The Rhône is the Christmas river for food and wine lovers. Sailings run Lyon to Avignon (or Arles), threading the Côtes du Rhône vineyards. December markets here are smaller and more gastronomic — and the Fête des Lumières in Lyon (Dec 8) is one of the world's great light festivals.
The markets
- Lyon — Place Carnot market + Fête des Lumières (Dec 8)
- Avignon — Palais des Papes market, santons, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Arles — Provençal market, Van Gogh's city
The food
The Rhône is France's gastronomic heart. Markets sell truffles, foie gras, Bresse chicken, and Lyonnais sausages. The signature sweet is the Préniale de Lyon — a pink praline tart. The wine is Côtes du Rhône (Syrah-based reds and Viognier whites), and the vin chaud is made from local Syrah.
The Fête des Lumières
Every December 8, Lyon turns into a four-day light festival — the Fête des Lumières. Buildings are illuminated with projection art, candles line windowsills, and installations spread across the city. It's one of the world's great light festivals, and a Rhône sailing timed for Dec 8 is unforgettable.
Tip
If you can, time your Rhône sailing to include December 8 in Lyon. The Fête des Lumières is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — book a year ahead, because everyone wants that date.
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