Slow travel and food,

Slow travel and food, glorious food You can do as much or as little as you like, and there are excursions available every day - sometimes two. They’re designed to take in the best of the area where you visit. On my trip we had a terrific guided tour of the Palais des Papes in Avignon, a coach ride through the Gorges of the Ardeche with stops at key observation spots such as the Pont d’Arc, wine tasting in Vercours and a tour of the Roman town of Vienne, either by Segway or on foot. CroisiEurope's cruises are all inclusive (except for some off boat tours), from breakfast buffet to 3 course lunches and 4 course dinners plus traditional gala dinner. Wine and cocktails, spirits and soft drinks are included - with the bar open from 10 am to 1am. When you return from tours you’re handed a refreshing drink, rooms are cleaned, beds made, the staff, every single one of them, was unfailingly friendly and welcoming. The food is superb and served at table (we had one buffet lunch). Classic French dishes are their speciality and the chefs work as much as possible with local producers to source fresh, seasonal, local food. You don’t get a menu to choose from, the attitude is very much “maman cooks, the family eats” but they do vegan, vegetarian and gluten free alternatives, and if you don’t like a dish (menus are circulated the night before), just let the reception desk know and they’ll ask the chefs to make you something different. The inclusive wine is excellent, a choice of reds, whites and rosés, plus a daily cocktail and shorts. A great way to cruise My conclusion was, a CroisiEurope river cruise in France is a trip that makes you smile. It’s perfect for couples and friends. You’ll relax, laugh, eat like a King, get to visit some beautiful places and experience slow travel in the best possible way. CroisiEurope offers a number of Rhone itineraries from April to October. They also have itineraries across France including Paris to Honfleur, Provence and many more routes. For further information and reservations visit: www.croisieurope.co.uk For loads of ideas for visits to France see: www. france.fr