dinner is served on the upper vista deck. Sample Omaha Ribeye, arguably the best outside of Omaha. Even better, you’ll be serenaded by a fun local mariachi band who roam from table to table, treating diners to everything from “Volare” to “La Bamba.”
service
One evening, when the boat was docked in Viviers, we were served a wonderful barbecue.
(Image credit: Riverside Luxury Cruises)
The service at The Ravel is surprisingly good. For example, one evening as I passed by the famous vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, I mentioned to Erwin, my wonderfully attentive butler, that this region produces some of my favorite wines. We talked casually.
I didn’t think anything more about it until I returned to the bedroom after dinner and found that, completely unprompted, Erwin had left a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape on my bedside table. That’s what I call service.
This level of care is very easy to get used to. The captain says you can request anything from non-allergenic pillows to paraben-free shampoo. He’s not kidding. Nothing is too difficult for our talented staff.
excursion
The beautiful Roman town where Vincent van Gogh created some of his most memorable works
(Image credit: Shutterstock / Boris Stroujko)
Ravel stops in several idyllic medieval towns along the Rhône River, including Avignon, Viviers, and Arles, the beautiful Roman town where Vincent van Gogh created some of his most memorable works.
The countryside is also a paradise. Strolling outside of town will make you feel like an extra in Jean de Florette, with the sun shining and the constant chirping of cicadas echoing everywhere you go. When you return to Lavelle after each tour, you’ll be greeted by a welcoming party of staff with cold towels and glasses of Bucks Fizz. They must have read our minds.
judgment
The atmosphere on board The Lovell is tranquil.
(Image credit: Riverside Luxury Cruises)
Riverside Luxury Cruises – whose three ships also travel the scenic routes of the Rhine, Danube and Saône – has a true “trip of a lifetime” feel. Many people on board are celebrating wedding anniversaries or milestone birthdays.
It’s easy to understand why people would want to go on such a celebratory trip. A boat is the ultimate “get away from it all.” It’s a great way to see a beautiful part of the world.
James Rampton was a guest on Riverside Luxury Cruises. Prices start from £1,566 per person for a four-night trip. riversidecruise.com
