Luxury Cruising on the Riverside Ravel on the Rhone in France

Riverside Luxury Cruises presents an unmatched voyage, offering days of discovery and elegant nights filled with fine dining, entertainment, and delightful company.

Its highly personalized service sets Riverside apart, boasting a remarkable crew-to-passenger ratio and a commitment to providing exquisite “small ship” experiences. From warm welcomes from the crew to the exquisitely appointed suites and public areas, it is clear that the days ahead will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Upon stepping aboard the ship, one is immediately immersed in a world of exclusivity. Impeccably dressed crew members greet guests with crystal flutes of Champagne and revitalizing chilled cloths.

The intimate, refined, and impeccably adorned interiors exude an aura of exclusivity — Riverside Ravel is a haven of unadulterated elegance on water. Adorning the wall across from the entrance is a portrait of renowned French composer Ravel in a relaxed pose in an armchair, exuding sophistication in a fine suit and silk tie.

This portrait epitomizes the essence of Riverside Ravel. A journey aboard this vessel entails indulging in comfort and gastronomic delights, savouring sensuality, and relishing an unforgettable luxury river cruise in France. With a maximum capacity of 110 guests, the Riverside Ravel has been meticulously designed to ensure supreme comfort and enjoyment. This intimate setting allows for an entirely personalized experience, featuring state-of-the-art amenities and refined finishing touches that evoke the grandeur of the finest five-star hotels in Europe.

The service aboard Riverside Ravel is not merely exceptional; it is genuine. Every team member greets guests with a smile while delivering impeccable service at every opportunity. They consistently go above and beyond, transforming simple actions into thoughtful gestures, such as elegantly draping a napkin on guests’ laps before each dining experience.

Regarding scenery, a cruise along the Rhône River is a dream, passing by castles and beneath monumental metal bridges, swiftly traversing through France’s most breathtaking regions, such as Burgundy, Rhône-Alpes, and Provence. Enchanting towns like Arles and Avignon grace its verdant banks, while beavers and river otters dwell in its floodplains, flamingos saunter across salt lakes, and wild horses roam freely.

Further along, lavender and aromatic herbs fields create a sensory experience that must be encountered to be truly appreciated. The journey is a symphony for the senses, offering a unique amalgamation of natural beauty and cultural opulence.

The Sweet Suites

The accommodations at Riverside Ravel strike a harmonious balance between luxurious comfort and refined design. Each suite and guest room showcases contemporary craftsmanship, elevated details, and custom finishes, creating a space of modern elegance.

The carefully curated interiors boast sumptuous dark polished wood, opulent emerald greens, gold metallic accents, and an array of luxurious fabrics. These spaces feature 40″ HDTVs, walk-in closets, a well-appointed writing desk with convenient USB plug-ins, and king-size beds.

Each suite has a thoughtfully curated mini-bar stocked with indulgent treats (large Toblerone, sparkling and dessert wine, name-brand soda and beer, fresh juices, sparkling and still water selection) and an espresso coffee machine.

The marble-clad bathrooms offer dual vanities, rainfall/ hand-held shower heads, and plush towels adorned with the Riverside seahorse logo. Guests can luxuriate in ETRO designer robes and refresh, knowing that the personal care products provided are cruelty-free and vegan.

The crown jewel is the Owner’s Suite, a 70-square-metre haven boasting two bedrooms, two baths, and an expanded living area. In addition, this suite offers an ambient effect fireplace, a pull-out sofabed, two armchairs, complimentary laundry services, and an additional 40″ HDTV in each bedroom.

The Bistro

The luxury river cruises on the Riverside Ravel offer an authentic culinary journey. Every detail is meticulously curated, from the freshly prepared morning coffee and homemade jams to the artisanal bread and rolls. The talented kitchen team crafts a magnificent hot and cold buffet, complete with a bounty of fresh fruits and gourmet cereals, including dairy-free milk options. For those with heartier appetites, an exquisite selection of a la carte dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients can be requested.

In the mid-morning, the breakfast experience seamlessly transitions to the chic Bistro, where an array of preserved, smoked, and fresh delicacies beckon to create personalized charcuterie plates.

Indulge in a sparkling mimosa with freshly squeezed juice or savour an expertly crafted iced coffee, then ascend to the Upper Deck for an al-fresco picnic, basking in the breathtaking scenery of the Rhône riverbanks.

Waterside Restaurant

There are four culinary packages aboard the Riverside Ravel. Full Board, Premium All-inclusive, Vollpension including Excursions, and Premium All-Inclusive including Excursions.

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The latter includes all meals in all restaurants and bars, pastries, waffles, and ice cream; a premium beverage package with premium wines, spirits, Champagne, and room service.

The daily menu showcases authentically farm-to-table regional favourites and features a delightful selection of fresh bread, including sourdough, brioche, and a savoury option. Start your meal with delicately seasoned, aromatic broths, creamy soups brimming with flavour, and crisp garden salads teeming with fresh herbs and root vegetables.

While a new menu is presented each evening, guests are encouraged to personalize their meals by requesting gluten-free or vegan options or selecting items not listed. Every night, we had the pleasure of having the chef craft a plant-based dish using locally sourced ingredients. This resulted in a series of innovative and delightfully unique dishes that stood out as some of the most unique dishes in recent memory.

The wine selection is meticulously curated to showcase the essence of the region, featuring a prestigious array of vintages from Burgundy, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the exquisite offerings of the southern Rhône, each displaying the distinct character of the terroir.

Guests can anticipate expertly crafted red and white wine pairings tailored to the ship’s route This provides a delightful opportunity to savour the nuances of wines closely associated with the areas visited. Moreover, guests are warmly encouraged to seek guidance from the knowledgeable onboard Sommelier, dedicated to enhancing dining experiences with well-informed wine selections.

The Vintage Room

Guests can access the Vintage Room for an intimate dinner for groups of up to 10 people for special occasions. The interior decor is an homage to the Art Deco era with cadet grey armchairs, gilt-edged cabinets to keep the wines at the right temperature, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide ‘natural entertainment’ as the river waves, lush greenery, and villages flow by.

Riding The Locks

For those who have never had the privilege of experiencing the awe-inspiring spectacle of a canal lock in action, it is truly a sensory feast. The sight of the lock gates in motion, the cacophony as the water rushes in or out, the rapid shifts in temperature, and the unique bouquet of scents in the air combine to create an experience that defies adequate description.

Along the Rhône, nestled between Valence and Avignon, lies a renowned feat of engineering known as the Bollène- écluse. This remarkable lock holds the distinction of being the deepest on the Rhône River and, indeed, in all of France. The breathtaking journey through this lock involves a dizzying descent followed by a vertiginous ascent of 23 metres in a matter of minutes, a distance equivalent to the height of a seven-story building.

The symphony of sounds accompanying the locking process is truly unforgettable, with its deep, resonant reverberations. As the chamber fills with water and the vessel ascends, the brilliant sunlight floods back into the canal, illuminating the surroundings once more. Throughout the cruise, navigating the various locks at different times of the day provided consistently exhilarating experiences.

Adventuring in France

While a four-day getaway may be considered short by some standards, it was truly indulgent and incredibly relaxing. Beginning in Lyon, a city known for its secret passageways and bustling culinary scene, the Riverside Ravel cruised along the river and through almost a dozen locks, with anticipated stops in Viviers, the tiniest city in France; picturesque Provençal Tarascon; Arles, a town beloved by Vincent Van Gogh; Port St. Louis, where the river meets the sea; and Avignon, before docking and disembarking in Marseilles.

Butler Service

The epitome of luxury during your trip is the presence of a personal butler, accessed via your in-suite phone or through WhatsApp. The butlers are committed to ensuring that every detail of the experience aligns with your needs and, perhaps more importantly, your wants!

Whether it is additional welcome canapes and Champagne, laundry service, restocking your mini-bar, or a comprehensive orientation to the lighting, television, blinds, and balcony, your butler will graciously and patiently ensure you are fully acquainted with every aspect of the suite

Self-Care & Stretches

The Riverside Ravel experience includes a spa nestled on the lower floor. Tending to the relaxation and aesthetic needs of one guest at a time, the spa is a quiet place to decompress and take a break. The treatment room is decorated in the vibrant colours of nature and ensures relaxation, with therapists providing non-interrupted attention. You do not have to give up your daily exercise routine when onboard. The gym is equipped with the latest Technogym machines, free weights, balls and Thera-Bands.

Extra Touches

As you embark on any Riverside Luxury cruise, you can be confident that every detail will be meticulously attended. From inclusive port charges and high-speed Wi-Fi to multiple charging stations per suite, every need is catered to. Onboard and onshore gratuities are thoughtfully covered, and the captain and crew are fluent in multiple languages, including English. Additionally, experienced local guides provide engaging and insightful excursions to historical landmarks, musical performances, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, local markets, and artisanal shops.

Saying Good-bye

As guests disembark the Riverside Ravel, they take memories of stunning five-star dining experiences, afternoon cocktail masterclasses in the Palm Court Bar, lively piano music in the evening, mixologist-recommended cocktails clinked with new friends, and watching the vibrant sunset from the rooftop deck wrapped in a warm blanket.

When you begin planning your next European adventure, you absolutely have to consider Riverside Luxury Cruises. This is not just a cruise; it is an unforgettable experience. It is a pure luxury experience from the moment you step on board.

Read the original version of this story in the Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine’s flippable version below!

https://issuu.com/folio.yvr/docs/issue_27_august_2024_folioyvr

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, and digital women's lifestyle magazine EcoLuxLifestyle.co. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.